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When you hear sleigh bells, do you secretly think sliced bells instead? We get it — some folks aren’t exactly dashing through the holiday glow and glitter the way we do here at The Food Party! Lucky for you, Palo Alto has two new pizzerias ready to distract from decked halls and fa-la-la. In my house, it’s become a seasonal tradition to try a new pie this time of year — feels like home for the holidays but with a new guest. If you’re craving a break from all the holly-jolly, grab your stretchy pants and sleigh on over to the newbies: Square Guys Pizza on California Ave and Delarosa at Stanford Shopping Center. Another hot spot to get-away-from-it-all is The Hub at plank in the East Bay for pizza and play.
Oh come, all ye hungry — it’s the most wonderful slice of the year.
Thick Crust: Square Guys Pizza
Square Guys Pizza melds the bold, cheesy swagger of Detroit-style pizza with a California edge. What started in 1940s Detroit as a happy accident — Sicilian-inspired dough baked in repurposed blue-steel auto-parts pans — has evolved into one of the most craveable regional styles in America. Think deep and tall — an airy crust with caramelized, frico-like edges. This wasn’t a culinary discovery but more a clever solution from Motor City factory workers looking to feed themselves on the cheap. Square Guys picks up that lineage and amps it with local ingredients, sharp technique, and a little West Coast irreverence. Turns out it’s hip to be square.
Owner Marc Schechter grew up on Long Island, “where everyone has a little Italian in them.” Now he runs the company with 5 locations, including one in Palo Alto on California Ave. Walk into any of them for pizza that’s unapologetically hearty and proudly thick. I’m originally from Detroit, so I naturally groc the crispy corners and molten cheese pull, but want to make sure the toppings don’t get lost in the bread. The Hawaiian gave it her all with a delicious vodka sauce and pickled jalapenos, but I wanted more of that zippy kick from the Veggie Plant Supreme. Make any pizza dairy or gluten-free.
Take home a pie or enjoy a sit down meal — all locations offer a bar and full menu including salads, wings, crispy brussles and dessert. Stay connected to their website for fabulous monthly deals like $16 pizzas.
Square Guys Pizza: Palo Alto: 369 California Ave + 4 more Bay Area locations
Thin Crust: Delarosa
Delarosa’s pizza at Stanford Shopping Center is all about thin. Their Roman-style pies come out with a crackling, ultra-skinny crust that still manages to hold generous layers of flavor — think vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and carefully curated toppings. The kitchen leans into bold, contemporary combinations — spicy oils, house-made sausage, wild arugula — a familiar pie with a touch of daring.
We started with an excellent Caponatina, packed with tender eggplant and olives ($16). Add burrata for a truly next-level bite ($6) and scoop it up with crostini.
All of the pasta is house made; we chose thick ribbons of pappardelle tossed in a rich Napoletana pork sugo. For pizza, we went with two standouts: the Fungi, layered with wild mushrooms and taleggio, lifted by an unexpected pop of marinated onions ($25), and the Bartender ($25), a red-sauce pie topped with burrata, olives, spicy sausage, and Calabrian chiles which I consider one of Italy’s secret seasonings.
I’m picky about Caesar salads, and Delarosa’s lands at the top of my list with a clean, garlicky dressing done just right. Save room for the generously sized house-made tiramisu — with a light cocoa dusting, real whipped cream, enough rum to go yum, and a price that’s hard to beat ($10).
Four Bay Area locations. Open Sunday–Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM, and late on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 PM.
Delarosa: 136 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
The Hub at plank
The Hub at plank in Oakland captures that perfect mix of energy, indulgence, and just-plain-fun. Set inside Jack London Square’s sprawling entertainment complex, The Hub is part bar, part lounge, part refueling station for anyone bouncing between bowling lanes, arcade battles, or the outdoor beer garden. Located right on the waterfront of Jack London Square, the food leans comfort-forward with bold flavors and shareable plates.
We kicked things off in the arcade, and wow — these aren’t the arcades you grew up with. Sure, there are classics like motor racing, but the real magic is in the wild, AI-driven experiences that pull you straight into another world. It’s a blast start to finish — an unbeatable spot to bring the whole family to enjoy (or escape) the holidays.
We grabbed a lane and ordered right from the food alley, pairing our game with an unexpectedly yummy Banh Mi Pizza ($22) with a side of Buffalo Cauliflower with gorgonzola ($16).
Overhead, a massive 30-foot media wall keeps the action buzzing — sports on every screen. Make your way to the line looking undeniably sharp in those retro bowling shoes (complimentary with your game). What a fun place to visit, right off 880, less than an hour drive from the Peninsula. A unique Bay Area hangout with fun for all ages and good food.
The Hub at plank: 98 Broadway, Oakland
Happy Hour 4PM – 7 PM. Brunch Sunday till 3 PM
photos courtesy of LSIC unless noted
