My Uber driver turns off Kearny dropping me off on the left side of Clay Street. When I step out of the car, I face downtown San Francisco in its winter twilight. It might be weary here, the nearby Financial District closed for the night, but across the street warm orange walls and a clean white awning spelling “Outta Sight Pizza II” glow in the light of the neighbor’s awning twinklelights.
This is why I’m here.
After multiple diner dates, it’s time for my first slice soulmate date.
I’ve arrived before my friend Cassey, so I cross the street and spot one of the owners in the window. He’s gesturing at that night’s selection of slices to two customers who stand near the register. They listen intently, mulling over which slice or slices to take home that night. Beside him, a woman with one of those unbelievably cool, short ponytails and the type of tattoos that make you instantly wish you were at a parlor getting new ink deftly folds a pizza box.
That’s the thing about Outta Sight. Everyone who works there is rad, a big family that cares about each other and this city.
Location
643 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Hours
I am frazzled when I step through the doors, having raced here because I forgot to check what time they close.
It’s 5:40pm when I breeze in, and I’ve made it just in time. They’re currently open from 11am–6pm
Inside Outta Sight Pizza II
Inside, the space feels similar to their original location in the Tenderloin but has a personality all its own. As with their first location, the walls are a decorated jewel box of art, displaying eclectic nods to pizza and pictures you’d expect to see in a skate magazine.
I, myself, am drawn most to the vintage Pizza Hut lamp displayed in the front window. As a child of the ‘90s having grown up in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Pizza Hut will always have a big ‘ZA sketch across my heart.
Unlike the Tenderloin location, there are no tables at this new Chinatown spot. Instead, a long wooden bar surface lines the side and back wall.
Behind the counter, a TV screen is set below a wooden shelf and they’re playing Gilmore Girls. Comfort TV to go along with your comfort food.
In the back is the kitchen where the other owner and one of their guys (also from Hawaii - chee hoo!) are getting shit done.
I’d had a bad day at work but seeing them hustle made me remember that my little tip-tap typing on a keyboard was nothing compared to the on-your-feet, backbreaking, don’t stop until the pizza dough drops kind of days these dudes and dudettes have.
There is a neon divider that helps with the overall ‘90s nostalgia feel of the place, along with a happy face icon and colored tiles on the floor. There is NOTHING more comforting than a 90s food joint, so I’m feeling right at home.
Our Pizza Picks
At this point, my friend and Slice Soulmate Date walked in, and we were ready to order. Another Outta Sight crew member in a blue shirt and black hat takes our order.
I’m promised the vegan pepperoni and cheese won’t disappoint (I’ve been burned by vegan cheese before), and spoiler alert! It doesn’t. I order a slice and a La Croix.
Cassey is ready to trryyyyy shit.
She gets a Loco Moco slice and the Peking duck.
In 2020, one of the Outta Sight owners shared an Instagram post with his dreams for the future. In the post, he said he wanted to make people food with a lot of heart. And to put Chinese food on pizza.
Manifest it, baby! He’s making that shit happen!
“Omg, they put Hoisin sauce on this!” Cassey says with joy before taking another bite of the Peking duck pizza, which she declares is definitely her favorite.
She’s planning her own meals for the upcoming Chinese New Year, and I think this is a fun way to kick that off.
After a fantastic cheese pull from the Loco Moco slice, and a quick catch-up about our days, we’re surprised by the offer from the Outta Sight team to take home some extra slices before they close. It’s a surprise for all of the final customers that evening.
It’s that kind of love of the customer that is going to keep people coming back. That and the freaking delicious slices.
When we’ve left the shop behind with the perfect ratio of savory and that hint of sweetness still etched on our tongues, it’s time to ask Cassey serious questions!
Slice Soulmate Survey Results
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