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Nonno’s Maui Wowee pizza, topped with cheese, spam, pineapple, and smoked jalapeno.
Nonno’s Maui Wowee pairs spam, pineapple, and jalapeno, for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
Brittany Britto Garley

22 Excellent Houston Pizzerias

Though your favorite styles might hail from Chicago, Detroit, New York, or even Sicily — in Houston, you don’t have to travel far for a top-notch slice of pizza

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Nonno’s Maui Wowee pairs spam, pineapple, and jalapeno, for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
| Brittany Britto Garley

There’s no denying the comforting, convenient appeal of a perfect slice of cheesy, meaty pizza that’s delivered right to the door, but the truth is, some of the best pizzas are deserving of a little effort.

Instead of propping up a major national chain with your pizza dollars, visiting your local neighborhood restaurant for pick-up or dine-in can yield a far more fulfilling experience — and much more variety. After all, Houston pizzerias are slinging creatively topped New York-style pies, traditional Neapolitan, and thick slices hailing from Detroit, Chicago, and Sicily.

With the influx of Italian restaurants that opened this year, it was time for another refresh. Rotated out is ORG Pizza, which is closed until September, which makes room for the newly opened Nonno’s. So, when your pizza craving calls, consider one of these 22 essential Houston pizzerias, which are a hit every time.

Is your favorite pizza joint missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Pink's Pizza

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Beyond traditional toppings like pepperoni and anchovies, Pinks offers a slew of specialty pizzas in 12- and 16-inch sizes. The Big Boss piles on a hefty mix of pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, beef, and Canadian bacon, while the Southwestern packs a punch with barbecue chicken and jalapeños. For those with dietary restrictions, Pinks offers dairy-free mozzarella and gluten-free crusts.

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

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This rustic Heights restaurant keeps things simple and sophisticated with pizza offerings built with farm-fresh toppings. Try its seafood-loaded pizza, topped with shrimp, calamari, grape tomatoes, fresnos, pistachio pesto, and lemon, or go more traditional with the house pepperoni, a comforting pie topped with pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

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Named after a red supergiant star but pronounced “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,” this cocktail bar and pizzeria promises an intergalactic theme with cheesy, crispy-crusted pizzas, all baked in cast iron pans. The Pepps pizza, made with natural-cased pepperoni, and the cheese pizza are both classics, but if you’re being adventurous, try the Alpha Centauri, made with house-made sausage, sauteed peppers, Calabrian chili oil, and a hint of orange zest. Big fan of dough? Order the Space Balls, which are like a fried hybrid of garlic bread and beignets, served with marinara.

an aluminium tray of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse’s Space Balls (fried dough) with a side of marinara.
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse’s Space Balls are a cross between beignets and garlic bread.
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Frank's Pizza

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With its prime location among Downtown’s buzziest bars, Frank’s is synonymous with late-night eats. The decades-old pizza parlor, situated at one corner of Market Square Park, prepares its own dough and sauce in-house daily and offers a menu of mouthwatering pies up to 18 inches. Plain cheese and pepperoni slices entice from behind glass cases, but you can order specialty pizzas like the Cajun-inspired boudin and bacon pizza, or the Scrumptious Supreme, which is loaded with the works.

Romano's Pizza

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With owners from New York, Romano’s is the place for those seeking out a true slice from the Big Apple. Despite its ritzy River Oaks address, the sights and sounds within the no-frills cafe are true of an old-fashioned pizza parlor. Pies are prepared on fresh dough — baked daily — with toppings that range from traditional pepperoni and Italian sausage to spinach and feta cheese. For a carb-loaded bite, there is the Sicilian deep dish presented in thick square slices. Go for the pizza, but stay for all of the additional Italian eats. Along with cheesy calzones and hot and cold subs, Romano’s offers a legendary baked ziti dinner.

