U Street Pizza

Tucked away in Pasadena, U Street Pizza is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter gem from the team behind Union, one of LA’s most beloved Italian spots. While their sister restaurant focuses on pasta, U Street is all about the pizza—and what pizza it is. The space is compact and unpretentious, the kind of place where the focus is squarely on what’s coming out of the oven.

The pies here walk a delicious line between New York tradition and California sensibility. The crusts achieve that perfect crackly texture, while the toppings showcase local ingredients like Fresno peppers and Petaluma mozzarella paired with red sauce made from California-grown tomatoes. The clam pizza delivers oceanic brininess balanced with butter, while the vodka pepperoni is the kind of pie that makes you want to profess your love out loud—cream, peppers, two types of cheese, and a vodka sauce that’s become the stuff of local legend.

This is ideal for groups looking for an easy, satisfying meal without the fuss. The counter-service format keeps things moving, and the laid-back atmosphere means you can focus on what matters: exceptional pizza in a casual setting. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or feeding a crowd, U Street delivers.

Don’t leave without trying the soft serve. The flavors rotate daily, but if you spot the chocolate and vanilla swirl, grab it immediately. It’s the perfect cool finish to a meal of hot, crackling pizza, and it’s made with the same attention to quality that defines everything at this little Pasadena treasure.