Second Helpings: Slices of Life
Erin Mosow throws a pizza party in this week's "Second Helpings."
Fri., July 19, 2002
"Second Helpings" offers tasty, bite-sized restaurant listings compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week's entries were updated by Erin Mosow. For quick, reliable information about Austin eateries, check here.
Aljons
1945 E. Oltorf, 851-8686Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, noon-10pm; Sunday, noon-9pm
It may take a little longer to get your pie at this unassuming neighborhood gem, but the chewy, well-bubbled crust and spiced-right Roma tomato sauce makes skipping the factory-style chains a worthwhile endeavor. In addition to pizza, Aljons serves lasagna, ravioli, manicotti, and a fine selection of subs on Italian bread. The bigger-than-life calzones are another highlight, and they've added country-style barbecue to the menu.
Austin Pizza Garden
6266 Hwy. 290 W., 891-9980Sunday-Thursday, 10am-10pm;
Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm
Located in a historic 100-year-old building in Oak Hill, the Austin Pizza Garden serves a wide variety of pizzas on thin, white crust along with lasagna, calzones, sandwiches, and even muffalettas. The pizzas with traditional toppings are good bets, but some of the more adventurous pies, such as the Texas T-Bone Pizza or Lisa's Favorite with Cajun spices, bell peppers, and avocado, are hit or miss. Order a $4.50 8-inch single-serving pizza along with a $1.25 salad, and Austin Pizza Garden will throw in free iced tea at lunch.
Brick Oven
1209 Red River, 477-7006Monday-Thursday, 11am-9:30pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, 11:30am-10pm; Sunday, 5-9:30pm
11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., 335-5445
Monday-Thursday, 11am-9:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday, 11:30am-8pm
10710 Research, 345-6181
Sunday-Thursday, 11am-9:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-10pm
Though some people prefer their pizza with a thick, chewy crust, Brick Oven's thin, crisp crust is a tasty change of pace that won't leave you feeling bloated with dough. The Pizza Margherita with mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil leaves is a flavorful standout. Brick Oven also serves other Italian specialties such as lasagna, calzones, and a fine shrimp fettuccine.
Brick Oven on 35th
1608 W. 35th, 453-4330Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm, 5-10pm; Saturday, 5-10pm; Sunday, 5-9pm
The Brick Oven on 35th Street serves home-style, thin-crust pizzas with a personal touch. Most pizzas tend toward the traditional, with the notable exception of Chipotle Pesto Chicken Pizza. Fresh baked bread and cool salads with every meal add inches at the waistline, but make for a terrific pocketbook regime. The Brick Oven serves some of the best pizza in town.
Frank & Angie's
508 West, 472-3534Monday-Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday, 5-10pm
Run by the proprietors of Hut's Hamburgers, Frank & Angie's offers good New York-style pizza whole or by the slice at very affordable prices. Any place that names a specialty pizza after film-score genius Ennio Morricone is okay in my book. Cilantro pesto and veggie meatballs are two of the more unorthodox toppings offered here. Bargain-minded couples will love the 2-for-1 dinner specials offered Sunday through Tuesday from 6 to 10pm.
