Great pizza! This is a 1 man shop and Stu is an honest and great guy. Man knows his pizza. We ordered a red sauce, sausage and pepper as well as a white, garlic and tomato. Let me tell you that I am not a white pizza kinda gal. This one was fire! Must try for sure! My hubby, a New England pizza snob, had nothing but the highest compliments. Tucked in a tiny corner in a nondescript strip mall, don't let its unassuming facade faze you. Totally worth the trip. read more

Really wanted to like it better particularly at $20+ for a large pepperoni pie. Toppings, sauce and cheese were good. But crust just didnt meet what I was hoping for and the crust makes the pie. Was a bit rubbery for my taste. Not bad but not the golden ticket Im looking for locally. The search continues read more

Solid Pie. Great price. Great balance of cheese, crispy bread, sauce and fresh toppings . Support your local businesses!!! read more

Hammer's NY Pizza - Solid Pie. Good price. - Pizza Near Me - Encinitas, California

Lived in Encinitas my whole life and I'm bummed I haven't found this place sooner! I got a slice of cheese and a slice of pepperoni. Thin crust Flavorful tomato sauce Perfectly greasy Thanks! read more

First time having pizza from this location and the service and food didn't disappoint. They're busy for a reason and this pizza was so good! read more

Hammer's NY Pizza - XL pie with pepperoni and mushrooms - Pizza Near Me - Encinitas, California

Place was easy to find. Small, cute spot. Reviews sort of misled me. I had higher expectations because of it but honestly, if it wasn't for the customer service and the actual flavor of the sauce I would probably give it a two based on the pizza as a whole. toppings and sauce were scarcely distributed. With 2 large pizzas that came out to $40? I really expected more. Not to mention, by my 2nd slice, the dough started to harden. Like, really? I'm not being picky either the people that had the pizza with me, were also quite disappointed and regret trying a new spot they have not had before. read more

Oh man I'm loving life. Bronx pizza downtown and then right when I thought moving to north county would ruin my chances of good ol Home Style pizza (I'm from nyc)...enter Hammer! First off the man himself is amazing. Such a cool cat with amazing energy and straight up East coast! Felt like I was home at one of my go to Brooklyn joints for a pie or slice. Next the pizza is perfect. Sauce is just right? Cheese has that nice light char but the rest of it Stays golden. The crust has a good semi thin consistency. This is " one bite" material and someone get Dave portnoy here because this is the real deal! My new go to for amazing pizza. You won't be disappointed. read more

Best NY style pizza in the area. Just the right thickness and crunch to the crust and tasty, flavorful sauce. Very friendly owner. Happy to have stumbled upon this literal hole in the wall. Doesn't look like much from the street but don't let it fool you, it's packed with flavor and homestyle goodness. Will be back for takeout soon. read more

OMG! Why is this place not super packed! The pizza-by-the-slice is a geedee deal! And the owner Hammer is awesome and funny AF! Everyone should buy all his goods! read more

Hammer's NY Pizza - Lotsa variety!! - Pizza Near Me - Encinitas, California

AMAZING. closest thing to real east coast pizza we have found out here and it's so good. The homemade cannolis and garlic knots are also great. 10/10 read more

Hammer's NY Pizza is officially our go-to for pizza. Quality made and delicious pizza. Nothin fancy, just quality made pizza. Hammer is also great! read more

The best pizza you can find in North County by a New York mile. The quality of his sauce along with the ratio of cheese is a perfect combination. The crust is also has a perfect bake and is neither soggy or overly crisp. Not too much of a wait for a pie and the service is no nonsense and direct, the NY way. read more

