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Pizza Express
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
919 Cortland Ave(between Gates St & Folsom St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
(415) 282-2333
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Pizza by the slice and whole pies. Dine in, take out, delivery, catering.
62 reviews for Pizza Express
Review Highlights
"It comes with garlic bread and salad."
(in 4 reviews)
"You get fast service and love their crust."
(in 22 reviews)
"...thick sourdough crust with lots of sauce and fresh toppings."
(in 11 reviews)
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62 reviews in English
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Review from Zack G.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2010
I'm actually pretty shocked to see so many bad reviews about this place.
I used to live right across the street and got slices here once or twice a week.
First of all, I can confirm the staff is a bunch of kids. It's rather annoying because half the time they take about 2 minutes to punch in your order, or they would forget to put my order in, and I'd walk in 10 minutes later and they forgot.
However...
These small downsides are negated by their absolutely DELICIOUS Pizza. By the slice or by the Pie, this is some damn good stuff. The cook once told me that if I put too many toppings on the pizza it won't cook right. That's the first time someone ever told me that.
Every time without failure these pizzas are absolutely out of this world delicious. Worth dealing with the kid staff every time. -
Review from K W.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
I'm an idiot for ordering here but from this day forth, never again. Pizza is so inconsistent; they never get your order right and delivery (if you are the lucky few that actually receive a delivery) are slow, really slow; usually an hour or longer wait! It's really that bad, I'm not exagerrating. This place stinks.
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Review from Brad R.
Daly City, CA
Updated - 6/9/2011
The pizza here is pretty janky from what I remember but they're getting rolled back to 1 star for service this time.
Me and one of my amigos were at the Stray Bar on Cortland yesterday evening crushing some beers and shooting some pool. My friend asks if I'd eaten yet and I say no, so he orders a large hawaiian from Pizza Express, and they tell us it will arrive in 30 minutes.
45 minutes later we call back, and the stoner hippy who was manning the phones, says that he forgot to place the order, but would give us some free breadsticks if we waited. We said no, you screwed up and now we don't want it.
How incompetent are the dildos working here that they can't even get a pizza six blocks? They will never get business from me again.Listed in: The Pizza List
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/1/2010
They truly have both sub-par pizza and service at this joint.
The pizza crust was stiff as a board… Read more »
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Review from j.d. j.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2011
Pizza is great when you get it hot. Delivery takes over an hour! And the pizza is cold. :( ill be picking the pizza(s) up from now on. This has happened on more than one ocasion. I live 5 min away. No excuse for this! With small buisnesses going under left and right, you would think they would step it up a bit to ensure customer satisfaction. Step up pizza express!
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Review from Alex H.
Culver City, CA
1/22/2012
Terrible service. Okay, I'll admit that their pizza was very good (the salad was a b-, but you'd have to be kidding yourself if you were expecting A+ salads from a pizza place). My issue is that I called and placed a rather large order which included 2 large pizzas and I was told the sprite THAT I WAS ORDERING was going to be free. When the delivery guy arrived he forgot our drinks so I called back to let them know, the person who answered let me know that they would send him back. An hour later I called asking about our drinks to be grilled about it not being on our order and told that the manager had said I would receive store credit instead, which doesn't resolve anything considering I'm from out of town. I immediately asked to be connected with the manager but was told that he was wasn't there. (so the manager is absent from their establishment at 8pm on a Saturday night, when pizza places are most busy? Yeah right). The employee then carried the rest of the convo wih a nasty and sarcastic attitude. I felt lied to, mocked, and bull*****ed and because of this I won't be ordering from them again nor would I ever suggest their business.
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Review from Maggie S.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
I have been using Pizza Express for many years. The last 3 times I've been disappointed. The person taking my order left me on the phone while he talked with someone else and then disconnected me. I called back he took the call, but never asked how I was going to pay. The delivery person expected cash and I planned to use a debit card, but I got the cash. I did not get the thin crust I asked for, the pizza was cold and they did not give me the soda they were giving with a large pizza. I'm not sure I will call them again.
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Review from Michael M.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011
We've ordered delivery from here several times and it's been A-OK each time. Nothing special, but it's a neighborhood spot, and the only pizza delivery on Cortland. Now if only they can find our house even though we're just off Cortland.
