Austin’s Pizza

 
Austin’s Pizza, with 14 locations around the greater Austin area, has the feel of one of those local institutions that’s been around for years, kind of like an Amy’s Ice Cream or Waterloo Ice House. But I was surprised to learn that the first Austin’s Pizza went up as recently as 1999. In those five short years, Austin’s Pizza has soared over those local bottom feeders like Dominoes and Double Daves and established itself as one of the true leaders in the Austin pizza wars.

Now you know me. I grew up in New Haven, Conn, eating at Pepe’s Pizzeria, consistently voted the top pizza place in the US. So I don’t take my Pizza lightly. In my opinion, neither does Austin’s Pizza. They went the extra mile and fitted their stores with authentic brick ovens that allow for a much more even baking of the pizza and better temperature control.

The first thing they did right, in my opinion, was to limit their fare, with the exception of several salads and chicken wings, to pizza. Just like the legendary Pepe’s, they stick to what they know. So are you ready? Let’s start the pizza tour de force.

My daughter likes the Super Pep. This is all about an abudanza of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. There’s lots of each ingredient. And it’s very tasty.

Another enjoyable pie is the Bacon Pizzaburger. This is the pizza fan’s version of the cheeseburger, with hamburger meat, crispy fried bacon, fresh onions and sharp cheddar cheese. Didn’t think I’d care for it at first, but upon sampling, I’ve become a fan. Believe it or not, cheddar cheese works. And try the Rosemary. This is in the avant garde “out there” mode of California Pizza Kitchen, but it works. You take New England red potatoes, grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, and combine them with an Alfredo sauce with a little rosemary and garlic for good measure. It is delicious.

And for you fans of Asian fare, there’s the Thai Chicken that features grilled chicken, onions, garlic, fresh basil, and peanuts over spicy Thai sauce. You want to kick it up a little more? Add a Thai pepper or some cilantro.

And there’s something old fashioned for Bubba as well. They call it Meat Madness. And I mean there is not a veggie in site. Canadian bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and hamburger. This is the carnivore’s delight. You want to tick off your vegan friends, order this pizza and then make them just look at it!

But, food fans, it’s The Mediterranean that has won my heart. I love all things Greek and this pizza rocks. Topped with spinach, Kalamata olives, red onions, artichoke hearts, and roma tomatoes, with of course, authentic feta cheese along with a nice crisp crust, this is the pizza. Of course if you walked in to Pepe’s and ordered this pizza, they’d have you wacked. ‘Cause Pepe’s is so sausage and mushroom traditional. But here in Austin, well, it works for me.

Austin’s Pizza has 14 locations around the area including one recently opened on Bee Caves Road in Westlake. This is Austin owned and operated by Clay McLaughlin, a former UT grad. And like I said earlier, not only does the pizza taste right, the restaurant feels right. And that’s important, whether you’re in New Haven or Austin.