Burn Pizza + Bar introduces Roman-style pizza to East Austin
Editor’s Note: As of December 2016, Burn is closed.
Growing up in a pizza shop has made me a pizza connoisseur. Being Italian has made me a pizza snob. I know a thing or two about pizza, and Italian food in general.
While I still stand by my 2014 list of “5 Best Pizza Joints in Austin,” I’ve found many new spots over the past two years I’d gladly add. One of them is Burn Pizza + Bar on East Sixth Street. Before you run out to try this pie, here’s everything you need to know.
Burn’s Roman-Style Pizza
Roman-style pizza is thin and crispy with slightly burnt edges
If you think all pizza is created equal, you’re in for disappointment. Each region of Italy has distinct cuisine. Even pizza varies from region to region. At least subconsciously, we all know this, due to the Americanized styles of pizza such as Chicago-style, New York-style, Detroit-style and the newly argued Austin-style.
When it comes to Italian styles of pizza, we’re most familiar with Neapolitan. Maybe you’ve also tried Pugliese style pizza at Lucky’s here in Austin. As you head to Burn Pizza + Bar, be prepared to try Roman-style pizza. Rome’s traditional version differs most obviously from other pizzas in its crust. This is an extremely thin crust which is meant to be crispy and “burnt” around the edges (hence the name of the restaurant). If thin and crispy isn’t usually your thing, don’t be too quick to write off this eatery. The folks at Burn do an excellent job showcasing this authentic style of Italian pizza.
Another unique aspect of the crust is how the dough is made. Typically, dough is mixed and prepared almost instantly. However, the Roman-style of pizza dough is fermented for at least 24 hours, giving it a lighter, almost bland flavor. The dough at Burn Pizza + Bar ferments for at least three days! The light and crisp crust produced as a result becomes the perfect platform for tasty toppings and a flavorful pizza.
It’s in the Cheese
When trying a new pizza shop, the best way to test the quality is to try their Margherita pizza: sauce, cheese and basil. If a joint can’t pull off this simple classic, then there’s no hope for anything else. At Burn Pizza + Bar, what I love about the Margherita version is the house-pulled mozzarella cheese.
What makes Burn’s mozzarella unique? Its flavor! Mozzarella is traditionally mild in flavor, so it isn’t usually my favorite base layer for pizza. I prefer a saltier cheese, such as provolone. But Burn’s house-pulled mozzarella combines the best of both worlds. Mozzarella curd is hand-pulled in-house with a saltier brine. Instead of a mild-tasting cheese, Burn produces a saltier version I love.
It isn’t just the cheese pizza that hits the spot. Burn Pizza + Bar offers an amazing cheese plate on the appetizer menu, featuring selections from Antonelli’s and a house burrata to die for.
Brunch and Happy Hour Specials
Located on East Sixth Street, Burn Pizza + Bar serves lunch, brunch and happy hour specials
Let’s be honest. If our days were filled with brunch and happy hours, we’d all be a lot happier. Burn Pizza + Bar offers both.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. It’s the perfect time to sample all of the bar snacks, which are 50% off (including that Antonelli’s cheese plate I mentioned). Saturday and Sunday, brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’ve never had egg on your pizza, now is the time to try.
Parking is no excuse to stay away, since Burn has a designated parking. Grab a friend and expand your Italian food knowledge at Burn.
1802 E. 6th St. – Website
@jpino9 wants to know:
What’s your favorite style of pizza?
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