Beach, Please - I'm Going to Duff's

Is there anything better than enjoying a slice after spending a day at the beach? (The answer is no.) Which is why you should definitely visit Duff's at the Beach in Encinitas - regardless if you actually went to the beach or not.

Pizza AND beer & wine - sold.

Duff's is located right on the coast highway next to Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Lofty Coffee (so basically you could have every meal of the day on this block...hm, maybe I should try that next time). To be honest, I had bought a Groupon here a while back when I lived closer, but since moving to Carlsbad, hadn't had the time to drive down and test out their pies.

I could hang here more often.

So one afternoon, my boyfriend and I hopped on the Coaster with one mission—to see if Duff's had quality pizza worth writing about. I'm happy to report back...they did. 

Not only are the prices reasonable but the atmosphere is awesome. I loved the flat screen TV's and open seating—along with the outside patio. Another plus (before I get to the pizza critique) was the bar. They serve wine and craft beer...AND nonetheless, my favorite beer (Latitude 33's Blood Orange IPA - if you haven't tried it, order one, just trust me). 

Beer Me.

Blood Orange IPA by Latitude 33 is my fave.

Now let's get to the important part ... the food! My boyfriend and I split the Roasted Beet Salad which had a bed of mixed greens, plenty of goat cheese (thank you for not skimping), beets (obviously), candied walnuts (drool) and orange slices served with a beet vinaigrette. I must say they nailed the presentation (standing ovation!). I've never seen such a bright salad dressing! Everything about this salad made me happy. Also since I love my salads super-sized, it was the perfect portion for 2. 

Before...

After 

And now the moment you've been waiting for...THE PIZZA. We made the mistake of ordering a small size (what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...or something like that, right?) but maybe it was a blessing in disguise for my summer bod (ha-ha). 

YUM YUM YUM. 

Half Wild Mushroom + Mean Green Machine 

We did half and half - Wild Mushroom and Mean Green Machine. Solid choices for sure. Both had white sauce bases and the shroom pie had truffle oil (so it was a no-brainer) along with chives and mozzarella cheese. The Mean Green Machine donned spinach, basil, parm and mozzarella. I really can't say which one was my favorite because they were both SO good (I also devoured it at the speed of light so that may not have helped).

Loved that the crust is on the thinner side and it wasn't too greasy. They definitely didn't slack on the toppings either. If you're into a thinner pie - this place won't disappoint. Also, just order the large (I could have eaten the small one by myself but you can make any sized pizza a personal pizza if you believe in yourself). 

Breadsticks passed the test too.

My brother and his friends joined us and they ordered a few beers and a side of breadsticks.

PRO TIP: They have happy hour every day from 3pm-6pm which features $5 apps and $1-2 off beer and wine. 

Overall, this place has the location along with delicious artisan pizzas at reasonable prices. The next time I'm by the beach in Encinitas (or if I'm just in Enicintas, let's be real), you'll probably find me at Duff's.