Jersey Giant Pizza — Restaurant in Bee Cave

I'm a recent transplant from NYC. I had bopped around to a few of the "NY" style slices in Austin looking for something that could satisfy my cravings for quality pizza. None had met my desires, and I had settled in and accepted my future life of eating detroit style pizza.

Through some trips out to the hill country I noticed Jersey Giant Pizza and thought, "well, I mean, maybe a place next to a gas station would be a good hole in the wall". But I didn't stop and try it. Then I drove by again and my mind daydreamed about the slice that could be awaiting me but I never pulled over to the side. Finally though, after returning from camping, I once again passed Jersey Giant Pizza and committed to trying it once the weekend arrived.

Throughout the week, I read the reviews of other patrons (some who were new yorkers) claiming the pizza was legit. But I had read these stories before and been let down at other places. But nothing could deter me from giving this a shot. Friday came and it was time to put the plan into action.

I tried calling ahead to pick up the pie but the phone was busy and I couldn't get a response once it started ringing. With Covid I wondered if they were open... I got the kids in the car and drove out. I was feeling hopeful of the promise that maybe, just maybe, this pizza could be "average" NYC slice quality. But I was skeptical, as I had been burned so many times in my quest for "the slice". I was optimistic, excited that maybe today my life in Austin could change forever...

We found a parking spot and entered Jersey Giant Pizza. The employees were super friendly and assured us the pizza would be delicious. We ordered a half cheese/half pepperoni and waited while they made it. Once it was ready another super friendly employee brought it out to us in a giant box. I was thrilled with their integrity to live up to the name of Giant Pizza and it made me even more excited to finally try that first bite.

When we got in the car the kids said the pizza smelled like cheetos. I agreed and told them that was a good sign, because the good NYC pizzas smell like cheetos. My enthusiasm continued to grow, but I was cautious to guard against any letdown.

We got home and I threw open the door and when my hands hit the slice, I knew. I could feel the crust - firm, but doughy enough to bend without cracking. The first bite gave me a perfect mixture of sauce, cheese, and crust. I was amazed, the sauce was done right! The cheese was exactly as it should be! The crust was done right! It happened and I could not believe it, I was overjoyed.

I am so grateful that these great people have gotten this pizza style correct. Thank you, Jersey Giant Pizza. I will see you again and I cannot wait...

If you're following my reviews, here's another one for ya from your favorite local pizza guy.

So I was driving back from Marble Falls and this pizza spot popped up on my GPS. Now, I'm from New Jersey so I HAD TO check this place out. I was worried ladies and gentlemen, because a lot of "new york style" pizza, in Texas, is trashhh. Jersey pizza and New York pizza are similar (i would say it's the same but New Yorkers would probably get their panties in a bunch and disagree) so I figured oh boy let's see if this place got it right.

The pizza was really good. They didn't give me fresh slices; you can tell they were reheated slices. These reheated slices were still good enough to make it to my top 5 favorite slices in Texas. I will be back to order a whole pie and see if it can jump to my top 3. I rate this pizza a 7.2.

The breakdown: Cheese: good quality cheese but greasy because it was reheated. Cooked: it's a proper well done pizza. As pizza should be. Crust: it was good, solid thin crust pizza. None of that awful fluffiness you get from a lot of pizza spots in Texas. The sauce: you can't really judge reheated sauce but they put the right amount on there. Variety: good variety. I don't remember the options but they have them listed on their website. I got a plain and a pachanga slice (lunch special). They have other options. Price: the prices seem fair. The lunch special was 2 slices and a drink for about $8 or $9. The website does have really high prices for speciality big pies.

I'm not in this area often so when I order from their Austin location, I'll leave a review there.

Update: I like this location way better than the Austin location. The staff is much friendlier, they have fountain drinks and they have more seating . It's completely different than the Austin store. I love the bee...

Unfortunately, this was not the quality of pizza and calzone I wanted when I selected this establishment as something to pick up on the way home.

First, the service is by the family (New England Italian?) working there, and is thoughtful and personal.

I really liked the interior, as it is truly reminiscent of the little Italian restaurants up north which are as ubiquitous as Tex-Mex is here.

This restaurant also served the pizza within the timeframe promised and was hot and fresh.

Finally, the price point per amount of food from a pizza restaurant and not buffet or chain is unbeatable, as I purchased an oversized specialty pizza and calzone for around $40.

As for the actual restaurant product - much is to be desired, and it did not meet my expectations, nor the quality I expect from a true, family run establishment.

The pizza is unremarkable. The crust is chewy, but has little to no flavor. Any taste I got from the cheese and toppings were overwhelmed by the sugary pizza sauce.

The calzone was okay - again, nothing remarkable.

This is an excellent choice for a large family on a budget, or high school kids who desire a pizza with friends after school. In fact, this is what this establishment reminded me most of - an after-school hangout wherein some of the kids also work there.

Giovanni's Pizza on South Lamar offers much better quality, similar style pizza at a similar price point, and at this time, I would not return to Jersey...