I agree on the average level of pizza here being low (grew up in Chicagoland, now east bay resident for 9 years) but there are some bright spots. Zachary’s specifically is the best Chicago style deep dish I’ve found outside of Chicago. In fact it’s better than most I had in Chicago, not all to be clear since Uno still holds it for me. Patxis is pretty decent too, though less traditional it’s still on the level of say Giordano’s (roughly third tier Chicago style IMO). Oddly though, if I want a good New York style or tavern style slice, that’s much harder. Mountain Mike’s at least uses good pepperoni, but the odd crust depth is not ideal. At least there are options.

Agreed. There is maybe 1 or 2 decent pizza places in all of the Bay Area. My grandfather was a chef from Connecticut who lived in CA for 40 years. I also lived in the Bay Area for about 30 years. Once upon a time the chain Pizz'A Chicago in San Jose was okay, but IIRC it broke up or changed.

Edit: If anyone knows of decent pizza in Austin that isn't hipster, overpriced, inconsistent, and/or trash, let me know. I've been disappointed by every pizza place so far.

Tell me the best pizza you’ve had in the Bay Area and I’ll quickly respond with a ton of better places.

Yes, pizza culture is better in Chicago + NY + MA, but the Bay Area has probably what I’d say is the best pizza culture vs all other metro areas out west

Long Bridge in SF and Emilia’s in Berkeley are just as good as the best pizza I’ve had in NY. And that’s just off the top of my head.

Don’t forget the guy who can’t make up his mind so he tries to be both a food snob and the voice of the people at the same time