Houston's pizza game is slicing through the competition and dishing out variety like never before. Eater Houston reports the city is on the brink of a cheesy renaissance, with an array of newly opened joints showcasing styles from Detroit to Naples. Notables in the lineup include Neighbors Pizza Bar, which is charming Second Ward with crispy New York-style slices, and the Chicago tavern-style inspired Nonno's Family Pizza Tavern, which snagged a shoutout from Esquire.
Reflecting on the boom, Pi Pizza veteran Anthony Calleo has tossed his hat back into the ring with Gold Tooth Tony's, Houston's first establishment specializing in Detroit-style pizza; meanwhile, Betelgeuse Betelgeuse's beefy ironclad pizzas are gaining traction in Montrose. The pie isn't confined to the traditional; creative twists are emerging, such as the Texas-style grilled pizza from Coastline Pizzeria, focused on catering to local tastes. Despite the area's sprawl, which Calleo mentions may deter the quick slice culture common in more walkable cities, Houstonians appear hungry for a diverse pizza portfolio.
It's not just about the newcomers, though. Old-timers like Tiny Champions and Pizaro's continue to tempt with their rotating specials and Neapolitan pies. Still, as Chron so aptly echoes, it's not merely taste that defines Houston's pizza scene but the nostalgia and memories each bite evokes. From family-run spots to groundbreaking chef-led kitchens, the city is kneading its way into the hearts of pizza enthusiasts.
The expansion of pizzerias isn't just a matter of taste but also a business move towards comfort food with decent margins. "Great pizza doesn’t have to be 00 flour or made with water imported from New York," says Calleo, as per Eater Houston. Restaurants seem to be betting on a staple that's familiar, profitable, and, during pandemic times, particularly, carryout-friendly. This seems like a strategic shift after a year that saw Houston crowned Smash Burger Central. A sentiment shared, also by the new kids on the food block preparing to launch The Pizza Place in Montrose, a venture teased to marry the chewy charm of Neapolitan with the crisp bite of New York pies.
