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Category: Pizza
Neighborhoods: Rockridge, North OaklandThanksgiving closed,…
Announced 1 week agoMon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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I went to Zachary's for the first time during my 2nd year at Cal. I've since graduated, but every time I go back to visit the campus, I make sure to get my friends together and make a stop here.
This is one of the most unique and best tasting pizzas I have EVER had. Granted it doesn't look too appetizing and looks like mush, but after your first bite, you'll be hooked. Deep Dish IS the way to go. The crust is made so savory and filling that every bite will leave you satisfied.
There's a reason why you're probably going to have to wait an hour for a table. There's a reason why they have you order while you wait. It's because this place is good and they know it.
I have not found a deep dish restaurant in California that can even begin to rival Zachary's. You might as well already be in Chicago to find something that can even begin to compete.
People thought this was:
Yup, its as good as everyone says it is. I've had a lot of Chicago style in Chicago and Zachary's is as good as or better than any that I've had. Even though the line runs out the door they take your order and start cooking it while you enjoy a beer. So when you sit down your pizza is right in front of you.
My only note is that sausage is a requirement, order a pizza without it and you will be sorry.
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Hi, I'm another 5 star Zachary's review.
Hey, don't be annoyed. Its not my fault this place's pizza is so friggin' good! The rumours are true! YUMMY to the extreme!
Order a small mush & spin deep dish. You'll and your companion will take half home and have another great meal the next day! Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!
We've been back twice now and there will be many more visits.
'Nuff said. Try this place. It (unlike many other restaurants) is actually one of the places that deserves the hype.
!!!!!!
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Four stars for the yummy deep dish (traditional) pepperoni pizza. The only thing was it took 30 minutes for us to get our order. And I know the place was packed with Cal fans, but it was just amazing to how long it would take for us to get our food. Whatever ... the pizza totally made it worth the right.
Zachary's Special.
Perfection in a deep dish pie.
Even better when you add sausage.
This is the only place I know that can actually afford to take the phone off the hook when they get too busy to answer takeout calls.
On that note, unless you enjoy frottage, or feeling like you're part of a pizza-starved flash mob, I highly suggest picking up a full or half baked to take home and enjoy in peace.
I did feel sort of like an ass the last time I called in, when I got all excited about the fact that they now take credit cards as opposed to their long-standing policy of cash only. I proceeded to gush to the guy on the phone how wonderful it is that they changed their payment options, and how I've been enjoying Zachary's since my family moved to Oakland in 1985, and oh my gosh that's so great, when did you finally make the switch?
Phone guy: Oh, I don't know. 3 years ago or so.
People thought this was:
Sorry gang, I know I'm the oddball here, but IMHO, the deep dish pizza here at Zachary's is not anywhere near as good as the pizza in Chicago and it's mediocre at best..
Next time you travel to Chicago, go to Giordano's or Lou Malnati's
THAT is what it should be like....
My main gripe with the pizza here is the tomato sauce. To me, it tastes like it just got poured right out of the can.. No spices, no flavors other than that acidic tomato flavor. Sorry...
I DO like their regular pizza, though, so they get 2 stars from me.
Love, love, love, love the crunchy crusts. The deep dish pizza is filled with fresh tomato sauce and lots and lots of cheese. We wait about half hour before we get our pizza but it is so worth the wait. Small size is more than enough for three people. If you live in SF, "Little Star Pizza" in SF is just like Zachary's.
Zachary's deep dish is the best pizza I've ever had (including in Chicago, NYC, and Rome). Spinach and mushroom is excellent. Thin crust is good as well.
Call 40 minutes ahead for take out, but you'll need to eat the deep dish immediately or it will get soggy. Refrigerated for breakfast is not bad.
I grew up down the street and didn't realize how spoiled I was on Zachary's!
Beware of long lines on weekend nights.
People thought this was:
Best pizza
I love pizza, but I often find that most of the pizza places are flavorless. Not Zachary's. If you want good pizza seriously come to Zachary's.
Anna and Luis brought me here before I left the Bay Area. I miss you Bay Area. I'm so glad they brought me here, I was in Pizza heaven.
It was very busy and crowded, but I didn't mind it so much. They let you order while you wait, so your pizza will be ready when you sit down. We didn't wait that long. If you don't like crowds, call ahead and take-out.
My mouth is watering thinking about Zachary's pizza.
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Let me say this in the kindest possible way. Get your shit together, Zachary's, or else I walk.
