Pinthouse Pizza — Restaurant in Austin

This happened a few months ago, but I still get angry whenever I think about it. I (a Hispanic man) went with my Korean study abroad friend, who at the time was doing a post-doc at UT. That day, she didn’t have her passport with her. Most people don’t walk around with their passport, especially not locals or students who live here.

When we tried to order drinks, the staff refused to serve her because she didn’t have a “valid” ID. Fair enough. But she did have her Korean national ID, a real, government-issued identification card with her birthdate clearly printed on it. I told her to show that instead. The cashier said she needed to check with the manager.

The manager, a white man sitting behind a computer, took one look at the ID and said he couldn’t read anything on it. He claimed he had no way to verify that she was over 21. I explained that the birth year was clearly more than 21 years ago. I told him even if the date format was different from the U.S., it was obvious from the year alone that she was old enough. He didn’t care. He made an ignorant comment that the date “could mean anything,” which made absolutely no sense. What possible interpretation of a date that’s over two decades old would suggest she’s underage? It was just lazy and dismissive.

But what really stood out, and what I can’t forget, was the way all three white staff members treated us. They didn’t just enforce a policy. They talked down to us like we were asking something outrageous. They acted like my friend’s Korean ID was some bizarre, incomprehensible object, and that trying to figure it out was just too much work. I asked them to use Google Translate or simply look up how to verify a Korean ID. They had a full computer in front of them and weren’t busy, but they refused. Instead, they made us feel like we were the problem for even asking.

Let’s be honest. If a white European tourist had handed over a foreign license, I highly doubt they would have reacted with the same confusion or hostility. They didn’t just lack knowledge. They lacked any willingness to engage with someone from a different background. It wasn’t about the rules. It was about how they saw her. Foreign. Other. Not worth the effort.

They never said outright, “we don’t accept foreign IDs.” That would have been clear. Instead, they made up excuses, pretended they couldn’t read basic information, and looked at us like we were asking the impossible. It wasn’t just ignorance. It was blatant xenophobia. The kind where people act like anything unfamiliar is invalid. The kind where you are made to feel like you don’t belong, just because your ID isn’t in English.

My friend was humiliated. She couldn’t understand why they were reacting this way, and I didn’t have a good answer. I was angry, frustrated, and embarrassed for her. To top it off, the place smelled strongly of urine that day. It was disgusting in more ways than one.

The behavior of the staff was ignorant, condescending, and clearly rooted in xenophobic attitudes. I would never recommend this place to anyone, especially not international students or people of color. They made it very clear who they serve and...

I had a terrible customer service experience here followed by a good customer service experience. My wife ordered 2 pizzas and a salad to go. I picked up the order and took it home.

Upon arriving home, my wife asks where is her salad. I didn’t know that she ordered one. So, we call, expecting that they would offer us a refund for the salad we didn’t receive. The girl on the phone says that they realized they forgot it as soon as I walked out. She had our phone number, and she could’ve called us immediately. She didn’t call. She told us when we called that, if we come back to get the salad, she will give us a $10 coupon. Oh wow, how generous.

I went back because my wife wanted the salad. I asked the girl, who was the same one from the phone, if there was any sort of refund associated with their mistake, because I had to drive an extra 30 minutes because of it. She said she was essentially comping the salad with the $10 coupon. She assumes I want to come back to get my $10 off and have more terrible customer service. I explained to her that she cost me 30 minutes of my time, and that her coupon was not going to save her from a negative review. She then told me “if you’re going to leave a negative review, you’re going to leave a negative review. I can’t give you a refund.” Enraged, I left.

Upon arriving home to my now cold pizza and a wife who was happy to have a salad, I decided to call the manager to see if he’d like to rectify this situation before receiving a 1 star review. He was very nice and immediately refunded our money. I really appreciate him doing what the girl at the pickup counter...

If you’re on the hunt for a slice of heaven combined with the perfect brew, look no further than Pinthouse Pizza! This gem is not just a pizza joint; it’s a full-on culinary experience that’ll have your taste buds singing in delight.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere that feels both inviting and vibrant. You have the choice of ordering at the counter or via QR code (which I have come to like) and the food arrives super fast even in busy times. Now, let’s talk about the main stars of the show: the pizza and craft beer.

Their pizza is nothing short of a masterpiece, with a crust that’s perfectly crisp yet chewy, allowing each topping to shine. Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous combinations, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

And the craft beer selection? It’s an absolute dream for any beer enthusiast. With an impressive variety of house-brewed options and carefully curated guest taps, you’re bound to find the perfect pint to compliment your pizza. Plus, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to recommend a pairing that will elevate your meal to new heights.

Whether you’re dropping in for a casual lunch, a fun dinner with friends, or catching the game, Pinthouse Pizza provides a lively atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The combination of top-notch food, exceptional brews, and a welcoming vibe makes it a must-visit. So grab your friends, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in one of the best dining experiences around. Pinthouse Pizza – where every bite and every sip is a...