Savor Cozy Italian Vibe at Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria Downtown

Editor’s Note: Frank & Angie’s shuttered in 2018.

Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria is fondly regarded by many Austinites, but somehow it manages to retain its undiscovered charm, year after year. I’ve never had to wait for a table here, and I’ve also never had a bad experience. It has everything you could want in your go-to Italian place: small, cozy, rarely crowded, cheesy décor, friendly staff, good food, fair prices, and big portions.

History

Frank and Angie’s was opened nearly twenty years ago by the same folks who run Hut’s Hamburgers around the corner. The founders stayed true to their ancestors with authentic Sicilian recipes. They’ve changed very little over time, as far as the menu goes. You can order a lot of the same items today that patrons enjoyed on opening day.

Location

The pizzeria sits just off W. 6th Street on West Ave., in a little building sandwiched between several downtown high-rises. If you work in the city, it’s likely an easy walk during your lunch break.

You’ll have a hard time beating Frank and Angie’s weekday lunch special – a two-topping slice and a generously-sized salad with focaccia bread, all for a shade under seven bucks.

The Menu

Some personal highlights from the menu would be Frank and Angie’s perfectly cooked Baked Eggplant Provolone, their delicious and filling De Niro Sandwich and, of course, their pizzas. You can choose to create your own pie or go with one of their signatures. I’d recommend the Chairman of the Board or, if you’re a pepperoni fan, the Scorsese.

The wine list is small, but selected well. You can find a suitable pairing for virtually anything on the menu.

As for dessert, you can’t go wrong with Frank and Angie’s monstrous Bertolucci’s Brownie or the Holy Cannoli, which is filled with homemade Ricotta that delivers just the right amount of sweet.

Environment

Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria has consistently kept the mom-and-pop vibe strong. An owner or manager seems to always be roaming the restaurant, happily conversing with customers to make sure they are well taken care of. I’ve chatted with staff about anything from relatives to old TV sitcoms. There is something about the atmosphere that comforts to the point where you almost feel as if you’re having a meal at home in your dining room.

You can choose to sit inside if you’re looking for a more intimate feel. As an alternative for nicer days, you can find a spacious patio overlooking Shoal Creek. I’m particular to the inside – the classic Italian movie posters and random artwork transports me to a place straight out of Little Italy.

Drawbacks

It’s difficult, but if I had to knock anything about this place, it would have to be the parking. For a restaurant their size, considering the location, it’s actually a decent lot. But you will likely have trouble finding a spot on weekend evenings and during special events in town.

All in all, when it’s this challenging to find criticisms, you know they’re doing a lot of things right. So, why change? Stay true, Frank and Angie’s Pizzeria. If history is any indication, I know you will.

@MattBChampion asks:

Have you tried Frank and Angie’s? How does it compare to your other Italian go-to’s in town?