Golden Boy Pizza

Golden Boy Pizza, at 542 Green Street in San Francisco's North Beach, is a small takeout slice shop that has served thick, focaccia-style Sicilian squares since 1978. The cuisine is Italian-American pizza in the Genoese-influenced tradition of the neighborhood, where the crust resembles focaccia, with a crisp, oiled base and a soft, airy interior. It is a counter operation with no chef lineage or Michelin context; the reputation comes from decades of consistency and a menu that has barely changed. Slices are cut from large rectangular pans, and the emblematic orders are the clam and garlic slice, a North Beach specialty, the pesto slice and the classic cheese, pepperoni or sausage squares. The room is tiny, with a counter, a few stools or standing space and a lively, loud atmosphere, especially late in the evening when nearby bars empty into the street. There is no dress code, and nothing resembling a wine programme; drinks are limited to sodas and, depending on the setup, beer from the shop or neighboring bars. Reservations are not taken, since the format is takeout only, and visitors typically order at the counter and eat standing nearby or carry slices to Washington Square Park a few blocks away. Hours run later than most pizza counters, typically until about 9:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends, and visitors can call 415-982-9738 to confirm. Typical spending is about $8 to $15 per person, which covers two generous slices and a drink. The shop pairs well with a walk through North Beach, which includes Columbus Avenue, City Lights Bookstore, the old Italian cafes and bakeries such as Liguria Bakery, in San Francisco, California. Visitors should expect a short wait and a fast-moving line, and reheated slices are not the norm because the pans are baked in rotation.