Beer and Pizza in Stockton and Lodi: Where to Celebrate This Friday

Friday is International Beer and Pizza Day, and the Valley knows how to celebrate it. Stockton and Lodi both have deep roots in this pairing, from brick-oven classics to craft breweries pouring right downtown. Here's your cheat sheet for a perfect Friday night in either city.

The Pizza

David's Pizza, Stockton. Hand-crafted brick-oven pizza, voted San Joaquin County's best since 1993. If you want the pie locals have been arguing about for three decades, this is the one. Menu: davidspizza.org

Eddie's Pizza Café, Stockton. A long-time favorite that's been serving excellent pizza for over 35 years. The kind of neighborhood spot where everybody seems to know the owner.

Guantonio's, Lodi. The Sicilian pies here are the real deal, and locals will tell you it's not even close. Family recipes, generous toppings, and a loyal following. Menu: guantonios.com

Rick's New York Style Pizza, Lodi. Big, cheesy, hearty New York-style slices for when you want a fold-and-eat pie that means business.

The Beer

Valley Brewing Company, Stockton. Stockton's oldest brewery, pouring hand-crafted ales and lagers since the beginning. Sports-bar energy, outdoor seating, and dog friendly, which is basically the perfect Friday. valleybrew.com

Idol Beer Works, Lodi. Lodi's premier craft brewery, with a taproom right in town. Tangy IPAs, crisp lagers, and a community feel that makes you want to stay for another round. idolbeerworks.com

The plan: grab a pie in one city, a pint in the other, and call it a perfect Friday. Every dollar stays in the 209, which is the kind of win-win we like around here.

And if a city that pairs brick-oven pies with a cold local pint sounds like home to you, I'd love to help you find your spot here.