The idea for Lefty's came from the over-abundance of mom and pop shops we grew up with in and around Chicago - ahh the ease of ordering a deep dish or grabbing a dog, a bag of fries-a beef sandwich, and ALL of the happy feelings that came along. Fortunately, we soon tired of missing those mouth-watering and comforting flavors of our second-city past and began spending hours in our little California kitchens.
We conjured up recipes and force-fed our friends, trying to re-create those pies haunting our taste buds. With so many wonderfully unique Chicagoland pizzerias, we cannot begin to compare what we are creating with any one particular spot. What we do claim - we strive to bring you the best Chicago-style pizza possible along with the Windy City's other infamous street treats while here in America's finest city.
We conjured up recipes and force-fed our friends, trying to re-create those pies haunting our taste buds. With so many wonderfully unique Chicagoland pizzerias, we cannot begin to compare what we are creating with any one particular spot. What we do claim - we strive to bring you the best Chicago-style pizza possible along with the Windy City's other infamous street treats while here in America's finest city.
Reviews (24)
Monique T.
Feb 01, 2022
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Great deep dish pizza in San Diego! I got two slices to share. The pesto with ricotta is a nice balance of slightly salty pesto with the cheese. The mushroom with tomato and basil was a little less flavorful on its own, but perfect with the Parmesan and red chili flakes!
Lefty's heated up our slices and boxed them up with napkins and toppings securely hanging on the side.
Service was quick and friendly.
There are several countertop seats inside and an outside covered patio. They also have malt vinegar and a few other condiments if you eat there.
Def recommend coming before busy hours
Lefty's heated up our slices and boxed them up with napkins and toppings securely hanging on the side.
Service was quick and friendly.
There are several countertop seats inside and an outside covered patio. They also have malt vinegar and a few other condiments if you eat there.
Def recommend coming before busy hours
Adam C.
Feb 01, 2022
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Clarke Moyer
Jan 31, 2022
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Jenner B.
Jan 16, 2022
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I've been craving some deep dish pizza.Luckily we came here for my department team build with some Axe Throwing after.
We ordered the meaty deep dish, which lives up to its name. It had a nice crispy crust with a lot of meat. Very well seasoned and complimented well with the sauce and cheese. Which was also generously added. I wish I took a picture of it, but when you pulled a slice. You'd see strings of cheese clinging to both sides. A good indicator to the quantity of cheese used.
We also ordered beer and loaded fries. They have a decent beer selection, both in cans and draft. Their
We ordered the meaty deep dish, which lives up to its name. It had a nice crispy crust with a lot of meat. Very well seasoned and complimented well with the sauce and cheese. Which was also generously added. I wish I took a picture of it, but when you pulled a slice. You'd see strings of cheese clinging to both sides. A good indicator to the quantity of cheese used.
We also ordered beer and loaded fries. They have a decent beer selection, both in cans and draft. Their
Taylor C.
Dec 31, 2021
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Amazing!! Went the morning One Door North and was SO disappointed with the service. Sat there for an hour before we got drinks. So we left and went to Lefty's. Little did we know they'd have the best food in San Diego!! Everything happens for a reason, we will be coming to this spot as often as possible!! Amazing service and even better food! 10/10
Sarah D.
Dec 23, 2021
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Sarah Schiff
Dec 19, 2021
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David Pearling
Nov 24, 2021
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Ben Y.
Nov 20, 2021
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Solid deep dish but the regular deep dish (not the stuffed) is the way to go.
The stuffed one is just too big, it's basically just a giant stack of toppings with barely any crust on the bottom (seemed paper thin).
I know that description can sound amazing but it's just an overly salty mess at that point. Maybe if you get mainly veggie toppings with it it might not be bad.
The stuffed one is just too big, it's basically just a giant stack of toppings with barely any crust on the bottom (seemed paper thin).
I know that description can sound amazing but it's just an overly salty mess at that point. Maybe if you get mainly veggie toppings with it it might not be bad.
Gino R.
Nov 17, 2021
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OMG, have you ever tried a dish that made you smile after the first bite. Then lie to your friends saying it is real bad so you don't have to share! Well this was the case! The CARBONARA was the one. I am willing to drive 30 minutes to get here! That is how good this damn pasta is! I forgot to take a picture cause it was that good. So I took the picture after I was rubbing my belly!
Camille P.
Oct 18, 2021
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The last few times that we have ordered from Lefty's have been disappointing but this was the worst yet. While I did request that the pizza be well done, this was clearly burnt beyond being edible. Also the bag of fries (which were not requested to be well done) were dry and way overcooked, and these too are inedible.
Ob Penguin
Oct 17, 2021
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Nanette H.
Oct 03, 2021
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My mom and I ordered the thin crust to go and it was amazing. Cut into little squares and delish.
One not so good thing here was the slices to go pizza had flies around them. The cashier didn't seemed concerned and blamed the weather. I think there should be a better solution to keep the slices safe from bugs. I will only order a whole pie from here because of that experience.
One not so good thing here was the slices to go pizza had flies around them. The cashier didn't seemed concerned and blamed the weather. I think there should be a better solution to keep the slices safe from bugs. I will only order a whole pie from here because of that experience.
The Ortega'S.
Sep 18, 2021
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Anthony N.
Aug 30, 2021
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I love this place! I've never been to Chicago, so my experience with deep dish is limited to the West Coast but, from what I hear everyone has their own opinion about it, so it's all good either way! Well it really comes down to for me, is quality of service, pricing, and obviously taste! Leftys hits all three of those marks. Every time I order from them I feel like they're putting their best foot forward. I've never had bad service, and I've always enjoyed the experience.