I've been eating your pizza since I was a kid. This is the first time I've been very very disappointed. My half baked deep dish was beyond soggy. There was a fucking river in the box, it was that watery. The pizza was *supposed* to be a Mediterranean. Umm, can you explain to me why I don't see any vegetables in my pizza? When you are charging me $21 for a fucking small pizza, I better see some fucking vegetables.
I'm cranky now.
People thought this was:
Awesome, awesome, awesome. Swung by with four kids ages 5-10 last Saturday for 2 pizzas to go and they were gone before we got across the bridge (Richmond, as BB was closed). Fresh-tasting tomato sauce, just right crispy crust, we loved the thin pie to go. The rarely ordered 'no sauce' pizza was excellent!
The kids commanded that we "yelp that place 100% best" as soon as we got home. Going back tonite to try the stuffed.
Zachery's has to be the absolute best pizza around. Their deep dish pizza is so good, it's scary to even think their could be a better place to get pizza.
The ambiance is nice, but the the pizza is great. Service has always been good. Sometimes it seems their a little to busy, but the food never disappoints.
People thought this was:
My sister introduced me to Zacharys. I'm so glad discriminating tastes run in the family. Whenever I have a serious pizza craving, I make it a point to stop by here. Now confession time, I've never had an authentic deep dish Chicago style pizza. But if this is what it tastes like, wow. You Chicago folks know how to do things RIGHT.
This place prides itself on the whole employee owned co-op thing. Makes no difference to me. I'd still buy the pizzas here if it were being operated by indentured servents. The pizza is THAT good. I skimmed through some of the reviews on people having some bad experiences. I will withhold any negative judgement until I get that nasty pie. Rock on Zachery's staff...
People thought this was:
I WANT to give this place a 5. I really do. Pizza is tasty - authentic deep dish - served hot - drenched with cheese. BUT...
-1: Our pizza had SO much cheese and sauce that the toppings fell right off when I picked up a slice. I had to go fork/knife mode and it eat off of the plate to make sure that every bite had a share of crust + sauce + cheese + topping.
-1: For WHATEVER reason, bf and I had to fight over the bathroom when we got home. Gross, I know, but true. We don't know what ingredients did it, but damn, we made a run for home!
-1: Because there were only about 4 other tables occupied on an early Wednesday afternoon, and it still took up to 40 minutes to get our small pizza.
+1: Because despite all of that, their pizza REALLY IS VERY GOOD.
Chicago style deep dish Mmm. If you have 30+ minutes to wait, don't mind a crowd and love deep dish-- this is your spot!
I wish this pizza wasn't so freak'n popular. Whenever I go to Barney's, I catch a whiff and think I gotta have Zach's. I hate lines and waits but love good pizza-- such an inner battle... It is the best deep dish in town, but the line turns me off 30+min is long enough to remind me that I don't need pizza pounds. 5stars for the pizza itself . I've had at least 6 varieties including one with wheat crust, and they are all good! No, I'm not an addict, I've only dined in once, but tried a variety at a Cal Alumni function. Yup, they do takeout!
Warning: this is for dining-in only. You may call me Mr. Exception-to-the-rule. Or you may call me other things, such as snobby-head, or hoidy-toidy-head. This is my disclaimer: Zachary's pizza IS good pizza. It's unique. It's delicious. The staff are friendly. And they make a decent caesar. But it's not worth waiting 2 1/2 hours for, and certainly not amidst the dreadfully snobaliciousness of Rockridge.
So it's a good pie. But I just don't want to wait. And it's not the BEST pie, not to me at least... but I'm not from Chicago, and I don't need that kind of special iconic pizza. AND I am always wary of places posted lots of lovey-dovey artwork and awards on how great their food is (see my Barney's review).
So there you have it... nice people. Best pizza? Lanesplitter... or that other place I recently went to in Glenview. Yum!
I must admit, I am a little disappointed about my pizza. But let me preface this review. I have always wanted to go to Zachary's and get deep dish because that is what all the rave is about. I couldn't wait to experience the best pizza ever, or so I hear.
I was visiting a friend in Oakland and when I left it was lunch time and I wanted some Zachary's because I was so close. Yet, when I went it, there was only three types of pizza by the slice and one deep dish. Since, I don't eat pepperoni, the deep dish that day was out. Ouch. I tried the vegetarian. Although the pizza was good, it wasn't great. It was the thin crust and I had been looking forward to the deep dish, another disappointment.
