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Arinell Pizza
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
509 Valencia St(between 16th St & 17th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 255-1303
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 10 pm
Thu 11:30 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 3 am
Sun 1:30 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
777 reviews for Arinell Pizza
Review Highlights
-
"Here's my Bay Area NY-style pizza breakdown thus far." In 118 reviews -
"Legit New York Stylee pizzeria pizza." In 139 reviews -
"Thin crust, just the right amount of toppings." In 133 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
777 reviews in English
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Review from Harriet W.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2012
What can I say, BEST slice of cheese pizza ever for $2.75!
This place was listed on 7x7 Big Eats and my bf recommended it, so I definitely had to try it. I got a single slice of cheese and it was love at first bite! The slice was pretty thin, but they give you a big slice. And they stick it into the oven at the perfect temperature for a perfect amount of time and it comes out nice and crunchy. Oh and you HAVE to eat it immediately after you get it, or it won't taste the same after it cools down or no longer as crunchy.
If I'm ever craving for a slice of pizza, this is my place to go! -
Review from Marianna B.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2012
The pizza itself deserves 5 stars. Its soooooo damn good. And ive had it SOBER. Of course when you are around at midnight (drunk) and craving a hot, cheesy, delicious slice of really good pizza, you should pop in here. I like to dip my pizza in ranch, and i dont think they have that here. But its ok, the slice of pizza (or 2) is amazing.
-1 star because the dude at the register handles cash and pizza at the same time (which is actually gross)! And they dont take credit. -
Review from Anja H.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2012
I loooove NY style pizza!! Needed to quickly grab a slice to eat on the go, saw this place on our way to an event, so we decided to step in.
There were only a few slices ready when we walked in, and with constant flow of people there were two slices of cheese by the time it was our turn to order. I wanted one cheese slice and my husband wanted a pepperoni slice, so the guy took those two cheese slices, simply placed some pepperoni on the other one, heated them up, and that was it. I guess that's one way to do it.. But I'm guessing if I was into pepperoni pizza, I'd like the pepperoni properly baked and crispy.. But my cheese slice was good, closest to the NY style pizza I've had in SF, so I was happy.
Only thing I'm not very excited about is that the same guy who handles the food (with his bare hands) also handles the money (it's a cash only place) so a pair of tongs and a spatula might be a good investment. It's a bit of a hole-in-the-wall type of a place, but still. -
Review from Kevin J.
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
A big slice of NY-style pizza for a quick buck or two... I can't complain. The pizza is definitely reminiscent of pizza from the Big Apple, and with a sign that proves it on the outside. The workers inside remind me of SF folk though. A little rough around the edges with a sense of hipster flair. I'm sure there isn't a passable code with every health-code violation written in the book but the pizza is what everyone comes here for.
Check it out for yourself and don't be deterred. -
Review from j d.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2012
it's great pizza. Our favorite in the mission district.
Two slices is usually good for each person. -
Review from Wilson B.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
The real deal. Better than a lot of pizza places in NYC. If you don't love this, than you don't like New York style slices. The simpler, the better. It is truly one of the best eats in SF.
-
Review from Allen T.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012
Perfect NY style thin cheese slices accompanied with headbanging death metal. Nobody does it better than Arinell, in fact I get disappointed when I have pizza in NYC, because it's just not as good.
-
Review from Kevin F.
Manhattan, NY
5/18/2012
This is NOT New York pizza. It's fine if you are looking for some over-cooked greasiness after an extended tour of the neighborhood bars, but should otherwise be avoided. At least they serve by the slice and are open late.
-
Review from Jason B.
4/9/2012
Square.
Not the staff or the patrons. This is the Mission after all.
Referring to the shape of my Sicilian slice.
Never understood people who don't eat the crust. Often the best part. And this one was thick. More to love.
Our relationship didn't quite get to that level.
Crust and sauce were fine. Cheese texture suggested extended time in the warmer. Three bucks didn't break the bank.
A-OK slice in a far from square part of the world. -
Review from Brian K.
Twin Falls, ID
5/11/2012
Excellent! Well, that about covers it. 3 bucks a slice and worth every penny.
-
Review from andy n.
