THE CHEESY SIDE OF SANTEE: PIZZAMANIA

from The Santee Magazine - V12.1 - Spring 2023

CHAIR'S MESSAGE

Any way you slice it up, Santee has a seriously good selection of, you guessed it, pizza. I already hear the comments coming in about us being the chicken mecca of the universe, so for that, I couldn’t resist bringing some light to a well-known restaurant closed on Sundays… but that’s on another page you’ll have to find. For now, let’s talk (pizza) pies!

Angry Petes Pizza at Santee Lakes

9310 Fanita Parkway, Lake 4

A special new addition to onsite dining options for Santee Lakes, this new eatery has so much to offer. Besides being one of the best views in town, this unique dough-making process for Detroit-style pizza along with Michigan themed snacks and sodas will have you glad Pete moved west. Park outside the park for a quick walk in through the pedestrian gate near Lake Canyon Road and spend some time dining on the deck, soaking up the sun and enjoying the views with their tasty treats and enjoying Pete’s company in between his other customers.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation:

His specialty “Animal Style” pizza for those who can guess the spinoff here of another popular Santee eatery.

Giant Pizza King

9614 Carlton Hills Boulevard, Pathways Center

O ut of convenience, my family started ordering here occasionally because it was the closest to our home. Thankfully, I fell in love with their traditional and specialty pizzas and friendly service. When hosting a chamber event this past December, it was the pride we saw with ownership and staff that made us realize, they aren’t just serving pizza, they are baking with heart. They are great for those family nights you need a quick fix or for larger parties as their name implies, they have giant pizzas. Order over the phone or online, pick up or ask for delivery, and enjoy their cheesy baked perfection.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation:

One of their specialty pizza items, the Cheesesteak Pizza which, you guessed it, honors the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich in pizza form.

Pepper Farm Deli

235 Town Center Parkway, Suite H

Okay, I get it… this is a deli, not a pizza shop. But I had to give some love to another style of pizza and a delicious go-to for many: the flatbread pizza. Although I may frequent this shop for more than just their pizza, the quality of their product is always impressive. If you are in the mood for some high-end dining with a quick-service option, this is your spot. You may even recognize some friendly faces behind the counter (Hi Francis and John!) if you’ve been to their other business around the corner, iSquad.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation: The Chicken Chipotle Flatbread which includes chicken, mozzarella cheese, house chipotle sauce, red onions, avocado and bacon.

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing

9828 Mission Gorge Road in Trolley Square

Oggi’s has become a Santee staple. With it being right in the heart of town, it makes for an easy pairing with shopping in Trolley Square, a place to watch your favorite games, or even to head to after your kids have played theirs and you need the patio space to accommodate the team. I always trust a restaurant that can consistently stay busy - it tells me their menu is worth the wait.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation:

March Madness because 5 different cheeses never tasted better together!

Filippi's Pizza Grotto

10767 Woodside Avenue

Filippi’s is the place I want to go when I am craving the ultimate amount of cheese on my pizza. With their toppings hidden under the cheese on most of their pies, it’s easy to get excited about the gooey goodness you’re about to take in. I also love the family atmosphere inside; it seems like every time I dine in, there’s a celebration taking place just a table away.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation: All White Pizza for when you want something different than marinara!

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing

Although I could probably fill this entire magazine with reviews on every pizza joint in town, I won’t. I will, however, give you a quick list of other pizza places in town that I’m sure you have already tried, some more than once! Be sure to post your favorites on social media and share with hashtag #TasteOfSantee23 to be featured on the Santee Chamber’s pages and win a gift card to your favorite restaurant in town!

Domino’s 10251 Mast Boulevard

Kristen’s Favorite: Carry Out deals for when I need good pizza but also a good bargain!

Fox’s Giant Pizza

8011 Mission Gorge Road

Kristen’s Favorite:

Popeye Pizza for when I’m in the mood for vegetarian/meatless!

Giant Bronx Pizza & Pasta

8790 Cuyamaca Street

Kristen’s Favorite:

The create your own Gluten-Free Pizza because options are endless!

Giant New York Pizza

8933 Carlton Hills Boulevard