We always get some kind of combo and you can't go wrong with any of them. Most of them are meat laden which is good and bad. Many of the pies are thick and greasy, even the ones with just cheese or veggies. That may be fine for some of you but I sometimes have to take a paper towel and take off some of the oil. Toppings are plentiful.
The menu is hard to find on the website, so here's a link to MenuPages
http://sanfrancisco.me....
Support your local pizza even though it's just average! -
Review from Cory M.
San Francisco, CA
It's good 'cos it's local, but I've been here twice and the crust seems to be burned a little every time. The staff usually hang out in front with their cigarettes and that's very detracting to see. The seating could use some updating... lumpy booth seating with lopsided oversized tables. The staff do their job and cook up an alright pie, but don't expect much more than this.
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Review from Erik A.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2011
It pains me to do this, but after 10 years of patronizing Pizza Express I think it may be time to find a new place. We love the Cortland Special and usually order that, but tonight we tried something different. When I placed the order we were told 45 minutes, not unlike the other review a few down. After over an hour I called and was told to give it 10 more minutes. Well, an hour and a half later it arrived.
All excited to finally dig into the pie, I opened the box only to discover that they gave us the wrong pizza. I called up to request the right pizza and was told that next time they would give me 15% off. Well, that's a load of crap. 15% IS LIKE $2 OFF. I wanted the pizza I ordered and all he would say was that I could have the discount next time. I kept asking for the pizza I ordered and he said they were too busy to get it out to me.
I have gone to Pizza Express and Little Nepal for a long time and have never been treated like this. I even ate at Little Nepal last night and we had an amazing meal, but you'd never know these two places were owned by the same person. It's like he couldn't care less about the way his staff are at Pizza Express. I am so thoroughly annoyed at the guy's attitude I doubt I will ever give them my money again. I mean, c'mon, you really can't redeliver the pizza I asked for because you are "too busy????" -
Review from Mark T.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2010
The enormous size, the stack of ingredients at just four for a pie that is, on average steeper in price, more than justifies a score of 4 of 5.
Delivery for an order at 9:20 arrived at 9:44 for a 6-10 block trip. This place makes a better delivery joint than in house dining. There are few fine pizza places in this city, so Pizza Express serves Bernal very well.
The table chef recommends warming a stone in the oven when ordering. Keep the pizza hot therein or even bake it a bit more and the crust will crisp. -
Review from Edward W.
San Francisco, CA
7/18/2011
I have going to this place for years and years--since the 90's. And I did notice a certain drop in service but for me the pizza has been of consistent quality. However recently I went back and was really impressed with the service. I got hooked up with a large pizza when me and my friends only payed for a small. My buddy was really hungry so he wanted to eat it there, granted it was 10 minutes til closing! The girl at the counter said it was fine, which was way too nice, we thanked her for saying we could eat it there but I insisted we let them close up shop. Because I know I want to leave when my shift is over! All in all it was a great experience and I will continue to be a regular and defender of pizza express!
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Review from Richard L. D.
Youngstown, OH
5/2/2011
Too much dough bro. I'd give it one more chance thin crust; but over all it's pretty weak.
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Review from kim a.
New York, NY
8/13/2011
No Menu, Can't find the Bussiness to call them on Food Delivery Web site that is the one they are on these people are crazy.
Love there pizza, hate being jacked around. -
Review from Deep C.
Compton, CA
8/23/2007
It makes me sad that the worst pizza in San Francisco is located in my neighborhood.
You can enjoy the pizza express experience by pissing on your carpet and then eating it. -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2009
So sad to see the decline in service from this Pizza joint, cause I love supporting local businesses in my neighborhood - but I've had enough will this place.
I tried to order a pizza about a week or two ago for delivery. The person who answered the phone did not understand a word I said, while trying to give him my address which he thought was my name. AND instead of putting someone else on the phone - he hung up on me. WTF!
I called back and said "You just hung up on me", he laughed then apologized. I should have hung up there, but no - I was determined to order a pizza.
I proceeded to finish my order and asked if they had basil.
HIM: "What is basil?"
ME: It's an herb, you know - basil.
HIM: (Nothing)
ME: No? "Okay, it's like a vegetable, leafy, herb...basil"
HIM: "Yes we have that".
