Austin’s pizza landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last few years, attracting the attention of East Coast pizza enthusiasts.
After relocating from Brooklyn, I embarked on a quest to discover Austin’s pizza offerings, only to initially find myself disillusioned by the lack of options that met my high standards formed in New York and Connecticut.
Having grown up in New Haven, known for its exceptional coal-fired thin crust pizza, and having enjoyed the iconic New York slices, I was skeptical about Austin’s ability to deliver.
However, recent developments in Austin’s culinary scene have proved that outstanding pizza is indeed available, elevating the expectations for both locals and transplants alike.
One standout establishment in this evolving pizza scene is Small’s Pizza, hailed as the best New Haven-style pizza in Austin. Founded by Connecticut native Kelsey Small, this pizzeria captures the essence of New Haven’s apizza, known for its thin crust and coal-charred character.
What sets Small’s Pizza apart is its commitment to tradition — the pies are only available whole, asymmetrically sliced, and emerge from the oven with a perfectly charred crust.
Each toppings selection, whether it’s classic pepperoni or a creative weekly special like garlic mashed potato, contributes to the irresistible charm of the menu. As a true New Haven classic, I’m excitedly awaiting the addition of a white pie topped with clams.
Another worthy mention is Allday Pizza, which specializes in New York-style pizzas, boasting the perfect balance of crust, cheese, and toppings.
With two locations in Central Austin, Allday Pizza focuses on achieving the foldable, hand-tossed thickness that true New Yorkers crave. The slices are larger than the traditional New York fare and provide the quintessential experience of eating authentic pizza on the go.
For those yearning for New Jersey’s famous Trenton tomato pie, Pedroso’s Pizza does not disappoint. The restaurant captures the signature features of New Jersey-style pizza, featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with sweet tomato sauce and a generous layer of cheese.
Located near Crestview, Pedroso’s Pizza stands out not only for its respected tomato pie but also for offering classic New York-style and “Grandma” pies.
While the search for East Coast-style pizza in Austin may have seemed daunting at first, the emergence of artisanal pizzaiolos has changed the trajectory of the city’s offerings.
Other notable mentions include Deft Pies, which specializes in Chicago-style tavern pizza, and Jet’s Pizza, a national chain recognized for its Detroit-style pizza.
Deft Pies, located in Old Gregg’s Brew Company, offers crispy tavern-style pizza perfect for pairing with a cold beer.
On the other hand, Jet’s Pizza provides a taste of home for many Detroiters craving the familiar square-shaped, crunchy crust pizza.
Overall, these establishments illustrate not just the growth of Austin’s pizza scene but also the dedication of staff who aim to satisfy diverse cravings for regional specialties.
As the city continues to evolve, it shows promise for enthusiasts seeking authentic pizza experiences reminiscent of the East Coast.
The community can get in touch with their pizza cravings through these local pizzerias, ensuring that memorable slices are just a call or visit away.
image source from：https://austin.eater.com/dining-out/24446038/best-new-york-east-coast-style-pizza-austin-highly-opinionated
