Pizza Port

Ok– so we usually frequent the ocean beach pizza port– but we stopped here in san Clemente on the way back from Laguna– OMG. Can you say ROMPER ROOM? Sooooooooo many rug rats running wild!!! And even crazier — both parents in every party seemingly drinking it up– whose driving? Super loud– couldn’t carry on a conversation and then a couple of moms rolled in their industrial sized strollers and trapped us in at our tables lol! No room to move.
Food was good and quick. Beer nice and cold. Not looking for a 5’star dining experience at a pizza joint– but this was more like chuckie cheese. No thanks! I’ll stick to the OB crowd– they may all bring their dogs to do eat with them– but at least it’s an adult environment and dogs don’t scream, yell and cry. Amen. The end.

Great food. Customer service in the bar area… hate saying it, but super malevolent service from the bartenders. Wtf? Why? Been here for food, awesome! Drinks? I’d rather drink snake poison!

I’ll admit that moving from the east coast to the west coast had me hesitant about pizza (because I hadnt heard good things) but Pizza Port nails it every time. They also have gluten free options that come at no additional cost (if that’s your thing). It is always slammed, and the seating is first come first serve, so it can be a bit hectic. It’s also really loud, and full of kids (because there is an arcade upstairs). However, dont let that scare you! The pizza is worth it– just maybe dont bring your 90 year old grandma here.

Wow! I’ve been looking for years for a thick crust pizza. When I saw the pictures from other reviews I thought this might have the goods.
The pizza I had was really great!
I hope I’m able to get back here for more.

Sooooo, there I was, minding my business drinking some swill at a neighborhood party when one of the guys asks, «Have you ever had Swami’s?» That was a year ago. The answer now is, «Yes, I’ve had hundreds. I like the Ponto as well.»
You already know, because you love beer like I do, that a trip to this mecca of pizza and beer was a must! So, we loaded up my truck in Las Vegas NV, after I picked up my son who flew in from Fort Bragg NC and headed out.
We were both terribly impressed the moment we arrived… Well. after I found a place to park my full sized F-​250. Apparently beach towns aren’t set up for larger vehicles. Anyway, I digress… The atmosphere was very laid back and wide open with tons of seating on two floors. You can order beer with your pizza at the walk up counter or at either of the other two bars. Believe me, you will not be disappointed at the selection of beers available. Man, they even had a cask beer!!! This place is beer heaven!!! It’s true that I am in love with the IPA’s, but there are plenty more to chose from.
We had two pizzas, one was like a jalepeno popper and the other was artichoke. Both were very good, but I wouldn’t drive from Vegas for the pizza. I will be back for the beer. If you like beer, put this place on your list of «must do’s» you will not be disappointed.

The only reason to go here is for your kids to play video games or to drink beer. I don’t drink or have young kids. No service whatsoever. Filthy. Bathroom only had one stall that worked. No paper towels — Dyson hand dryer didn’t work. Trash cans to clear your own tables with round filthy tops. Super annoying loud speaker calling out names of pizza ready that was impossible to understand. All in all awful. Except the sauce on the pepperoni pizza was very good. They need a lot more employees and a janitor.

This is a great place to come chill and hang out. Long bench seating sets a casual and fun mood. There are so many delicious pizzas to choose from. My top 3 favorite pizzas here: Pizza Roma, Pizza Carlsbad, and BBQ Chicken pizza! Plus add a side of ranch and it’s food heaven! If you order their large salad beware it is huge! It definitely gets the job done and can feed several people. The wait can get a bit long… I’ve waited for 30 mins+ after ordering. Also, sometimes it’s hard to find seating because it gets busy. A lot of people enjoy the local craft beers here… I’m more of a foodie than a drinkie so can’t shed any light on that!

It’s reaallllyyy good beer and pizza. I can’t really give a long explanation because there really isn’t a better combo.
If you are from out of town, just do it. A lot of local-​ish beers and peek-​a-​boo views of the ocean if you sit upstairs on the balcony. Great for large groups, kids (video game room) or just a causal lunch or dinner. There is wine too for the weird people of the world who don’t drink amazing craft beer.

