From Sourdough Crust to Surf-Town Vibes, Odie’s is Oceanside’s New Favorite Slice
There’s something about a slice of sourdough pizza that feels like home, even when you’re just two blocks from the Oceanside Pier. Odie’s Pizza is already rewriting the rules of comfort food with its 25-year-old sourdough starter, laid-back energy and cheeky pies named after song titles. The vibe is clean yet casual, family-friendly with just enough edge to keep things fun. With house-made gluten-free dough, vegan wings and pies that make carnivores swoon, this new Oceanside restaurant blends nostalgia with SoCal’s spirit. In a city that takes pizza seriously, Odie’s may just be serving the best pizza in San Diego.
Odie’s First Brick Oven
Every good story starts with fire, and for Odie O’Connor, that fire first burned in Encinitas before catching in Portland. From a pop-up window to Portland’s Boxcar Pizza, he carried his sourdough starter like a family heirloom before finally bringing it home. Odie’s Pizza in Oceanside is not only his first brick-and-mortar in town but also a love letter to the community.
“The reception from Oceanside has been absolutely humbling. I never imagined we would become part of the community so quickly, but I’m so glad people are enjoying what we offer.” – Odie O’Connor, Founder
With roots in surf, skate and music culture, the space feels authentically Oceanside and marks a new chapter in the city’s food scene. That starter, fed for 25 years, keeps every pie tangy, chewy and full of soul.
Surfers’ Post-Pier Stop
If you’ve paddled out at dawn, you know the hunger that hits after chasing waves. Odie’s answers that craving with slices served until 3 p.m., granny squares all day and lunch specials that hit the sweet spot between value and flavor. Located just a short walk from the Oceanside Pier, it’s become the natural post-surf stop. The menu’s mix of New York–style pies, Sicilian squares, wings and vegan wings makes it easy to refuel solo or with friends. Daily Happy hour from 3–5 p.m. proves that pizza and beer are the ideal wave-to-shore transition.
Signature Slices
What sets Odie’s apart from other Oceanside restaurants is the fermentation magic. It starts with dough that rests for 48 hours, developing chewy edges, crispy bottoms and better digestibility. This perfect base sets the stage for pies that hit every note of flavor on Odie’s menu: The Dude Ranch layers shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, the Benny and the Jets sings with burrata and hot honey and the Biggie Smalls drops vodka sauce with sausage.
“I really enjoy putting new, contemporary spins on old classic pizzas. I approach pizza like there are no rules. Some places stick firm to their rules (no ranch, no pineapple, etc), but I believe everything has its time and place on a pizza. If it tastes good, it tastes good.” – Odie
Every recipe is thoughtful, inclusive and adaptable. Most pies can be made vegan or gluten-free! With organic flour and high-quality toppings, each bite highlights why sourdough pizza is Oceanside’s hottest ticket in town.
A Family Tradition
Locals are already making Odie’s their Friday night tradition, team-win celebration and birthday spot. The menu pleases everyone at the table, from pizza pockets and hearty salads to sweet treats that end the night with a smile. This is Oceanside family-friendly dining at its best, built for groups who want to eat, laugh and linger. And with events and gatherings popping up, Odie’s is fast becoming a place where memories stick like cheese on a slice.
Community Connection
Every great pizza joint knows it’s part of something bigger. Odie’s shows up for Oceanside, sponsoring high school sports and partnering with beloved local breweries like Artifex and Burgeon. With 21 rotating beers and four wines on tap, it’s also a place to hang out long after the last slice. In a tight-knit town, Odie’s shows that a pizzeria can be more than a restaurant; it’s a community connector.
“We don’t just want to be another brand that talks about community but doesn’t actually show up for them. That’s why we are constantly looking for ways to partner with other local businesses, donate to local high schools, charities, fundraisers and give back. Oceanside has shown us so much love, we want to reciprocate.” – Odie
The Atmosphere
Step inside Odie’s, and you’ll feel Oceanside’s pulse. The design blends surf-town grit with a modern craft-beer vibe. Big tables invite groups to stay awhile, whether they’re watching a Padres game, tuning into surf contests or catching Sunday football. Music runs through the space as much as it does the menu, creating the perfect lunch or dinner soundtrack. Family-friendly without being boring, Odie’s atmosphere captures that balance between a casual bite and a night out. It’s the hangout spot Oceanside didn’t know it needed.
Loyal Locals
Word travels fast in Oceanside, and Odie’s Pizza is proving addictive. Repeat customers come back not just for the sourdough crust but for the approachable menu that mixes classics with unexpected hits. It feels like a homegrown brand but tastes like something polished enough for the big leagues. Locals know when a spot is the real deal, and the buzz says this is where Oceanside’s pizza loyalty is being rewritten.
“One of the most surprising and rewarding things is when people tell me they’ve never had sourdough pizza before. Sourdough is such a different way to experience pizza, from its health and gut benefits to its deep, tangy flavor to the char and blistering we get from baking at a very high temp. It is an experience that lots of people haven’t had yet, and I love that we can bring that to Oceanside.” – Odie
A True Icon
Odie’s may be new, but it already feels timeless. The story winds from Encinitas to Portland and back to Oceanside, but the constant is that 25-year-old sourdough starter. It connects every slice to the past while feeding Oceanside’s future. As one of the most exciting new restaurants in Oceanside, Odie’s represents the city’s evolving food culture. With talk of expanding beyond its first shop, it’s clear this is only the beginning of an icon in the making.
“The surf-town spirit is deeply a part of us. It’s who we are at our core, and we can keep that intact as we grow by building a team of like-minded people who vibe with our brand and want to accomplish the same goals.” – Odie
Odie’s Pizza
121 North Cleveland Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 579-2382
@odiespizza
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
