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Best Pizza & Brew - San Diego
Photo from Best Pizza & Brew
Best Pizza & Brew at a glance
San Diego Clairemont
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#277 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Pizzeria out of 68 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
732
Reviews
76.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Great atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent pizza
- High prices
The restaurant Best Pizza & Brew in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood is your go-to pizzeria for a casual and engaging dining experience. You’ll find a vibrant atmosphere perfect for catching a game, making it a top spot for sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite for lunch or a full dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment where you can relax and enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Overview: Introducting Best Pizza & Brew
Best Pizza & Brew generally offers a welcoming experience, with many guests highlighting the friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere. Beyond pizza, the menu often receives praise for its quality and variety, contributing to a pleasant visit for many.
However, some patrons find the value to be a point of discussion, with occasional concerns about pricing. While the overall dining environment is well-regarded, a few experiences point to inconsistencies in food quality, particularly with the pizza itself.
Good
7.7
out of 10
732
Reviews
76.6%
Satisfaction
145
negative
26
neutral
561
positive
Best Pizza & Brew garners a solid 7.7 overall, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 76.6%. This indicates a largely positive reception, supported by 561 positive remarks against 145 negative ones out of 732 total customer observations.
The inviting Ambience (8.8) stands out as a particular strength, creating a pleasant dining environment. The Service (7.9) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, often described as attentive and friendly.
While the Food (7.5) generally satisfies, some find the Value (6.3) to be a mixed bag, suggesting that while quality is present, the pricing can sometimes feel a bit high for certain items.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Inviting, comfortable atmosphere
- Good happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pizza quality
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional cleanliness issues
If you’re seeking a spot with a welcoming vibe and generally good service, Best Pizza & Brew is worth considering. Their happy hour deals offer a compelling reason to visit, especially if you appreciate a diverse beer selection and a comfortable setting.
However, be mindful that while the overall 7.9 recommendation score is strong, opinions on food quality and value can vary. It might be a good idea to explore their non-pizza options or happy hour specials for a more consistent experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Best Pizza & Brew
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! The culinary experience here is definitely a highlight, boasting a strong score of 7.5 and a solid 74.6% customer satisfaction. With 264 positive remarks out of 354, many diners praised delicious items like the Works pizza, thin crust, and hot honey burrata pizza.
The Buffalo Chicken Pizza also received frequent shout-outs for its tasty appeal. However, not every bite was perfect, with 79 negative comments noted. Some guests found the sauce bland, the cheese rubbery, or the crust tasting like cardboard.
There were also mentions of undercooked crust and flavorless dishes, suggesting some inconsistency in the kitchens execution.
Food
354
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
79
negative
11
neutral
264
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza options
- Crispy, fresh crust
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland sauce, rubbery cheese
- Cardboard-like crust
- Soggy, cold food
Often praised
- foodIt's quite refreshing in today's present environment where traditional excellent service is rare. I've always enjoyed Best Pizza's consistently delicious food and beer (at their many other locations). This newer location is my favourite because the staff is always super friendly and courteous, especially the owner (GM) who seems to be there daily assuring quality service and food is consistently delivered.
- pizzaIt did not disappoint! They offer a variety of good pizzas and beers, and the 2 slice and a beer option was perfect. We arrived at 7: 55, and the staff member kindly informed us that waiting until 8 to order would result in a lower price.
- beerThis newer location is my favourite because the staff is always super friendly and courteous, especially the owner (GM) who seems to be there daily assuring quality service and food is consistently delivered. A wealth of stellar beers on tap to select from, and they are always fresh and (perfect) cold - obviously they know how to invest in a high-quality brewing system to deliver this, as many places I frequent lately unfortunately have stale and sub-par temperatured brews. Other than their (fantastic) pizzas, the salads, sandwiches, and pastas are superb, and often I'll need to take home my meal because of the generous portions.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great pizza and the nice beer selection. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making it an awesome place for a date night or family gathering.
- saladspizza, salads, and beer are absolutely amazing
- FoodFood:5
- wingsWe enjoyed the meat lovers pizza and wings with the buffalo sauce on the side. My mouth is watering just recalling how delicious everything was. We’ll be back… regularly.
- crustThe crust was perfectly baked; crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- drinksI had the best thin crust pizza I've ever tasted. The service was friendly and quick, and they also had great drinks. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received a 5-star rating.
