South Austin's Breakthrough Pizza Joint

Although it may just look like a pizza stand parked in a Mobil gas station on Barton Skyway and South Lamar, Giovanni's Pizza Stand may be one of the greatest South Austin pizza joints since Austin's Pizza (Ed Note: and Home Slice Pizza, ahem). Barton Hills residents don't have far to look for value-priced pizza with a ton of toppings to satisfy their hunger after a jump in Barton Springs, a spin around The Broken Spoke, or a drive home from Lake Travis.

Neighborhoodlums hang out barefoot, sipping on complimentary sodas, beside the one-man stand. Multiple ovens ensure multiple orders are finished at a good clip. Right now, Giovanni's is only open from 5-10pm, but hours are likely to expand alongside this joint's popularity. Admittedly, we haven't yet steered away from the pies (try the Italian Sausage and Basil), but we hear firsthand that the side dishes are pretty amazing. Neck and neck with Pizza Classics, prices are some of the cheapest in town at $8 for a large pie.

We recommend calling orders in to 512-656-7033. HINT: If you don't feel like standing around the parking lot, you can even give Giovanni your cell phone number, walk across the street to Half Price Books for some quality browsing, Alligator Grill for a quick beer, or 7-11 for a liter of Coca-Cola; he'll call you up when it's ready. Now that's service.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By patrickdentler in Food on June 14, 2007 2:55 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

Grape Ape

This place has some really good pizza. Make sure you drop by and buy a slice. The pizza deserves a bigger audience and an appropriate venue. While its a cool little trailer in a gas station parking lot, it would be nice to see this guy get a real shop.

Ed

SSssssshh. Don't tell anybody else about this place or I might have to wait to bite into my delicious pizza pie. Keep this our little secret.

skipperchong

jen and I went last night. we had a large pie with mushrooms and garlic. it was really good. I wish the sauce had a bit more punch, but it still ranked B+ in my book.

jen

Based on this article, we got pizza there last night. Yo, I haven't eaten the crust on my pizza since I moved here from the E.C. but last night, I cleaned my plate. Repeatedly. Veggie toppings were super fresh (only wish there were more options), sauce was sublime, crust was perfect. Officially in my top three pizza places list in Austin. Which does not include Homeslice. Giovanni was also a really nice guy. Plus, now we can say we got our dinner from a trailer in a gas station parking lot. Yeehaw!

Frank

It would be great if they had some vegan options. I do love me some vegan cheese pizza.

According to VegAustin.com, vegan pizza is served at Casa de Luz and the Wheatsville Coop Deli. I can't believe I've never had their vegan pizza! Anyone try it?

Patrick C.

pd is right. The Onion totally deserves some more love. Man, those slice are huge. It's awesome.

Donna

Steph - I agree. Homeslice used to be awesome, but unless you have the entire pizza freshly made for you, their slices are just not even worth mentioning anymore.

Clarisa

Neighborhoodlums is a good word.

apv

Still no love for Aljohn's?

pd

I still have a love for The Onion downtown...always good music playing when I go in, too.

Steph

I hate to say this, guys, but in my opinion Homeslice has gone downhill. The last few times I've been the pizza was not so great and the gal at the counter was really unpleasant.

There were days, back when they first opened, that I would lust after a slice of pepperoni mushroom. I live right around the corner and it was a dream come true. It WAS the best I'd ever had. Now, not so much. Quite a few fellow former devotees I know agree...

Have you guys been recently?

Ben

Giovanni's has a real oven and their pizza is freaking amazing. Also, try the pastas. His Penne Arriabata is out of this world. He's a real artist.

Jon

Home Slice is still my favorite, but when they close on Tuesdays, Southside is where it's at.

East Side has some damn good pizza, but it's just so far away from S Congress.

I'm tempted to try Giovanni's pizza trailer, but I have doubts that they have a real pizza oven in there.

Grape Ape

I always forget about SS Flying Pizza. I'll have to try that as well. I say we initiate a "Pizza and Beer" week where that is all we eat and drink for 7 days.

kerissa

southside flying pizza is THE best. but i will try out this new one for funsies.

Tim

We're in love with Milano's. Fantastic delivery. Lots of gourmet toppings. Cheap prices. Only downside is that it's only in South Austin (south of the 71) not South Austin (south of the river).

Scooby

What about Southside Flying Pizza? Where's the love?

jeff

thanks for the heads-up. i've seen it but never stopped by. good to hear there's finally more quality cheap south austin pizza. anyone remember the fond days of $12.99 specialty austin's pizzas delivered with a free 2-liter?

oh - and there's nothing better than the clam pizza at homeslize.

trev

what about east side pies? central and delicious.

Grape Ape

I drive by this place at least once a day and have yet to stop. I will make a point to do so this week. Homeslice is too busy and far away for my lazy ass sometimes. Hopefully this will become pizza stop #2 on the priority list.