Austin’s Ultimate Pizza Quest: Top 10 Places to Satisfy Your Crust Cravings
If you’re a pizza connoisseur on the hunt for the most tantalizing pizza places in Austin, you’ve come to the right place. Embracing a wide variety of styles and flavors, every pizza joint on this list promises to satisfy your crust cravings. From New York to Detroit styles, unassuming hole-in-the-wall spots to gourmet pizzerias, Austin’s pizza scene acts as quite the United Nations of pizza diplomacy! Here’s the local’s ultimate guide to the “Top 10 Pizza Places in Austin”.
1. Home Slice Pizza – An Authentic Slice of NY in ATX
Ever dreamed of a walk down the streets of New York with an oversize slice folded in half? Well, Home Slice Pizza is the answer to your East Coast pizza dreams in the heart of Austin. Operating since 2005, Home Slice has successfully encapsulated the NY essence into their authentic NY-style pizza. With a crust that’s thin but foldable, a light application of sauce, and a cover of flavorful cheese, their pizza is a hit, making them the go-to spot for East Coast transplants and locals alike.
- Location: 1421 South Congress Avenue
- Style: New York Style Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Margherita (Meltingly tender mozzarella and fresh aromatic basil)
- Insider Tip: If you’re tight on time, their takeaway window on the side of the pizzeria is perfect for a quick slice on the go – and don’t forget to pair your pizza with an old-fashioned soda or beer!
2. Via 313 – Detroit-Style Praiseworthy Pizza
Rooted deep in the Detroit pizza culture, Via 313 brings the authenticity of Motor City pizza right here in Austin. Initiated by two Detroit-bred brothers, their pizza is a Detroit-style deep-dish: boasting a thick, fluffy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and hearty toppings that are arranged in “reverse order” for a completely different style of pizza. It all ends up being a perfect balance of cheese, sauce, and dough.
- Location: Multiple Locations, including 3016 Guadalupe St Suite #100
- Style: Detroit Style Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: The Cadillac (Sweet figs coupled with salted prosciutto di Parma and cheese, finished off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze)
- Insider Tip: Enhance your dining experience by pairing your pizza with one of their carefully selected craft cocktails.
3. Bufalina– Worth Every Flame of the Wood-Fired Oven
One of Austin’s first Neapolitan pizzerias, Bufalina, has garnered a reputation for their inspiring menu selection crafted with locally sourced, quality ingredients. With minimalistic pizza offerings cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Naples, they celebrate the raw purity of their ingredients. The crust, bubbly and slightly charred, combines with a well-balanced sauce and fresh mozzarella to create pizzas that are a treat to your taste buds.
- Location:1519 East Cesar Chavez
- Style: Neapolitan Style Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Margherita (A classic combination of fresh basil, mozzarella, and olive oil)
- Insider Tip: Their wine list showcases smaller producers and natural wines; don’t hesitate to ask staff for pairing recommendations!
4. Pinthouse Pizza – Artisanal Pizzas alongside Crafted Brews
More than just a pizza joint, Pinthouse Pizza is a brewery that marries craft brews and artisan pizzas for a unique casual dining experience. Their award-winning beers and honest, simple pizzas have a devoted fanbase. The extensive rotating taplist of house-brewed beers keeps beer enthusiasts on their toes.
- Location: 4729 Burnet Rd
- Style: American craft pizza
- Recommended Pizza: The Armadillo (Juicy beer-braised pulled pork with a sweet BBQ Sauce base)
- Insider Tip: Their ever-changing draft list includes a great selection of house beers. Don’t forget to ask what’s on offer!
5. Little Deli & Pizzeria – A Throwback to Classic Neighborhood Pizzerias
If you yearn for good old-fashioned pizza like the ones from neighborhood pizza joints of yore, then Little Deli & Pizzeria will transport you back in time. The warm, inviting atmosphere, excellent customer service, and consistent quality make this a beloved local favorite. Their pies, adorned with tons of delicious toppings, come out with a slightly sweet, perfecty textured, cornmeal-dusted crust that is absolutely delicious.