- pizzasThe pizzas were tasty with flavor, crispy crusts
Frequently criticized
- pizzaI tried this place hoping for something special, especially given the high prices, but the pizza was a major letdown. The sauce was bland, the cheese was rubbery, and the crust tasted like cardboard.
- crustThe place looks trendy and the photos are great, but the pizza was a total letdown. The pizza had no seasoning, an undercooked crust, and was barely warm when it arrived. Given the price of $30+ per pie, it was not worth it.
- toppingsThe pizza tasted forgettable. The dough was chewy in a way that screamed “underproofed, ” the sauce was thin and watery, and the toppings tasted like they were added more for looks than flavor. And the price?
- sauceThe pizza tasted forgettable. The dough was chewy in a way that screamed “underproofed, ” the sauce was thin and watery, and the toppings tasted like they were added more for looks than flavor. And the price?
- doughMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The pizza was nothing special, featuring bland dough, minimal sauce, and low-quality toppings. I've had better pizza at chain pizzerias.
- foodI had already paid and thrown away my receipt. I left with no food and was pretty upset about the situation.
- garlic knotsThey were burnt on top and massive oil on the bottom
- basilCustomer service is the face of a restaurant and should always be a pleasant experience. The pizza itself was like cardboard, with dried-up cheese and wilted basil. I had hoped for at least good pizza after enduring such an ordeal.
- cheesethe cheese was rubbery
- flavorI’ve had better flavor from a gas station pizza
If you're in the mood for pizza with popular options and a generally great crust, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention blandness or issues with crust consistency, so manage your expectations.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.9 and good customer satisfaction at 76.1%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and overall attentiveness. With 166 positive observations out of 218, it seems many appreciate the quick attendance and helpful employees.
However, not every experience is perfect. Some customers have noted issues with waiting time and a lack of bartender attention, feeling occasionally ignored. With 45 negative observations, concerns about staff attitude and unacknowledged greetings suggest there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
218
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
45
negative
7
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, prompt service
- Exceptional customer service
What people don't like
- Unattentive staff
- Rude, unprofessional behavior
- Slow service, long waits
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was simply amazing, largely due to my server, Curtis. He was incredibly attentive, especially when I spilled my beer on pint night; he came straight over to my table and wiped everything down. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend it.
- staffWe recently visited with our parents and our new baby, and had such a great experience. We sat out on the patio, which was perfect and spacious for what we wanted, and the staff made us feel completely at home. I had seen a few reviews mention negative service, but for us, it was the complete opposite — everyone was so friendly and attentive.
- ServiceMet Tommy and Alexis and they were awesome
- StaffStaff was super friendly and recognized regulars by first name
- peopleThe people were incredibly friendly
- NickNick was great! He took care of us
- bartendersDC & Caleb are the best bartenders around
- customer serviceBest customer service I’ve had in a long time
- employeeMy experience involved purchasing two pizzas for $43, which unfortunately tasted like Domino's quality and were lacking in toppings. The employee was nice, but the light weight of the boxes indicated a lack of food. Upon checking in my car, I confirmed they were not worthy of the price.
- employeesemployees were super friendly and genuinely enjoying being at work
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe lady working there, I think her name was Alexis, was rude and reeked of alcohol. As a constant traveler to SoCal, I have never had service this bad. It was very disappointing.
- customer serviceI explained what happened, and he gave me a gift card. However, the damage was done, and I'm unsure if I'll return due to such horrible unorganized customer service and the thought of encountering that awful human again. Customer service is the face of a restaurant and should always be a pleasant experience.
- staffI was looking forward to trying this new pizza spot, specifically their pizza by the slice. My day took a turn for the worse upon encountering a horrible unhappy person. The entrance was confusing, as the pickup area is where you order.
- ServiceService was polite but cold
- greetingMy experience at this restaurant was pretty terrible from the start. Upon walking in, I was not greeted by anyone, even though three young staff members were standing around talking. A fourth staff member then joined them, and they continued their conversation.
- ownerHe was clearly intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol, and told us that the staff had called him while he was at home. He approached our table in a way that made both of us feel unsafe and unwelcome. This is completely unprofessional behavior for a business owner.