I now have to order a pizza so I can leave a review on the One Bite App. This review is based on the two times we've had pizza from here over 3 years ago, If I could give this place a 9 or 9.9 I'd do it, for now 5 stars is as close as I can get. This is hands down THE best pizza imho ever, I love light but crunchy flavorful crust and this place is as good as it gets. If I lived closer I'd be having a hard time staying on keto diet, but sooooo worth the occasional break I'm 36 years old and I haven't found a better pizza since but I also haven't tried pizza from out of the country so that's why I can't give it a 10, this is the best in MY life at the moment. Will update if anything changes. read more

Best NY pizza , and the abuse is FREE! This is the kind of pizza place where real men go for real pizza, and there are only two bathrooms not three or four or whatever read more

You go to a pizzeria for pizza. Notice they don't have pastas! That's because it's pizza NOT Italian restaurant!! ( I learned that from a proprietor of a pizza place ). This is the place for Pizza Encinitas!!! read more

This restaurant was a class act! I accidentally ordered a pizza here because I thought I was in walking distance and I was an hour away. They were so nice and understanding that I couldn't make it there. Really appreciate the kindness and will make it a point to come back next time I am in actually closer! read more

Great pizza, definitely my favorite place to go to. NY thin style crust, and not greasy like other places. read more

Hammer's NY Pizza - So good! - Pizza Near Me - Encinitas, California

Best Authentic New York Pizza in town! Owner is "real people" , very warm and friendly. Cannolis are made to order, and very yummy!!

Usually Yelp doesn't steer me wrong, but I was pretty disappointed in this basic pizza place that I found when looking for a replacement to the recently closed down Manhattan Giant in Encinitas. The pizza was really bland and lacking - and we tried three different slices for comparison. Cheese because that's the best way to get to the basics of how a place makes pizza, pepperoni because, well, pepperoni, and another of their more interesting and recommended slices, and I can't remember what it was. Of all of them, the pepperoni was okay, but just okay. To be fair we ONLY tried a few of their reheated "by the slice" selections, I would assume their fresh out of the oven pies are better... but I'll probably never return to find out. The place is really bare bones, pretty much only for take out. There is a small 2-top table inside and a patio table in the parking lot. They have a glass case with a few slices available and offer a couple of lunch deals at a fair price. The slices though tasted like they were yesterdays leftover pizza reheated in a toaster oven. read more

Best pizza in North county. There is nothing left to say, but Yelp makes me write more. So I will say it again. Best pizza in North county.

My husband stumbled into Hammer's one night as last minute dinner idea. When he got home- the pizza, knots and salad were devoured. Did I mention my kids AREN'T big pizza fans? So It came as a surprise when a couple weeks later, when we had family in town and they asked my kids where to eat, "Let's go to Hammers!" As some posts mention- post Saturday lunch crowd seems to wipe out the solo slices. So we opted for a whole 1/2 pep and 1/2 cheese. I love the thin crust, and the flavor added into the sauce. It's not over powering, but doesn't taste bland at all. If you do choose to eat there- the seating is really limited, so I do not recommend groups larger than four. It was nice talking to Hammer himself, he's well traveled and accommodated us as if we were at a sit down place. We will definitely return again! read more

Just moved to north county a month or so ago, this was my first time ordering from Hammer's. I was born and raised in NY and make pizza there for 3 years growing up so when i moved out here I made it part of my mission to find the best NY style pies. This is most definitely NY style pizza. Thin, crisp, good tang on the sauce & good quality cheese- you can tell the difference. Top tier NY style pizza in all of San Diego county from what I've tried- and that list is pretty extensive. Good enough to get me to write a review which is rare. If I had one critique, it would be that it could use a bit more sauce, that being said- I ordered half white and half cheese, which may be why the cheese half was a little light on sauce. Will definitely be getting this again as it's the most authentic NY style I've had in north county by far. read more

The guy that runs this shop is awesome; quite a character.. he is definitely a true brooklynite. I think he runs this shop all by himself.. check the hours, because they vary daily. I had a sausage and olive Stromboli.. first of all, it's hard to find Stromboli, and even harder to find a good one around here. The dough was incredible, cheese good, and fillings solid. I couldn't recommend this place more. Just call ahead, they can get busy. read more

Awesome Brooklyn pizza! Thin crust, very good. It's hidden. I must have driven past the place 500 times and didn't see it. Glad I found it.

