Best Grilled Vegetables: Charred & Crispy Guide | Arteflame
Learn the best veggies for grilling—plus times, temps, and pro tips—optimized for Arteflame heat zones for perfect char and flavor every time.
Round Rock has evolved from a quiet suburb into a culinary destination, and the pizza scene is no exception. Whether you are looking for a massive New York-style slice or a craft pie loaded with artisanal toppings, this city has it. But finding the perfect crust can be a challenge with so many options popping up. In this guide, we cut through the noise to bring you the definitive rankings. Plus, we will share a method to achieve that wood-fired, pizzeria-quality crunch right in your own backyard.
The best pizza in Round Rock depends on your craving. For a traditional, foldable NY-slice, Hoody's Sub Shop is the undisputed champion. If you prefer adventurous toppings and a craft beer, Slapbox Pizzas is the top choice. However, for the ultimate control over crust crispiness, using a high-heat grill at home remains the gold standard.
We visited the top-rated spots to see if the hype matched the flavor. Here is what we found:
1. Hoody's Sub Shop
While famous for subs, their pizza is the closest thing to Brooklyn you will find in Texas. The crust is thin, foldable, and has the perfect grease-to-cheese ratio. It’s a no-frills experience that focuses entirely on the food.
2. Slapbox Pizzas
If you want more than just pepperoni, this is the spot. We loved the 'taproom' vibe. Their crust is slightly thicker and holds up well under heavy, creative toppings like jalapeño jelly or brisket.
3. Warpath Pizza
A local favorite for a reason. Warpath offers a hearty, pub-style pizza. It is less about the delicate crust and more about a satisfying, cheese-loaded meal that pairs perfectly with a game on TV.
| Restaurant | Best For | Price Level | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoody's | Purists | $ | NY-Style Thin |
| Slapbox | Foodies | $$ | Creative Craft |
| Warpath | Groups | $$ | Pub Heavy |
| Arteflame | The Chef | $$$ | Wood-Fired Sear |
I used to think my homemade pizza was excellent, until I realized I was essentially baking bread with cheese on top. My oven simply couldn't get hot enough to blister the crust instantly. Once I switched to cooking over an open fire with a carbon steel surface, the difference was immediate—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and that unmistakable smoky flavor.
You don't need a commercial brick oven to get restaurant-quality results. In fact, many top steakhouses and pizzerias use the same high-heat principles you can achieve in your backyard.
Why does pizza taste better from an Arteflame? It comes down to thermal conductivity and heat management. Using an Arteflame grill provides specific advantages that a standard oven or gas grill cannot match:
Pro Tip: If you are short on time, you don't even need to make dough from scratch. Head to the Costco in Pflugerville or Cedar Park and pick up their fresh (uncooked) take-and-bake pizzas. They are a fantastic base. Bring them home, add your own premium toppings, and fire them on the Arteflame Pizza Oven attachment. The high heat transforms a budget-friendly store-bought pizza into a gourmet meal.
An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. Traditional grilling isolates the chef against a wall or under a hood. The Arteflame’s round design invites friends and family to stand around the fire, enjoying the warmth and the visual spectacle of the flames. Instead of waiting on the patio while you cook alone, everyone participates in the experience, making the preparation just as enjoyable as the meal itself.