- waiting timeStood at bar for nearly five minutes without any acknowledgement
- barit being a little slow at the bar
- bartender attentionBartender looked me straight in eyes, then walked away
- behaviorHe approached our table in a way that made both of us feel unsafe and unwelcome. This is completely unprofessional behavior for a business owner. Although he refunded our meal, the way we were treated was unacceptable.
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally great service and a friendly vibe, this spot is usually a solid bet. While there might be occasional hiccups, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it worth a visit.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92.1%, its clear most diners are loving the atmosphere. Out of 114 comments, a whopping 105 rave about the atmosphere, vibe, and family friendly feel, often highlighting the outdoor patio and clean restaurant as major draws.
However, a few voices, 5 to be exact, did mention some minor hiccups. Concerns touched on parking being a bit tricky at times, and a couple of folks noted the restaurant itself wasnt always spotless, with sticky floors or tables not properly wiped. One even found the music a tad too loud.
Ambience
114
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-friendly vibe
- Great outdoor patio
- Clean, inviting space
What people don't like
- Sticky floors
- Loud music
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereOther than their (fantastic) pizzas, the salads, sandwiches, and pastas are superb, and often I'll need to take home my meal because of the generous portions. Prices are very reasonable, especially for what you get - terrific food, nice comfortable atmosphere, delightful staff, and 1st Class service. Daily Happy Hour specials are a no-brainer, "Best Pizza = Best Deals".
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was great!
- vibeGreat service, amazing food, and a welcoming vibe.
- placewhat a place to watch some NBA and enjoy the afternoon
- patiothis new space with a great patio doesn't disappoint.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- environmentThe vibe was great, and the service was friendly. I enjoyed the great food, and we sat out on the patio, which had TVs for watching sports and a great environment. The deal of 2 slices and a pint for $15 was unbeatable!
- dog friendlyThey're also dog friendly, which is a must for us!
- family friendlyFamily friendly, bring everyone and enjoy!!!
Frequently criticized
- floorthe floor was sticky
- musicmusic is tooooooo loud
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurantThe restaurant itself wasn't very clean
- tablesthe tables hadn't been wiped down properly
If you're looking for a lively, family-friendly spot with a great outdoor space and generally fantastic atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that parking can sometimes be a minor challenge, and a rare few have noted cleanliness issues, but these seem to be isolated incidents.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, but theres definitely some good news! Many customers rave about the fantastic deals, especially during happy hour, with mentions of prices, 2 slices and a pint, and deal popping up frequently. With 26 positive remarks out of 46 total, it seems many find the offerings quite reasonable, contributing to an average score of 6.3.
However, not everyone is thrilled, as the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 56.5%. Some feel the price is too high, with terms like overpriced and even $30 pizza appearing in 16 negative comments. It highlights that while deals exist, regular menu items might feel a bit steep for some.
Value
46
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Affordable deals
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Not worth cost
- Expensive pizzas
Often praised
- pricesOther than their (fantastic) pizzas, the salads, sandwiches, and pastas are superb, and often I'll need to take home my meal because of the generous portions. Prices are very reasonable, especially for what you get - terrific food, nice comfortable atmosphere, delightful staff, and 1st Class service. Daily Happy Hour specials are a no-brainer, "Best Pizza = Best Deals".
- priceOur order was 100% correct and tasted amazing! The ingredients were fresh and high quality, making the price range, which is in the middle, feel worth every penny. The atmosphere was clean, and all the employees were super friendly and genuinely enjoying being at work.
- happy hourWith their happy hour, it came out to around $8!
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- $2 slicesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially during happy hour. It's hands down the best happy hour spot in all of SD, offering incredible deals like $2 slices and $4 beers. The hot honey pizza is quite literally the best I've ever had.
- $4 beersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially during happy hour. It's hands down the best happy hour spot in all of SD, offering incredible deals like $2 slices and $4 beers. The hot honey pizza is quite literally the best I've ever had.
- 2 slice and a beer optionthe 2 slice and a beer option was perfect
- 2 slices and a pintCan't beat 2 slices and a pint for $15!
- around $8it came out to around $8!
- billThey even paid my bill.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe restaurant itself wasn't very clean either; the floor was sticky and the tables hadn't been wiped down properly. Definitely not worth the price. I won't be coming back.
