The Gypsy Poet — Restaurant in Houston

We had high expectations upon ordering the Margherita pizza, prominently located at the top of the menu. We added italian sausage and attempted to add black olives. This was our first surprise - a restaurant featuring an italian dish does not offer one of the most italian toppings. They do not offer olives of any kind. I don't think I've ever been to a pizza joint where I had to bring my own olives, but with this place I'm going to have to do it for a return visit.

The crust was damn good, probably the closest thing to a perfect pizza crust that I've had in Houston.

The sausage was spread around as crumbles. That's common among lower quality pizza places. For artisanal pizza, the chefs seem to lean more toward slices, as you would see with pepperoni. But this is Houston where Franks and Star Pizza are what locals expect, so I can live with that.

The most unexpected realization was that the basil (standard for a margherita) was not served ON the pizza. The pizza was delivered to the table with a few stems and leaves of basil OFF the pizza - a little sprig in the corner of the box. The parmesan cheese was served that way too - some cold shavings in the corner of the box. The customer has to pluck the basil and disperse these 2 standard ingredients themselves. Is this like the build-a-bear thing that kids do at parties? Who does this? I have never encountered this anywhere and I do not understand why. Less work for the business, sure, but what makes this desirable for the customer? Maybe it's part of the pretentious hipster vibe.

I'd love to go back (and probably will to focus on the sauce), but if I could just get some friggin olives and not have pretend like a partial build your own pizza is a desirable adult novelty I would definitely be back. I'm sure this comes across as a negative review, but I can reassure Houstonians that this pizza is MUCH better than the very overrated Star Pizza.

Side note: parking sucks. Diners can only hope their car does not get broken into during their meal. We were able to park on the street nearby, but were right next to a parking spot that had remnants of broken auto glass from a seemingly recent break in. Now that this business is well established, I hope the owners have plans to upgrade the location so customers can focus on their pizza instead of the possibility of a...

I hate to be that one dude but this place is WAYYYYY OVERHYPED. It did NOT hit expectations in any way. I’d rather go to places like Grimaldis, Cane Russo, Frank’s or the best Monys pizzeria.

Here’s why: We spent over 50 dollars for two 13” pizzas, a coke and water bottle. We didn’t even get full and devoured both of them. And we don’t eat a lot tbh. It was my first pizza in months and I was very dissatisfied.

-There was BARLEY any cheese on both pizzas. Idk if they were low on cheese or what, but my God, I want my pizza to be CHEESY, and I WANT THAT STRETCH OF CHEESE AS I BITE AND PULL.

-what’s up with putting the little bit of red pepper and Parmesan cheese on the side of our pizzas for us? Give me the little shaker so I can pour as much as I’d like.

the taste of the pizzas were just “mid”. Nothing “wow-ed” us. We had the honey hot pepperoni and another that had spinach and chicken sausage. There was nothing special about these pizzas, and the hot honey was not hot and it kind of tasted like a rubber boot.

What’s up with the no free water? Over priced pizza and no free water? C’mon man.

the staff were very friendly but the cashier was a bit odd. I don’t know what it was but it just felt like he was over it and didn’t want to be there.

-Parking was rough at this location, and the seating is very limited. We had to share our table with another couple (not a problem but still).

Overall, my fiancée and I give this place a 5/10 and we will not be back when we can go to places I...

This place had been on my list for a while and I’m glad I finally checked it out. I can’t believe I forgot to take pictures, but I met with friends so I got engrossed in conversation and didn’t think to document the experience. Suffice it to say The Gypsy Poet is a little gem! With four patio tables for outdoor seating that’s pup-friendly, wood-fired pizza that’s ready in 15-20 minutes, a fridge stocked with beer, wine, ciders, and Mexican Coke, and service that makes everything run smoothly you can get a really good meal here for $20. There is even a tiny stage for live performances and a two-person couch.

The only reason I wish I had taken a photo is to give you an idea of just how small the space is. Like, I couldn’t believe there was a stage that’s how small the space is because where is the sound supposed to go? Tonight a group of 12 loud 20 somethings showed up and they were loud enough to be the entertainment so I can’t imagine a band playing live. There are three high-top tables with stools, four tables with four-five chairs for seating, four patio tables outside, and a two-person couch in front of the stage.

You’d probably be best ordering takeout, coming here for date night, or an after-work bite and hangout with only a couple of colleagues. There is only street parking available and what is available is tricky. You can park across the street in the neighborhood and if you pay attention to the signs you won’t be towed.

The Pepperoni Madness and Fancy Backpacker?!...