A Tale of Ten Pizzas: Long Beach & Beyond
Picture this: an afternoon in Long Beach, sun flirting off the bay, and suddenly—you catch that unmistakable aroma of melting cheese and oven-fired dough. Here begins a hometown pizza pilgrimage, not through chains, but through heartbeats of the community—ten independent pizzerias crafting slices that locals swear by.
Long Beach Favorites
Speak Cheezy
This gem earned the title of “Best Pizza in America” from The Washington Post, thanks to inventive pizzas like the Truffle Shuffle and Tie Dye that push cheesiness and creativity into new territory.
Fun fact: A slice here is part of national pizza lore—rare bragging rights for any local spot.
Little Coyote
Retro Row’s pride, this thin-crust, New York-esque pizzeria promises foldable perfection, under-five-dollar slices, and an everyday rhythm that keeps both locals and newcomers coming back.
Fun fact: Many fans say Little Coyote has the most consistent crust-to-sauce ratio in town—a reliable favorite.
Dutch’s Brewhouse
Part brewery, part pizzeria—Dutch’s wields bold creations like the Spicoli (beer chicken, bacon, kettle chips) and Mother Earth (veggie smorgasbord) that blur the line between beer pairing and pizza innovation.
Fun fact: Their pizzas are as much of a local cult hit as their house-brewed beers.
4th Horseman
This horror-themed pizzeria dishes out theater on a plate—with vibe-heavy decor and pies like the vegan Alchemy or carnitas-topped El Puerto Loco.
Fun fact: You’re literally eating inside a mini-horror movie—complete with macabre décor and fierce flavors.
Milana’s New York Pizzeria
Downtown’s classic New York-style stop, offering foldable slices and filling Brooklyn squares—quick, satisfying, and unpretentious.
Fun fact: It’s the go-to for the “perfect lunch slice”—fast, hot, and reliably good.
Neighboring Town Gems
Rosario’s Pizza (Carson)
Word on Reddit: a crispy-crust, pepperoni-loaded pie that’s “loaded with pepperoni” and always delivers.
Fun fact: Known for toppings that don’t skimp—locals say it’s “crispy crust joy, not calorie friendly.
Fountain Valley Full-Service Favorites (e.g. Joey’s Pizza)
Joey’s and similar local spots in Fountain Valley churn out thin-crust pies, from The Works to BBQ Chicken, with freshly made dough and a community following.
Fun fact: Many locals swear Joey’s is a “customer for life” kind of shop—pizza with a personal touch.
”Laventina’s (Lakewood)
A local budget hero, perfect for those in the know scouting quick, wallet-friendly pizza with dependable taste.
Fun fact: Often dubbed “great, not fancy, but cheap and quick”—the kind of spot built for comfort and convenience.
Pizzarito (Seal Beach)
A family-owned New York–style pizzeria tucked just off Pacific Coast Highway, Pizzarito has been slinging foldable, oversized slices and garlic knots to Seal Beach locals since the 1980s. With its checkered floors and no-nonsense vibe, it feels like stepping straight into a classic East Coast pizza joint—minus the snow.
Fun fact: Pizzarito is known for serving pies so big that some locals jokingly call it “the only pizza you need all day.” Its reputation stretches beyond Seal Beach—surf crews often make this their first stop after a morning session.
Big E Pizza (Signal Hill)
Last but certainly not least…Open late and famous for no-frills delivery, this spot feeds Signal Hill with hot pies until the wee hours—cravings met even after sunset.
Fun fact: It’s a late-night legend—delivering Signal Hill’s slices even when most kitchens are closed.
Photo cutlines:
A Speak Cheezy favorite: Crushed Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Ezzo Pepperoni, House Fennel Sausage, Ricotta, Sliced Garlic, Sicilian Oregano, and Parmesan. And hurry!
At Little Coyote Pizza, even the photos are delicious!