I don't know if we went there on a bad day. Got there, first time here.. One guy working and we didn't mind waiting since we had a lot to look at on the menu.. He asked if we were ordering from the menu and we said yes.. But then he had an attitude about us wanting the lunch special? It's on the menu.. So idk what that was about.. And the pizza choices he has where two greasy choices, pepperoni and cheese. I'm just not sure why this run down place has so many stars read more

Easily my favorite pizza in Encinitas. Good slices but I usually carry out and eat at home. New York style pizza made by a New York City transplant. Consistently very good pie shop. Side story - came to pick up my pizza and didn't have my money to pay (long story) but he gave me the pizza anyway and asked me to just square up with him next time. Pretty cool if you ask me. read more

Hello, We just moved to Carlsbad and started looking for a go to place. It is a difficult transition to uproot and replant. We are running around doing errands, setting up appointments and other necessary things in life. Well, no pots, pans, dishes or fresh groceries mean searching for good eats, Hammer's NY Pizza. The location is in a small strip mall and the parking is a minimum. The only way in is by traveling northbound on El Camino Real. Do not turn right too early, there is another group of stores with cables cordoning off (yes, correct spelling) the parking areas. There were a number of customers even at 1415 hrs (2:15 pm). The gentleman behind the counter was solo and working very hard. He was very friendly and speaking his mind. The precooked sliced pizzas looked delicious. I ordered the Hammer's Deluxe. He mentioned that it was a local favorite and the guest before me had purchased one. The gentleman informed me that it would be fresh out of the oven in about 20 minutes. I paid, thanked him and informed him that I would run some errands. I returned and the box was awaiting me. I thanked him again and went home. My wife and I were very impressed with the pizza. The crust was delightfully crunchy on the end and crisp/chewy with the sauce and topping. My wife was savoring the outer crust. I just kept eating and eating. The toppings were just the right amount of veggies, meat, cheese and sauce ratio. I think we found our new go to place. Thank you Hammer. Thank you for you time, Lboy. read more

Omg. I grew up in New Jersey, I'm literally in ecstasy eating this pizza where have you been all my life?! This will be our new Friday night tradition read more

Hammer's serves great authentic NY pizza for a special treat! The pizza is served hot with the thin crispy crust and wonderful taste. The service is great and the owner is very friendly. We enjoyed our visit. read more

Great NY pizza for Cali! Thin crust and crispy with good sauce. Tried the margarita , plain and pepperoni. Plain was the best option, and would get that one again. The others were also delicious. Owner is a good guy read more

This is the best pizza in Encinitas! Everything was really fresh, thin crispy crust and great Caesar salad also. This is our new go-to for sure. read more

I've been searching for a true NY pizza place for years...this is it. Perfect thin crust, easily foldable and delish sauce. Wish I had tried it earlier. Best pizza I've had out of NY! read more

Seriously best pizza in this area. I'm in love. Perfect sauce, perfect crust. Fast service. I ordered delivery, never been to the store itself, but I will be ordering again anytime I want pizza. Seriously! read more

It's 4.5 on yelp, I'd say it's 4 star overall pizza. The guys running the show are nice, but easily frazzled. You do your part, they'll do theirs. Don't dilly dally. These guys are New Yorkers ya know? read more

Hammer's pizza is legit. Hammer himself usually helps you out and he's hilarious. Been happy with everything we've tried there. Bonus points for pics from the sopranos on the walls. Give it a shot read more

Although I've posted a review before, this pizza still remains our favorite in Carlsbad area! Thanks again!

