When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Glide Pizza
Why Glide Pizza is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Glide Pizza, originally a beloved pizza window on the Eastside Beltline, has expanded into a full-service dine-in restaurant in Decatur, Atlanta, creating a vibrant community hub perfect for meeting friends. The new location on West Ponce de Leon Avenue offers a spacious, lively atmosphere with seating for up to 95 patrons, including cozy corner booths reminiscent of the nostalgic 1990s roller rink aesthetics. The interior design cleverly evokes the fun space-themed restaurant Pizza Planet from the movie "Toy Story," blending youthful colors like persimmon benches with Western ranch-style tile floors, contributing to an inviting and playful vibe. Beyond ambiance, Glide Pizza serves up 20-inch New York-style pizza pies made with premium ingredients using artisan techniques—a nod to founder Rob Birdsong’s tenure in Brooklyn and his inspiration to bring quality, affordable pizza slices to Atlanta. The expanded menu now includes wings and a full bar, enhancing the experience for groups looking to enjoy casual dining with ample seating both indoors and outdoors. An arcade section featuring an NBA-regulation basketball hoop adds to the entertainment, making it a great spot for friends to gather, eat, drink, and play in a warm and nostalgic setting.
Here's what people think of Glide Pizza
As of recent, Glide Pizza holds a 4.7-star rating based on 706 reviews.
Customers widely praise Glide Pizza for its delicious, thin-crust New York–style pizzas, consistently highlighting the quality and flavor as standout features in Atlanta's pizza scene. Many positive reviews compliment the large pizza sizes, fresh toppings, and affordability, with some patrons noting the enjoyable atmosphere of the Decatur dine-in spot, including its unique decor and spacious seating that enhances the dining experience. The addition of a full bar and wings has also been well received, providing variety beyond pizza. Moreover, the nostalgic, fun environment has been a hit, with guests appreciating the youthful and playful design elements that evoke childhood memories. On the downside, some reviewers have pointed out that earlier locations had limited seating and sparse indoor space, which made dining in less comfortable before the Decatur expansion. A few critiques mention that while the pizza is good, it may not be exceptional enough for some New York pizza purists, and service speed can vary during peak hours. Despite minor negatives, the overall sentiment remains positive with a strong 4.7-star rating from over 700 reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction. Glide Pizza succeeds as both a convenient takeout option and a lively neighborhood hangout, balancing quality food with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mr. Foodie
Astonishing , I came to this establishment With high hopes that it was going to be a delicious meal. I’m here to say they definitely didn’t disappoint. The flour they used was light and digest with ease. I absolutely never order cheese pizza because it brings nothing to the table . The only reason I order it that day because my mom wanted it . You know I had to take a piece of her pizza 😂. I’m glad I did, The Glide made me rethink about cheese pizza. Yes, I had no toppings, but it didn’t eat none the way that they make the pizza taste refreshing the dough Is light the crust has the right texture you’re looking for literally a basic cheese pizza had my mouth watering at the end , yearning for more . By far, pepperoni is my staple for pizza. Throughout my experience, trying those three pizza they stay consistent with how light the dough is. The pepperoni pizza give you a New York/Chicago vibe to it not too thick, but also not too thin just right where you need it ti be . By far as I’m making this review, the cloud has the best pepperoni pizza. In my opinion pepperoni was fresh. The crust was amazing and look how big the slices are fantastic.. for the review on the last pizza, you can go ahead or follow me on my TikTok @ Mr.Foodie
PAUL CEE
top 3 best pizza i’ve had in ATL. it’s alright if you were in NYC but the pizza in atlanta is atrocious. solid and consistent. good crust. tasty hot honey
Kathleen Butterfly
Buy a bottle of Glide’s ranch and take it home. I totally forgot that it was in my fridge and it’s been there for about a week. I took it out and stuck my finger in and took a taste and I was like oh my God, this stuff is too good. So I put some in half of an avocado, and it was fantastic. Then I cooked some little potatoes and mashed them put olive oil on them put them in the oven when they got brown. I flipped them over put a little more olive oil on them, and now I’m dipping them and ranch. What a taste treat! And the third thing I love to do with this ranch is use it instead of milk or cream when I make scrambled eggs. The eggs are so delicious and creamy. This summer, I think I might try dumping a bottle of the ranch and a cold vichyssoise like soup. Honestly, I think I could drink the stuff straight out of the bottle. It’s so delicious. And they make it right there! Last thing, the square pizza on Tuesday and Wednesday is to die for. The bottom is covered in sesame seeds. The inside is so squishy and bread and yummy and then it has this crunch from the sesame seeds and from the cheese, Cooked into the edges. I just don’t eat any other pizza.
