Favorite Austin Eats: Detroit-Style Pizza at Via313

While I’ve yet to meet a pizza I don’t like, Via 313’s Detroit-style pizza stands above the rest. This pizza restaurant’s “started from a trailer now we here” journey has led them to their current situation of multiple trailers and brick-and-mortars, plenty of accolades, and loyal fans in Austin and beyond! Read on to hear why Via 313 is on my list of favorite Austin restaurants.

In 2011, Via 313 opened in Austin, introducing us to the Detroit-style pizza, and we will never be the same. It’s deep dish Chicago without the mess and abundance of sauce. It’s thin New York with a heavier sustenance. (Don’t get me wrong – there’s a time and place for both of these styles too!) The caramelized cheese on the crust makes the bottom and sides extra crispy yet keeps the middle of the dough soft and spongy. That cheese is the secret to the tantalizing taste.

Via313 Austin Restaurant Pizza — The Rocket – Hot Soppresatta, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan

Of course, tantalizing tastes are made from special equipment, and in this case it’s their special square pans that make the crispy crust. So, another difference with this Detroit-style pizza is the square shape. Depending on the size of pizza you choose, you’ll have four or eight pieces.

I also love the ingredient combinations. Here are my favorites on their menu.

Omnivore: Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Pepperoni, Sausage
The Cadillac: Gorgonzola, Fig Preserves, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan, Balsamic Glaze

Via313 Austin Pizza Omnivore — The Omnivore – Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Pepperoni, Sausage

A while back, Via 313 partnered up with Michi Ramen (one of my favorite ramen places in Austin) for a Ramen Pizza. It was so tasty! Keep a look-out for special pies like this.

Quick tip: you can get two flavors on one pizza. For the small, you’ll have two slices for each flavor – perfect for splitting and trying different kinds.

While I like going to their trailers when meeting up with friends before drinks, the brick-and-mortar locations are great for the full bar, more seating, air conditioning, and easier parking. They also have more food options. While the pizza is enough to fill you up, getting an appetizer is a good idea while you wait for the pizza (about 20 minutes). I would recommend the meatballs in marinara or a Caesar salad. Their brick-and-mortars also have thin-style pizzas on the menu.