About Me
I went to college in a Chicago suburb (shout-out to Lewis University), so I have learned to love pizza, especially deep dish (and yes, it’s a pizza to all you haters out there). So, since I came to grad school at Rice, I’ve been on a two-goal, pizza-centric mission:
- Find a good deep dish (I’ll be honest…I haven’t found it yet, and I’m starting to lose hope)
- Discover Houston’s pizza culture
As the 4th largest city and growing, it only seems natural that Houston starts to make a name for itself in terms of pizza. This is my quest to figure out just what that means. Below are seven pizzerias that I believe are on their way to making Houston a “pizza city.”
1. Frank's Pizza
417 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
Established in 1999, Frank's Pizza has been a downtown staple for over two decades. This place is always busy, and always good. You can't go wrong with Frank's if you’re looking for a classic pizza by the slice or pies to feed a group. It’s cheap, it’s fast, it’s down to earth. I’d personally order a couple of slices of the Scrumptious Supreme and be set for a quick dinner.
2. Tiny Champions
2617 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77003
You’ve probably heard of Nancy’s Hustle in EaDo if you love Houston food. If you’re looking for something a little more laid back but with the same creativity and intentionality in both food and cocktails, their sister restaurant, Tiny Champions, is the spot. It’s cool enough to hit it before an Astros game and romantic enough for a date night. You can tell the chefs care about the food they create, as do the bar staff (including well-crafted non-alcoholic cocktails!). This place is a little pricey, but it is worth it.
3. The Gypsy Poet
2404 Austin St, Houston, TX 77004 or 1050 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008
Okay, y’all, The Gypsy Poet is why I wrote this blog post. This place is GOOD. Something about it felt so ~Houston~ to me. From the straightforward yet eclectic menu to the community-forward vibes and hip clientele, I was sold on this place from the jump (full disclosure: they also sold Goose Island 312–my favorite Chicago beer, so there may be a slight bias). After trying both The Pepperoni Madness and Cappellone Big Hat, I was convinced that The Gypsy Poet would lead Houston to become a pizza center. The prices are slightly higher, and the wait can be a bit longer, but it is so incredibly worth it.
4. Nonno’s
1613 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
Folks, we have a Chicago entry in the chat. Nonno’s serves Tavern-style pizza inspired by the Stayer family’s time in Chicago. This restaurant has two excellent sister concepts, Nobie’s and The Toasted Coconut, but Nonno’s is the newest in their line-up. While it’s not a deep dish, I think the brand is well built, with a nostalgic, campy 80s theme that doesn’t come across as tacky. I think the food is still finding its footing, but if you want to feel like you’re a little further north, check out this place for its good vibes and crispy, Tavern-style pizza.
5. Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
2101 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007 or 4500 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX, 77006
Let’s be clear, everyone, this is a bar that happens to serve excellent pizza. Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is not named after the 1988 Tim Burton film, but rather a star in the Orion constellation (shout out Space City!). However, that does not make this place any less weird. The decorations make no sense and yet, they make perfect sense. I won’t get too into the details because I think you need to experience it for yourself. As for the pizza, it’s cooked in a cast iron, so you know it has the perfect crunch. Depending on the time of night, the appetizers are killer, too. Frankly, you can’t go wrong here, make sure to pair it with the perfect drink from the bar (again, NA options are available!).
6. Pink's Pizza
2726 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, and many other locations
This is probably the least flashy pick on my list, but it’s cheap, convenient, and reliable – Pink’s. If you’re looking for a classic slice at a low price, I highly recommend Pink’s. The setting is more relaxed (with more available parking) than Frank’s, but you still get the convenience of a single slice or full pizza, depending on the occasion. This is the spot if you’re on campus and want a quick, cheap, simple pizza without the hassle of traveling downtown.
7. Home Slice Pizza
3701 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
An Austin transplant, Home Slice Pizza is bringing its famous New York-style pizza to Houston. Known for giant slices, including Sicilian style, Home Slice hits the spot. It’s fun and casual, with a “sculpture garden” for outdoor seating. The price is pretty affordable, and the staff is super friendly. They are also known for their excellent sub sandwiches and calzones if someone in your group isn’t really into pizza. Check out this spot for a slice of authentic New York-style pizza in the heart of Houston.
Something for Everyone!
Houston's pizza scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering something for every pizza lover. Whether you're craving a classic pie, an innovative gourmet creation, or a late-night snack, these seven pizzerias are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings. While the city is still taking in transports from the pizza greats, Chicago and New York, it’s only a matter of time before Houston has its own quintessential pizza style.
About the author:
Carly Graverson is a current Ph.D. student in Chemistry. She got her B.S. in Chemistry at Lewis University in 2020. Read more.
Further Reading:
Where to find delicious food in HTX!
Houston’s Southern China Cuisine Map
Houston’s Northern China Cuisine Map