[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen you think good pizza, chances are you think Chicago or New York. While the Lone Star State is well known for its brisket, its queso and its kolaches, Texas isn't high on the list of pizza tourism spots in the U.S. These 10 spots may just change your mind, though. What pizza purists may not understand is that Texas is a food mecca. You name it, we've got it. From amazing barbecue to incredible Vietnamese fare, from standard American to totally unheard of fusion combinations, Texas has it. So take a gander at this list and see what you've been missing if you don't think there's any good pizza in Texas.
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10. Crown Pizza - Beaumont
Every East Texan knows about Crown Pizza. The unique menu offers pizza like you've never had anywhere else such as the Hawaiian Hottie and the Shangdi-la. Crown Pizza was even featured in Texas Monthly.
9. Underground Pizza - New Braunfels
While somewhat new to New Braunfels, the folks behind Underground Pizza, Jim and Annette White and Brian Pierce, have long been familiar with the restaurant biz, and have been working together all over the U.S. for over 20 years. Happily, they've set up shop in the Texas Hill Country, bringing decades of experience as executive chefs and restauranteurs. While visiting Underground Pizza, be sure to try the Primal Pie or the Buffalo Chicken Pie, both of which are amazing.
8. Sam's Pizza and Pasta - Dallas
A DFW favorite - Sam's Pizza and Pasta has been delighting Dallasites for over 15 years, and was even rated the best pizza in Dallas by the Dallas Observer. Sam's makes classic New York style pizzas that are made to order. While the pizza toppings are familiar old favorites, the pizza itself is so well made and delicious that it needs no gimmicky menu items to compensate.
7. West Crust Artisan Pizza - Lubbock
If you venture out west to the dusty, windswept home of the Red Raiders, make sure to stop by West Crust Pizza for a pie unlike any other. West Crust's Hill Country Pizza was named best pizza in Texas by the Food Network. West Crust's "The Beast" is also a delicious menu offering.
6. Antonio's Flying Pizza - Houston
"Non-pretentious," "Nostalgic" and "Authentic" are three words often used to describe Antonio's Flying Pizza by local Houstonians who frequent the restaurant. Antonio's was founded by a Sicilian who came to America for a better life, landed in Brooklyn and opened his first pizzeria there in 1959. Antonio Rosa then brought his family to Houston in 1971 and Texans have been grateful ever since.
5. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana- San Antonio
Unless you speak Italian, don't try pronouncing most of the menu items at Dough in San Antonio. The gourmet pizzas available at the San Antonio eatery will blow your mind. From the decadent Truffle Burrata and Roasted Wild Mushrooms pizza to the fan favorite Pork Love, every pizza is handmade and locally sourced.
4. Urban Crust - Plano
Visitors to Plano's Urban Crust Pizza can't get enough of the Black and Blue, a combination of sirloin, portobello, onion, and bleu cheese topped with basil pesto. The chic pizzeria is located in historic downtown Plano and if you're still feeling social after your pizza, head up to the attached 32 Degree Rooftop Bar for some seriously cold libations.
3. Homeslice - Austin
The Capital City's Homeslice Pizza is more than just a clever name. Situated on trendy South Congress since 2004, Homeslice offers whole New-Haven style pizzas, as well as pizza by the slice to hungry Austinites and tourists alike. From the classic Pepperoni and Mushroom to the less conventional White Clam Pizza, Homeslice has something for everyone.
2. Pink's Pizza - Houston
If you ever questioned Houston's favorite pizza, you have to look no further than Pink's. With its seven locations across H-Town, it's both convenient and delicious. A customer favorite is the Santa Monica, with its cranberries, artichokes, eggplant, prosciutto, mozzarella and gorgonzola, it's a bit off the wall and incredibly delicious.
1. Via 313 - Austin
The Hunt brothers brought everything they know about pizza from their home in Detroit to the Capital city of Texas in 2011, and they made an enormous impression in the ensuing years. Via 313 has been included in list after list of best pizzas in Texas and the United States by publications like Thrillist and Texas Monthly just to name a couple. Originally opened as a food truck in East Austin, Via 313 has since expanded to two trailers and two brick and mortar restaurants for a total of four locations across Austin. A pretty impressive feat when you consider they've only been here for five years. The menu includes both standard pizza toppings as well as more unconventional offerings. Perhaps the most buzzed about is the Cadillac, which includes gorgonzola, fig preserves, prosciutto di parma, parmesan and a balsamic glaze.