Pizaro's Pizza Napoletana II

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At this Napoletana-style pizzeria, red and white pies are baked at 900 degrees in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Choose your own adventure with toppings like Iberico de bellota, prosciutto, and goat cheese or select from favorites like the fragrant, truffle oil-topped patata y funghi. New York and Detroit-style offerings are available, too, including Pizaro’s signature Detroit-style pie stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Insider tip: Pizaro’s is BYOB. The Mr. Sweet Pea, a Detroit-style pizza topped with caramelized onions and bell peppers, Italian sausage, and tomato sauce, is a fun combination of sweet and savory.

Vinny’s

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This EaDo pizza destination is a crust-lovers’ haven. Thick, doughy slices provide a solid base for hearty meats, veggies, and cheese. The provolone-topped classic pairs pepperoni and Italian sausage with mushrooms, red peppers, onions, and olives, while the Maui Wowie layers roasted pineapple with prosciutto and pickled jalapeños. Visit for lunch and enjoy a pizza-combo meal for a cool $11.

Tiny Champions

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Fans of Nancy’s Hustle will agree that its sister concept Tiny Champions is a huge win for Houston’s East End. Imaginative pizzas like the fennel sausage or anchovy filets with garlic grace the menu, along with a quality wine list and interesting beverages, including plenty of zero-proof cocktails. Pies are all 14 inches, making them totally shareable — or not. Visit on a Wednesday, when Detroit-style slices are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Terrence Gallivan, the chef behind the shuttered Pass & Provisions, makes his return with this crudo-slinging pizzeria, which promises Houstonians a refreshing balance of hot and cold dishes. Start with the oysters on the half shell, served with calamansi and pink peppercorn mignonette, or the kampachi crudo before moving on to enticing pizzas like the mortadella-laced pie that’s drizzled in a pistachio pesto, and topped with balsamic onions and parmesan, or the mushroom pizza, where smoked maitake — the star of the show — is complemented by scamorza cheese, tomatoes, and rosemary.

A piece of cheesy pizza lies on a plate with strings stretching from the remainder of the pie.
At Elro, both pizza and crudo share the shine.
Julie Soefer

It’s likely if you’ve only gone to this Hyde Park restaurant for dinner you haven’t had a chance to try one of its most addicting dishes — its pizza. Only served during lunch and brunch, these wood-fired pies often include a classic margherita; a rossa, topped with tomato sauce, garlic chile oil, and pepperoni; and a must-try version of the bianco, its white pizza. Be sure to check back each season. The menus change.

Love Buzz

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Part dive bar, part pizza parlor, Love Buzz serves up slices and creative whole pies on house-fermented dough until the wee hours of 2 a.m. Have your breakfast pizza for dinner with the Wake and Bake — a one-of-a-kind egg, bacon, and hash brown-topped pie, or try the sweet and fiery Spittin’ Venom with fresh jalapeños, fresh habaneros, and chipotle honey.

The Gypsy Poet

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Rock on with Parmesan at one of Gypsy Poet Studios in Midtown or the Heights. Both locations offer a curated menu of 13-inch artisan pizzas. Try the Sicilian Journey, a white pizza topped with Italian sausage and ricotta, or the spicy Pepperoni Madness, a fan favorite littered with big pepperoni, mozzarella, and hot honey. At the heart of Gypsy Poet is its platform as an artist’s studio for local musicians. Take in the sounds of live music or sit in on an active rehearsal session while devouring pizza slices.

Rosie Cannonball

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Known for its European comfort food, this Montrose restaurant has pizza down pat, with mainstays like its cupped pepperoni pizza made with wood-fired red sauce, its Lira Rossa three-cheese pie, and a creamy cacio e pepe pizza. Though those three are good enough to get again and again, be sure to try their seasonal pizzas while you can. The sausage and fennel made with scamorza and fennel-top salsa is top-notch.

