Pizza is one of those ultimate crowd-pleasing foods that satisfies multiple occasions—date nights, post-bar crawl cravings, birthday parties, backyard hangouts, midday snacks; the list could go on and on. Plus, the sauce, cheese and carb combo does wonders for the belly. Finding the best pizza in Houston isn’t as daunting of a task as it would be in New York, but let it be known that H-town still delivers on the pizza front. Here are some of the standouts worth noting.
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Multiple Locations / Website
This local favorite pays homage to Grandpa Pink, founder Ken Bridge’s car-racing grandfather who raced for pink slips. Pies are made from only the freshest ingredients and come in a variety of forms. Whether you’re a die-hard sausage and bacon on pizza type or are gluten-free, something delicious and doughy is waiting for you at Pink’s.
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1201 St Emanuel St. / Website
Vinny’s in EaDo is your pizza destination for the thick variety—they serve a hearty Detroit-style square slice that has become a popular favorite for those seeking a quick pizza fix. They also churn out New York-style slices that require the classic fold to consume.
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417 Travis St. / Website
This Downtown spot is the answer to all of your late-night pizza cravings. Frank’s hand-tosses its pies and prepares its own dough and sauce onsite daily. It also produces massive pies up to 18 inches so you’ll be sure to hit the sack with a satisfied belly.
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2405 Genesee St. / Website
The name accurately sums up newcomer Elro’s offerings—you’ll find seasonal crudo paired with specialty wood-fired pizza, a match made in heaven in the summer heat. Opt for the smoked kapachi or Neptilla-cured salmon before you make your way to the chorizo and mortadella pizzas.
2920 Hillcroft Ave. / Website
Antonio’s Flying Pizza has been a Houston landmark since 1971, thanks to owner Antonio Rosa who got his start throwing pizzas in Connecticut and New Jersey before opening shop in Houston. This is a real red-sauce joint, so expect to get messy.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Deep dish is the star at Star Pizza, which arrives at your table in a silver pan. Everyone goes crazy for the Starburst made with ground beef and Italian sausage, but you can’t go wrong with any of its specialty offerings, which range from an apple cinnamon dessert pizza to a gorgonzola and pesto.
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5210 Morningside Drive / Website
Coppa Osteria serves rustic Italian cuisine in a spacious, upscale space. While you can easily get lost in the pasta options here, the wood-fired Neapolitan pizza hits the spot.
11177 Katy Freeway / Website
Dabble in a little bit of everything at Pizaro’s, which offers Neapolitan, Detroit and New York-style pizza. However, the Neapolitan pie is the standout here, rapid-baked at 900 degrees in a wood-fired oven. The result is a perfectly crispy, airy, thin-crust Margherita.
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1528 W Gray St. / Website
Romano’s nails the New York slice and goes a step further with its interior design, which is reminiscent of an old-timey pizza parlor in the Big Apple with faux-brick and kitschy prints. Go for the classic cheese or pepperoni slice, or spice it up with a toppings-loaded pie.
2002 W Gray St. / Website
This Houston institution with a lively patio situation has been around for over 30 years. With vibes resembling a neighborhood trattoria, La Griglia is the place to visit for wood-fired pizza complemented by a full menu of Italian delights.
3701 Travis St. / Website
Hit up Austin-based HomeSlice for an authentic slice of New York-style pizza, meaning a crispy crust and thin, floppy body. The environment itself is a funky combo of sculptures, murals and printed wallpaper so you’ll be consuming your pizza amid plenty of entertainment
Photography by: Michael Berman/Getty Images
