Nick's Pizza

This weekend, my husband and I drove up to San Francisco for a wedding.  We stayed across the bay in Emeryville to continue our not-so-expensive weekend giveaway and be in proximity of all the different events we attended.  After we finally arrived around 7:30 pm on Friday night we decided to seek out dinner. Back on the road somewhere around where the 5 turns into the 580, we were wondering if it was possible to eat Sourdough pizza crust somewhere near our hotel. Upon arrival we decided to drive by Nick's (who came up when we searched for sourdough pizza) and Zachary's (who came up simply for pizza) - a place I've heard of since I am a Chicagoan.

When we drove past there was just one couple in Nick's, Zachary's on the other hand was packed with a crowd so thick it seemed like breathing would be hard.  We headed back to Nick's deciding to favor the high reviews rather than the surprisingly sparse population. We're glad we did!

What nice employees! Even though we were the only people in there we felt right at home. It wasn't weird like it is when you go to some places and are the only one at the tables. The employees seemed to be having a good time making food, preparing dough and chatting. They paid attention to us and knew if we needed something but they also left us alone so we felt like we were at home.  From the sound of it, it seemed like Nick's does a lot of carry-out and delivery. I loved the tables made from slabs of pretty wood. The decor was basic but colorful. A refrigerator in the corner held a water dispenser with cups on the side. They had Jenga to play while you wait.

At Nick's the menu changes every week. We ordered the pepperoni pizza which was probably the least unique of all the choices (besides just cheese). There was one on the menu with walnuts and squash blossoms that caught my eye - but I knew it wasn't for my husband.  I also added on a salad and dinner was about $25 - which is about the same price we pay at our favorite local pizza place in Burbank.

I loved the salad I got to start off the meal. It was a beautiful mix of fresh greens with plenty of small tomatoes on top. The dressing was balsamic Italian but also delicious.  We also got some walnuts - in the shell to eat while we wait. How fun!

The pizza was super hot when it came to our table. We ate all but two slices. I loved the tomato sauce which was fresh with actual bits of tomato visible with the spices and herbs (noticeable fresh basil flavor). The pepperoni was very smokey with a nice flavor and feel. I could've used a smidge more cheese but the full package was there.

After devouring the pizza we decided to have dessert too. Every time one of the employees answered the phone and said "Chocolate chip cookies?" I was sold!  I ordered a cookie which was warmed for me and came piping hot. My husband got the salted caramel chocolate mousse - fantastic! Leave room for dessert when you stop in or order for home.





Nick's Pizza
6211 Shattuck Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
Weekly Menu