Located literally in the backspace behind chef Cirkiel’s iconic Parkside is Austin’s first Neapolitan pizzeria. Intimate and unapologetic, the Backspace is a rustic, 30-seat oasis off 6th street featuring all Italian wine, seasonal selections of Italian antipasti and Neapolitan pizza.
Austin chef and mastermind, Shawn Cirkiel, launched “The Backspace” in 2010 and it’s definitely getting better with age. Offering a large selection of Neapolitan pizzas, including the staple margherita with traditional mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Backspace also boasts the delightful pizza Bianca covered in arugula, mozzarella, ricotta, and pecorino romano, and the roasted mushroom – ricotta, tomato, capers, and thyme.
Known for its homemade, chewy crust and fresh ingredients, pizza at the backspace is prepared from scratch and starts with two classic Neapolitan pizza essentials: sweet Italian San Marzano tomatoes for the tangy sauce and imported Italian “00” flour, which gives the dough its special lightness and lift.
The perfect accompaniment to an Italian celebration, the Backspace pizza favorites include the Fennel Sausage, with mozzarella, roasted pepper and garlic; the Bianca, with arugula, mozzarella, ricotta and Pecorino Romano; the classic Marinara, with fresh tomatoes, oregano and garlic; and the Chicken Meatball, with ricotta, pepperoni and kale pesto.
The backspace is open for lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, for dinner service from 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 5 to 10 p.m.Sunday. Happy hour runs until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with half-priced antipasti, beer and wine by the glass.
Chef Shawn Cirkeil
Best To Order
Per la Tavola
Whipped Lardo Bruschetta | herbs, citrus segment – $8
Lamb & Pork Meatballs | stewed tomato, bread crumb, asiago, mint – $11
Antipasti – $6
Eggplant Caponata | pinenut, golden raisin
Spicy Cauliflower | caper, calabrese, lemon
House-made Mozzarella | tomato, basil, balsamic
Pizze
Marinara | tomato, oregano, garlic $11
Margherita | mozzarella, tomato, basil $13
Fennel Sausage | mozzarella, roasted pepper, garlic $15
Pepperoni Americano | picante salame, tomato, mozzarella, basil $14
Chicken Meatball | ricotta, pepperoncini, kale pesto $15
Happy Hour
Mon-Fri, 5-6:30p | 1/2 off beer, wine by the glass, antipasti