Chantel J
As a self proclaimed pizza snob (I’m from New Haven, if you know you know) I was pleasantly surprised by the pizza here. I loved the thin crust and brick oven pizza and the sauce was good as well as the crust. Only not giving 5 stars because it was a little on the garlicky side for my taste but I enjoyed. The ranch was also really good here. I didn’t have it but my friend ordered a Caesar salad that she loved so much she got one to go. Would definitely recommend
Chloe Sisson
Tried Glide yesterday for the first time and it was delicious! I got a slice of the garlic white and honey burrata. Both were yummy, but the honey burrata was reallyyy good! I think if you got either one in a full size pie, they’d be even better because they’d be a little more fresh. It’s a walk up window rather than a full restaurant, so be aware that there’s limited seating. It seems more like a place where you’d pickup and sit outside somewhere or take it home. They do have a bathroom, two indoor tables, and a few counter seats for customers though. The slices ranged from about $4 to $9. The honey burrata was $7, but it was really good so I’d probably get it again.
How to reach Glide Pizza
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Why Glide Pizza may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Glide Pizza with your friends?
Glide Pizza stands out as an ideal gathering spot for friends and family looking to enjoy a casual, delicious meal together. With a strong 4.7-star rating from over 700 reviews, it has built a reputation for serving some of the best New York-style pizza in Atlanta. Its authentic, thin-crust pizzas strike a perfect balance between crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and perfectly melted cheese, guaranteeing a satisfying experience every time. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff create an inviting environment where groups can relax and enjoy each other's company comfortably. Whether you’re looking for a spot to casually hang out or celebrate an occasion, Glide Pizza provides the perfect combination of great food, welcoming vibe, and value for money. This is a place where every slice keeps the energy high and the good times rolling, making it a go-to for memorable meetups.
What kind of pizza experience can groups expect at Glide Pizza?
Groups at Glide Pizza can expect a pizza experience that’s both authentic and approachable, with a focus on high-quality, scratch-made ingredients. The menu features classic New York-style pizza that’s crispy on the edges and light enough to enjoy multiple slices without feeling weighed down. Pies can be ordered whole or by the slice, making it easy for groups big or small to share and sample a variety of flavors. The crust is thin and perfectly baked, with a tangy sauce that leans slightly sour, giving the pizza a distinctive and well-balanced taste. Cheese lovers will appreciate the use of fresh and low-moisture mozzarella that melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey texture. Additionally, Glide Pizza offers options to split toppings on pies, so parties can cater to different preferences without compromise. This flexibility, combined with the consistent quality, makes it an excellent choice for sharing among friends or family.
What activities and amenities make Glide Pizza perfect for group meetups?
Glide Pizza caters to social gatherings by providing a space that naturally encourages interaction and fun. While the primary draw is the exceptional pizza, the restaurant’s vibe plays a crucial role in group meetups. Located in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, the venue is accessible and welcoming, featuring a casual ambiance that suits everything from afternoon hangouts to evening celebrations. The place is also notable for its connection to the local roller skating community, which adds an unusual and lively element to the experience—roller skaters often gather nearby, creating a dynamic and spirited environment around the restaurant. The eatery is designed for easy sharing, with its slice-by-slice ordering system and large pies that accommodate multiple people. For larger groups or events, Glide Pizza offers catering options, making it convenient for parties, office lunches, or game-day gatherings. Friendly staff and speedy service further enhance the experience, ensuring your group spends more time enjoying the moment and less time waiting.
How does Glide Pizza’s atmosphere contribute to a memorable group outing?
The atmosphere at Glide Pizza is one of its defining features, blending the casual comfort of a neighborhood pizzeria with the vibrancy of Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward community. It’s a small but lively spot where the energy is palpable, especially when you see the mix of locals, pizza lovers, and the nearby phenomenon of roller skaters coming together. This unique combination creates an informal, upbeat vibe that makes the restaurant more than just a place to eat—it becomes a social hub. The interior, designed for quick service and casual seating, encourages groups to linger over slices and conversations. The staff’s warmth and familiarity with regulars add to the welcoming feel, making newcomers feel at home as well. For groups, this atmosphere strikes the right balance between laid-back and energetic, perfect for spirited meetups where good times are as important as great food.
What makes Glide Pizza’s food quality stand out for group dining?
