Pizza My Heart

- 117 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112

Pizza My Heart is a beloved California institution that brings the laid-back, sun-soaked vibe of the Central Coast directly to the heart of Downtown San Jose. More than just a pizza joint, this establishment is known for its fun, retro surfer theme, a hallmark of the chain that originated in Capitola, CA, in 1981. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, decorated with surfing memorabilia and a cheerful spirit, making it a favorite hang-out for a diverse community, including college students from the nearby university, families, groups, and tourists looking for an authentic piece of California culture and cuisine.

Dedicated to serving fresh, hand-tossed pizza, Pizza My Heart is committed to using the best ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, reflecting a true California ethos. The menu is robust, offering both whole pies and the convenience of pizza by the slice—a feature that makes it a perfect stop for a quick bite or a customizable meal. From classic favorites to award-winning specialty pies and modern vegan options, the kitchen focuses on delivering fresh, flavorful pizzas and a variety of complementary items, ensuring there’s something for everyone at any time of day.

This particular San Jose location inherited its legacy from a merger with the local Pizza-a-Go-Go in 1997, solidifying its place in the Silicon Valley food scene. It has since become a key gathering spot, popular for its quick service and extensive offerings. While the quality of fresh pizza is consistently praised, the convenience and accessibility of dining here are just as much a part of its appeal, cemented by its fantastic location and long operating hours. It truly serves as an excellent, friendly option for satisfying those mid-day hunger pangs or late-night cravings.

The Downtown San Jose location of Pizza My Heart is strategically positioned to serve the vibrant urban center and the academic community. Its address places it just steps away from San Jose State University, making it an extremely popular and convenient choice for students and faculty, as well as anyone working or living in the downtown area.

The specific location details are:

• Address: 117 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Accessibility is a strong focus at this location, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The establishment offers robust features for physical accessibility, making dining comfortable and convenient for everyone. Parking is available with options for both free street parking and paid street parking nearby. This ensures that whether you're driving in or walking over, accessing the restaurant is straightforward.

Key accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Pizza My Heart provides a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the California consumer, from a relaxed dine-in experience to fast delivery.

• Dine-in: Patrons can enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy environment with available seating, including outdoor seating for enjoying the pleasant California weather.
• Takeout: Ideal for individuals who prefer to pick up a quick bite, like a few slices, to enjoy elsewhere.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery options, including a no-contact delivery service for maximum convenience and safety.
• Catering: Comprehensive catering services are available, perfect for groups, office lunches, or large events, with options like the Catering Chicken Walnut Salad ($69.00) and Mixed Greens ($51.00).
• Dining Options: Serves lunch and dinner, and is a popular choice for late-night food.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms are available for dine-in guests.
• Payments: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Pizza My Heart’s popularity stems from a blend of unique features that go beyond just great pizza.

• Pizza by the Slice: A core feature allowing customers to quickly grab a slice of a specialty pie, such as the Big Sur Slice ($7.80) or Old-School Pepperoni Slice ($6.90).
• Iconic T-Shirt Promotion: A famed local specialty and part of the PMH brand. Customers can purchase the 'Classic $5 T-Shirt!' ($7.20) often associated with a slice deal, turning the restaurant into a recognizable regional icon. Over a million of these shirts have been sold, making them a collector's item and a major part of the brand’s identity.
• Award-Winning & Specialty Pizzas: Features pies like the Big Sur, renowned for 40 cloves of roasted garlic, pepperoni, and sausage, and the unique Watsonville Apple. Many specialty pizzas have won awards at major pizza competitions, highlighting the quality of the food.
• Excellent Vegan Options: A dedication to modern dining needs, featuring vegan specialty pizzas like the Vegan Big Sur ($25.92) and Mt. Diablo (V) ($30.60), which use high-quality, plant-based ingredients like Miyoko's plant-based mozzarella and Beyond Meat sausage.
• Late-Night Service: A reliable source of late-night food, catering to the needs of the downtown and university crowd.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Pizza: Offers an array of sides and salads, including Chicken Wings ($13.19), Bread Stix ($10.20), the Greek Salad ($9.30), and the tempting Cinna-Bomb dessert ($9.00).
• Inclusivity: The atmosphere is family-friendly, good for kids (with high chairs and a kids' menu), and openly LGBTQ+ friendly.

For inquiries, placing an order, or discussing catering options, the contact information for the Downtown San Jose location is:

• Address: 117 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
• Phone Number: (408) 280-0707

Pizza My Heart is a worthwhile choice for California locals because it delivers not just high-quality pizza, but also a fun, distinctively local experience. The single most compelling reason to visit is the unique combination of the award-winning specialty pizzas and the iconic slice and t-shirt deal.

For a first-time visitor, choosing the Big Sur pizza—either as a whole pie or a slice—is highly recommended, as it is celebrated as the most popular specialty pizza, packed with roasted garlic, pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms. For those preferring plant-based options, the availability of a dedicated Vegan Big Sur or a Vegan CYO (Create Your Own) ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice of the action.

Beyond the pizza, the value proposition is unbeatable. By participating in the famous t-shirt promotion, you walk away not only with a satisfying meal—like a Super Veggie Slice or a D'Lex Chicken & Bacon Slice—but also with a classic, collectable piece of California surf culture apparel for a minimal extra cost. It's a uniquely local souvenir and a sign of Bay Area pride.

While some customer feedback mentions the importance of ordering fresh pizza for the best experience and the occasional issue with atmosphere cleanliness, the general consensus highlights the great food and friendly service. The speed of service, the late-night hours, and the overall fun, casual environment cement Pizza My Heart as an essential and reliable downtown San Jose dining destination.

Pizza My Heart

117 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA