Masa of Echo Park

Step inside Masa of Echo Park and you’ll immediately understand why this Sunset Boulevard institution has become a gathering place for the entire neighborhood. This family-owned gem has that lived-in charm—think vintage decor that somehow feels intentional rather than outdated. The eclectic crowd tells you everything: young couples on first dates, families celebrating birthdays, groups of friends who couldn’t snag reservations elsewhere but lucked into a table. Everyone finds their place here.

The star of the show is undeniably the Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and it absolutely delivers. If you’ve ever debated the merits of thin crust versus deep dish, set that argument aside and just enjoy what’s in front of you. The Traditional with sausage and mushroom is the crowd favorite for good reason, though the Classic Vegetable holds its own with a satisfying mushroom layer that makes you forget you’re eating meatless. Fair warning: two slices is ambitious, three is hubris.

Beyond the pizza, don’t skip the starters. The artichoke dip arrives with serious chunks of artichoke and enough bread to make you question your main course strategy. The Manchego salad offers a welcome respite of freshness with its generous cheese topping. And the service here isn’t the polished, corporate variety—it’s genuine warmth from people who seem to actually care whether you’re having a good time.

Whether you grew up on Midwestern comfort food or you’re discovering the deep dish life for the first time, Masa welcomes everyone with open arms. It’s the kind of place where you’ll linger longer than planned, leave fuller than expected, and already be thinking about your next visit before you’ve walked out the door.