As far as the pizzas go, I kind of have to be in the mood for it because it is very heavy, but every
As far as the pizzas go, I kind of have to be in the mood for it because it is very heavy, but every
Blake Johnston
Aug 04, 2021
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I used to visit Chicago a lot for work, and often miss some of the specific food oddities they have in the Midwest. Luckily, Lefty's is around to satisfy those needs. Their deep dish is very good, but if you want the the true stuffed deep dish, the cook time is about an hour so plan ahead. Also their Italian beef sandwiches are very good, and somewhat similar to Portillo's back in the Midwest. I often go for the CBGB, because who doesn't want an Italian beef sandwich on cheesy garlic bread?! I think it's worthwhile for everyone to try at least once in their life. The staff is very nice, but their
H. Guerra
Jul 26, 2021
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My rating is based on the pizza since it's all I get here. Its top 3 in the state, no questions. Their thin crust is crispy around the edges with delicious sauce and tasty ingredients. They are generous with toppings and Ive never been charged for extra cheese. They give you your order with paper plates, cheese, peppers, and some of the best ranch for free. The deep dish is delicious as well, with plenty of toppings. Its a small pie but a single slice will fill up an adult, 2 if you're a gluten for punishment. The staff is always in a good mood, they're polite and very professional. One of my favorite
Karla R.
Jun 02, 2021
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I think the coolest thing about Lefty's is that they offer deep dish pizza by the slice and also offer New York -style slices.
If you're in the mood for either or if you and a friend can't agree on what style of pizza is better, come to Lefty's. They have a good selection of pies at decent prices and a few beers and sodas to choose from, so you'll be able to find something you like here.
The pizza was pretty tasty! I liked their NY style more than deep dish, personally, though. Lefty's has fun, Chicago-inspired decor that shows you someone who actually grew up in
If you're in the mood for either or if you and a friend can't agree on what style of pizza is better, come to Lefty's. They have a good selection of pies at decent prices and a few beers and sodas to choose from, so you'll be able to find something you like here.
The pizza was pretty tasty! I liked their NY style more than deep dish, personally, though. Lefty's has fun, Chicago-inspired decor that shows you someone who actually grew up in
Andrew Dabydeen
Apr 03, 2021
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Justin F.
Mar 23, 2021
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One of my friends told me about this place while we were hiking and I decided to give this place a shot after the long hike. The business is located in the corner and parking is a little tricky, especially if it's during the weekend.
Once I arrived inside I was quickly greeted and admired the atmosphere of the business. The menu was located directly behind the cash register and was easy to read. I decided to have what they had out front behind the glass and went with a slice of deep dish pepperoni, and a slice of deep dish sausage, along with a side of garlic cheese bread and a drink.
The
Once I arrived inside I was quickly greeted and admired the atmosphere of the business. The menu was located directly behind the cash register and was easy to read. I decided to have what they had out front behind the glass and went with a slice of deep dish pepperoni, and a slice of deep dish sausage, along with a side of garlic cheese bread and a drink.
The
Dawn Bright
Feb 10, 2021
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Francisco D.
Jan 31, 2021
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This place is pretty good for their deep dish pizza.
Now some minor details...
Parking? Few spots around the corner, many more in the residential. Mind your step, its dark.
Covid safe? No outdoor dining, customers were waiting outside. Pretty safe.
Down to the good stuff.
Pizza? Yea, its good. How good? The ingredients were really fresh and the taste was there. They did not hold back on anything, healthy amount of...just about everything.
The dough is good but I felt it it was a bit undercooked. I like my edges slightly burnt, but thats just me.
Now, is it as good as the ones in Chicago
Now some minor details...
Parking? Few spots around the corner, many more in the residential. Mind your step, its dark.
Covid safe? No outdoor dining, customers were waiting outside. Pretty safe.
Down to the good stuff.
Pizza? Yea, its good. How good? The ingredients were really fresh and the taste was there. They did not hold back on anything, healthy amount of...just about everything.
The dough is good but I felt it it was a bit undercooked. I like my edges slightly burnt, but thats just me.
Now, is it as good as the ones in Chicago
Melissa F.
Dec 25, 2020
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I wasn't that impressed with the deep dish- the toppings were great, everything was made fresh but the sauce was missing something, and it was not as cheesy as I was hoping.
However, they redeemed themselves with their french fries in their Hot Dog combo- wow the french fries are amazing, they remind me of the kind you get from 5 Guys. I would return, but not for the pizza.
However, they redeemed themselves with their french fries in their Hot Dog combo- wow the french fries are amazing, they remind me of the kind you get from 5 Guys. I would return, but not for the pizza.
Emil Johansson
Sep 05, 2017
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We had a hard time deciding but eventually we settled for "The Legend" with tomato, pepperoni and some other Italian sausages.
When we got a pizza, I took a slice and was immediately filled up. We continued eating, but after almost an hour, four people still had not been able to eat the entire pizza. So we got a box, took it home, and ate it a few hours later. And I must admit; it was still REALLY good cold.
Recommended!
When we got a pizza, I took a slice and was immediately filled up. We continued eating, but after almost an hour, four people still had not been able to eat the entire pizza. So we got a box, took it home, and ate it a few hours later. And I must admit; it was still REALLY good cold.
Recommended!
