“Can We Guess Your Taste In Men Based On Your Taste In Pizza?”
Buzzfeed was on to me. Or maybe, I was researching too many pizza places and my cookies clued the Clickhole predecessor that I was on the search for great ‘za by the slice.
Thought not always the healthiest option, the draw of a quick lunch, or grab-and-go slice is too damn appealing. Ain’t nobody have time for a sit-down lunch these days — or the budget to blow more than $10 at lunch on weekdays. There’s also something celebratory about pizza that hearkens back to classroom pizza parties in grade school. Grab a slice (or two) and get back to the office with nary a dent in your wallet from these joints below.
Central Park Pizza of N. Y.
103 S. Flores St., (210) 239-5002
Ambiance: This downtown nook is casual, fast-paced. Perfect for grabbing a slice if you’re on jury duty.
The Deal: You can get outta there with a slice, a side salad and a drink for $5.95.
The Slice: Central Park uses a large thinly sliced ‘roni for its pies, which adds heat and helps with presentation. The crust allowed for folding, but could have been the slightest bit thicker.
Variety: Extra toppings will cost you 35 cents. Otherwise, there are plenty of ready-made pies to choose from — our recent visit included cheese, pepperoni, pepperoni and sausage and a chicken-bacon-black olive pie.
Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Fri; noon-8pm Sat.
Florio’s Pizza
7701 Broadway St., (210) 805-8646, floriospizza.com
Ambiance: Think Jersey pizza counter. Owner Pat Florio is a sass machine so come ready with your order (and don’t pass on the homemade chocolate cake, or really any cake Florio’s has on display). The Lincoln Heights/Broadway institution has been serving up fresh slices since 1989.
The Deal: Two 1-topping slices and a cold Coke will cost you $4.60. Extra toppings are 40 cents a pop.
The Slice: Florio’s is an institution for a reason. The New York-style, foldable slice is a) massive and b) measured in its delivery of both toppings and cheese. Too much of either would make for a sloppy lunch, but 30 years in the biz means Florio’s nails it during every lunchtime rush.
Variety: You’ve got 10 toppings from which to pick, including jalapeño, onions, extra cheese or sliced meatballs.
Hours : 11:30 am-3pm & 5-9:30pm Tue-Fri; 1-9:30pm Sat; closed Sun-Mon.
Pizza Italia
3023 Thousand Oaks Dr., Suite 101 (210) 494-8646, pizzaitaliasa.com
Ambiance: Don’t knock Pizza Italia’s strip center exteriors. Once inside the sprawling shop is part-bar and full-on eatery with more than 200 beers by the bottle in a relaxed, clean and casual setting.
The Deal: Slices start at $2.25 for basic slices; $2.75 for the house specialties.
The Slice: Thicker, chewier and not New York-style by any means, Pizza Italia’s slices are hearty. The pepperoni’s great, but the Mamma Mia with pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, black olives, ‘shrooms, bell peppers and jalapeños is a keeper.
Variety: Sure, you can add toppings, but we’d stick with the house specialty pieces such as the Paesano with pepperoni, ham, onions, green peppers and mushrooms or the Maui Mia with Canadian bacon, Dole pineapple chunks and extra cheese.
Hours: 11am-11pm Sun-Thu; 11am-midnight Fri-Sat.
Ray’s Pizzaria
Multiple locations, rayspizzaria.com
Ambiance: Italian crooners, New York sport teams and Pacino flicks fill the expansive spaces.
The Deal: $5.95 for two 1-topping slices of pizza and a drink; $5.95 for one slice, a side salad and a drink
The Slice: As big as your head. One was more than enough, but we plowed through two because ‘Merica. Definitely spring for the salad combo if you’re not ready to take down half of a pie on your own.
Variety: Switch up the toppings (19 to choose from) for 50 cents more each. Highlights include feta, artichokes, sweet and hot peppers and anchovies.
Hours: Slice lunch special runs 11am-3pm; hours of operation vary by location.
Station Café
108 King William St., (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com
Ambiance: Often hectic due to the Station’s popularity but generally laid-back. The airy space is filled with local art and there’s plenty of seating for solo or group diners.
The Deal: Slices range from $2.25 to $2.75.
The Slice: While Station Café’s sandwiches are the clear stars, there’s something to be said for providing a quick, cheap lunch option to most of Southtown. The thin crust is perfectly sturdy and crisps up nicely. The Southwestern was an interesting take for its chicken bites, black bean spread, poblano peppers and fresh onions.
Variety: Vegetarians don’t have to stick with cheese as a readily available option here.
Hours: 11am-9pm Mon-Fri
Whole Foods Café
55 E. Basse Rd., Suite 130, (210) 826-4676, wholefoodsmarket.com
Ambiance: It’s the inside of a Whole Foods — take it to go or have a sit-down in the café.
The Deal: $3.50 for a slice, or two for $6.
The Slice: The grocer’s version wins points for its accessibility and freshness. Served hot from the oven (or re-heated if you so choose), the slices are served in triangular take-out boxes and filled with roasted veggies, fresh mozzarella or thinly sliced cured meats.
Variety: The lineup changes often. Team members crank out new pies daily.
Hours: 8am-10pm daily.