3/24/2012
meh ... it's ok ... 3 stars for style
I got the scillian which was tiny. Added sausage for an additional $0.75 but otherwise it was hardly worth the effort. Definitely hole in the wall, will come back and try a regular slice soon. Dough was made fresh onsite. -
Review from Jesse W.
Redwood City, CA
5/10/2012
Some of the best pizza i have ever had... Ever!!!
-
Review from Mark i.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2012 2 photos
+5 stars for all that's mother-fu*king right about Arinell's.
Sketch corner with freaky people? Check. Tattoo parlor across street? Check. Skate kids busting moves right outside window? Check. Punk music playing in shop? Check? Daytime hookers? Check. Tech nerds with unfortunate haircuts? Check. Fender-bender almost resulting in fist-fight right out window? Check. Crazed homeless guys traversing foyer? Check!
NY Style pizza slices with the most authentic sauce / cheese / crust taste you're going to find west of The Village or Brooklyn? Checkity check check check. This is your fix right here, homie. -
Review from Mary Beth O.
Millbrae, CA
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Real New York style pizza.
-
Review from Amanda G.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012
Came here on a cheap, low-key date in the Mission. Verdict... Guy- eh, trying to hard.. Pizza- delicious! The cheese slice is a hot greasy mess of goodness. It's a hole in the wall type place but pretty cheap and open late. Go to Bi-Rite Creamery afterwards and you have yourself an obnoxiously trendy little outing.
Only four stars because I was too sober to fully appreciate it. Will be back. -
Review from J E.
Oakland, CA
4/29/2012
Thank God. NYC pizza amidst a million wannabes and California pizzas with avocados and nettles. This is the real deal and I can't believe it took so long to find. Also have a location on Shattuck in Berkeley. Cash only so beware. 3 counter seats on either side of this tiny place, so best to carry out or better yet, eat your slice our front folded...
-
Review from Scott L.
Moab, UT
2/25/2012
This is a review by a vegetarian
It's growing on me.
Still a little greasy. $2.75 for a 1/8 20" slice. Good. Not pretentious. But then again, I've never eaten here when I wasn't afraid that there might be a stray hair from one of the guys working the paddles so it'd be hard for the place to carry off pretentiousness -
Review from Josh B.
Contra Costa, CA
4/27/2012
I've been eating Arinell pizza for over 30 years. It's very good most of the time.
The variable is the employees - they specialize in having an attitude (see my review of the Berkeley location).
Having said that, the dudes at the Valencia street location seem pretty cool. I still avoid the Berkeley location, but the SF location has gotten me to break my Arinell boycott of about 5 years. -
Review from Scott T.
Mission, San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Closest to New York style around the area...at least from what little I know. Crowded during normal hours, insane during weekend nights when the Valencia partiers need something to soak up the beers. Wouldn't be such a problem except there's not an ounce of effective season once a few people are in line and waiting for food.
Price is damn cheap, pizza is fine. It will fill you up and that's about it. -
Review from Amar K.
this review is for their pizza dough! I make a lot of my own pizza due to my vegan needz- bought a dough ball last night... amazing and delicious - made great pizza cooked at 500F as recommended by the guys here. dough was $3 for med ball of $4 for a large ball... seriously I will be back, someone warn my thighs!
-
Review from Katrina v.
San Jose, CA
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
My go to for a quick bite or some pizza in the Mission. Cash only. Quick, friendly service. Delicious NY style pizza. Can't go wrong!
-
Review from Jennifer R.
Brooklyn, NY
12/20/2011
Is it feasible that there's good pizza outside of NYC? Don't be so ignorant, you. I was pretty skeptical myself, but Arinell has a solid plain slice. Let's say...I had a few drinks prior to coming here and imagine...the pizza was piping hot, just the way I like it, and in conclusion, I ended up burning the roof of my mouth. This happened.
Albeit the facts I stated above, the sauce, cheese, bread and crunch made me feel like I was back in NYC. The establishment is small, has side counter tops with bar stool seats and is best for a quickie bite if you're hungry or drunk, or for pick up.
Another plus, it's close to Blondie's. Hayyyy. I'll be back for you.
