Maybe I'm just getting old but it feels like every new pizza place is a chain or some 20 dollar personal pie with three leaves of arugula on it. I don't need a scene, I want a real pie from a place that has been doing it for years and isn't trying to reinvent it.
Where do you actually go for good pizza that isn't a chain? Give me the spot you'd drive for.
Okay you're speaking my language. Bestia in the Arts District does a proper pie and it's five minutes from me, the guanciale one is unreal. If you want old school no scene, Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock is the answer, cash-friendly, thin crust, been there forever. It's a bit of a drive for you but people wait an hour for it for a reason.
Also Pizzeria Sei over in Pico-Robertson if you don't mind Neapolitan, that one is worth booking ahead.
Casa Bianca is the one, no contest. Eagle Rock institution, been slinging the same pie for decades, sausage and mushroom, red booths, zero pretense. That's your drive-for-it spot right there.
Gjelina in Venice does a really good pie if you're ever out this way, the wild nettle one is so good. Not old school exactly but not a chain and not trying too hard either.
Pitfire in Echo Park is the easy solid pick for a normal night out too.
Prime Pizza is my lazy answer, a few locations, thin New York style, no arugula nonsense. When I actually leave the house for it though it's Casa Bianca like everyone's saying.
Try Esco's New York Style Pizza. I had people from NY trying that one. They loved it. The owner Esco was born in NY and his father had a pizzeria over there. I think you can taste that.
No fancy things, just good pizza
Esco’s wasn’t on my radar until now. The best NY style pizza I ever had in L.A. was Pizzarito in Marina Del Rey. Hard to top I believe.
Just checked them on Maps. That one looks truly legit. Will check it out soon.
The Coop Pizza In Palms right next to the Metro E Line station. Very little spot, but great slices. One of these old school places that just delivers.
Haha l was a regular when I lived in Palms. Amazing place and they sell per slice.
.. they do, 10 to 18 inches. Starts at $ 3,50 with plain cheese and then 75 cents for each additional topping. Very fair pricing. 
