Imagine a pizza place so legendary that it’s basically survived the urban apocalypse of San Jose’s downtown transformation. Kukar’s House of Pizza isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a culinary time capsule that’s been serving up square-cut, flavor-packed pizzas since 1950.

This isn’t your average pizza joint. We’re talking about a spot that’s been forcibly relocated twice, battled city development plans, and still managed to keep its signature “Confusion” pizza alive and kicking. George Kukar Jr., the current pizza maestro, has basically turned resilience into an art form.

A Slice of San Jose History

Let’s break down what makes this place special. Their pizza? Completely unique. Chopped meats, tangy sauce, a blend of mozzarella and provolone, all cut into squares that defy traditional pizza geometry. They’ve been doing takeout the same way since the 1950s, no fancy boxes, just pure culinary tradition.

Urban Survival Mode

In the 1970s and 1980s, the city tried to push Kukar’s out. First, they forced a relocation that cost $240,000. Then, during the Convention Center development, Kukar held out and scored nearly $1 million in settlement. Talk about playing hardball.

The Secret Sauce

What’s their secret? According to George Kukar Jr., it’s simple: “I enjoy feeding people. I think it brings people closer together”. In an era of trendy, pop-up restaurants that vanish faster than your Instagram story, Kukar’s is a testament to community, consistency, and killer pizza.

So here’s to 75 years of delicious defiance, may Kukar’s House of Pizza continue to square up against urban change, one unconventional pizza slice at a time.