Atlanta is famous for defying culinary expectations. You might drive past a nondescript strip mall a thousand times without realizing it houses a James Beard award contender. The city thrives on these hidden pockets of flavor that reward the curious.
Now, a new contender has entered the chat in the most unlikely of places. Tucked away inside a bustling Mexican grocery store in Sandy Springs, a pizza counter is creating lines that wrap around the block. It is not what you expect to find between aisles of fresh tomatillos and marinated carne asada. But for those willing to wait, the reward is arguably the best slice in the metro area.
discovering the hidden gem at carniceria los pinos
The setting for this culinary revelation is Carniceria Los Pinos. This is a staple market for the local Latin American community in Sandy Springs. It sits quietly in a suburban parking lot that looks like any other in North Fulton County. Locals know it for fresh cuts of meat and authentic spices.
But things have changed recently.
Walk through the automatic doors and the aroma shifts instantly. The scent of cilantro and onions battles with the unmistakable smell of baking dough and melting mozzarella. In the back corner of the market, you will find Pizza by Yandys. It is a humble setup. There is no white tablecloth service here. It is just a counter, a scorching hot oven, and a team working in perfect rhythm.
This juxtaposition is part of the charm. You can grab a jar of mole sauce and a pepperoni slice in the same trip. The atmosphere is chaotic in the best way possible. It feels alive. It feels authentic. It captures the spirit of Atlanta’s international dining scene perfectly.
a new york slice with southern hospitality
The mastermind behind this operation is Yandy. According to local lore and the chatter in line, he cut his teeth making pies in New York City before bringing his talents south. You can taste that lineage in every bite. This is not the cracker-thin bar pie common in some parts of the South.
This is a proper fold-it-in-half slice.
The crust strikes that difficult balance. It is crispy enough to hold its own weight but chewy enough to be satisfying. The sauce has a brightness to it that cuts through the rich cheese. It is simple food executed with high-level precision.
Here is what makes the menu stand out:
- The Classic Cheese: A benchmark for any pizzeria. It uses a blend of low-moisture mozzarella that browns perfectly.
- The Carnivore: Loaded with pepperoni and sausage. The grease cups on the pepperoni are a sign of quality.
- The Market Special: This often utilizes ingredients found right there in the grocery store. Think chorizo or fresh jalapeños.
Critics and food bloggers often argue about water filtration and dough hydration. Yandys proves you do not need a laboratory to make great pizza. You just need passion and a hot oven.
social media fuels the frenzy
Word of mouth used to move slowly in the suburbs. That is no longer the case. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have turned this quiet grocery store counter into a destination.
Video clips show the impressive cheese pulls. Influencers film themselves taking that first crunch. The visual appeal is undeniable. But the hype is backed up by the product.
The lines are real.
On weekends, the queue can weave through the grocery aisles. Customers wait patiently next to the produce section. It has become a social event. People chat with strangers about which pie they are going to order. The anticipation builds as you inch closer to the counter.
This viral fame has put Sandy Springs on the map for a new demographic. Food tourists are making the trek outside the perimeter. It boosts business for the grocery store too. You come for the pizza, but you likely leave with some Mexican sodas or snacks.
how it compares to atlanta heavyweights
Atlanta is not historically a pizza town like Chicago or New Haven. However, the scene has exploded in the last decade. We have giants that dominate the conversation.
Antico Pizza Napoletana set the standard for years. Their Neapolitan pies are world-famous. Fellini’s holds the crown for late-night comfort. These are institutions.
Pizza by Yandys offers something different. It feels like a discovery. It is not a franchise. It does not have a marketing team. It is just good food in a weird place.
This trend of “speakeasy” food spots is growing. We see burger joints inside gas stations. We see sushi bars in office basements. It adds a layer of adventure to dining out.
Table: Atlanta Pizza Styles Compared
| Pizzeria | Style | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antico | Neapolitan | Bustling/Communal | Date Night |
| Fellini’s | NY/Comfort | Laid-back/Patio | Late Night |
| Pizza by Yandys | NY/Hybrid | Grocery Store | Hidden Gem Hunt |
Yandys holds its own against these heavyweights. It offers a level of accessibility and charm that polished restaurants cannot replicate. It feels like a secret you want to keep but cannot help sharing.
The location in Sandy Springs also helps. The area has a dense mix of cultures. It is the perfect incubator for this kind of fusion concept. It proves you do not need to be on the BeltLine to make waves in the food world.
The dining landscape is shifting. People value authenticity over ambiance. We are willing to eat standing up if the food is life-changing. Pizza by Yandys proves this theory every single day.
As the sun sets over the parking lot, the neon “OPEN” sign at Carniceria Los Pinos buzzes. Inside, the oven is still hot. The dough is still rising. And Atlanta’s hungry residents are still lining up. They know that the best food is often hiding exactly where you least expect it..
