Pizza Review: Alfonso’s Italian Restaurant
The blog world of eating has been gushing for the past year about all the new pizza places opening in town. The latest incarnation of Fireside Pies, the Dallas location of New York's Grimaldi's, Coal Vines Pizza, Olivella's, yada, yada. Well, there's one is our back yard that has been around since 1982 and it beats them all (except Fireside) if you know how to ask for it. It comes from Alfonso's on Buckner, just down the strip from White Rock Athletic Club.
Alfonso's great crew serves up a decent pie as it is. But, it's when you ask for it "extra thin" that it shines. Their crust is then soooooooooo close to Fireside's that you'd swear Nick Badovinus was tossing in Alfonso's kitchen. It's chewy, just the right amount of char on the bottom, and a crust-edge you could eat as a meal unto itself. Our fav topping is their house made sausage, which is pretty darn close to Jimmy's sweet sausage. So, if you are a fan of the near-perfect thin crust, and don't want to drive to Fireside, then head to Alfonso's and say "Extra thin, please!"
What's the recommendation for those who like deep dish and don't eat the swine?
Posted by: chris | January 04, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I'll have to defer to other commenters on the deep dish, Chris. I'm not a huge fan of that style so I've never chased a source down.
Posted by: Bill Kennedy | January 04, 2008 at 11:23 AM
There isn't really any good deep dish in Dallas -- not if what you're looking for is Chicago style. That was easy enough, wasn't it?
Posted by: Jeff Siegel | January 04, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Alfonso's isn't in Lake Highlands, its more than a mile south of Northwest Highway in DISD. But it is good...
Posted by: Alex | January 04, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Ever so glad to hear that, from what you describe Bill, Alphonso's has changed management and sounds appealing again.
I used to frequent them back in '94, 95, 96 in my racquetball heyday at WRAC. It was new and tasty and inexpensive and friendly. And after a hard fought set, the cold beer on tap was lovely.
Something weird happened though and the folks who ran the joint (or whoever they sold it to) dropped the ball, food, price and mostly, service-wise. Same thing happened to WRAC at that time - the new owner was a hothead. Consequently, my dealings at that delightful corner ceased.
Though I've since become a lover of Tony's, I'd be willing to try it again like a long lost friend.
Posted by: rarepair | January 04, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Rarepair... My wife has been a member of WRAC for 15 years (I for 5) and can speak to your witness. It got better again after a new owner acquired it about 2 years ago and the club, esp. the yoga, is going to pot again over the last 6 months -- bad hires on the floor managing it. Alfonso's has been owned by Peter Columbo since long before your unfortunate visits. All I can say is that, since we have frequented it since 2003, he has had a great, young crew and the food is a hearty, neighborhood secret. Not fancy, just good, and esp. the "extra thin.".
Please give feedback if you experience otherwise -- both here and to them. My wife and I are foodies are do not suffer fools gladly.
Posted by: Bill Kennedy | January 04, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Alfonso's is what I compare every other Italian restaurant to. No, it's not in Lake Highlands Proper (the RISD boundaries), but it's close enough that anyone who lives in LH can conveniently enjoy it. It's in a relatively quiet area between NW Hwy and Casa Linda.
Love the Italian food. Their marinara sauce is a deep red sauce, not that bright orange you find in some cheaper places. Service is not Four-star, but it's earnest. And light years ahead of the understaffed and cramped Tony's.
The garlic rolls are phenomenal. We always ask for a bowl of marinara to dip them in. The pizza is great. I have a hard time deciding between pizza or pasta. My favorite dish is their chicken parm, although I prefer basic Italian dishes. They can get a lot more exotic if you like.
Yes, it's a little pricey for a neighborhood joint, but you pay for quality. It's not a by-the-slice joint. It's a restaurant with a real menu and real servers. For the food, convenience and neighborhood feel, it doesn't get any better than Alfonso's.
Posted by: Triple Wildcat | January 05, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Will try Alfonso's BUT I cannot believe Lover's Pizza in Casa Linda did not make this list. Best pie in Dallas bar none. In fact, I hate even mentioning it, as it is my only hidden gem in Dallas. Great people and great food. By the way, grimaldi's is pretty darngood as well...nothing beats coal.
Posted by: Clay | January 07, 2008 at 08:58 AM
DefinItaly Eyetalian
Pizza, garlic and marinara...the holy Trinity of American-Itaian food. And, yes, Chicken parm is definitely Italian....and so was Chef Boiardi.
Posted by: Amanda Lynn | January 07, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Isn't that area called Old Lake Highlands so there might be some overlap in coverage. I'll have to give that place another chance. Last time I ate there I decided I wouldn't bother to go back, not really that bad just not really worth it.
Posted by: AMF | January 08, 2008 at 05:02 PM