- $30 pizzathe $30 pizza that dares to dream… and fails spectacularly
- 12 inA small 12 in is $20
- costMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The pizza was bland and greasy, and I felt it was way overpriced for what you get. It was definitely not worth the cost.
- double chargeit shows a double charge
- everythingMy experience at this restaurant was that it was overpriced, and the salads were just okay. The Mozzarella and Tomato was the best thing on the menu, but overall, everything was pricey. I found better tasting pizza at Blaze and Big Oven, which are the two closest places.
- moneyDefinitely not worth the money
- pricesI tried this place hoping for something special, especially given the high prices, but the pizza was a major letdown. The sauce was bland, the cheese was rubbery, and the crust tasted like cardboard.
- top dollarpaid top dollar for a pizza
If you're looking for a great deal, especially during happy hour or for specific specials, this place could be a real winner for your wallet. However, be mindful that regular menu prices might feel a bit steep, so plan your visit wisely to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Best Pizza & Brew?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 86 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Diving into what people actually spend, most diners are happily in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets. This shows a nice mix, with plenty of mid-range options, but also a few guests enjoying more budget-friendly bites and some splurging on the higher end.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 86 most recent reviews.
Heres how this Pizzerias value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Pizzeria, and looking at the range of options available, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Best Pizza & Brew
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Great for Groups, Minor Booking Hiccups
Our 10U baseball team had a holiday party here, and the staff was great and accommodated our group of 40. The food was the usual delicious Best Pizza pizza and salads. We reserved the outdoor patio, and it was perfect for what we needed.
We ordered some food ahead of time and ordered a bunch when we arrived. Everything came out pretty promptly considering the size of our group. Plenty of parking.
The only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because it took 3 or 4 calls to actually reserve the patio. I spoke to someone every time but was always told someone would call me back, and they never did. It worked out, but it would have been nice to get a call back the first time.
We'll definitely be back!
- staff9
- food10
- salads10
- reserve the patio3
- call back2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Wings and Great Beer Selection!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the great selection of beers. For food, we tried the buffalo cauliflower and sweet chili wings, and both were absolutely delicious.
The food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also very enjoyable at a 4 out of 5. Reservations were not required, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- selection of beers9
- buffalo cauliflower9
- sweet chili wings9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Food, Fast Service
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The food was absolutely amazing, earning a perfect score. While I didn't care for the wheat beer, the overall culinary experience was excellent.
The service was notably fast, contributing to a smooth dining experience. This restaurant is a good choice for casual nights.
- food10
- service10
- casual nights8
- wheat beer3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Value Pizza and Burgers!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The staff were very friendly, and the establishment itself is nice, featuring TVs for sports and a pleasant outdoor area with fires and heaters. I enjoyed the tasty pizza and burger.
The prices were also very affordable. We took advantage of a closing hour deal and got 3 pizza slices, a burger and fries, and 2 pints of beer for only 40 dollars. I recommend visiting!
- staff10
- establishment8
- pizza9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good Drinks, Greasy Pizza, Great Staff
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The drinks were good, but the pizza was too greasy and not as cheesy as anticipated. On the other hand, the staff were attentive and very helpful, making the service a highlight.
- drinks8
- staff10
- pizza3
What Best Pizza & Brew offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What food and drink options are available at Best Pizza & Brew?
Best Pizza & Brew offers a variety of options including late-night food, quick bites, and small plates. You can also enjoy a full bar with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside happy hour drinks and food specials.
Does Best Pizza & Brew offer convenient services and amenities?
Yes, Best Pizza & Brew provides outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery. You’ll find usually plenty of free parking, wheelchair accessibility, and amenities like Wi-Fi and a bar onsite. They also accept reservations and are good for kids.
How does Best Pizza & Brew rate overall?
Best Pizza & Brew holds a good overall score of 7.7 with a customer satisfaction of 76.6%. Its highest-rated aspects are Ambience (8.8) and Service (7.9), followed by Food (7.5) and Value (6.3).
What do customers appreciate most about Best Pizza & Brew?
Customers frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, the inviting and comfortable atmosphere, and the appealing happy hour deals, which offer good value on slices and beer.
Are there any common concerns about Best Pizza & Brew?
Some patrons have noted inconsistencies in pizza quality, occasionally finding it bland or greasy. There are also mentions of prices being perceived as high, and a few reports of cleanliness issues within the restaurant.