Okay, I am getting somewhere now. Thank goodness...
HIM: "What kind of vegetable do you want? We have lots of vegetables"
ME: "What?"
At that point, I told him to forget it and hung up. I ended up ordering from another place and the pizza was great. -
Review from rpm r.
San Ramon, CA
4/25/2011
We used to live in this neighborhood many years ago. We were back in the area to do an errand and decided to go to our fav pizza place when we resided here. We ordered a half veggie and half ground beef/mushroom and decided to eat in. The interior is very dated and could use a makeover. The pizza was good and the staff was friendly.
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Review from Caroline C.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2007
We had some friends over on Saturday night, and I'm so lazy lately (or maybe I just have better things to do than cook) so we ordered some pizzas and salad at Pizza Express. The delivery went a little long, no sign of pizzas over an hour after I placed the order. I called in, and they couldn't find the order! I gave them my credit card number and everything! That made me worry about their card security procedures. (I work for a major bank, in the legal dept., working with just these issues!) Anyways, the guy starts to retake my order and offers me a free 2 liter bottle of soda, because he feels bad. And as he's taking the order, the door bell rings. It's the pizza! They finally arrived! Phew!
Like other reviewers have said, the pizzas are quite doughy, which I'm not a fan of. The pizza tastes ok, better a few days later with some crushed red pepper sprinkled generously. And the delivery is sketch, as demonstrated above. But we still keep ordering from them....Listed in: Number of stars/Divide by…, pizza pizza!
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Review from Cassidy P.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2006
I'm not a huge fan of thick, chewy crusts. Pizza Express has thick, chewy crusts. So, I'm not a huge fan. However, I do like how they slice up the peppers and onions (long slices, not cubes like Pizza Hut, ick!), their prices are okay (around $15 for a medium with three toppings), and they're pretty fast.
The place itself leaves something to be desired (definitely dirty), but delivery is not good, either (they messed up my order on a particularly hungry night--not good!). I would recommend phone ordering for pick up if you live nearby and can't go somewhere else, but I wouldn't say Pizza Express is the best pizza around. -
Review from Francesca H.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2011
Menu has a wide spectrum of choices and all I've tried have been delicious. The other huge benefit is they do deliver late! Only minor downside is when you order online, you don't get an estimated delivery time. If you aren't immediately hungry then this is an excellent establishment to order from.
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Review from Timothy J.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2008
I live around the corner, so I never get it delivered, always drop in. Yeah the place is a dive, and the pizza's nothing special. But sometimes I just want some decent pie in a divey place. For me: good crust, right amount of toppings and cheese (not too much cheese as you get some places in SF). Pizza's comfort food, and I'm pretty happy with a basic, reliable rendering, nothing fancy, most of the time. Neighborhood pizza.
Tonights pepperoni, onion and anchovy pizza was just the thing. Delicious. And the staff was friendly and helpful. I've never had the kind of problems the other reviewers describe, and until I do, I'll be going back. -
Review from Michelle M.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2011
I just tried ordering a pizza for the night for me and my family (young child). I was told on the phone that it would take 45 minutes. Sounds very fair. I waited for an hour. I called and they told me the pizza had left, so I assumed they were busy and I gave them the benefit of the doubt. I waited another 30 minutes and called to cancel. 1 hour and a half is way too long. I was told about there being only one driver and it was a busy night. I appreciated that Michael called me back to explain the situation, when I called to cancel before the guy just muttered they were busy and hung up. I added one star for Michael. I would have not reviewed at all if the following had occured:
1. I had received a phone call that things had been jammed up and deliveries were running late, so I could have had made a plan sooner.
2. Or if when I called to order I had been told that the night was unusually busy and deliveries in general were taking longer.
In all that time I could have made dinner or ordered somewhere else.
Next time just be more straight forward guys.
I understand busy crazy nights happen and I will give them another chance because of Michael.
I look forward to updating my review with more positive feedback. -
Review from Jamie M.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2007
Every once in a while I get this craving for pizza that I just can't deny. Mind you, I have become lactose intolerant in my old age, and the cheese just wreaks havoc with my internal organs (TMI? Maybe). When I get that hankering, I always order from Pizza Express.