At this pizza favorite in the heart of Midtown, thin crust pizzas are inventive and unique. There are several “no tomato sauce” pies to pick from, like the Odessa with prosciutto crudo, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and alfredo, or the mozzarella-less burrata which simply pairs the thick, fluffy cheese with fresh basil. Looking for alternative cheese and crust options? Here, you can substitute vegan cheese or opt for a cauliflower or chia seed crust.

Bollo Woodfired Pizza

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Team red sauce or white? This River Oaks pizzeria offers options for fans of both bianco or rosse pies. The white sauce-topped shrimp scampi boasts Gulf shrimp with mozzarella and romano cheeses and thinly sliced lemons, while the red-sauced margherita is fragrant with fresh tomatoes and basil. Either choice is a win.

Luigi's Pizzeria

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Hidden in plain sight at Axelrad Beer Garden in Midtown, Luigi’s is one of the city’s best-kept pizza secrets. Oversized slices are available in varieties like margherita, Caprese, or the Mexicana, built with fajita meat and pico de gallo. Plus, New York-style pies up to 16 inches can be ordered and enjoyed throughout the sprawling grounds. Pull up a hammock and stay awhile. Outside of Houston’s city limits but still craving Luigi’s? Try its Bellaire and League City locations.

Luna Pizzeria

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At Luna Pizzeria, the 9-inch personal pizzas are meant to be just that — a concoction of your favorite ingredients. In addition to the build-your-own option, six styles are offered, including the margherita, pepperoni, mushroom, sausage, spicy andouille, and prosciutto and arugula. While the individual pies are perfect to keep all to yourself, for $8 more, you can score a large to share. Sweeten the experience by playing the board games on hand, and split a toasty apple crostata for dessert.

A pizza at Luna Pizzeria topped with red sauce and basil.
Luna Pizzeria is a playful pizza joint, offering customizable pizza and games for dine-in.
Luna Pizzeria

Nonno's Pizza

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Martin and Sarah Sayer, the owners of Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut, bring some Midwestern flair and 90s nostalgia to Houston’s pizza scene. Aside from its retro arcade and frozen cocktails and espresso martinis on tap, the newly opened Nonno’s offers tavern-style pizza, with an extra thin and crispy crust, with combinations like a standard cheese to its standout Maui Wowee, which is layered with cheese and thin slices of Spam, pineapple, and smoked jalapeno for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and smoky.

Nonno’s tavern-style Meat Head pizza topped with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and capicola, sits on a silver tray at the bar.
Nonno’s tavern-style pizza is the perfect snack.
Brittany Britto Garley

Antonio’s Flying Pizza

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As if dough going airborne isn’t enough to get anyone’s attention, this 51-year-old restaurant backs up its pizza-tossing skills with freshness and flavor. With owners from New York by way of Sicily, Antonio’s offers pies up to 16 inches with a host of toppings. Trust the staff to choose a combination for you and get one of many signature styles, including the Tartufa, topped with mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella, cream sauce, and truffle oil. Add the fried calamari or a pasta dish — features that prove Antonio’s does all Italian well.

Star Pizza

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Though Star Pizza allows guests to choose from white or wheat crust on its New York and Chicago deep dish-style pizzas, the wheat crust has a cult following, as does the house-made ranch dressing. Try the Starburst with ground beef and Italian sausage; the three-cheese Cowbell, with slow-smoked brisket and barbecue sauce; or stop by on Tuesdays for its Street Taco pizza special, which includes different taco-inspired pizza combinations, including a birria version. Save room for the dessert pizza — an apple cinnamon pie topped with seasoned apples, toasted walnuts, and chocolate sauce.

Spanky's

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Reminiscent of old-school pizza joints, locals swear by this East End, family-owned establishment for dishing out consistently good pizza with a side of nostalgia for more than 40 years. All favorites, including the Super Duper supreme, Meat Lovers, and a Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple, can be customized with thin, New York-style, deep dish, or whole wheat crusts, and pair well with the crispy wings, fried pickles, and cheesy breadsticks.