- Location: 7101 Woodrow Ave
- Style: Jersey Style Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Jersey-Style Pepperoni Pizza
- Insider Tip: Seating can be limited, especially during busy times. Consider coming early or visiting during non-peak hours.
6. The Backspace – Intimate Pizza Experience in the Heart of Austin
Tucked away in downtown Austin, The Backspace offers a cozy, intimate dining experience, perfect for a romantic date or private gathering. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas, crafted in a wood-burning oven and boasting a perfectly toasted, smoky crust, are positively divine. Combining this with their selection of antipasti and carefully curated Italian wine list, it only makes sense why this place is loved by many.
- Location: 507 San Jacinto Blvd
- Style: Neapolitan Style Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Pepperoni Americano (A classic Italian touch of crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, and pepperoni)
- Insider Tip: Given its small size, be sure to make a reservation to avoid undue waiting.
7. 40 North – Elevating Pizza to Artistic Heights
For those who value quality ingredients above all else, 40 North is a must-visit. Their pizza crust is sourdough-based, fermented in-house, and baked in their wood-burning oven till it achieves that beautiful char. What makes 40 North further stand out is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of them organic and sustainably produced. The topping options are seasonal, always fresh and beautifully curated.
- Location: 900 W 10th St
- Style: Wood-fired Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Margherita DOP (A delight of tangy tomato, soft fior di latte, fresh basil, parmesan, and EVOO)
- Insider Tip: On sunny days, dine on their outdoor patio. It’s an inviting spot for a relaxed, unhurried meal.
8. East Side Pies – Thin, Crispy, and Unconventionally Tasty
For those seeking a break from the classic pizza, East Side Pies serves up thin-crust pizzas with some unlikely toppings sprawling atop, like capers, hummus, gyro meat, and more. Their adventurous and daring spins on pizza add an exciting element while maintaining a well-balanced, delicious taste profile. Even their traditional pies showcase a creative, playful side.
- Location: Multiple Locations
- Style: Thin Crust Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Girther (An exciting blend of pesto, mozzarella, tomato, spinach, mushroom, onion, and bell pepper)
- Insider Tip: Don’t hesitate to try their refreshing white pizzas – it’s a deceptively simple treat for your taste buds.
9. ABGB – Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. – Where Pizza Meets Beer Garden
The ABGB delivers a unique Austin pizza experience. Celebrating the spirit of an original beer garden, ABGB offers an extensive menu of craft beers–brewed in-house–and an unmatched pizza list. Their outdoor seating area is a great place for a laid-back family gathering or meeting friends over a delicious pizza and a cold brew. The live music and vibrant atmosphere add to the charm.
- Location: 1305 W Oltorf St
- Style: Beer Garden Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: The O.P (A sublime mix of Olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and sweet peppadew)
- Insider Tip: Make sure to catch their live music events to truly embrace the ABGB experience.
10. Conscious Cravings Co – Planet-friendly Pizzas
For all you eco-conscious pizza aficionados out there, Conscious Cravings Co has come into existence, ensuring guilt-free indulgence with their vegan and gluten-free pizzas. Their canine-friendly outdoor seating is a cool and relaxed place to enjoy some vegan bites. Proving that vegan offerings can be just as delicious, their pizzas satisfy both vegans and non-vegans with their unique list of pies.
- Location: 1311 S 1st St
- Style: Vegan Pizza
- Recommended Pizza: Margherita Pizza (Classic Margherita made entirely vegan with vegan mozzarella and fresh basil)
- Insider Tip: You can’t leave without trying their vegan cinnamon rolls – turns out you can have your pizza and eat dessert too!
Immerse in the Austin Pizza Gastronomy
That concludes your ultimate local guide of the “Top 10 Pizza Places in Austin”. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita, a New York-style slice, or up for trying a vegan pizza, this list will guide you to some of the best pizzas in town. Every place offers an exceptional pizza experience, each with their own unique spin on this universally loved dish. So why wait? Dive in and embark on your Austin pizza quest today – let it be filled with unforgettable cheese-pulls, flavor-packed bites, and satisfyingly crisp crusts!