I love pizza. I love trying new places. Of all the places in Houston I have tried pizza, five standout:
Star Pizza (Norfolk location)
I do not know of any Houston pizza restaurant more talked about than Star Pizza; and with good reason. Star Pizza serves up some of the best pizza south of Chicago.
They offer a tasty New York style crust (hand tossed), but their Chicago style crust (deep dish) is simply better. Their deep dish, whole wheat crust, Starburst (pepperoni, beef, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions) pizza is especially crave-worthy.
In addition to their Starburst pizza, they offer seven other specialty pizzas, four personally sized focaccia pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and a decent selection of beverages. And of course, you always have the option of building your own pizza from over forty ingredients.
Cheese pizzas range in price from $7.50 for a small (12 inch) New York style to $13.00 for a large (14 inch) Chicago style. Each extra ingredient costs $1.25 for a small pizza, $1.50 for a medium pizza, and $1.75 for a large pizza. Specialty pizzas range in price from $10.75 for a small New York style to $17.50 for a large Chicago style.
Beyond their food, the cozy atmosphere at their Norfolk location (2111 Norfolk) is part of Star Pizza’s appeal. Located in an old house, it is the perfect spot to chill with friends. There is a second Star Pizza located at 77 Harvard, but I recommend trying the Norfolk location if you have not yet experienced Star Pizza.
Maui Bros. Pizza Company
One of the founders of Houston’s beloved Star Pizza, Ed Barnett, has opened up his own take out pizza joint on the Northwest side of Houston — Maui Bros. Pizza. For those who think Star Pizza is too trendy, Maui Bros. Pizza is a good alternative.
Maui Bros. Pizza Company “promises” to make their pizzas with the finest, and sometimes “most expensive”, ingredients. It is a promise that comes with a price compared to other take outs, but one well worth it if you are seeking a fresh tasty pizza.
Considering their focus on take out pizza, what Maui Bros. might lack in atmosphere, they make up in selection. They offer over twenty specialty pizzas with four crusts to choose from (New York hand tossed, extra thin crispy, thin whole wheat, and Chicago deep dish). Or you can “create your own masterpieces” from a selection of 26 toppings, 3 sauces, and 4 crusts. Prices range from $7.95 for a medium (12 inch) thin/NY style pizza to $20.55 for an extra-large (18″ inch) Chicago deep dish Specialty pizza. In addition to pizza, Maui Bros. Pizza Company offers a small selection of calzones, lasagna, wings, and salads.
Maui Bros. Pizza is located at 9135 West Sam Houston Parkway N #400 (at West Rd). For a more detailed look at their menu, please visit their website: (http://www.mauibrospizza.com/menu.htm).
New York Pizzeria (Westgreen location)
I do not care how close a pizza comes to authentic New York pizza. This is Houston after all. I just care if it tastes good. And the pizza at New York Pizzeria tastes good!
Nothing is overdone about it. The pizza’s consistency and flavors are in total harmony here. The sauce might be a little too sweet for some people’s taste, but it hits my mouth just right.
New York Pizzeria offers 14 hand tossed specialty pizzas, 3 extra thin crust Naple’s style pizzas, several Italian house specialty dishes (such as chicken parmesan), calzones, pastas, salads, soups, desserts, and wine.
If you choose to build your own pizza, you have the option of enjoying a hand tossed brick oven pizza or a Sicilian deep dish pizza. Unless you are a deep dish lover, I would go with the hand tossed brick oven style pizza (what they usually serve). A medium (12 inch) Brick Oven cheese pizza costs $10.95, plus $1.50 for additional toppings. A large (16 inch) Brick Oven cheese pizza costs $12.95, plus $1.95 for additional toppings.
They also offer pizza by the slice and an extra large (28 inch) party pizza.
The atmosphere at New York Pizzeria is clean and comfortable. And I have always found the service at their Westgreen location (20900 Katy Freeway) to be friendly and capable.
However, as with most Brick Oven pizzerias, you should expect a considerable wait for your pizza. Generally, the wait is reasonable during the week days. But there have been a few times when I have had to wait almost two hours for a carry out pizza during a busy weekend night. Do not let that rare event stop you from trying New York Pizzeria; just keep it in mind when planning a meal.
Brothers Pizzeria (1029 HWY 6 N location)
If you are seeking the best greasy, by-the-slice, New York style pizza, look no further. Brothers Pizzeria may not be as talked about as much as Stars Pizza, but it has just as much of a loyal following. As a kid, nothing could beat a slice of Brothers Pizza at West Oaks Mall. And years later, while it has changed locations, it remains one of the best pizza restaurants in Houston. For more information, please visit their website (http://brothers-pizza.f0rb1dd3n.com/hwy6/menu.htm)
Johnny Carino’s Italian Grill
In general, Johnny Carino’s serves some of the finest Italian food around Houston. Their pizzas are no different. …At least in quality. In taste, they lack the sauciness of most pizzas, but remain the freshest tasting thin crusted pizzas I have ever eaten. For nearest location, please visit their website (http://www.carinos.com/location/search.aspx)
There are several other above-average places to find pizza in Houston such as Fuzzy’s, Antonio’s Flying Pizza, Romano’s, Napoli’s, Sicily Pizza, and Barry’s. But I would go with these five pizza places first!