Although I have been to Pizza Port a couple of times and most of the time the service and food have been amazing. This last time I visited, the service could have been better and being my husband’s birthday, it takes it down another notch. I don’t have any complains about the food, nor beer. Service this time was off, they were a bit busy since it was dinner time, but that never allows any place to dismiss customers. We found a big enough table upstairs to host our guests of about 15. When it was time to order our first drinks, the bartender upstairs was a bit rude to my husband, just kind of dismissing him. So after that we really didn’t want to order from him. Again we understand it was a busy time, but we kind of felt we should have gone elsewhere, but since we were already there and expecting a lot more people…
A place should make you feel like you would want to return, but after that night I would never go back there. We love to eat out and for birthdays we love to splurge and invite many friends, so I feel we bring business to any place. Not all the employees were like the bartender, all the others were helpfull. But it does take one person to ruin it.

The first couple times we came to Pizza Port San Clemente it was during non-​peak hours so little did we know how crazy it would be on a Saturday night! Insanely crowded but everyone was really polite, waiting for tables, lots of patience and in good spirits. You place your order at the counter and then hope that a table clears out before your food is ready. The upstairs is another 100 decibels louder than the downstairs due to the kids and arcade games. There’s also an outside patio with more tables. We lucked out and were able to find space for our whole party of 10 downstairs by the time our salad and appetizers were ready. It worked out perfectly! Then after eating, we condensed the adults down to one table and the kids went upstairs for the games. Tokens are 4 for $ 1.00 and then cheaper the more you buy. Some of the games are a little worn out and would eat the tokens, but overall the kids had fun with minimal drama.
The pizza is delicious every time we’ve come. We usually order a Large build it yourself $ 12.40 and add sausage, mushroom and pepperoni for $ 2.00 a topping. This time we also ordered the Garlic Veggie for our vegetarian family members and a large cheese for the kids. For appetizers please get the delicious whole wheat pretzel (portzel) $ 2.50 — we just wish that it came with cheese sauce. Instead it comes with some marinara and mustard packets. Also good are the Garlic Buddies $ 3.50.
If you’re local and it’s busy, you may want to just take the pizza to go. But if you like a frenetic, high energy experience then stay and wait for a table. Lots of TV’s to watch the games and excellent beer selections!

I wish there was a pizza port closer to LA, except it probably would be something totally different if it were. Pizza Port comes with this beachy, broish, yet family oriented vibe to it. You really saw people of all ages in here. Families with their little ones, teens, and +21s.
Love that they have a variety of good beer. If you’re with a big group get a pitcher, it’s worth it. I forgot which beer we got but it was $ 12. And a glass of the porter I got was $ 5. They allow you to try their beer if you’d like before ordering a full glass. It’s a two story building so you’ll find a lot of seating even when they’re busy.
For two people I think the small size of pizza if perfect, we ended up getting a medium cause my friend insisted. I was full after one slice he had like four with three slices to take home. But more than the pizza, I loved their veggie basket. It’s the biggest veggie basket I’ve seen yet. And I loooove it! So many times when I’m out eating wings with friends and we get veggies I’m always saddened by how quickly all the veggie disappears. But at pizza port they provide in abundance to make sure you get your dose of vitamins haha it comes with celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and slices of cucumbers.

ooh yum.
My friend treated me to dinner for my birthday and I chose Pizza Port, even after she questioned and confirmed that’s what I wanted. I have heard TOO many good things about Pizza Port and I didn’t want to continue to be missing out, so that’s where we headed on a recent Sunday night.
Parking can be a pain. There is a smallish parking lot on the 3^rd level/​roof top, as well as some lot parking and street parking. We entered from the roof into a giant house! The name is totally misleading – I think of a port, not a white mission style home. Anyways, the first and second levels have food and bevs, and seating. There is also seating outside. We chose the small cheese pizza (I know, boring!) with beers. There were a lot of pizza options and a special pizza of the month. There are also wings and bite size pizza balls.
The beer I had was a hibiscus german. I liked it for the color. There are a lot of beers on tap here so you can really get adventurous.
Our pizza took a long time to arrive, which is why I can’t give it a 5. It’s a small cheese pizza after all. And the fact that there was a very yappy dog chained up outside of the restaurant.
I’d come back. It’s good food.

