The Red House Pizzeria (1917 Manor Road) that is.
Manor Road in East Central Austin has become quite the little restaurant row for off-the-beaten path diners. There are two great tex-mex establishments: El Chile Cafe and Vivo, a southern home cookin’ Chicken Fried Steak joint, Hoover’s, and today’s eatery of choice, The Red House Pizzeria (formerly Stortini).
Next time you call for pizza delivery, hang up immediately and get thee to Red House. Why, you ask?
Tasty pies. I am particular about my pizza crust. I want thin, wood-oven crispiness with sufficient but not over-the-top fromage. It’s all about filling up on the good stuff, not a super-dense pizza dough. Red House delivers the goods, plus the toppings were uber fresh. The menu is a simple one (pizza, calzones and two salads), which is ok by me when it comes to pizza. I had the basic Margherita with basil, garlic, mozz and tomatoes. It didn’t sit heavy like some tend to, and I sure didn’t regret it the next day. I’ve already planned my order for my next visit: the artichoke pizza with goat cheese.
Delish drinks. It’s no secret I am a huge fan of El Chile. Unfortunately, my better half is vehemently not. So when I’m craving their signature Chilango Margarita (spicy orange-infused goodness), I am S.O.L. Or I have to make calls to recruit other dinner mates. Not anymore. I’m happy to report a successful compromise has been reached. Call it “The Chilango Peace Treaty!” That’s right, under the same ownership of charming little El Chile and just next door, Red House serves up the same drink menu: Chilangos, Prickly Pear Ritas, Micheladas, Mojitos, Sangria as well as a decent offering of draft and bottled beers. Horray!
Plentiful seating. When word gets out about a hot slice of pie, Austin rushes out for a fix. Let’s refer to one popular S. Congress joint that shall remain nameless. Getting a slice within normal business hours is simple if you want a walk-up window. But how many of us want to walk and eat and juggle a drink? Sounds like a ruined outfit to me. Let’s solve the world’s problems around a piping hot pizza pie, have a few drinks and hang out a while. Waiting an hour for a table is just plain silly. It’s pizza; let’s keep it simple man. Unlike some of the other hot-spots for pizza these days, The Red House is spacious. It is two houses (kitschy decor reminiscent of a 1970’s lodge) connected by a great covered patio where red and white checked table cloths abound. An additional outdoor patio with plenty of chairs is ideal for impromptu gatherings like happy hours over a few drinks.
The price is right. From 5-7, Red House patrons enjoy red-hot deals: half-priced pizzas (regularly priced from $16-$20.50) and $1 off signature cocktails. Two of us shared a pizza (8 slices), 2 Chilangos and 2 beers for less than $25. That’s less expensive than that sloppy delivery pizza you’re about to dial up, plus at home, it’s BYOB. You just can’t beat the deals at Red House.
The wait staff was nice enough and fairly attentive. The crowd was diverse, with a smattering of your usual hipster kids and a few young families. But overall, the first trip to Red House was an unexpected success and it won’t be this reviewer’s last.
The Red House Pizzeria (not to be confused with House Pizzeriza)
1917 Manor Road
Austin, Texas 78722
512. 391.9500
www.redhousepizza.com
