We’re taking the challenge off campus and into the heart of the District as we continue to try to find the best pizza in D.C. While you might have to take a Metro ride to get there, these places are worth the trip. (See our rankings from last week of pizzas on campus.)
First Place: 2 Amys
This pizza place brings you across the ocean and into a cozy, rustic Italian restaurant, proving that special pizza doesn’t have to mean complicated. 2 Amys offers fresh and simple food in just the right quantities. While it’s a bit of a hike, it’s worth traveling to this D.C. institution. If you’re there on the weekend, be sure to try their homemade doughnuts for dessert!
Hours: Tue-Thu:
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri-Sat:
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sun:
12 to 10 p.m.
Mon:
5 to 10 p.m.
Pizzas: 14 choices, 23 toppings
Price: Personal cheese pizza: $11.95
3715 Macomb St. NW
Pizzeria
Paradiso
Pizza and beer – what more could anyone ask for? Pizza Paradiso’s first location was such a hit they opened up another in Georgetown, offering almost 100 different types of beer with mouth-watering pizza. With a great staff and an awesome happy hour and pizza combination, Pizza Paradiso is a fantastic place to unwind after a long day of shopping on M Street.
Hours: Mon-Thu:
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fri-Sat:
11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Sun:
12 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pizzas: 10 choices, 37 toppings
Price: Personal cheese pizza: $9.95
2003 P St. NW and 3282 M St. NW
Third Place: Matchbox
With a thin, crispy crust that you can tell just came out of the brick oven, Matchbox is a Chinatown gem. Although it always has a line out the door, their gourmet pizzas and wonderful combinations are worth the wait.
Hours: Mon-Thu:
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat:
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sun:
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pizzas: 16 choices, plus create your own
Price: Personal cheese pizza: $11
713 H St. NW
Fourth Place: Washington Deli
Some say it’s the closest thing to New York pizza you can find in D.C. The Washington Deli offers a wide array of slices that change daily, ranging from sun-dried tomato to Sicilian meat lovers’. A great lunch and carry-out spot, this place lives up to its self-proclaimed title as “D.C.’s best pizza by the slice.”
Hours: Mon-Fri:
6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat:
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sun:
Closed
Pizzas: 23 different types of slices daily, 27 large pies
Price: One slice and a medium fountain drink: $4
1990 K St. NW
Fifth Place: Jumbo Slice
While we tend to only eat Jumbo Slice after a few drinks, it is just as good when you are sober, we promise! The alcohol is not blurring reality, it only enhances that magical satisfaction after a long night out. Whether you’re sharing or hoarding it, these extra large slices always have a great story attached to them.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Weekends: Open till 5 a.m.
Pizzas: Only 3 different types, but does it matter in the wee hours of the morning?
Price: $4 to $5 for a slice
18 Street NW between Kalorama Square and N. Belmont Rd.