There are more than 200 pizza restaurants within a 10-mile radius of Sacramento State. With so many choices, how do you know which one’s the best?

Here’s just a sample of the local restaurants that’s available not too far from campus.

Papi’s Pizza By the Slice

At first glance, it’s a small, inconspicuous eatery. However, a look inside the windows displays a pizza place that could be described as a “skateboarder’s Starbucks.” The style is both modern and edgy, with its red and black color scheme and spray-painted pictures of skinny women, flowers and birds. Skateboard decks are nailed under the counter, and a quarter pipe even juts out of one of the walls. Four televisions on the other side play a movie while you eat, and there’s a soft couch to lounge in. The pizza types are everything from a regular cheese and pepperoni to one that is covered in olives. You can get two pizza slices and a soda for less than $8, and each slice is ready to be served as soon as you order. For those who like their pizza thin-crusted and oily, it’s a good place for all students to grab their friends and hang out. Papi’s is located at 2724 J Street.

Rating: 3 out 5

Zelda’s Original Gourmet Pizza

Zelda’s hits that point between The Olive Garden and Pizza Hut right on the money, with low lighting and enough local familiarity to keep it from being too formal. When the restaurant is crowded, it’s almost half an hour before you get your order. But the pizza is totally worth it with an amazing sauce and a nice thick crust that’s to die for. On the down side, the personal four-piece pizza is almost $10, making it a bit pricey for students on a tight budget. However, a group of friends can easily share a large eight-piece pizza for $16. An interesting difference from other restaurants is that the menu is listed when you walk in, and the greeter takes your order before you get your seat. Zelda’s is located at 1415 21st St.

Rating: 4 out 5

Garolbi’s Hot City Pizza

Within walking distance of the school, Garolbi’s is an example of the small and the mighty. Slightly hidden just off the road, you might miss it. And that would be too bad, because the pizza is amazing. The wait is only about 15 minutes for a medium pizza, which is served on a cool little high-rise plate. For a small, $4 personal pizza, the wait is even shorter. Besides pizza, there’s also pasta and a load of side dishes (breadsticks, wasabi bread, chicken tenders, etc.), and for your sweet tooth craving, there’s brownies, gelato (Italian ice cream), and tiramisu. All of these can be ordered ahead of time and picked up or be delivered. Inside, it’s clean, there’s plenty of seating, and a television to watch cartoons on. Those living near the dorm will enjoy this special gem. Garolbi’s is located on at 5642 J St, at the corner of 57th and J.

Rating: 4 out 5

Red Runner Pizza

You wouldn’t think so at first, but Red Runner’s pizza is actually very good. A sign behind the counter announces that, “We pile it on!” and they mean it. Their pizzas seem to double the toppings you would get in other places. The price isn’t bad – a medium pizza being $7.99.

In terms of looks, however, Red was probably the weakest. Inside there are only two tables, making it somewhat awkward if you decide to stay and eat. Although the young at heart may not mind so much, since it does have arcade games. There is no soda fountain, but drinks are instead sold in cans and one to two liter bottles. Red Runner is located at 2210 El Camino Ave.

Rating: 2 out 5

These are only four of the many restaurants within a short drive from Sacramento State. So grab a group of friends and have some fun.

Kyrie Eberhart can be reached at [email protected]