San Antonio, Texas isn’t just known for great Mexican food. In the last few years several pizza parlors have cropped up, which makes talking about San Antonio and pizza seem more and more natural. Freetail Brewing, Miss Ellie’s, and Dough Pizzeria have each made a splash lately, bringing folks back to small batch pizza and away from the national brands. One such small batch pizzeria with a flair for the creative and a focus on craft beer, is Pizza Italia on Thousand Oaks near Jones Maltsberger.
Pizza Italia has been around for several years and many locals in the area will attest to its focus on creative pizzas and a wide selection of craft beer. Involved in a fire in 2009 that destroyed the building, the restaurant showed its resilience by re-opening in 2010 across the street from the old location.
Once re-opened, locals flocked to grab some great pizza and craft beers. Pizza Italia screams old-fashioned pizza parlor as soon as you walk in, even more than the previous location. Large tables and booths are well spaced out, providing many seating options for patrons, including many more outside on the patio.
Perhaps stopping by on a Friday night wasn’t smart, but my friends and I were able to quickly find seating and soon order our pizza from one of the many options. The service, as always, was courteous and attentive, making us all feel right at home. I noticed many folks sitting at the counter with others spread out at the tables, engrossed in conversation and very happy. All seemed right in world.
Every time I walk in, my eyes stopped on the 4 part beer cooler that display at least a hundred different beers. The national brands are represented, but the focus was on craft beer, with many offerings from U.S. craft breweries. Looking for fresh beer on tap? Pizza Italia has 5 craft beers on tap, with a focus on local breweries, such as San Antonio’s Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling and Branchline Brewing. Pizza Italia doesnt stop its support of craft beer with its selection though. They also play host to beer tastings from area breweries, as well as a meeting place for local homebrew clubs. Enough looking around, it was time for a beer. After opting for an Evil Owl Amber from Branchline, I settled in to enjoy my meal.
The future looks bright
The Grille at La Cantera is at it again with another fantastic beer dinner on the horizon. Lead Food and Beverage Supervisor Neil Butler has put together a dinner on March 28, 2013 at 7pm, that celebrates Texas and its growing craft beer scene. Dubbed the 'Texas Independence Dinner, it will feature offerings from Katy's No Label Brewing, Austin's South Autsin Brewing and Hops and Grain, as well as Conroe's Southern Star Brewing.
MENU:
Reception Canapé course
Curry Mint Mussel Rice rolls with Honey Thai Chili sauce And Tempura Smoked Clam “Pincho” with Chili Remouillage
SOUTH AUSTIN SAISON
1. Blacked Catfish with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw
HOPS AND GRAIN ALT ERATION
2. Spicy Brisket Slider with Cheese scone and fig compote black berry bbq
NO LABEL RIDGEBACK
3. Texas Boar Breast Roulade with Greens and Mustard oil
ADELBERTS DANCING MONK
4. Buried Hatchet Stout ice cream Float with Toffee Ice Cream
SOUTHERN STAR BURIED HATCHET
Tickets are $49 and going fast says Butler. Call 210.558.2364
Several weeks ago we talked about Big Hops Growler Station, a new bottle shop that also features up to 30 craft beers on tap. After months of preparation, Big Hops finally is set to open within the week!
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