Skateboarders and dirt bikers now have a pizza joint uniquely their own—Papi’s Pizza by the Slice on J Street is built around these rough and ready sports themes. Small and rumpled-feeling, the no-frills establishment features a number of skateboard decks attached to the black sales counter, a ramp jutting out of one wall (we were told it’s not used, though I bet skater-customers are tempted) and five televisions noisily broadcasting coverage of the two sports. A slouchy, low-slung black couch is rammed up against one wall for patrons seeking a comfortable seating arrangement, and stunning tattoo-inspired paintings hang like colorful jewels on the gray and black walls. The menu is limited, and pizzas by the slice are the restaurant’s sole specialty. Sports fan or not, you’ll like the enormous slices—they have very thin, crispy crusts and undeniably flavorful toppings. Our favorite was covered with shredded chicken, a sharp, richly-flavored cheese reminiscent of Gruyere, and soft caramelized yellow onions that were the perfect, liltingly sweet partner for the cheese. A simple, pretty tomato and basil pizza tasted of a fleeting, sunny Sacramento summer, and the chewy pepperoni pizza even had enough pepperoni for the kids – and that’s saying something. Papi’s has an urban, slipshod ambience that may not be appreciated by some midtown diners, but it’s worth looking past the scuffed skateboards and frenetic dirt bike footage to dig your dentures into one of the kitchen’s yummy pizzas. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Papi’s is open until a whopping 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights

Payment methods: MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: No alcohol



Hours: Monday–Wednesday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–3 .am. (yep, really)
Sunday: Closed