Okay, so I can't rave about the deep dish, but I will have to be back to try it. The problem now is that the thin crust wasn't my fave so it will be hard to get the will power to travel back to Oakland for some deep dish. Though, I really do want to try it.
Great Chicago deep dish, but not worth the drive when you're in the city and can get delivery from Patxi's.
Quality ingredients, cool atmosphere, long wait.
Had the stuffed special pizza. Incredible food!!!! The only reason I'm at 4 stars instead of 5 is the real long wait was not great for me, and the place is noisy. But I can get over those relatively minor issues for the great pizza. Seemed a bit expensive, but not really. For 4 of us, a large pizza was enough---plus our beers.
I am not a fanatic of deep-dish pizza. But Zachary's has made me a believer. Oh, Lord, I believe!
What do you get at Zachary's? A small pizza easily feeds three people. The crust is baked to perfection, sturdy and delicious like a true pie crust. The cheese is melty and gooey, but unlike some deep-dishes, this pizza has just the right amount of cheese. No more, no less. And then there is the crown jewel of a Zachary's pie: the sauce. Rich with fresh tomatoes, it adds the perfect bite. Top it off with some sausage, and you're eating like royalty.
I was also really pleased with their spinach salad. Their soyrizo pie even sounded really tasty (soy-based imitation chorizo).
I loved the service at Zachary's; it was quick and friendly. The restaurant walls are hung with bright, colorful posters that local artists and students have made in honor of the place. They're definitely a part of the appeal and they add personality. Clearly, Zachary's has touched the hearts (not only the stomachs) of many of its patrons.
A perfect place to do lunch on a sunny afternoon in beautiful Rockridge.
Keep in mind that deep-dish needs to bake. Expect a 30-minute cooking time for your pie. If you're in a rush, call your order in ahead of time.
Is there a two-slice mega meal in a pizza? Yes. That is Zacharys. It is not for everyone, not New York style, neither it is light. It is just so good. Even better next morning when all flavors settle in. I always have the spinach and mushrooms or the mediterranean, or half-and-half of both, obviously "Zachary's Chicago Style". If you want to save some time, you can always phone them in and pre-order your pizza. By the time you get to your table it is almost ready to it. I have never tried anything else on their menu. Parking is painful in both locations, so drive a block or so away to park fast.
Just a quick tip for the almost always necessary next-day-slice. If you are in a hurry, use a microwave with a paper towel below the pizza. If you have time and don't mind the energy, you can use your oven on medium high. But don't let it too long, or the crust can burn.
It's true that thin crust pizzas can be tasteful and have at times crust that is hard to cut with mere mortal tools, thick crust pizza is where it's at. Nothing tastes better and gives you a sense of absolute fullness than a big fat piece of deep dish, thick crusted pizza.
Here at Zachary's, the food is piping hot, amounts are generous for the prices (particularly compared to the ludicrously overpriced Dominos) - and what's more, they actually taste good too! Ok, so not as good as Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, NY - but still pretty darn good.
The atmosphere was great and the service was, eh... It could've been better.
3.5 stars
If you are a Cal student, you have to go to Zachary's at least once. It's an Berkeley institution, and one of those things you have to do while you're here at Berkeley like going to a Cal game and drunk puking.
Zachary's of course is known for their Chicago-style deep dish pizza. My friends and I went on a Tuesday night, and with the six of us, still had to wait for 35 minutes which is actually not bad for Zachary's since its ALWAYS freaking pack. The cool thing is that you can order your pizza ahead of time while your waiting, so that when you're seated, your pizza comes out in no time. We decided to get two large for the six of us, one chicken pizza and one seasonal sausage specials.
There was a time once where I thought Zachary's pizzas were awesome, but now that I have tasted better deep dish (i.e. SF's Little Star, see post below), I can only rate Zachary's as good. The cheese and tomato sauce sometimes feel too much that you can't really taste the toppings. One of my friends actually scraped off most of her sauce. The dough also tasted a bit doughy at times too, and their crust is only okay compared to Little Star. But this is really all nitpickings because Zachary's is still one of the best grubs around Berkeley! Not only is the food delicious but filling as well, two slices and I'm goood! Even with the six of us, we still had enough leftovers to almost make one full pizza to take home!
