Talespin Pizza — Restaurant in Houston

I normally never write negative reviews. I typically strictly just post when I want to support a business that I thought was special. I felt compelled to give a negative one here for first time ever.

I heard Talespin from a friend and tried for many weeks to make the trip, and finally did on 26 April. The restaurant was open until 8pm according to Google maps and the hours that they published. Unfortunately, I-10 was closed and what was supposed to be a 20-minute drive ended up a 90-minute drive, and I arrived at 3:25, a bit late for lunch and with a very hungry wife and child.

When I entered the tiny restaurant, I waited for almost five minutes to be helped without any acknowledgement of my presence or greeting, only to finally have the owner come up to tell me after that extended wait to tell me that he could not take my order, and they were trying to close due to the highway closure, and then astoundingly that I should have checked the website where he announced that they were closing early. Who even does this?

Next, despite plenty of guests still there, and another pizza cooking in the oven, he said that he had to "draw the line somewhere", indicating that the is turning down another guy trying to place a phone order as well, and somehow equating that someone who just made a significant hike to get there who will immediately order and take the pizza and get out of his hair is the same thing as somebody ordering from the comfort of their living room who will then cause him to have to wait for their arrival to pick up a pizza maybe 30 minute later is the same thing.

Somehow, this entire interaction just felt extremely unpleasant and awkward especially as I pleaded for him to make an (IMO) tiny exception. No apologetic tone, no empathy, and not budging one bit. I was very upset with the interaction and expressed that I would not be returning (even if I will miss out on great pizza).

Personally, I think this is case of a business that has become popular and acclaimed and perhaps no longer feels the need to give a darn about customer service or just plain empathy. Or maybe the guy was just...

The owner of Tailspin is a Master Chef, every single business model and initiative is aimed at making amazing food with quality ingredients and seasoning with delicious flavors.

My family had a normal classic pepperoni pizza, yet the flavoring wasn't "normal" at all, perfectly toasted crust, smoked tomato red sauce really set this apart as it's own. I had boneless wings, typically dry rubs are either too salty, sharp and greasy or, if it has the consistency of powder it makes your throat too dry. This dry rub was more like granules, and they were packed with flavor, it was so good, I scraped the extra after I finished and ate it by itself. There was some green leaves on top, I am finicky about trying new things and at first set it aside. Then logically I considered if this chef is doing everything so we'll, let me trust him and tried it with the leaves, it had a sweetness to them, all of our food was perfect!

The Master Chef was originally a chef for 5 star expensive restaurants and he brings the same level of quality and taste in a platform that is affordable with a walk through quick pick up style to make this flavor experience obtainable to anyone. The focus is not in the sit down experience, there is very little space and seating, bathroom is in the back. All of their efforts and resources are aimed towards their masterfully crafted dishes, not the lounging and eating out location. The owner told me they are acquiring the commercial space next to them with plans to expand, so this may change in the future. Until then, they are selling excellent food for pick up until they sell out, (and they sell out!) call ahead to confirm they are still open. I will...

First, I have to start with saying this needs to be a Michelin star restaurant. This is the BEST pizza and side dishes complimenting the meal that we have ever had. We knew the creator of this new establishment since the days he was in Austin. We currently live out of town, and this was our one and only priority stop while visiting Houston because we knew how amazing Devan is with the way he combines foods. All locally sourced, he just creates an absolute symphony of flavors together in such a jaw dropping way. Well, after a nice feast, I can confirm everything we tried didn't just meet expectations, it superseded them by miles.

The cherry on top is the fantastic customer service. We were kindly greeted by Eddie, and then met with Devan who explained the entire menu and helped guide us on what to pick to try for the evening. Their kindness and exceptional care with their customers is just absolutely a reflection of their love for combining food and a positive human experience. They are great listeners, and are truly humble and hard working people. The dedication this establishment has in working long hours to bring exceptional service and creative meals will blow your mind.

We tried the Coffee Cowboy, the Rita, their scratch mac and cheese, chicken thigh meatballs, woodfired carrots and cheesecake. All of these dishes are so unique and each bite is so amazing.

Do yourself and your tastebuds a favor and head on over here. Talespin Pizza will be the best decision you've...