Fat Boy's Pizza

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This Louisiana chain has brought what might be the “world’s largest slice” to the Houston area.

The first Texas outpost, located in Richmond, promises massive 16-inch or 30-inch pies and an array of toppings, as displayed on the Fat Boy supreme pizza, which is loaded with meat and veggie toppings, and the hearty Hog — a pie that feels appropriately Texan with pulled pork, bacon, red onions, pickled jalapenos, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, Fat Boy’s hog sauce, and mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Go big or go home with the daiquiris, available by the gallon in various flavors.

Fat Boy’s Pizza pepperoni pizza.
Fat Boy’s is bringing the big slices.
Chris Granger

Pink's Pizza

Beyond traditional toppings like pepperoni and anchovies, Pinks offers a slew of specialty pizzas in 12- and 16-inch sizes. The Big Boss piles on a hefty mix of pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, beef, and Canadian bacon, while the Southwestern packs a punch with barbecue chicken and jalapeños. For those with dietary restrictions, Pinks offers dairy-free mozzarella and gluten-free crusts.

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

This rustic Heights restaurant keeps things simple and sophisticated with pizza offerings built with farm-fresh toppings. Try its seafood-loaded pizza, topped with shrimp, calamari, grape tomatoes, fresnos, pistachio pesto, and lemon, or go more traditional with the house pepperoni, a comforting pie topped with pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Named after a red supergiant star but pronounced “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,” this cocktail bar and pizzeria promises an intergalactic theme with cheesy, crispy-crusted pizzas, all baked in cast iron pans. The Pepps pizza, made with natural-cased pepperoni, and the cheese pizza are both classics, but if you’re being adventurous, try the Alpha Centauri, made with house-made sausage, sauteed peppers, Calabrian chili oil, and a hint of orange zest. Big fan of dough? Order the Space Balls, which are like a fried hybrid of garlic bread and beignets, served with marinara.

an aluminium tray of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse’s Space Balls (fried dough) with a side of marinara.
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse’s Space Balls are a cross between beignets and garlic bread.
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Frank's Pizza

With its prime location among Downtown’s buzziest bars, Frank’s is synonymous with late-night eats. The decades-old pizza parlor, situated at one corner of Market Square Park, prepares its own dough and sauce in-house daily and offers a menu of mouthwatering pies up to 18 inches. Plain cheese and pepperoni slices entice from behind glass cases, but you can order specialty pizzas like the Cajun-inspired boudin and bacon pizza, or the Scrumptious Supreme, which is loaded with the works.

Romano's Pizza

With owners from New York, Romano’s is the place for those seeking out a true slice from the Big Apple. Despite its ritzy River Oaks address, the sights and sounds within the no-frills cafe are true of an old-fashioned pizza parlor. Pies are prepared on fresh dough — baked daily — with toppings that range from traditional pepperoni and Italian sausage to spinach and feta cheese. For a carb-loaded bite, there is the Sicilian deep dish presented in thick square slices. Go for the pizza, but stay for all of the additional Italian eats. Along with cheesy calzones and hot and cold subs, Romano’s offers a legendary baked ziti dinner.

Pizaro's Pizza Napoletana II

At this Napoletana-style pizzeria, red and white pies are baked at 900 degrees in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Choose your own adventure with toppings like Iberico de bellota, prosciutto, and goat cheese or select from favorites like the fragrant, truffle oil-topped patata y funghi. New York and Detroit-style offerings are available, too, including Pizaro’s signature Detroit-style pie stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Insider tip: Pizaro’s is BYOB. The Mr. Sweet Pea, a Detroit-style pizza topped with caramelized onions and bell peppers, Italian sausage, and tomato sauce, is a fun combination of sweet and savory.