Whatever you do, don't tell the guy behind the counter how happy you are to have found this "hidden gem." He HATES that phrase, mainly because he's got a huge sign out front that renders his business anything but hidden. However, although it's on El Camino Real, it's set off the road just a bit, tucked in behind a watch repair shop, and it's more of a counter than a sit-down restaurant, so one could be easily forgiven for filing Hammer's under the "hidden gem" category. Food-wise, Hammer's serves up authentic east coast thin crust, hot, crispy and with just the right amount of sauce. Two slices is all I need, but if you're having a couple people over, a whole pie will be a huge hit. It's super quick and the guy is funny and a pleasure to chat with while you wait. Is this pizza radically different than East Coast Pizza in Cardiff, or Flippin' Pizza, just up the road? Not really. It's just as good though. Where Hammer's sets itself apart is with the calzones and strombolis. If you find yourself with a roaring appetite, try one of their strombolis - you can pack in whatever ingredients you want, along with cheese and sauce, rolled up in their sweet, delicious dough. Don't make plans after though, as you won't want to leave the couch. It's that good. Hammer's is now officially in my regular pizza rotation. read more

I had seen outstanding reviews for Hammer's, but had not had a chance to try it. After all, it seems that 80% of new businesses in Encinitas are pizza places. I should preface this by saying I'm not from New York, and I don't have a deep seeded fixation on New York style pizza. That being said, I did not love the pizza. For one pizza with three toppings, we ran up a nearly $25 bill. I'm willing to pay for quality, but this just didn't seem worth it to me. The sauce was sparse, the pizza itself was relatively unflavorful. Again, maybe it'd because I don't worship at the New York style pizza alter, but compared to their competitor East Coast Pizza in Cardiff, I'd choose East Coast everytime (I've yet to try Allen's or Giant NY pizza yet). The thing that really grinded my gears was a sign posted behind the counter. It asks customers to not pay with airline/hotel/rewards credit cards. As a compulsive collector of miles/points, I understand that premium cards cost more per swipe, but we are talking 1-2% difference. It seems like nickel and diming to post this sign. Just embed the cost into your price like everyone else does. We are talking like 25 cents difference, no one will notice. The sign draws attention to this kind of skinflinting. read more

Best pizza we have had in a very long time!!! Loved it! Definitely our new go to for pizza!

For some reason Encinitas has a LOT of pizza joints. Alot. And they're all pretty good, to great. And for a guy who loves pizza (though with my lactose condition sometimes pizza doesn't love me back), this makes Encinitas a cheesy meaty pizza wonderland. And Hammer's NY did not disappoint. I came in on a lazy Sunday early evening and wanted to just grab a few slices and a drink. The usual combo that every local Enci pizza joint has, at the expected price of around $7 (Here it was exactly $7.00). It was an hour before closing and a slow Sunday, so they didnt have many options for premade slices. I got the garlic artichoke, which I was hoping to find anyway, and a plain cheese. If they had everything available I probably would have gotten the garlic artichoke and a pepperoni, so not far off from what I wanted. I always measure how good food is if the first bite results in me bumping my fist and exclaiming "oooh yeah!" And though I calmly reserved the fist bump to myself because I was alone, there was a definite oh yeah expressed. The dough and the crust were perfect. Earlier in the day I had decided today was going to be a day where I eat a thin crust pizza. Possibly in its entirety. And by myself. Please dont judge me. I like pizza. Alot.. anyways since it was a lazy Sunday and not wanting to get out of my pajamas, I had contemplated the notion of getting a Domino's pizza delivered to my door. But boy am I glad I didnt. I see why Hammers has a 5.0 avg rating. The pizza is good. Stand out above the rest good. And one of these days I'll come back and get a whole pie with toppings of my choosing. But the 2 I had today were already good enough to warrant a 5 star rating from me. The store is a little hard to find but turn into the TIMEKEEPERS parking lot off El Camino and its right there. Also the 2 guys (one of them was the owner I think) were very friendly. Glad to have found this place! (Though my stomach and waistline not so much) read more