Tip: Be careful the cap to the cracked red pepper container is screwed on all the way. If not, the end result could be a hot mess. -
Review from Isaac H.
Fresno, CA
4/9/2012
Love this place. Love the pizza. Only giving four stars because they don't take debit cards and this location is small.
-
Review from margaret s.
Daly City, CA
1/24/2012
Yeah dude wtf, not freaking bad.
Super thin, greasy pizza. I wouldn't come here if wanted pizza but it's a great walk-by-bite. -
Review from Matthew T.
Los Angeles, CA
12/2/2011
Put away those bon bons ladies and hold the leopard skin pants gay guys, because boy have I found the perfect match for all you Jake and Viennas out there.
Meet Arinell, Ari for short. It is SF after all so equal opportunity dating. Plus, he's Jewish! Exotic!!
For the Eva Mendeses (Mendeze?) and pretty much every girl, it's a thin crust (re: hits the gym aka lean and mean like Ryan Gosling) pizza that is "crazy" and "stupid" good. You'll "love" that it is an homage to the NY style that you don't have to "drive" all the way to NYC for.
Or, if you're like Snooki and are into big juiceheads and gorillas, this Mammoth cheese slice is as big as the King Kong they have climbing up a skyscraper in their logo. Two hands are required unless of course you are fist pumping from delight between bites.
It's cheap and cheesy like a bad first date. But it's also crispy and delicious so you needn't lift nary a finger to click into a dating website.
Interests? Super good pizza and walks on the beach.
Take this one home to mom already!
Fuhgeddaboudit! -
Review from Larry L.
12/10/2011
When I walked in, I had big hopes that this would satisfy my cravings for NY pizza. They had a pie that looked like NY pizza, they had sicilian and they called it a "pie."
When I got home and opened up the box, i noticed that they didn't cut the pizza into 8 slices like you would expect. Instead, I'd guess it was 16 or so slices. Not that big of a deal, but how am I going to fold the slice if the piece is too small.
I picked up the slice and the tip drooped down, just like I'd expect. This was looking good. The taste was pretty good and I had really no complaints about the slice. Until, I got to the crust. It was was very thin and not the puffy doughy crust that I had expected. so sad.
It's a good pizza and not a bad NY style pizza. But the quest continues. -
Review from Caitlin D.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2012
I will never get pizza anywhere else. Now that I have discovered this place, everywhere else is just sad in comparison. Don't care that it looks dingy. Don't care that it's a little more expensive than I'd like it to be. The pizza. Oh my god, the pizza. IT'S DELICIOUS.
Pure, perfect, yummy, greasy cheesy pizza which still tastes just as good the next day after it's been sitting in the box all night...I can eat 5 slices and not care because it's just that good.
It's always quick, the people are friendly, the pizza is hot, what more could you want? -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
Two smart ladies stumble in, all dressed in cocktail dresses, hair and makeup done, in high heels and in need of some good food. We know what's up and where to get a good slice of pizza while partying in the Mission.
We giggle, chatting it up with other customers, having a good time with the late night hungry people in line. We aren't picky - we just want some pizza. Just in luck, we arrive as a fresh hot cheese pizza comes out of the oven.
It's delicious, we devour our slices all lady like, touch up the lipstick and head out. Arinell is simply one of the best fast food pizza spots in this hood.Listed in: My Crush on Pizza
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Review from Dave L.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
The place is a dump, but the pizza rocks! Warm, crispy, and fresh out of the oven. Best NY-style cheese slices west of NYC.
Recently part of an "adult film" was shot there (http://sanfrancisco.gr...). I'm sure (I hope!) the place has been sanitized since then, so I'll still be back for more 'za!!! -
Review from Chad S.
3/11/2012
The best oily and scrumptious slice of cheese pizza in SF - whether you eat it hungover or after a workout. Definitely deserves to be on the 100 things to eat before your die list.
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Review from Aditi R.
11/8/2011
I felt accomplished enough after a grueling gym session to treat myself to a pizza dinner. This place is known for it's NY style pizza. Confession: I'm not too familiar with NY style pizza. All I know is that it's thin crust, but given that I've heard so much about it, I assumed it had to be mind-blowing.