Vinny’s

This EaDo pizza destination is a crust-lovers’ haven. Thick, doughy slices provide a solid base for hearty meats, veggies, and cheese. The provolone-topped classic pairs pepperoni and Italian sausage with mushrooms, red peppers, onions, and olives, while the Maui Wowie layers roasted pineapple with prosciutto and pickled jalapeños. Visit for lunch and enjoy a pizza-combo meal for a cool $11.

Tiny Champions

Fans of Nancy’s Hustle will agree that its sister concept Tiny Champions is a huge win for Houston’s East End. Imaginative pizzas like the fennel sausage or anchovy filets with garlic grace the menu, along with a quality wine list and interesting beverages, including plenty of zero-proof cocktails. Pies are all 14 inches, making them totally shareable — or not. Visit on a Wednesday, when Detroit-style slices are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Elro

Terrence Gallivan, the chef behind the shuttered Pass & Provisions, makes his return with this crudo-slinging pizzeria, which promises Houstonians a refreshing balance of hot and cold dishes. Start with the oysters on the half shell, served with calamansi and pink peppercorn mignonette, or the kampachi crudo before moving on to enticing pizzas like the mortadella-laced pie that’s drizzled in a pistachio pesto, and topped with balsamic onions and parmesan, or the mushroom pizza, where smoked maitake — the star of the show — is complemented by scamorza cheese, tomatoes, and rosemary.

A piece of cheesy pizza lies on a plate with strings stretching from the remainder of the pie.
At Elro, both pizza and crudo share the shine.
Julie Soefer

Ostia

It’s likely if you’ve only gone to this Hyde Park restaurant for dinner you haven’t had a chance to try one of its most addicting dishes — its pizza. Only served during lunch and brunch, these wood-fired pies often include a classic margherita; a rossa, topped with tomato sauce, garlic chile oil, and pepperoni; and a must-try version of the bianco, its white pizza. Be sure to check back each season. The menus change.

Love Buzz

Part dive bar, part pizza parlor, Love Buzz serves up slices and creative whole pies on house-fermented dough until the wee hours of 2 a.m. Have your breakfast pizza for dinner with the Wake and Bake — a one-of-a-kind egg, bacon, and hash brown-topped pie, or try the sweet and fiery Spittin’ Venom with fresh jalapeños, fresh habaneros, and chipotle honey.

The Gypsy Poet

Rock on with Parmesan at one of Gypsy Poet Studios in Midtown or the Heights. Both locations offer a curated menu of 13-inch artisan pizzas. Try the Sicilian Journey, a white pizza topped with Italian sausage and ricotta, or the spicy Pepperoni Madness, a fan favorite littered with big pepperoni, mozzarella, and hot honey. At the heart of Gypsy Poet is its platform as an artist’s studio for local musicians. Take in the sounds of live music or sit in on an active rehearsal session while devouring pizza slices.

Rosie Cannonball

Known for its European comfort food, this Montrose restaurant has pizza down pat, with mainstays like its cupped pepperoni pizza made with wood-fired red sauce, its Lira Rossa three-cheese pie, and a creamy cacio e pepe pizza. Though those three are good enough to get again and again, be sure to try their seasonal pizzas while you can. The sausage and fennel made with scamorza and fennel-top salsa is top-notch.

Piola

At this pizza favorite in the heart of Midtown, thin crust pizzas are inventive and unique. There are several “no tomato sauce” pies to pick from, like the Odessa with prosciutto crudo, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and alfredo, or the mozzarella-less burrata which simply pairs the thick, fluffy cheese with fresh basil. Looking for alternative cheese and crust options? Here, you can substitute vegan cheese or opt for a cauliflower or chia seed crust.

Bollo Woodfired Pizza

Team red sauce or white? This River Oaks pizzeria offers options for fans of both bianco or rosse pies. The white sauce-topped shrimp scampi boasts Gulf shrimp with mozzarella and romano cheeses and thinly sliced lemons, while the red-sauced margherita is fragrant with fresh tomatoes and basil. Either choice is a win.

