Got a tip that this place has a good GF crust so I called in (at a different location) and got a good feeling as a result.
We're still on the hunt for a local pizza place for my 3 year old who has multiple food allergies... and he only likes pizza from one place in San Antonio. His requirements: to look and taste like regular pizza. For reference: he's allergic to wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, avocado, pineapple, and kiwi. On top of that, as a family, we're allium free vegetarians.
So I went with a friend and the kid in question for lunch on a Friday. To my knowledge, I believe there are 3 locations in the Houston area and this one is in the Heights across from Flower Child. There are a few parking spots right at the front but there's ample parking spaces on the lot when you drive further in. There were a few occupied tables but not very busy - I'm under the impression they may have recently opened - and the guy behind the bar took care of all the tables.
They specialize in Detroit style pizza (think deep dish and square) and bar style pizza (think thin and round). Everything is made to order. They have GF options, note what is vegetarian, and offer vegan cheese. In fact, they sort of boast how they can cater to various diets on the menu. They also serve alcohol, ice cream (contains eggs, milk), and have appetizers and salads. During lunch, there's a lunch special for either 1 slice for $5 OR 2 slices plus a salad and fountain drink for $12. I opted to get a large (4 slice) portion of pizza so I could bring home extras for the family.
I went through the food allergies again just to make sure since I hadn't called this location. The GM came out to assist. Guess what? Yes, they do have a GF crust option only for their Detroit style pizza, BUT it's made from gluten free WHEAT flour. Think lactose free cow milk, but this is wheat flour where they removed the gluten. So this is good for those with celiac or a gluten sensitivity, but not for someone with a WHEAT allergy. We weren't keen on experimenting in an uncontrolled environment, so he didn't get to try any pizza. However, they were very helpful and... we asked if they could do melted cheese with spinach on top for him since we were already there. He did manage to finish almost half before it started coagulating, so that was something!
I ordered the Herbivore. For those who avoid alliums: the sauce they use for the Detroit-style pizza is allium free. I only ordered it without onions and it was perfect. Not too greasy or very salty with a pillowy crust and crispy edges. It's refreshing to not have to change menu items too much. On the other hand, the sauce for the bar style does contain alliums. Since I love sauce, I stuck with the Detroit.
My omnivorous friend got The Cadillac (she originally wanted a mushroom lovers version, but there is none here) and she liked it well enough, but she's on the fence on whether or not it was worth the price. Her favorite part was the fig reduction but wished there was some tomato sauce on there. Or perhaps she wanted more of a heavier drizzle.
Overall, everyone was very helpful and apologetic that they didn't have something on the menu for my kid when we went specifically for him. The bartender (?) kept on suggesting meat options even after I mentioned I was a vegetarian, and my kid was as well by default (was never tested for allergens to food we don't eat), which I thought odd but also amusing. Decor reminded me of MOD Pizza but car/workshop-themed and was clean.
A good place to go to with options for the rest of us... but not the kid. Glad to have tried out this place, though!
Still on the look out for a pizza place in the city for the kid. read more