I like there huge selection of specialty pizzas. I am particularly fond of the Cortland Special (which has grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, pesto, garlic, onions, spinach...) and the Aloha ( pineapple, Canadian bacon, bacon, ham....). This brings me to why they only get 3 stars, even though I am a regular customer. There are TOO MANY TOPPINGS! I am all for lots of flavors, but they pile the pizza so high, it is almost impossible to eat. It also seems that there are so many toppings that the middle of the crust never gets completely done and is always a little soggy.
Great flavor combos, but alot of food. -
Review from Neil S.
Petaluma, CA
12/20/2007
We try to support local businesses, so although Haystack in Noe is our pizza of choice we throw Pizza Express the occasional bone because they do a pretty good job.
Recently though their prices have shot through the roof, and the other night the pie we went to pick up turned out to be VERY undercooked. We called up and the offered to replace it, and deliver, which they did in a reasonable amount of time. Guess what? The second pie was also undercooked, although not as badly as the first.
C'mon, we want to be supportive of these guys but when the price to ratio quality drops this low, it's time to stop...Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from phillip g.
Discovery Bay, CA
10/24/2006
I have lived in Bernal Heights for 6 yrs. and never checked out his place, due to several conflicting reviews from locals.
Recently It was convient so My friend and I ordererd up a couple pepperoni slices. We were both suprised the slice was completely covered with above average pep. the sauce was very good and the crust was excellent. I will be back..My suggestion order a Pepperoni pie w/ extra sauce and crispy (well done) U will not be dissapointed. -
Review from John F.
Sausalito, CA
11/17/2009
How can this place stay in business? Pizza Express was fast but that is about all I can say that their name lived up to.... because we didn't eat what we consider qualifies as pizza....... it was a big bread mounds with ketchup and low quality cheese on it. Sauce needs some flavor....crust needs a major reduction in size and please clean the place..........i wanted to shower after picking up my pizza to go.......nasty.
I don't think the pizza tin they cooked on had ever been washed really no joke. The lady who took my order could have cared less and didn't pass along my order correctly to the guys cooking the dough piles.
San Francisco needs pizza police .............to bust these non wise guys -
Review from FILL S.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2009
The pizza is ok if you don't notice their day-to-day operations. Each time I have gone in and ordered a slice and when the cashier is not available, the pizza cook would come right over and take the order, the cash, and go right back to putting is dirty hands all over the doe. Not sure if I want all those extra toppings.
Its a pretty disgusting place. -
Review from Zachariah B.
Milwaukee, WI
3/16/2007
Pizza Express is one of the few pizza places that sells calzones, which is a huge bonus for me. The calzone is $18 w/ tax, and enough for 2 (meals or people, take your pick).
Both the pizza and the calzones are really good, IMO. Crust is a little thick, but is really soft. Medium amount of cheese. -
Review from Alicea P.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2008
Very nicely done! I was thrown off a bit by the name and I was so hungry and scared I made the wrong choice, lol. But WOW! Fantastic job!
I got a thin crust pizza, easy on the sauce with pesto, spinach and feta. Mmmmm so good.
You'll be hearing from me! -
Review from Maureen P.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2010
I can't stop thinking about their absolutely filthy bathroom. Trash overflowing, garbage on the floor, sink filthy, and the faceplate of the bathroom light was BLACK from dirt and worse. Whoever is using this bathroom, touching the light faceplate, is returning to the kitchen and putting their hands in your pizza dough. I pointed the bathroom out to the owner who couldn't be bothered to look and told me her employee would clean right away. 30+ minutes later the bathroom had not been touched. I'm wondering if I'll get sick from eating there tonight. PLUS, way overpriced!
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Review from Kate R.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2011
After two recent delivery orders, I am confident with a solid 4+ star review. My $17 medium pepperoni and mushroom pizza with delicious! No problems with ordering, delivered in approximately 45 minutes, cheesy, not overly or underdone doughy thick crust. It tasted fresh, and only complaints was that the sauce was sweet, and the pizza was warm - not hot. Don't understand where all the hate is coming from, but I would recommend Pizza Express for simple orders and local delivery.
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Review from Trish B.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2009
This is my favorite place to get pizza ever. I admit I don't know if this is out of childhood nostalgia or what; I've been getting Pizza Express since I was a little kid.
