A retro-styled pizzeria is slinging pies in the Second Ward. Pinballz Pizzeria pays homage to its neighborhood in its look and with select dishes on its menu.
Courtesy of Pinballz Pizzeria
A look inside Pinballz Pizzeria.
Located in the former Southside Flying Pizza space at 2240 Navigation, Pinballz is the latest project from chef and restaurateur John Avila. Best known locally for his modern general store Henderson & Kane, Avila is a native Houstonian who grew up in the neighborhood. He modeled the restaurant after Big Humphrey’s, which is described in press materials as “an East End original from the 1970s.”
“We’re not just tossing dough — we’re celebrating Second Ward,” Avila said in a statement. “You’ll taste that in everything we do, from our chorizo and cheese stuffed-crust pizza to our fresh take of the ever-so-taboo ingredient — pineapple on our ‘Trompo Pizza.’ Every slice is a tribute to the people and flavors that made us.”
Of course, the menu has traditional options as well. Diners will find familiar favorites such as meat lovers, a vegetarian pizza, and margherita. Those who want to build-their-own pizza will find 10 different meats, 16 vegetables, six cheeses, and three sauces — tomato, alfredo, and pesto.
Non-pizza options includes wings, a meatball sub, a sausage and pepper hoagie, two pastas, spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo. Finish the meal with tres leches or cannoli.
The restaurant stays true to its name with a John Wick pinball machine. Diners will also find plenty of TVs for watching sports.
Quietly open for a few weeks, Pinballz will celebrate its grand opening this Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, with $5 10-inch pies and free pasta with the purchase of a large pizzia.