The quality of Glide Pizza’s food is a key reason it’s highly recommended as a meetup spot for groups. The pizzeria dedicates itself to making everything from scratch, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients are at the forefront. The dough is crafted daily to achieve the ideal thin and crisp crust that holds up well to the toppings without becoming soggy. The sauce is specially balanced with a slight tangy punch, which cuts through the richness of the cheese and toppings beautifully. Mozzarella is thoughtfully chosen for its melting characteristics and flavor, contributing to a pizza that’s both visually appealing and delicious. This commitment to quality means each bite is consistent, no matter when you visit, making it a reliable spot to satisfy varied appetites within a group. Moreover, the ability to split toppings on pies caters perfectly to group members with different tastes, ensuring everyone can enjoy their preferred flavors.
How does Glide Pizza accommodate groups beyond just food?
Beyond serving exceptional pizza, Glide Pizza makes group gatherings easier and more enjoyable through various thoughtful conveniences. Catering is a standout service that allows larger groups to enjoy their favorite pies without the hassle of coordinating pickups for multiple orders. The catering team provides personalized service, whether it’s for office functions, small parties, or big events like game-day celebrations. For walk-in groups, the option to order by the slice means everyone can quickly get exactly what they want without waiting for whole pies to be made. This flexibility supports spontaneous meetups as well as planned group outings. Additionally, the staff is geared toward friendliness and efficiency, creating a smooth dining experience that lets groups focus on socializing. The combination of in-house dining, takeout, and catering options ensures Glide Pizza meets the needs of any group size or occasion.
Why do customers consistently rate Glide Pizza highly?
Customers consistently praise Glide Pizza for its exceptional pizza quality, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere, which translate into high ratings across multiple review platforms. Reviews emphasize the perfect crust texture, flavorful sauce, and outstanding cheese blend that rival top New York pizzerias, even drawing praise from those who have lived in New York for years. The consistent quality makes it a reliable choice for return visits and group events alike. Many reviewers highlight the welcoming staff who enhance the overall experience, making customers feel valued and encouraging repeat business. The unique vibe, partly due to the roller skating community mingling nearby, adds a quirky but fun edge that customers find memorable. This combination of top-notch food, excellent service, and a lively environment explains why Glide Pizza enjoys such strong support and a stellar reputation among locals.
What makes Glide Pizza a better meetup choice compared to other pizza spots?
What elevates Glide Pizza above other pizza spots for groups is its genuine New York-style flavor paired with a community-oriented, dynamic atmosphere. While many pizzerias offer standard menus and predictable atmospheres, Glide Pizza embraces authenticity both in its culinary approach and its local culture. Its scratch-made ingredients and thin, crispy crust distinguish it as a place where pizza lovers get a truly classic experience with an Atlanta twist. Additionally, the social energy created by the roller-skating scene around the venue brings a unique, vibrant feel not found in typical pizza joints. The flexibility to order by the slice or pie, the options for split toppings, and catering services all cater well to group dynamics. These factors, coupled with glowing customer testimonials and an easygoing environment, position Glide Pizza as a standout choice for anyone seeking a dependable, enjoyable place to rally friends or family for a meal.
How can hosting a meetup at Glide Pizza enhance social connections?
Hosting a meetup at Glide Pizza enhances social connections by providing a relaxed yet lively setting where people can focus on interaction over a shared love of great food. Pizza is famously communal food, encouraging sharing and conversation, which Glide Pizza magnifies with its slice-by-slice service and split-topping options. The casual environment lowers barriers, inviting open, spontaneous dialogue and a sense of community among guests. Groups can bond over tasting different flavors, dipping crusts in the housemade ranch sauce, or simply enjoying the vibrant energy around them. The nearby roller skating gatherings add an element of fun and spectacle, creating talking points and shared experiences that deepen connections. Overall, Glide Pizza supports meaningful social moments by combining quality food with an atmosphere that energizes and invites togetherness.
What should you know before planning your next group visit to Glide Pizza?
Before planning your next group visit to Glide Pizza, it’s helpful to know that the restaurant excels at accommodating varying group sizes through flexible ordering options like by-the-slice purchases or whole pies with split toppings. The venue’s lively neighborhood setting is perfect for casual meetups but keep in mind that the space itself is intimate, so very large groups may find catering to be the smoother option. The staff are known to be welcoming, though, as with any popular destination, occasional customer service hiccups might occur, so it’s good to remain patient and communicate clearly when ordering. Catering inquiries can be made in advance for bigger meetups to ensure a seamless experience. Finally, arriving during peak times might require a bit of wait, but the quality of the food and environment more than make up for it, making Glide Pizza a rewarding destination for your social occasions.