Palm Pizza — Restaurant in Austin

Update- The outside area is exactly what this place needed before. That, and a a chance ti find their stride. Other changes: The music was still punk but… happier/ more upbeat punk? And now you can simply walk in and order. Everything feels like it is starting to click into place here.

This is a great spot for a first dinner date so long as the weather holds. They have space heaters, but barely. I can imagine during Texas summers it will be very hot out there as well.

The vibe was impeccable as was the pizza. It seems to be doing a perfect pace of business for itself at the moment. The right number of customers to keep them constantly busy but no one waits too long.

A wonderful “neighborhood” hidden gem is forming.

Orig. post: I lived in NYC and I love pizza. This is a sweet little neighborhood pizza joint that happens to use all top quality ingredients and be run by one of the top restaurant groups (that also is female owned!) in Austin.

The flavors were solid. We had the salad, a cheese pizza, and a pepperoni pizza.

I surprised myself and preferred the cheese: you can taste more of the nuance of the sauce and flavor profiles in the cheese. The pepperoni is good but it tastes more “standard” because the pepperoni is overriding some of the more delicate but delicious flavors the chef worked to create. To be clear the pepperoni was good. The cheese was more memorable. The true star was the crust of the pizza. My almost 7 year old liked the pizza but LOVED the crust. She actually turned her slice around and tried to convince others they would not want their crust and should let her have it. 😆

The salad was our clear breakout for the adults: Great flavor and texture. We tried both dressings, by ordering them on the side. I liked the ranch and my dining companions loved the vinaigrette - but we all thought it was pre-dressed and really good even without dressing because of how well the flavors and textures were already combined.

I went on the third night of their soft opening. The decorations are not all up. They are still figuring out what will be the two seating areas which are outside. I had pizza boxes which had been printed incorrectly so someone went through with a marker and corrected them to meet the demand and the timelines of this “start”.

This team was already working together as a team. They move as if they have been working together for years. Apparently some of them have. This is the Female owned and run restaurant group powerhouses that brought us Bufalina Due.

That being said this really is a neighborhood spot.

The pizza wilted on my trek home (about 20 mins because of traffic we got stuck in) and I strongly suspect it is best eaten fresh with less travel time. Their crust is their star and you loose something from the texture in the travel.

You have to pre-order the day of, during the soft opening. They are working through which ordering system to get and how to use it. If you choose to try a restaurant during a soft opening please keep in mind you have chosen to sign up to help them practice.

They are figuring out the space and how to pace their output - which is what soft openings are for.

I loved the owner when I met her.

I hope this place continues to find its footing - I would hate to see this turned into something that over takes its very delicious and special neighbor.

My hope is that it becomes a part of the neighborhood and services this neighborhood it has claimed...

Palm Pizza – As Close to NY Style as You’ll Get in Austin!

I’ve been to Palm Pizza several times now, and every visit has been fantastic. As a former pizza maker and self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I can confidently say this is the closest you’ll get to authentic New York-style pizza in Austin, Texas. Hands down, it’s one of my top 5 pizza spots in the city.

My go-to order is a full pepperoni pizza with half sausage. I get it crispy and well-done, just how I like it. I always ask them to leave it in the deck oven a little longer, and they nail it every single time. Never burnt, always perfect.

Let’s talk toppings:

The pepperoni cups beautifully and holds that perfect little pool of grease,exactly what you want. The fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic layer. And the finishing touch of sharp shaved Parmesan? Absolute magic.

The crust holds up to the toppings without getting soggy. The sauce has just the right balance, slightly sweet with a salty edge that complements the cheese perfectly. The cheese blend (which I suspect includes provolone, low-moisture mozz, and maybe a touch of fresh mozzarella) ties everything together beautifully.

Their salads are legit too. I’ve had both the Caesar and chef's salads they are always fresh, crisp, and clean. No sad lettuce, no overdressing to hide wilted greens. Quality shines here.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the square slices! At first glance, they look like they’ll be heavy and they do feel that way when you pick one up. However, the dough is surprisingly soft and light. It’s honestly wild. It has that comforting feel of a grandma slice, but the flavor and texture are more like a really well-made focaccia. Crazy good. Definitely worth trying alongside the classic round pies.

Now, the only downside is the seating. It’s all outdoors, and while the East Austin vibe is cool, the flies can be annoying (they know how good the pizza is too!). There are fly fans, but they only help so much. Rainy days can be rough due to limited cover, but honestly, the food still makes it worth the visit.

This place is a favorite for both me and my son, it’s his top pick too. Palm Pizza is doing it right. If you’re in Austin and craving proper NY-style pizza, look no further. Home slice is good but this place gives it a run...

I used to work in pizza and it is my favorite food. Palm Pizza knows how to make a seriously delicious pie and at an unexpectedly fair price (the pizzas are big – think a meal for 3-4 people per pie).

I do feel an obligation to warn anyone who is tempted to order, what I'll refer to as the "obvious choice" pizza: pepperoni, mushroom, jalapeño with ranch drizzle, that THIS IS A PICKLE FLAVORED PIZZA. To sell this pizza as a "Pepperoni & Mushroom" pizza is to sell a "Camping Pass" into a national park with "Great Camping Grounds!" and while excluding the fact the campground is where a 3-day Pop Country music festival just begun. It's like referring to January 6th as a day of tourism at the Capitol.

The "ranch" featured is a misnomer – this is NOT ranch dressing. It is a Dill Pickle something.. I don't know what. But what I do know is that:

1. Pickle was the dominant flavor while eating the pizza (while, not being listed as a part of it)
2. Pickle was the dominant smell of my breath an hour after eating the pizza (thanks to my girlfriend for pointing out and denying all kisses until I brushed my teeth)
3. Pickle was the one smell the pizza left in my refrigerator after storing it there for leftovers

While on separate places on the menu the "ranch" is listed as "Serrano Ranch," know it is neither ranch or serrano flavored ranch, but much more like pickle juice mayonnaise.

I will be back because this place makes an incredible pie. But you are now warned! Avoid the Serrano Ranch if don't want pickles...