Hands down my the best Chicago style pizza that I've ever had. I've tried Patxi's and Little star and I don't think they come close. The ingredients, and crust are amazing. The slices are thick, full of flavor and they offer great combinations. My favorite is the sausage, spinach and mushroom.
It does take a long time to get seated, and I'd recommend you order to go and pick it up.
The spinach & mushroom Chicago style deep dish is what makes Zachary's Pizza. It is the most delicious pizza I've ever had and it doesn't even have any meat in it! I think it's because of the spices. In fact, it is so much better than their other pizzas with meat. Even the crust is flavorful and flakey.
Don't get discouraged by the ridiculous wait...trust me it's worth it and the indigestion that you're bound to experience after wards. Taking home a half baked pizza to cook instead of the ridiculously long wait is not bad either...just a different experience. Oh yeah, the leftovers (if you have any) are still good the day after. I prefer it warmed up in the toaster oven but the microwave is okay too if you have no other choice.
I used to drive all the way to this location whenever I craved Zachary's but thank goodness they decided to open one up in San Ramon (despite the controversy).
People thought this was:
If you want Zachary's, prepare to wait in line for at least 20 minutes. But it's totally worth it. Amazing deep dish pizza. Not crap like they serve at Bjs. This is Chicago style-sauce on top delicious pizza. I enjoy the cheese, but my friends really like the spinach mushroom. If you're in the mood for pizza in the East Bay, Zachary's is the place to go.
People thought this was:
Without a doubt the best pizza anywhere.
The crust and sauce are definitely their crown jewels......thick and piled with ingredients you need a fork and knife to eat it. Our favorites are the spinach/mushroom and of course the pepperoni.
The wait can get really long but that is what makes Zachary's, Zachary's and is well worth it.
Bottom line....as good as it gets!
I never thought I liked deep dish pizza. My dad's side of the family is from Chicago so I've spent a ton of time there and eaten my fair share of deep dish pizzas. Still, I was never a huge fan.
Years later, after always staunchly proclaiming, "I really don't like deep dish," I met Zachary's.
It was delicious.
I feel like deep dish is more like a savory pie or quiche than what I normally think of when I hear "pizza" but no matter how you slice it (ha! I love puns, sorry!), Zachary's is awesome. I think my favorite part of their pizza is the chunky tomato sauce - I feel like it's sweeter than others I've had in the past. I wonder if it's not as good when tomatoes aren't in season?
There's a bit of a wait as this is obviously not an undiscovered gem, but I think it's worth it.
The quirky artwork on the walls is cute too. It makes it feel neighborhood-y, which I like.
Anyway, if you like tomatoes and you like flaky pies, you'll love Zachary's.
People thought this was:
so all of my friends have been to zachary's and raved about it. So I finally decide to have it for dinner last night.
We walked in and ordered the Linguica Special and was sat down promptly.
Decor-clean and comfy
staff-friendly, but may have been a little tired since we got there near closing time.
Food-was OK. Maybe because it was near closing, but the ingredients didn't taste fresh. The cheese was slightly hardened and not ooey gooey like a normal pizza that just came out of the oven.
Drinks-Arnold Palmer-kind of light. tea was light and the lemonade was even lighter. Felt like I was drinking watered down nestea.
Maybe my friends hyped it up too much, or it was too close to closing time, but either way it's not the best I've had and wouldn't crave it either.
Came here on a whim. I had a craving for this type of pizza. We got there in the afternoon and the place is packed. Although it was easy to get a table/ We ordered, got sitted and was eating their special pizza of the day Linguica.
My only regret since my time post-Cal is not trying their spinach and mushroom pizza, but I just love their favorite and spicy sausage combos too much. There are days where I think it's too saucy, but I'm sure it's better for my prostate so I'll look at it as a winning situation.
The location on Solano may be a bit less crowded even though it's smaller, and I haven't been to their new location in San Ramon but that might be worth checking out too cause the College location is always packed.
I absolutely hate pizza. I grew up with a momma workin the kitchen makin home cooked meals!
But why the 5 stars?! Well the boyfriend decided he was hungry and took me Zacharys and I thought YUCK pizza I'll just gnaw on the dough. After ordering the special chicken stuffed pizza (w/o mushrooms cause i hate monkey ears!!!!) I was a changed woman. This pizza was soooo yummy! It was flavorful with fresh ingredients cooked to perfection. It made a pizza outer out of me!
The actual eatery is really small so plan ahead on time wise especially the weekends! Or you'll be stuck on solano looking like a crazy hungry man/woman!
