Seemor

Purgatory PizzaBWorth Trying

Name: Purgatory Pizza
Address: 1326 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, Los Angeles, United States
Rating: 4.6

1326 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 · Pizza restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1504 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Creative pizza with strong vegan options and slice variety near Metro E-Line; great when on-form but inconsistencies and service lapses appear at busy times.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Purgatory Pizza delivers solid neighborhood pizza with strong food quality highlighted by creative house pies and an exceptional vegan lineup that sets it apart locally. However, inconsistent execution—burnt or undercooked crusts at peak times—and variable service attention prevent grade A-level reliability. The transit-convenient bohemian setting and loyal following make it worth a visit, but expect occasional disappointments.

Restaurant Summary

Right off the Metro E-Line, this colorful spot hums with bohemian energy and a rotating display of slices. Reviewers describe a room that feels casual and lively, with counter ordering and quick bites. One diner summed it up: "When they are on, the crust crackles and the toppings sing." Expect a fun, street-art vibe and easy drop-ins before or after nearby events. The cooking leans elevated-traditional pizza with creative touches: thin pies, West Coast deep dish, Detroit and Sicilian styles, plus an unusually deep vegan lineup. Fans rave about Dillon’s BBQ Chicken and vegan deep dish, while some report inconsistency at peak times—burnt or undercooked crusts and the occasional missing sauce. Prices are moderate for LA pizzerias, though drink prices are not always posted. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing pizzas, basic pastas ($8–13), and a relaxed room. Vegan dressings for salads and build-your-own pizzas widen options, but double-check vegan versus dairy items if sensitivity is strict. Portions are generous, and slices make an easy choice for younger eaters.

At a Glance

Excellent vegan selection including deep dish and multiple slice options
Transit-convenient location next to Metro E-Line
Creative house pies with generous portions
Inconsistent execution during rush periods (burnt or undercooked pies)
Drink prices not clearly posted; some sticker shock
Allergy diligence needed due to reports of dairy vs vegan mix-ups

What Sets It Apart

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multiple_pizza_styles_one_roof
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What People Love

Big, satisfying slices
Standout vegan options that do not feel like a compromise
Funky, colorful space near transit
Creative signatures like BBQ chicken

Points of Concern

Execution can slip at peak times: reports of burnt or pale crusts and missing sauces
Service attention varies; some guests felt ignored at the counter
Pricing transparency for drinks is weak; expect higher totals than anticipated
Review patterns show signs of polarization (glowing regulars vs critical recents), so experiences may vary

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$28-42 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Try a house pie at $28 to share; pair with a $6–9 salad using vegan dressings; confirm drink prices at checkout

Perfect For

Pre-show or post-event slice stop
Casual family dinner with mixed dietary needs
Quick solo bite via Metro
Group hang where vegan and meat-eaters both win

Location Insights

Area: Transit-adjacent Eastside spot with street art vibe, casual crowd, student and local mix near downtown.

Safety: Generally active corridor near Metro; typical urban awareness advised at night; no systemic safety issues in reviews.

Nearby: Directly by Metro E-Line Pico/Aliso; near Self Help Graphics and arts spaces; limited on-site parking.

Boyle HeightsBoyle Heights is a diverse, tight-knit community with a strong cultural identity and a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options. The neighborhood has a casual, authentic dining atmosphere with many family-owned eateries and an emerging scene of trendy spots attracting younger crowds.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–22:00 Tuesday11:00–22:00 Wednesday11:00–22:00 Thursday11:00–22:00 Friday11:00–22:00 Saturday11:00–22:00 Sunday11:00–22:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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