Study Food Staple: Pizza by the Slice

During test weeks, the library is crammed with dozens of bleary-eyed students. For some people, studying continuously induces a crazed-like state in which laundry is neglected, exercise routines thrown out the window and good dietary choices ignored. To all the students banging their heads on their textbooks and mumbling, “I just want pizza,” here’s a list of five places that sell pizza by the slice, all within a 15-minute walk from the library.

Café Bellini · (1 min) · 500 Parnassus Ave.

(415) 682-8038

Located in the food court next door to the library, you couldn’t get a faster slice unless there was a pizzeria at the checkout desk. There’s a long list of toppings to choose from, including cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian, veggie and combo. A generously portioned slice will run you between $3.50 and $4.75, and they’ll toast it up for you as soon as you order. For those on a clock, you can’t beat Café Bellini for a quick pizza pick-me-up.

Moffitt Cafe · (2 min) · 505 Parnassus Ave.

To-go pizza orders — GOPAYGO app

Want to quickly stretch your legs while getting your pizza fix? Surprisingly, the hospital cafeteria located on the second floor serves up a decent brick-oven slice. Specials (including a mean BBQ chicken) rotate daily, but staples usually include a meat, vegetarian and cheese-only option. A slice/soda combo is about $3.50 and is available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Insider tip: If you pay with FastPay, you get a 10% discount.

Arizmendi Bakery · (8 min) · 1331 Ninth Ave.

(415) 566-3117

Purveyor of bread and baked goods, Arizmendi sells delicious (albeit small) slices on a thin sourdough crust ($2.50). Only one type of vegetarian pizza is served daily and includes combinations such as “Early Girl tomatoes, red onions, pepper jack cheese, garlic oil” and “roasted Yukon gold potatoes, leeks, white cheddar cheese, garlic oil.” Arizmendi even offers an online pizza calendar so you can check ahead to see what flavor is being offered on any given day. An entire pie will run you $20 and is available in a takeout box.

Patxi’s Chicago-Style Pizza (9 min) · 822 Irving St.

(415) 759-9000

For a thick, Chicago-style deep-dish slice, head here. For $4.75, you can pick from a list of meat or veggie slices of the day, and then decide if you want Chicago or thin-crust style. Heaving with cheese and an enormous layer of tomato sauce on top, the slices are definitely more filling if you’re looking to stave off hunger for as long as possible before you emerge from your study carrel again. If you visit between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., you can also snag their lunch deal — slice, salad, and drink for $9.99. Walk-ins beware: Be prepared to wait five to ten minutes for your slice — though you can call ahead for faster service.

Escape From New York Pizza · (15 min) · 1737 Haight St.

(415) 668-5577

Though the farthest trek from campus, this spot is known for its “You Say Potato” slices, which feature slices of roasted potatoes and garlic cloves over pesto sauce. Faithful customers also rave about the plain pesto slice (made with no nuts, for those who have allergies), and “The Gourmet,” sundried tomato with goat cheese, artichoke hearts and spinach. Though a little pricey (up to $4.50 per thin-crust slice), the regulars swear by it. If you’re looking to combine a little exercise with your slice, why not?