Basic Bar & Pizza
About
East Coast transplant Jon Mangini opened BASIC in 2006, transforming a 1912 warehouse in East Village into San Diego's answer to New Haven's legendary BAR. The oblong, wood-fired pies with characteristic charring became pre-game and post-game rituals for Padres fans stumbling distance from Petco Park. The NY Times, MTV, and LA Times all covered the phenomenon, especially the infamous mashed potato pizza: white pie with garlic, mozzarella, crispy bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes that became San Diego's "secret handshake." After 18 years at Tenth and J, BASIC relocated in November 2024 to Park 12 on Park Boulevard, keeping the warehouse aesthetic—brick walls, high ceilings, picnic tables, loud music, craft cocktails until 2am. Flagship of URBN Restaurant Inc., consistently recognized as "Best Pizza in San Diego" by local publications. New Haven-style means thin crust, long fermentation, baked at 1,000°F. Simple menu: pizza, salads, beers on tap.
Signature Dishes
Mashed Potato Pizza
San Diego's secret handshake: white pie with garlic, mozzarella, crispy bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes
Red Pie
Classic New Haven oblong pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your choice of toppings, charred crust
White Pie
New Haven-style without tomato sauce, garlic, mozzarella, olive oil base on thin charred crust
These signature dishes are what makes Basic Bar & Pizza special. Be sure to try them on your visit!
What to Order
Don't miss these customer favorites and staff recommendations:
Details
Pizza Style
📏 Thin Crust
Oven Type
wood-fired
Neighborhood
Downtown
Status
Unclaimed
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