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Luigi's Pizzeria

Hidden in plain sight at Axelrad Beer Garden in Midtown, Luigi’s is one of the city’s best-kept pizza secrets. Oversized slices are available in varieties like margherita, Caprese, or the Mexicana, built with fajita meat and pico de gallo. Plus, New York-style pies up to 16 inches can be ordered and enjoyed throughout the sprawling grounds. Pull up a hammock and stay awhile. Outside of Houston’s city limits but still craving Luigi’s? Try its Bellaire and League City locations.

Luna Pizzeria

At Luna Pizzeria, the 9-inch personal pizzas are meant to be just that — a concoction of your favorite ingredients. In addition to the build-your-own option, six styles are offered, including the margherita, pepperoni, mushroom, sausage, spicy andouille, and prosciutto and arugula. While the individual pies are perfect to keep all to yourself, for $8 more, you can score a large to share. Sweeten the experience by playing the board games on hand, and split a toasty apple crostata for dessert.

A pizza at Luna Pizzeria topped with red sauce and basil.
Luna Pizzeria is a playful pizza joint, offering customizable pizza and games for dine-in.
Luna Pizzeria

Nonno's Pizza

Martin and Sarah Sayer, the owners of Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut, bring some Midwestern flair and 90s nostalgia to Houston’s pizza scene. Aside from its retro arcade and frozen cocktails and espresso martinis on tap, the newly opened Nonno’s offers tavern-style pizza, with an extra thin and crispy crust, with combinations like a standard cheese to its standout Maui Wowee, which is layered with cheese and thin slices of Spam, pineapple, and smoked jalapeno for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and smoky.

Nonno’s tavern-style Meat Head pizza topped with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and capicola, sits on a silver tray at the bar.
Nonno’s tavern-style pizza is the perfect snack.
Brittany Britto Garley

Antonio’s Flying Pizza

As if dough going airborne isn’t enough to get anyone’s attention, this 51-year-old restaurant backs up its pizza-tossing skills with freshness and flavor. With owners from New York by way of Sicily, Antonio’s offers pies up to 16 inches with a host of toppings. Trust the staff to choose a combination for you and get one of many signature styles, including the Tartufa, topped with mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella, cream sauce, and truffle oil. Add the fried calamari or a pasta dish — features that prove Antonio’s does all Italian well.

Star Pizza

Though Star Pizza allows guests to choose from white or wheat crust on its New York and Chicago deep dish-style pizzas, the wheat crust has a cult following, as does the house-made ranch dressing. Try the Starburst with ground beef and Italian sausage; the three-cheese Cowbell, with slow-smoked brisket and barbecue sauce; or stop by on Tuesdays for its Street Taco pizza special, which includes different taco-inspired pizza combinations, including a birria version. Save room for the dessert pizza — an apple cinnamon pie topped with seasoned apples, toasted walnuts, and chocolate sauce.

Spanky's

Reminiscent of old-school pizza joints, locals swear by this East End, family-owned establishment for dishing out consistently good pizza with a side of nostalgia for more than 40 years. All favorites, including the Super Duper supreme, Meat Lovers, and a Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple, can be customized with thin, New York-style, deep dish, or whole wheat crusts, and pair well with the crispy wings, fried pickles, and cheesy breadsticks.

Fat Boy's Pizza

This Louisiana chain has brought what might be the “world’s largest slice” to the Houston area.

The first Texas outpost, located in Richmond, promises massive 16-inch or 30-inch pies and an array of toppings, as displayed on the Fat Boy supreme pizza, which is loaded with meat and veggie toppings, and the hearty Hog — a pie that feels appropriately Texan with pulled pork, bacon, red onions, pickled jalapenos, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, Fat Boy’s hog sauce, and mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Go big or go home with the daiquiris, available by the gallon in various flavors.

Fat Boy’s Pizza pepperoni pizza.
Fat Boy’s is bringing the big slices.
Chris Granger

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