Food

Where to Spend Your Dough

Lily Martinez

January 12, 2024

With the new year in full swing, my loyal readers have been clamoring for inspired guidance on what is certainly their most frequent culinary craving: pizza. With that in mind, I have journeyed throughout Austin to find the best pizzerias for your delectation. Each with their own unique vibe, all are guaranteed to delight. Read on to discover the saucy, and occasionally cheesy, details of where to acquire Austin’s best ‘za.

Home Slice: For a Low-key, but Groovy Night on the Town

When one thinks about the quintessential Austin pizza joint, Home Slice Pizza is likely the first place to come to mind. Started by three best friends in 2005, Home Slice perfectly exhibits their passion for authentic New York-style pizza. What was once a small and local pizzeria has with time transformed into an iconic pizza establishment. As I entered their hip North Loop location, I was enthralled by their whimsical decor and dramatic lightning. Unfortunately, the restaurant was filled with hungry patrons. While the wait for a table was extensive, their bar seating was an easy and comfortable option. As I scanned their menu, marveling at the tasty appetizers, the waiter was quick to deliver a warm welcome. The first order was their garlic knots, accompanied by marinara sauce. The combination results in one bite of soft, sweet, deliciousness. That said, I encourage limiting your garlic knot order, or risk spoiling your appetite before the pizza arrives. As the waiter dropped off my one slice of their pepperoni pizza, I was eager to dig in. The crust to pizza ratio is well thought through, and the simplicity of all the ingredients make the resulting slice incredible. Even my dining companion declared, “Home Slice never lets me down. They are always consistent and delicious, and never fail to put me in a food coma.” As we left the restaurant, both of us could not help but feel the energy of happy families and friendly workers, all looking to bring people together over the perfect pizza. As their motto goes, “We are artists and this is our craft.”

Bufalina: For an Upscale Rendezvous

Bufalina on Burnet Road is an Austin mainstay for wood fired pizza. Bufalina’s curated menu of various Italian traditional and seasonal foods is certain to leave a lasting impression on any guest. Steve Dilley, a lover of Italy’s infamous Neapolitan pizza, brought his experience and expertise in pizza culture from New York to Austin. The small, but well seated space allows both large and small parties to enjoy the relaxed, yet intimate atmosphere. The first dish to arrive at the table was their burrata appetizer that included a salsa Ammoglio and olive oil served with soft slices of delicious rosemary focaccia bread. The burrata spread and the salsa created a bite so fruitful, that even the focaccia couldn't do it justice. Next up was their rigatoni special, which was one to remember. The parmesan accented the pomodoro sauce in such a way that every bite continued to get better. The pasta itself allowed the ricotta salata to distribute perfectly, providing both a taste and tactile delight. The final course was their classic pepperoni pizza that overflowed with marinara. Every bite of the crispy crust, combined with the sauce and the spicy pepperoni, was a force to be reckoned with. The mozzarella pieces added a subtle flavor that did not overpower the pizza, but elevated my taste for cheese. Bufalina can have long wait times on weekends, which is why takeout is available and also recommended. With prompt and attentive service, the view of their wood burning oven, and the check that appeared inside a small book, Bufalina will now be a favored spot to put in my rotation.

Pieous: For the Voracious Road Tripper

While Pieous is a good 30 minutes west of Austin, it is well worth the drive. Pieous exudes a family friendly vibe and is filled with long tables that can house both large and small parties. To place an order, one must wait in a short and well managed line, pay at the counter, and find the perfect place to enjoy the meal. Their homemade pastries are displayed along the counter, positioned right next to the bar where one can watch their very own pizza being fired. I was delighted to try their caesar salad that was evenly tossed. The salad came as a serving made for three or four and had a garden-fresh taste. Of course, a Pieous visit is not complete without a taste of their pastrami sandwich. Indeed, the smoked pastrami melts in your mouth, as the sourdough bread adds just a bit of crunch. A touch of mustard gives the sandwich a bit of sweetness and spice to bring all the flavors together. In fact, I would argue that Pieous makes the best pastrami sandwich in Texas. The pizza arrived hot, and ready to be devoured. The pie was a perfectly flawless representation of a Neapolitan pizza, where their exquisite sourdough crust and scratch-made mozzarella enhance the flavor. The size of a small pizza was perfect for one diner, although I felt rather overserved after the salad, pastrami and the pizza, so this is a fair warning to pace yourself. Pieous was founded by the Kaners in 2013 with the goal of giving Texas a taste of Italy, and they have successfully gained almost a cult following for their top tier pizza. Winning the Verace Pizza Napoletana, an award given for authentic Italian Pizza, Pieous is known for their devotion to making great pizza using Italian technique. As they say, “Food is our religion!” And let me tell you, that award was well deserved.

Via 313: For Those in Search of a Delightful Detroit Deep Dish

My Neapolitan pizza odyssey came to an abrupt but welcome stop at Via 313, specialists in Detroit style pizza. Until 2011, no one seemed qualified enough to bring the Detroit style pizza down to Austin, Texas. That is until Brandon and Zane Hunt created a uniquely Austin concept by opening their first location as a food truck on East 6th and Waller. Baked in a rectangle shaped pan, and topped with mozzarella, Detroit style pizza has some of the cheesiest edges of all pizzas. With six Austin locations, Via 313 has paved the way for Detroit style. I was delighted by their other options as well. I began my meal with their meatballs that were steamy and covered with marinara. Using the sourdough chips on the side, the meatballs were heavenly creamy and delightful. I also had a small bite of their cheese bread, grated with parmesan cheese. This, like their pizza, was soft on the bite, crisp on the outer layer, and extremely gooey and stretchy due to the cheese. It was celestial. To finish, I delighted in the “Small Detroiter” which consisted of smoked pepperoni, topped with a plentiful amount of Detroit sauce. The best part of the pizza was the two types of cheese layered around the sides of the pizza, which makes the pizza even more crunchy for every bite. While Detroit style is their main focus, Via 313 also makes a bar style pizza that serves as a very reliable option as well. Sitting on one of their high top tables, Via 313 had a casual and bar like vibe that complemented the dishes in front of me. One can always rely on Via to knock their pizza out of the park.

Pinthouse: For Your Thirsty Team After the Game

My profligate tour of the Austin pizza scene would not be complete without a visit to Pinthouse Pizza. As I entered their Burnet Road location, I immediately synched with the positive rush of hustling waiters, the tantalizing smell of pizza dough rising, scores of diners in animated conversation, and popular country music tunes playing in the background. I ordered at the open counter and picked my seat at one of the numerous long communal tables. As my food came, I enjoyed sitting casually with my Dad, who enjoyed one of their craft beers. As their saying goes, “We are not gourmet, but we are artisanal. We are not a gastropub, but we are craft.” Pinthouse is clearly a high volume restaurant and their system for ordering and serving is quite efficient. We also placed a takeout order, and that was pleasantly efficient as well. The menu varies from classic pizza options, to salads and other appetizers. The starter we ordered was their signature salad that contained sliced red onions, candied pecans, blue cheese, cranberries, and house-made dressing. The salad was tasty and kept me hungry for a large pizza. As my pepperoni pizza arrived, the slices were thick and the crust was crispy. Each slice was an ideal size, filled with flavorful cheese and crispy pepperoni pieces. Two slices satisfied my hunger and left me planning my return for the efficient service, casual atmosphere and solid, if not unique pizza.

Page updated

Report abuse