One of the greatest realizations you have as a Stockton local is that pizza isn’t just a meal—it’s a social contract. Specifically, the kind you share when everyone’s gathered, and no one can agree on toppings beyond pretending they’re being adventurous. That’s the perfect recipe for a definitive ranking.
Alfalfa’s Pizza and Deli
$ | (209) 463-4400 | WEBSITE
When the whole crew is back in Stockton, you know where to go – it’s Alfalfa’s night. There are plenty of spots to grab a quick bite, but Alfalfa’s Pizza and Deli is that perfect blend of delicious comfort food in a place you actually want to hang out. The shop is clean and welcoming, with bright lighting and all the fresh aromas your growing appetite could want. Go ahead and order the $8 pizza slice that contains every type of topping you’re craving.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (209) 952-7272 | WEBSITE
It’s that point in the evening where your kids are screaming for dinner and you realize you forgot to defrost anything. Mumble an awkward excuse about needing to run a quick errand and head to Papa Murphy’s in Stockton. The brightly lit and very clean (from the open prep area) takeout spot is the kind of place where you grab a pizza to go, load up on toppings like your appetite depends on it, chat with the friendly staff, and head home way faster than you planned.
But it’s OK, dinner’s in the oven already.
Dante’s Pizza & Cafe
$$ | (209) 474-0221 | WEBSITE
While the rest of the city gets crowded with tourists, you and your family prefer to do that amongst yourselves – and that’s why you’re going to Dante’s Pizza & Cafe. This neighborhood pizza spot is the kind of place where you can take over a cozy booth with your loved ones, watch the wood-fired oven in action, and settle into the quaint atmosphere while eating generously topped pizzas until the last slice disappears.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
$$ | (209) 373-4660 | WEBSITE
Sure, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse closes at 10pm on weeknights, but maybe an early last call isn’t the worst thing in the world, considering last month you showed up to your kid’s soccer game with a cheese stick stuck to your shirt. This pizza spot right in Stockton hasn’t been around forever, but is already one of our favorite places to eat with the family.
The vegetarian pizzas are satisfying, they have a big parking lot filled with shade trees, and if you get hungry, the Monday special with 50% off large pizzas is tremendous.
Town Pizza & More
$ | (209) 465-8696 | WEBSITE
Your cousin who just moved from New York won’t stop complaining that California doesn’t know real pizza. Prove him wrong by dragging him to Town Pizza & More, where you can show him Stockton has some serious pizza game. This Cambodian-owned spot near Wilson Way is basically a glorified takeout counter, which is good news for your cousin because their pizza is some of the best in town. But Town Pizza goes far beyond good pizza – it’s also just a place where you want to get your food.
There’s a friendly staff, a full menu of rice plates and teriyaki bowls for non-pizza people, and prices that are actually very reasonable. Get the personal-sized pizza with ranch dressing.
Eric’s New York Style Pizza
$ | (209) 463-6339 | WEBSITE
Every weekend you and your family debate where to eat and end up at the same tired chain restaurants and act like you’re on vacation. Take your tradition into reality at Eric’s New York Style Pizza, the pizza joint right in Stockton that’s remained a go-to family spot in an area with no shortage of pizza places. The difference at Eric’s is it’s actually a pretty solid value in its own right, with a casual, family-friendly vibe that isn’t nearly as chaotic as it sounds.
David’s Pizza Quail Lakes
$ | (209) 472-1011 | WEBSITE
Stockton might not be known for pizza, but you can find comfort at David’s Pizza Quail Lakes. Sure, its convenient location is practical, but for some reason (probably nostalgia), it doesn’t feel generic. The customers are mostly from the nearby Quail Lakes homes and are always down to grab a quick slice, the pizza is warm, and there’s usually some sort of friendly service happening. Don’t worry, it’s still decent pizza inside.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
$ | (209) 474-7470 | WEBSITE
After dealing with yet another power outage at home while trying to watch the big game, you swore off cooking for good. Time to reclaim your pizza-eating glory days at Mountain Mike’s Pizza. This Stockton pizza joint is a reliable spot almost every single day of the week, complete with tempting Luau pizza aromas, fresh salad bar choices, and staff members delivering friendly service while crafting your toasty-edged pies. Plus, there isn’t a single uncomfortable seat in sight.
Pizza Guys
$$ | (209) 490-5111 | WEBSITE
You become a different person when you’re with your family – and that person is a pizza connoisseur. Since you have too much self-respect these days to wait forever for a decent pie, head to Pizza Guys on West Lane instead. The family-friendly spot hidden behind the usual chains has amazing pizza, a staff that won’t disappoint you, and service that just won’t quit.
CAPs Pizza and Tap House
$ | (209) 594-0749 | WEBSITE
Your old college friends decided to come to Stockton for Thanksgiving and want to experience local nightlife firsthand. But the last thing you want is to be shouting over loud music when you have to get up at 7am to put the 18-lb turkey in the oven. Find middle ground and head to CAPs Pizza and Tap House. The laid-back spot is a casual, funky place and, for that reason alone, avoids the typical bar chaos.
Here you’ll find a stiletto-less crowd playing cornhole and Jenga, and drinking one of the many craft beers they have on draft. There’s no hard liquor here, but that’s probably for the best.
Walker’s Pizza & Deli
$ | (209) 465-8955 | WEBSITE
Your weekend errands have you near the neighborhood park, so dinner plans are up for grabs. But then you remember you’re a grown-up, and cooking feels more like a chore than anything else. Walker’s is the grab-and-go pizza place where you and your crew can grab a large pie for under twenty bucks, enjoy that crispy, airy crust and laugh with the super friendly staff for a bit, then head home hours before the evening rush even starts.
