Happy Hour of the Week: Pizza Nova
By Michael Rawson
Looking to chow down on comfort food and sip some local beer at a price a Cougar can afford, but don’t want to stray far from campus? Head down Twin Oaks to the LA Fitness center, Pizza Nova’s got you covered.
The small San Diego chain’s fourth location (and first in North County) opened its doors last year to little fanfare, but has slowly become a San Marcos favorite. As a prime-time lunch or dinner spot, Pizza Nova doesn’t do things much differently than Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza across town. But who cares which place has better dinner specials? We’re talking happy hour, and a recent price drop at Pizza Nova has them looking like a real college town joint.
They like to call it “$3 at 3.” Weekdays from 3-6 p.m., dropping in won’t set you back much unless you stumble out shirtless. (Please don’t, they are family friendly.) If it’s a frosty brew you seek, they’ve got plenty of ‘em; all served in a healthy pint glass for three bucks. The latest tap line includes selections from local breweries like Stone (Levitation on draft!), Lost Abbey, Green Flash, and Ballast Point; west coast favorites Racer 5 and Fat Tire; and other goodies, including (if you must) Coors Light.
Not 21? Fear not, it’s the incredible value on their delicious appetizers that really makes this place shine. They’re also just three dollars each. The creamy mac ‘n’ cheese comes lava hot and stays silky throughout each bite. Try the Salmon Crostini for an edgy treat. The star of the show, however, are the mini pizzas. One easily filling my spacious stomach (though I’ve seen a real man take down four), these babies come out of the oven hot and generously topped. Choose between Margharita, Sausage/Pepperoni/Mushroom, Barbeque Chicken and Thai Chicken.
The city runs a giant projection screen on the patio outside, which shows movies on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. Most Charger games and Monday Night Football games air on the big screen as well. The good-size patio area tends to be cozy, warmed by heat lamps. Stop in and see Nick and company and don’t leave until you eat your fill.
141 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos. 760-736-8000. Open until 9:30 p.m. They deliver, too…dorms and all.