Can’t believe it has taken us so long to finally make it to a Pizza Port. It’s not like there is only one restaurant and reservations are necessary. Upon entering, don’t expect to get served immediately. There was a line. The wait for the pizza was estimated at 40 minutes. But, we had plenty of time and they have plenty of beer.
The place has an odd layout. Beer to the left, pizza in the back, and another bar up the curved staircase. Plenty of seating but we did walk upstairs. Checked the beer nook area with the outdoor seating before ending up at the communal benches. At the beer station, we grabbed a couple of Swami’s IPAs. We’ve had them and liked them before. Got a portzel while we waited for the pizza to be assembled and baked. Wasn’t bad. I can’t complain either for $ 2.50. The star of the night was the pizza. Medium solana at $ 17.75 was enough food for us that night and for a snack the next day. Shrimp, clams, onions, olives, bell peppers, & mushrooms on a pizza is not something we usually top our pies with, but I am sure glad we did.
Definitely looking forward to tasting our way through their specialty pizza menu. Maybe a new pizza at each of their locations. I’m sure each spot is lively and fun to hang out at. Good times.

Another stop on our vacation during our quest for PIZZA!
My husband and dad are HUGE pizza lovers. So when we researched Unilocal,this place came up with a ton of reviews. Pizza port is close to all the shops and main street of san clemente. I noticed lots of locals eating here.
Inside you have bench style seating. You have to walk up to the register to place your orders. Pizza is REALLY good, had a meat eaters and a plain no sauce, build our own. Crust is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. We ordered a pitched or beer. They have some of their own home brews.
Grab a seat outside and enjoyed everything while watching the sun set.

When we came in they seemed busy but not overwhelmed. Yet there was still a 40 minute wait for a pizza. Perhaps I’ve just been spoiled by all the wood-​fired oven places with their crazy fast cooking times, but that seemed like a long time to wait. And I was ravenous.
So slices it was. The pepperoni pieces were hot and fresh, but the cheese slice looked and tasted like it had been sitting for some time. Too bad. It had all the components of nice pizza, so maybe next time.
On the other hand, the Port Salad was awesome! It was a bowl of mixed greens piled with roasted portabella mushrooms and red peppers, blue cheese, and little cubes of butternut squash. The portion was definitely smaller than I expected for $ 8, but so much tastier than I would expect from a pizza and beer joint. I’m not a huge salad fan, but that I would definitely eat again.

Pizza Port is San Clem’s crown jewel of craft brewing!
Being a craft brew aficionado I am a bit embarrassed to admit that it has taken until now to actually visit their actual brewery even though I have been sampling their Ale’s and IPA’s for years now. The interior is more beach city «pizza dive» than brewery until you get to the bottom floor where the magic happens and huge, glistening mash tuns greet you along with the wall of awards their beer has won over the years.
The tap row is huge. I would guess that they have over 30 offerings from their own creations along with countless guest kegs from other brewers. The rotating kegs make every visit a unique experience since they always have a new brew to try. Some of my favorites include Beer Monkey IPA, Beer Gorilla Double IPA and the Chronic Ale Amber. Lab Chimp Ale failed to impress however. They also offer growlers and cans to go.
As for the Pizza, I can’t speak on it since I didn’t try it. The aroma was between Chuck-​E-​Cheese and the midwestern chain Rocky Rococco’s. Considering the average palette in the house being 25 years old I doubt that Mozza or Pizzeria Ortica need to concern themselves greatly on Pizza Port’s competition.
Pizza Port: come for the beer, stay for the beer.

Pizza Port — One of the best in San Clemente
Pizza Port is a traditional pizza place. Think old school Shakey’s (I may have just given my age away), less the piano and banjo. It has the «Seat yourself», «Meet New Friends» benches and you order at the counter and they call your name when it’s done.
Location /​Ambiance (Rating 5) It’s located at the top of the downtown area. It’s hard to miss and has a cool outdoor patio area that allows for people watching. (Be sure to bird watch too, or you’ll lose your pizza ;)). The building is two stories and they have a SERIOUS beer bar on both floors. They make some of their own beers (which are typically pretty good) and they carry other popular brews as well. Their happy to let you taste a couple and they usually do a pretty good job with recommendations.
With regards to Pizza. You can’t go wrong with any of their creations. I recommend their Lahaina.
Lahaina Pizza (Rating 4) Canadian bacon, pineapple, bell peppers & onions. The crust is not «thin crust». But it’s not «thick crust» either. It’s somewhere in between. I personally am a thick crust lover and my first pick is a «Chicago Style» pizza. So when I first ordered this pizza I didn’t expect to be pleased. While it wasn’t a Chicago style pizza that get’s me excited, it was a very tasty creation and well endowed with the ingredients. The dough is tasty, but the flavors just don’t penetrate the dough like it does in Chicago style pizzas. I still like it and will be coming back as the only other tolerable pizza option I know in SC is Selmas. I like their style better, but it’s hit and miss in SC whether it’s good or not.

Tasty deep dish pizza in an easy going atmosphere with a ocean view and open seating.
I think there might be a rooftop patio but my husband and I were content to sit in one of the balcony enclaves where we could people watch and see the ocean.
we got the San Francisco which had Canadian bacon, pepperoni, onion, peppers, all good things on a nice doughy crust.
Because the pizza is quite thick and filling, two people can likely share a small (we did). Not sure why the price nearly doubles when you get a medium — we saw the size diff and I think if we were to come back with more people we’d probably still get the small size and order different kinds of pizza — they have a great variety of suggested pies and of course you can do your own version as well.
We were there on a Sunday afternoon and easily walked up, placed our order, grabbed waters at the self-​service drink station, sat down and caught some basketball highlights (there are TVs able to be seen from just about everywhere so this would be a great place to meet for pizza and a game) and about 15min later our name was called over the loud speaker so we picked up our pizza from the order area. I like self-​service places so this didn’t bother me one bit.
All in all, this is definitely a easy going spot — easy on the wallet, easy on the eyes (view) easy on the service — perfect for an easy going city like San Clemente.
We will be back.

Came here on a «rainy» Saturday and it was still packed! I think that says a lot about a place.
Ordered the Carlsbad pizza (large ~$ 23) with chicken, feta, sun dried tomato, and pesto. It was very good and the crust was nice and chewy. I liked the combination of toppings. Also ordered the spicy chicken wings (~$ 7) which were just ok. I liked that they weren’t too saucy but they didn’t have enough spice.
I would come back for the pizza and beer but the salads and wings don’t seem that special.
It’s a cool vibe inside with the long picnic tables where you share seats with random people next to you. They also have an arcade and smaller bar upstairs.

Pizza Port has always been an awesome place to grab some decent beers and delicious pizza!
We’ve been coming here since it opened back when I was in high school with friends for good pizza and then their craft root beer as it’s super good!
My favorite of the pizzas they have is definitely the Vallarta because of the artichoke hearts it has on it and the Roma as it’s packed with flavors and toppings.
They have a very flavorful crust that goes well with their zesty sauce and delicious toppings.
You also might want to check out their whole grain beer crust for your pizza in addition to the original one they offer as it’s pretty good too!
We would come here on Tuesdays as they had cheap beer on those nights I’m not too sure if they do that anymore but it might be worth a shot to check out if your craving pure beer goodness.
There is an array of craft beers here too! Most of which I’ve had and always enjoyed, one thing I’ve always liked about Pizza Port is that the majority of their beers are brewed in house and change every so often so you can always expect something different.
One thing that I noticed this time is that they have some of their beers canned and for sale in the front so you can grab your pizza and some beers to bring home to enjoy!
They have a few arcade games as well that are located upstairs in case you feel like getting your pinball action on too because that’s always a good time! Yeah I was a 90’s arcade rat and will always love arcades and their games the only one they are missing is a Claw Machine!
Parking can be kinda a pain here too so definitely check out the back area as you can park on the roof and walk down into the Pizza Port that might save you a bit of a hassle from dealing with all that is El Camino!
It’s been a good wile since I’ve been here before today and after remembering how much we used to enjoy coming here for good grub I could definitely see a future visit sometime soon!