Golden Boy is North Beach's beloved slice shop, serving thick, focaccia-style Sicilian squares since 1978. It's cheap, unpretentious, and exactly what you want after a night out or a walk through the neighborhood. Grab the clam and garlic or a pesto square. Cash-friendly, counter service, no frills.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 11:30am-9:00pm Tue 11:30am-9:00pm Wed 11:30am-9:00pm Thu 11:30am-9:00pm Fri 11:30am-11:00pm Sat 11:00am-12:00am Sun 11:00am-11:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Muni bus 8/30/39 in North Beach; ~15-min walk from Montgomery BART |
| Time needed | 20-30 minutes |
| Best time to go | Late night for the classic post-bar slice, or midday for a shorter line |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.8/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get there?
- It's at 542 Green Street in North Beach, walkable from Washington Square, Columbus Avenue, and Chinatown. Several Muni buses serve the area; Montgomery BART is about 15 minutes on foot. Parking is rough, so walk if you can.
- How much is a slice?
- Slices are cheap, generally in the few-dollars range, making it one of the best value bites in North Beach. Grab two different kinds and you're still eating well for under ten bucks. Prices can shift, so check the counter.
- Do they take cards?
- They generally accept cards, but carrying a little cash never hurts at a small slice shop. It's a quick counter transaction. Have your order ready.
- Is it worth the hype?
- For a cheap, distinctive, genuinely local slice, yes. It's not fancy and won't win a Neapolitan purist's heart, but it's been a neighborhood staple for decades for good reason. Set expectations for a quick, delicious counter slice.
- What should I order?
- The clam and garlic and the pesto squares are the signatures locals rave about. The combo and cheese slices are solid too. If a fresh sheet just came out, that's the move; ask what's hot.
- Is there seating?
- It's a tiny counter spot with just a few stools, so most people eat standing or take it to go. Don't expect a sit-down meal. Grab your slice and eat on the walk.
- Is it open late?
- Yes, that's part of its legend. It stays open late on Fridays and weekends (until around midnight Saturday), making it a prime post-bar stop in a nightlife-heavy neighborhood. Weeknights it closes earlier, around 9pm.
- What kind of pizza is Golden Boy?
- It's Sicilian, focaccia-style square slices with a thick, airy, crispy-bottomed crust, sold by the slice or the sheet since 1978. It's not classic thin-crust; it's its own dense, satisfying thing. The clam and garlic slice is a cult favorite.
Nearby in Ask San Francisco
- North BeachNeighborhood0.2 km · 3 min walk
- Vesuvio CafeBar0.28 km · 4 min walk
- Coit TowerAttraction0.36 km · 5 min walk
- BixRestaurant0.55 km · 7 min walk
- ChinatownNeighborhood0.62 km · 8 min walk
Where to stay near Golden Boy Pizza
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