Except it wasn't. It was definitely really good (thin, crispy, not too greasy), but when a large majority of the yelp community and 7x7 magazine rates it as one of the 100 things to eat before you die in SF, I mayhaps had a bit more expectation than I experienced.
The place is tiny and the service is quirky, which is nice as an outfit serving pizza by the slice to a largely on the go crowd doesn't really need fancy digs. Not to mention that's why I could probably have two cheese pizzas at $2.75 a pop. They were quickly heated up and as I hungrily stuffed one in my face and the other one in a to go bag, I also saw that they had a few other choices (usual suspects - pepporoni, sausage, few others). The price is definitely better than many other 'gourmet' pizza joints, but this certainly doesn't cater to that crowd. Instead it serves a simple thin crust pizza, which can be enjoyed at any point.
Just don't go in with sky-high expectations and you probably won't be disappointed. I liked it, but not enough to come back unless I'm in the neighborhood and craving pizza. -
Review from sellMyFing n.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
"New York Style", meaning, perhaps one of the following:
"real estate is too expensive to have a place to eat"
"service with a smirk"
"rat arb"
you decide. -
Review from Monelle P.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Touted as one of the best "NYC-style" pizzas in SF, I dropped by here for a slice of cheese pizza. The thin crust was definitely good, but the no frills, simple slice didn't wow me.
Yet, another entry on the 7x7 list that was good, but not "you must go out of your way to try this" good. -
Review from Kent T.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2011 4 photos
Probably my favorite slice of thin crust pizza in the city.
Mushroom slice is excellent - especially after drinks in the Mission. -
Review from Ying F.
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great NY style Cheese Pizza!!! Had to try it cause it was on the 7X7 top 100 list. This is a small little shaddy pizza shop. No need to get dolled up here ladies. But great pizza. Made very similar to the NY style thin slice pizza. Huge slices! Great cheap eats :)
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Review from Hillary L.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
So fantastic greasy cheesy floppy deliciousness.
Minus a star for being so tiny and only accepting cash. -
Review from Alice C.
10/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Erm, yeah, interesting hole-in-a-wall joint. I haven't eaten as much NY pizza as I would like to so I'm not going to compare.
I've really only cared for the cheese pies. It's a big thin greasy thin slice of cheesiness, with some tomato sauce on it. The crust is pretty good too. I can usually chow the whole piece down quickly without feeling greased out though, which has always been a mystery to me.
Definitely really good if you're drunk or have been looking for some food. I can see why people rate it so highly. I'm always a bit scared of walking into the place though because it looks sketchy even for a hole-in-a-wall joint...
P.S. I'm not really sure how this got onto the 7x7 big eat list...but judging by the Yelp reviews, it sure is popular. -
Review from Sara D.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011
I've been coming here since I was a little girl.
Understand that it is the CLOSEST you will get to NY pizza in the City by a long shot, possibly in the entire bay area. It is pretty damn good. Not life changing, but damn good considering you're in San Francisco.
New Yorkers won't like it, but they don't like anything. -
Review from Brad R.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
According to several bay area magazines pizza lists and yelp, the cheese slices at Arinell is supposedly some of the best pie in the bay. This just proves to me that so called "foodies" don't know shit about the food of the common man such as pizza and burgers.
Arinell's pizza is mediocre, that's it.
Dough and Crust: Very good, i will give props on that, they have a delicious dough recipe here.
Cheese and Toppings: Decent, nothing special.
Sauce: Bland and unremarkable.
I did want to like this place because the pizza is fairly cheap, they were blasting Black Sabbath inside the store, and they have free jalepenos to spice up your slices, but the pizza is just average.
In addition I was about 7 drinks deep when I came here, and let me explain something about the relationship between alcohol and pizza (since I happen to be a genius on both topics). The more you drink, the better pizza tastes, so if it was just okay when I was rocking a buzz, then it's far from great pizza.Listed in: The Pizza List
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Review from Caitlin H.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good quality NY style pizza. Guess what this place almost matches NY prices as well (as in its cheap) instead of those trendy SF places that think a slice of pizza can go for $5.
Reasonable, and they do a great job reheating your slice!
Writing this makes me want another slice, even if it is just plain old cheese!