People thought this was:
My friends and I came on a Tuesday night (party of 6) and waited about 35 minutes. Not complaining though since I've seen worse. The hostess was kind and thoughtful enough to tell us that our table might be a little longer since the table before us took some time to leave. Good service!
We ordered two deep-dish pizzas: the sausage special for the night and the chicken. Both were yummy, although I felt at times overwhelmed by the cheese. I love my cheese but I don't want to eat chunks of it in every bite. Nonetheless, good service, great price, and amazing pizza!
To those of you living in the Bay Area, I definitely recommend Little Star. I personally think it has better flavor in its pizza, and the crust there is unbelievable!
I mean, seriously, there's not much to say about Zachary's that hasn't already been said. Absolutely incredible, fantastic, mouth-watering, utterly delicious, killer, delectable pizza.
The only problem? EVERYONE ELSE THINKS SO TOO. -1 star for like, you know, being popular and successful. God, what jerks.
Expect a long, irritating wait (that you will probably forget about when you take your first bite). Expect to have someone cart you out in a wheel barrow (because you WILL eat that much). Also expect to have a knife fight over the last piece.
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Let me set the scene:
My dearest childhood friend is, unbeknownst to her, being set up for a marriage proposal through a odd scavenger hunt in which she "happens" upon people she knows, wearing t-shirts with clues, at locations that hold romantic memories.
I am one of these t-shirt wearing people she knows, assigned to the very romantic (if your stomach is a direct gateway to your heart) Zachary's Chicago Pizza.
After "accidentally" running into her, we dig into an onion and sausage deep dish extravaganza. Mouth full of herby (real word?) tomato sauce and rich crust, I forget my mission. My sole task, to remove my sweatshirt, revealing aforementioned clue-t-shirt, is totally forgotten.
Eventually, after every last crumb is gone, I remember my instructions. Now, awkwardly, with no pizza distraction between us, I remove my sweatshirt. The game, despite my lack of concentration, goes on.
The moral of the story is: never ask (nor expect) a person to complete a task, however simple, with a half-eaten Zachary's pizza in front of them.
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Sure, it's not the same as real deep dish Chicago pizza. Way more tomato sauce, way less cheese, less crispy crust. That doesn't mean Zachary's pizza isn't absolutely delicious though. I think it's a great spin on Chicago pizza and there's no real point in going back and forth over the minute differences between Zachary's and real Chicago pizza since imitators are never the same as the original. Anyway, I can only handle Zachary's once every few months tops but when I do go, it is a truly glorious experience. The wait is always worth it because their pizza is so satisfying and sinful.
Perfection in a deep dish pie is right!!! I love this place!!
Every since I arrived on the beautiful beaches of Oakland I have been directed by many people to try Zach's. I finally caved to the peer pressure.
Yes, the pizza is good. Yes, the pizza great. It is amazingly crowded. I would suggest coming here on a off night. I really enjoyed their pizza sauce. It was very distinctive.
My friends and I headed to Oakland and found parking quickly across the street. My friend checked us in and reserved a table for 5. We were told the wait was 30 minutes. That's perfect because it usually takes about 30-40 minutes to cook the pizza. While we waited to be seated, we ordered a large Mediterranean pizza (red bell peppers, green olives, artichoke hearts, feta and jack cheeses) to share.
Oh my, this is one of the best pizzas I ever had. The sauce was flavorful and thick, lots of cheese, and I loved the crust, but what makes the pizza really good is the sauce. I was full after two slices, but between the 5 of us, we killed that pizza. I had a pint of Fat Tire as well and that made my meal even better.
I took home a half-baked Zachary's Special also even though I don't really like sausage. Still loved it and it made great leftovers too. It's been awhile since I been to Chicago, so I won't compare Zachary's to anything over there. But Zachary's is a new pizza favorite for me.
People thought this was:
Came here on a whim. I had a craving for this type of pizza. We got there in the afternoon and the place is packed. Although it was easy to get a table/ We ordered, got sitted and was eating their special pizza of the day Linguica.
I thought it was really good. We had the thin crust while everyone else was having the thick crust :)
Service was ok. I asked the server for a coke and she forgot to bring it to me :(
Street parking only so make time for that too.
Neighborhood: East Solano Ave
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area
Category: Pizza
Oakland, CA
Category: Pizza
San Ramon, CA
Category: Pizza
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