When I think of the El Cortez, culinary options don't normally come to mind. I think about that food court with the Subway. Also think about how I didn't feel great after eating at the Subway in the food court. I probably would have never found this place if we hadn't had the Downtown Vegas Improv Festival at the El Cortez Fiesta Room.
Pizza Lotto was the oasis in the desert. I saw there was a deal for a slice of pizza and a craft beer (probably Oscar Blues type beer, I think I had a couple that night...) I had to rub my eyes to make sure it wasn't a mirage. During the two days of the festival, there were plenty of people taking advantage of the pizza. The pizza was delicious in it's own right, not just because other options were limited. I felt it had the right amount of greasiness for a pizza. The pepperonis were delicious. I had some bites of a white pie that was also delicious.
And it hit the spot. This place saved us a couple of times. After the show, we went to the lounge area in the El Cortez that served food. The waitress was overwhelmed and had trouble even taking orders. We went and ordered pizza from pizza lotto and were able to bring it back AND I finished my slice before the waitress at the lounge came back to take orders.