The slices are enormous triangles of cheese and grease. When I was a kid I would get winded eating one slice. As an adult, 1.5 just about does me in.
The prices are a little steep, but Pizza Express is my guilty pleasure. You can get cheap, so-so pizza anywhere.
I've only ever eaten in the restaurant once, many years ago -- I've always had it delivered -- so I can't really speak on behalf of their service inside the restaurant. No problems with delivery that I can recall. -
Review from Denise A.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2011
In my years as a consumer and patron, I've never walked away from my own money--until I encountered Pizza Express. The BF and I stopped here because we were looking for a quick piece of pizza by-the-slice, which they advertise with a janky sign in the front window. The establishment was less than clean, and when we ordered, they didn't mention that they had no slices available (de rigueur at real pizza by-the-slice establishments). The employee who took our order and money seemed to actually have disdain for all patrons (why were these folks over the phone and at the counter disturbing her Saturday?). The three folks who were taking a collaborative approach to pizza making undertook their task with the same confusion as civilians trying to dismantle an incendiary device. After over 15 minutes of waiting with no information or sign of our slices, we walked out. We determined it wasn't worth our $5 to stay for another minute. At least we got our bottles of water when we paid. Needless to say, they're taking the Bernal/Mission irony thing a little far with their name.
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Review from Eadweard M.
San Francisco, CA
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Review from Jesse M.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2010
Slow, perpetually confused service- I thought the cashier's boyfriend was just hanging out- turned out to be the cook. When he finally got around to preparing my slice, I was informed that they wouldn't take my card without a $10 minimum charge- RIGHT AFTER MY FRIEND PAID $7 ON A CARD! When I asked about it, they said "oh 7 or 8 is ok...its the owners rule". I just wish the owner would sort out his sh!t and make it clear to the kids working there. Pizza was sub-par and HUGELY overpriced. If I want bad pizza and worse service ill go to somewhere cheap in the mission. Don't try it!
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Review from Mac L.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2010
My first pizza here was four stars but the second was only two. Their crust is too thick and I thought that both pizzas were undercooked, especially in the thickest part of the crust towards the outside (straight raw dough). I also think that they're a bit overpriced given the location and quality ($30 for a good pie). Only reason that I'm giving three stars instead of two is because they happily take entertainment book coupons.
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Review from Brooke B.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2009
Best deal on earth is the half a chicken with a HUGE salad and garlic bread for $9. Its easily 2 meals, cooked absolutely perfectly, juicy, flavorful ... and a pretty decent salad. It's my recession go-to!
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Review from Shukry L.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2007
In my opinion, the best pizza place in the city. I grew up in the city, and honestly, nothing compares. Fucking owns.
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Review from Zuretti C.
San Pablo, CA
8/9/2006
Plain and simple: The best in the Bay, period. If you live in the delivery radius, do a little happy dance and then in the words of AMG: " pick up the m.f.'n phone and dial." Its ridiculous how good this place is. I lived in New York for almost eight years and Pizza Express tops it.
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Review from John A.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2007
This place cracks me up.
Being a customer of 7 years and knowing it has gone through a few owners, and a lot of employees, I have been finding it a little bit harder to make sure my order is correct (I only have ordered through take out). Last night I ordered a rib dinner. The guy asked me if I wanted beef ribs......okay. Then he proceeded to tell me (slightly annoyed) they don't have beef only pork, we have pork ribs, pork. Uh, okay I will have pork. The End. I actually thought the whole thing was kind of funny. I did thought get my ribs, and they were good. Not great, but good. A LOT of BBQ sauce! I guess that was good to dip the pizza dough garlic bread in. The pizza is good, and yes, it is thick crust and kind of chewy and I find that a good thing....if you like that.
So, yes, I will still come back because it is a local neighborhood thang and I want to support my hood, but just remember if you like thin crust and BEEF ribs, please go elsewhere! -
Review from Eclipse T.
Oakland, CA
6/4/2006
Worst pizza I've had in SF, by a longshot. I think these other reviewers have this place confused with somewhere that doesn't suck. And no way is this a sourdough crust. Seriously, it is worth trekking to just about anywhere else for pizza.
