Texas might be famous for BBQ and Tex-Mex, but the Lone Star State is quietly becoming a pizza paradise. From wood-fired Neapolitan pies to massive slices that embody the ‘everything’s bigger in Texas’ motto, these pizza joints are changing the game.
Whether you’re craving authentic Italian flavors or innovative Texas twists, these hidden gems across the state deserve your attention.
1. Urban Crust, Plano
Housed in a historic building in downtown Plano, Urban Crust combines old-world charm with modern pizza magic. Their wood-fired oven reaches a scorching 900 degrees, creating perfectly blistered crusts in just 90 seconds. The rooftop Ice Bar offers 32-degree drink rails to keep your beverage frosty while you enjoy skyline views.
Don’t miss their signature Black & Blue pizza with blue cheese and blackened shrimp – a Texas twist on Italian tradition. Weekend visitors are treated to live music while sampling their impressive wine and craft beer selection. This three-story pizza haven transforms date night into an unforgettable experience.
2. Tiny Champions, Houston
Small in size but mighty in flavor, Tiny Champions has quickly become Houston’s pizza darling. The sourdough-based crust ferments for 48 hours, creating a tangy, airy base that’s both chewy and crisp.
Founded by the team behind Nancy’s Hustle, this East End hotspot pairs inventive pizzas with natural wines and house-made pasta. The restaurant’s minimalist design – exposed brick, concrete floors, and hanging plants – creates an industrial-chic vibe that attracts Houston’s coolest crowd.
Their seasonal approach means toppings change regularly, featuring unexpected combinations like fermented honey, pickled peppers, and locally-sourced vegetables. Weekend waits are common, so arrive early!
3. Home Slice Pizza, Austin
A slice of New York in the heart of Austin, Home Slice has been satisfying the city’s pizza cravings since 2005. Lines form daily for their hand-tossed pies made with dough that’s aged for at least 18 hours.
The South Congress location buzzes with energy – grab a beer from the walk-up window while waiting for a table or take your slice to-go. Their pepperoni cups crisp up perfectly, creating little pools of spicy oil that pizza aficionados dream about. Beyond perfect pizza basics, they offer monthly specials that keep regulars coming back.
The laid-back atmosphere, complete with outdoor picnic tables and arcade games, captures Austin’s funky spirit perfectly.
4. Big Lou’s Pizza, San Antonio
“Everything’s bigger in Texas” finds its pizza manifestation at Big Lou’s, home of the legendary 42-inch pizza that’s appeared on multiple food shows.
Located in a no-frills building on San Antonio’s east side, this family-owned spot embodies Texas-sized hospitality. Groups gather around massive pies topped with everything from jalapeños to barbacoa – a San Antonio specialty. Their 42-inch challenge has defeated many hungry customers, though sharing is encouraged!
Despite television fame, Big Lou’s maintains its unpretentious charm with checkered tablecloths and friendly service. Come hungry and prepare for a pizza experience that’s as authentic as it is enormous.
5. The Pizza House, West
Nestled in the Czech-influenced town of West, The Pizza House crafts pies with unexpected Central European flair. Family-owned since 1994, this unassuming spot on Oak Street serves kolache-inspired pizzas that blend Texas and Czech traditions.
Their signature Czech Pizza features a garlic cream base topped with sauerkraut, kielbasa, and a three-cheese blend. Locals swear by their house-made ranch dressing for crust dipping – a ritual that’s non-negotiable for regulars.
The cozy dining room, decorated with vintage photos of West’s history, creates a community gathering spot where everyone knows each other. After your meal, grab a kolache from the nearby Czech Stop to complete your culinary tour.
6. Bellatrino Pizzeria, Dallas
Hidden in Dallas’ Preston Center, Bellatrino brings authentic Neapolitan pizza certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.
Their imported Italian oven burns white oak at 900+ degrees, creating the distinctive leopard-spotted crust in just 90 seconds. Owner Carlo Gattini sources ingredients directly from Italy – from the 00 flour to San Marzano tomatoes.
The minimalist space lets the food take center stage, with the fiery oven as the restaurant’s beating heart. First-timers should try the classic Margherita to appreciate the perfect balance of chewy-crisp dough, sweet tomatoes, and creamy fior di latte. For the full experience, pair your pizza with an Italian wine from their carefully curated list.
7. 600 Degrees Pizzeria, Georgetown
A stone’s throw from Georgetown’s picturesque town square, 600 Degrees combines small-town charm with big-city pizza technique. Their coal-fired oven creates a distinctive smoky flavor that’s earned them a cult following among Central Texas pizza enthusiasts.
Owners Mark and Laurie Simmons spent years perfecting their dough recipe – a 72-hour cold fermentation process that develops complex flavors. The restaurant’s warm brick interior, with its exposed beams and local artwork, invites lingering over a bottle from their impressive Texas wine selection.
Their signature Texas Wagyu pie features locally-raised beef, caramelized onions, and smoked gouda – a perfect marriage of Italian technique and Texas ingredients.
8. EZ PZ Pizza, Fredericksburg
Amid Fredericksburg’s German heritage and wine country charm, EZ PZ Pizza stands out with creative pies that incorporate Hill Country flavors. Housed in a converted 1940s gas station, this quirky spot features vintage pumps and retro decor that transport visitors to simpler times.
Owners Mike and Jenny Adams source ingredients from surrounding farms, creating seasonal specialties like their famous peach and prosciutto pizza during summer harvest. The outdoor beer garden, strung with fairy lights, offers the perfect spot to enjoy a pie with local craft brews.
Their sourdough crust – fed with wild yeast captured from nearby vineyards – creates a unique tang that perfectly complements both traditional and adventurous toppings.
9. Stango’s Pizza Parlor, San Angelo
A West Texas institution since 1979, Stango’s transports diners to an old-school Italian-American pizza parlor complete with red-checkered tablecloths and vintage arcade games. The nostalgic atmosphere is matched by their commitment to traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Their thick, bready crust supports generous toppings and rivers of gooey cheese – comfort food at its finest. The walls, covered with local sports memorabilia and customer photos, tell the story of Stango’s role as a community gathering place for over four decades.
Don’t miss their famous Garbage Pizza loaded with nine toppings – a challenge for even the heartiest Texas appetite. Save room for their homemade Italian ice, a refreshing treat in the West Texas heat.
10. Rancho Pizzeria, Coleman
In tiny Coleman (population 4,500), Rancho Pizzeria has put this rural West Texas town on the culinary map. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building on the town square, this unexpected gem features a wood-fired oven built by hand using local materials.
Owner Laurie Williamson, who also runs nearby Rancho Loma restaurant and inn, brings sophisticated farm-to-table sensibility to pizza. Their signature Ranch-to-Pizza offerings feature ingredients grown on their property just minutes away.
The minimalist space with exposed brick and original tin ceilings fills nightly with a mix of locals and visitors who’ve made the pilgrimage. Their Texas Wagyu Beef pizza with caramelized onions and blue cheese perfectly represents their “rural fine dining” philosophy.
Leave a comment