Ever since I moved to Southern California, I would hear transplanted New Yorkers say – complain, really – that “you can’t get good pizza here!”
They would talk about the pH level in the water and the dough not being the same and oh, by the way, the bagels aren’t the same here as they are in New York, either. Again it’s the water.
I always brushed this aside as New Yorkers being New Yorkers where everything there is better in their minds. That was until I went to Prince Street Pizza here in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. The new takeout-only restaurant at 4th and Market has some type of contraption that can match the water to the pH level of New York water, bringing the real Big Apple pizza deal to the area.
It took only one bite to realize what they were saying about the dough is actually true. It has a softer, almost sweeter flavor than other pizza crusts I have tasted. “Oh,” I said aloud at the counter after my first bite. “Now I understand the crust!” They smiled as if to say “see!”
Prince Street Pizza can get the pH level to New York City’s 7.2 – San Diego’s is 9.0 and LA’s is 7.5 or higher – which really does make a difference in the dough, and thus in the taste and texture of the crust.
@pubclub.com Prince St Pizza San Diego Gaslamp 4th & Broadway -true #newyorkpizza down to the crust! #pizza #pizzalover #pubclub #princestpizza @Prince Street Pizza ♬ original sound – PubClub
Most of the pizzas are thick crust but it’s not like Chicago deep-dish pizza because the dough is softer. Still, it’s filling. It’s $6 for a large square slice which can be enough to satisfy your hunger, depending on how many drinks you’ve had in the bar that night because it will eventually be open until 2 or 3 a.m., and I suspect the after-bar crowd will make up a lot of its business.
It’s current hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. There are no chairs or tables so it’s a get-it-and-go place. Or find a space outside. There is no wine or beer, only water and sodas.
When I walked up, some girls were having a slice and nearly melted when talking about the Spicy Vodka sauce pizza. I agree, tho to me it has more to do with the way the delicious soft cheese melts on it than a spicy vodka sauce. The again, it could well be the spicy vodka sauce. Whichever it is, it’s fantastic. The Meat Lovers is so full of pepperoni and sausage you had better make sure it all stays on the pizza while you’re eating it.
In all, there are 15 pizzas – the Spicy Spring with homemade spicy sauce, thick pepperoni, curly cuts and fresh mozzarella is the most popular one in New York City – plus chopped and Ceaser salads, as well as sauces on the side.
There are also Prince Street Pizza locations in West LA, downtown LA and West Hollywood, by the way.
New Yorkers were right about this one. So they will have to complain about something else now in California. While they are wearing shorts and flip flops in January, mind you.
Prince Street Pizza San Diego
Address: 415 Market Street, San Diego
Website: Prince Street Pizza
Leave a Reply