Nestled at 6400 Shattuck Ave, Nick’s Pizza Oakland transitioned to a worker-owned collective in September 2023. Its acclaim rests on a hybrid thin sourdough crust that synthesizes California innovation and New York-style foldability. The bakery case offers housemade bagels and chocolate chip cookies that draw lines around the block, showcasing the spot’s commitment to scratch baking. Seasonal specials like the coppa and nectarine pizza highlight locally sourced ingredients with creative flair. Regular patrons attest to the warm, unpretentious atmosphere where slices are savored alongside coffee and casual conversation.[1][2][3]
Discover Nick’s Pizza Oakland
Situated at 6400 Shattuck Ave, Nick’s Pizza and Bakery Made in Oakland occupies a corner storefront that blends pizzeria, bakery, and deli under one roof. The result is a dynamic meeting place where the scent of fresh sourdough mingles with the aroma of brewing coffee and baked pastries. The establishment opens its doors at 11 AM daily, catering to both lunch crowds and dinner seekers with a menu that remains in flux according to seasonal inspiration. Outdoor seating lines the sidewalk for patrons who wish to soak in the neighborhood’s energy while savoring their slices.[4][5][6]

The Irresistible Sourdough Crust
At the core of the Nick’s Pizza Oakland experience is its signature sourdough crust, a canvas that elevates each topping with depth and nuance. Unlike commercial yeast doughs, this crust ferments slowly, developing a complex tang and yielding visible bubbles that burst into crisp pockets of flavor. The crust achieves a delicate balance of chew and crunch, folding easily for on-the-go eating while resisting sogginess under heavy cheese and sauces. Regulars praise its ethereal texture and subtle sour notes that distinguish Nick’s iterations from more ubiquitous pizza styles, noting the great crisp and thinness of the sourdough.[7][3]

Thin crust sourdough pizza with mushrooms, red onions, spinach, and pesto drizzle from Nick’s Pizza Oakland.
Seasonal Creativity: Toppings that Surprise
Nick’s Pizza Oakland sustains excitement through a rotating slate of seasonal offerings that celebrate the Bay Area’s agricultural bounty. In summer months, combinations like coppa with nectarine and pestoardello sausage mingle savory and sweet in harmonious contrast. The Olive and Herb classic layers Castlevetrano olives with fresh herbs for a briny accent that invites repeat visits. Each special emerges from on-site experimentation by the cooperative’s culinary team, ensuring that the menu remains both familiar and unfailingly innovative.[4]
Beyond Pizza: Bakery & Deli Offerings
While the sourdough pies garner headlines, the bakery case at Nick’s Pizza Oakland stands as a testament to artisanal baking traditions. Visitors can choose from a lineup of hand-shaped bagels while supplies last, alongside an array of pastries such as focaccia loaves and seasonal scones. The chocolate chip cookies, famed for their gooey centers and just-crisp edges, have become neighborhood legends. Deli sandwiches arrive piled high on housemade sourdough rolls, offering another facet of the cooperative’s scratch-to-shelf ethos.[4][1]

Worker-Owned and Community-Driven
In a landmark decision, the staff of Nick’s Pizza Oakland embraced a democratic model in September 2023, transitioning to a fully worker-owned cooperative that redistributes decision-making and profits equitably among its members. This structure reflects a broader movement in Oakland’s solidarity economy, positioning the pizzeria as both a culinary destination and a catalyst for economic empowerment. By placing ownership in the hands of those who knead the dough and serve the slices, the cooperative fosters an environment where every employee has a stake in quality and continuity.[2][8]
What Customers Are Saying
From Reddit aficionados to seasoned Yelp reviewers, consensus builds around the quality and consistency of Nick’s Pizza Oakland. Fans on Reddit laud the “astonishing” thin crust and friendly service, with seasonal specials often cited as reasons to plan repeat visits. Yelp voices celebrate the chocolate chip cookies and artisanal baked goods alongside their pizza, painting the shop as an all-in-one neighborhood treasure. Travelers on TripAdvisor highlight the sourdough crust’s depth of flavor while noting the walk-up seating for a casual, unpretentious meal.[1][9]
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is Nick’s Pizza Oakland located?
Nick’s Pizza and Bakery Made in Oakland resides at 6400 Shattuck Ave in North Oakland, a short stroll from the Alcatraz Avenue intersection.
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What are the hours of operation?
The restaurant opens its doors at 11 AM each day, serving lunch through dinner with closing times varying by weekday.
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Does Nick’s Pizza Oakland offer vegan options?
The menu routinely includes vegan pizzas such as Vegan Olive and Herb and Vegan Spinach and Mushroom made with soy-based mozzarella.
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Can I order online or pick up?
Online ordering is available via Toast for both pickup and in-store orders, streamlining the to-go experience.
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Is there parking or seating available?
Free street parking flanks the restaurant, and outdoor seating invites guests to dine al fresco when weather permits.
Conclusion
Nick’s Pizza Oakland continues to carve its niche as a sourdough-centric pizzeria, bakery, and deli union that pairs culinary craftsmanship with a cooperative spirit. Whether you seek a perfectly bubbled crust, a seasonal topping adventure, or a flaky pastry to companion your latte, this worker-owned gem offers a compelling reason to explore Oakland’s flourishing food landscape. Embrace the communal ethos, and make your way to Nick’s Pizza Oakland for an experience that resonates far beyond a simple slice.
- http://oaklandstylepizza.com
- https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/nicks-pizza-6400-shattuck-ave
- https://slamgranderson.substack.com/p/nicks-pizza
- https://info.usworker.coop/iframe/directory/worker-co-op-dem-workplaces?page=13
- https://www.reddit.com/r/OaklandFood/comments/1mm6c26/nicks_pizza/
- http://oaklandstylepizza.com/current-menu/
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/nicks-pizza-oakland?start=100
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g32810-d5091146-Reviews-Nick_s_Pizza-Oakland_California.html
- https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/87929/www.lunazultequila.com
- https://nicks-pizza-and-bakery-made-in-oakland.foodjoyy.com/menu
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/nicks-pizza-oakland
- http://oaklandstylepizza.com
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- http://oaklandstylepizza.com/about-nicks-pizza/
- https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/sourdough-pizza-crust/
- https://www.theselc.org/august_2023_newsletter
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-yapor-cox-578b7261
- https://alexandracooks.com/2020/05/01/simple-sourdough-pizza-a-step-by-step-guide/
- http://oaklandstylepizza.com/faq/
- https://pathlightlaw.com/cooperatives-a-path-to-economic-equity/
- https://www.alamedamagazine.com/has-oakland-reached-restaurant-overload/
- https://newmansown.com/product/sourdough-crust-five-cheese/
- http://oaklandstylepizza.com/community-meals/