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The Backspace - Austin, Austin, TX

The Backspace - Austin

4.6
4.6
623 Reviews
$31 to $50
Pizzeria
507 San Jacinto, Austin, TX 78701

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Innovative
  • Good for special occasions
The Backspace, Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s Neapolitan pizzeria directly behind Parkside, is known for its wood-burning Italian brick oven, all Italian wine list, and original Italian antipasti made in-house daily.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Pizzeria, Italian, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (512) 474-9899
  • Website
    http://www.thebackspace-austin.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Shawn Cirkiel
  • Catering
    Please place your carry out orders in person so that your pizza will be hot and fresh. You'll only wait a few minutes. Email us in advance for large to-go orders
  • Private party facilities
    The Backspace can seat up to 40 guests for private events. For cocktail and buffet style functions we can squeeze in a few more!
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    507 San Jacinto, Austin, TX 78701
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    6th Street
  • Parking details
    Street and garage parking are available everywhere in the 6th Street Historic District. Valet parking is offered.
  • Additional
    Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

The Backspace - Austin's menu was last updated on 3/1/2022.

Please be mindful of our limited seating and following reservations. We anticipate you dining for about 1 hour & 15 minutes

Antipasti

  • Meat and Cheese Board$13.00

    prosciutto, cheese, foccacia

    • Garden Board$13.00

      roasted, marinated, & pickled local carrots, eggplant, olives, sun dried tomatoes, focaccia

      • Pork Meatballs$14.00

        pomodoro, bread crumb, fontina, mint

        • Baked Ricotta$14.00

          cherry tomatoes, roasted eggplant, oregano, focaccia

          • Burrata$14.00

            marinated sweet peppers, charred tomato, cucumber

            • Focaccia$4.00

              evoo, sea salt, love

              • Marinated Olives$6.00

                evoo, chili flake, lemon

                Insalate

                • Classic Caesar Salad$12.00

                  romaine, baby kale, cherry tomato, radish, pecorino

                  • Farro Salad$13.00

                    arugula, frisee, ricotta, olive, cherry tomato, pine nut

                    • Roasted Beets$13.00

                      beet green pesto, orange vinaigrette, tarragon

                      Pizze

                      traditional neopolitan 12" thin crust pizza; add prosciutto +$5, add farm egg +$2.50

                      • Marinara$14.00

                        tomato, oregano, garlic

                        • Margherita$15.00

                          mozzarella, tomato, basil

                          • Fennel Sausage$17.00

                            mozzarella, tomato, roasted pepper, garlic

                            • Pepperoni Americano$19.00

                              picante salami, tomato, mozzarella, basil

                              • Bianca$18.00

                                arugula, mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino

                                • Roasted Mushroom$18.00

                                  ricotta, tomato, caper, thyme

                                  • Roasted Broccoli$20.00

                                    tallegio, caramelized onion, calabrese, oregano

                                    Panini

                                    served with our house-made potato chips or side salad

                                    • Chicken Saltimbocca$15.00

                                      prosciutto, fontina, sage, aioli

                                      • IL Classico$15.00

                                        capicollo, mortadella, salami cotto, mozzarella, roasted pepper, tomato

                                        • Sicilian Eggplant$13.00

                                          provolone, sicilian pesto, cherry tomato, pecorino romano

                                          Dolce

                                          • Chocolate Hazelnut Budino$9.00

                                            house whipped cream, hazelnut toffee

                                            • Tiramisu$9.00

                                              coffee soaked lady fingers, marsala mousse, cocoa

                                              Happy Hour

                                              5-6:30 pm tues - sat

                                              • 1/2 off Antipasti

                                                • 1/2 off Beer & Wine by the Glass

                                                  Spumante

                                                  • Prosecco, Domus-Picta, Treviso$13.00

                                                    lemon, peach, apple

                                                    • Rosé Prosecco, Zardetto, Veneto$14.00

                                                      raspberry, peach, orange

                                                      • Lambrusco, Cantina della Pioppa, Emilia Romagna$13.00

                                                        fresh berries, violet, plum

                                                        Rosato e Moscato

                                                        • Rosato 2020 Planeta, Sicilia$12.00

                                                          pomegranate, peach, grapefruit

                                                          • Moscato d'Asti 2020 Vietti, Piemonte$13.00

                                                            pear, lychee, honey

                                                            Bianco

                                                            • Pinot Grigio 2020 Lunaria Ramoro, Abruzzo$15.00

                                                              grapefruit, strawberry, peach

                                                              • Roero Arneis 2018 Morra, Piemonte$49.00

                                                                pineapple, pear, citrus

                                                                • Catarratto (Orange) 2019 Elios 'Katamacerato', Sicily$74.00

                                                                  candied orange, forest, ripe fruit

                                                                  • Cortese 2020 Enrico Serafino, Gavi$14.00

                                                                    melon, orange, stone

                                                                    • Verdicchio Classico Superiore 2018 Pievalta 'Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi', Marche$42.00

                                                                      grapefruit, stone fruit, slate

                                                                      • Greco 2020 Librandi, Cirò$13.00

                                                                        citrus, pear, honey

                                                                        Rosso

                                                                        • Corvina 2018 Zenato 'Alanera', Rosso Veronese$15.00

                                                                          cherry, coffee, smoke

                                                                          • Pinot Noir 2019 Nals Margreid 'Angra', Trentino-Alto Adige$66.00

                                                                            cranberry, raspberry, mushroom

                                                                            • Chianti 2017 Monterllori, Chianti$15.00

                                                                              raspberry, forest, vanilla

                                                                              • Barbera 2018 Fontanafredda 'Briccotondo', Piemonte$14.00

                                                                                cherry, plum, tobacco

                                                                                • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 Caprera 'Le Vasche', Abruzzo$92.00

                                                                                  blackberry, stone, pepper

                                                                                  • Barbaresco 2018 Franco Serra, Piemonte$18.00

                                                                                    cherry, leather, chocolate

                                                                                    • Cab Sauv 2019 Galognano 'La Villa', Tuscany$85.00

                                                                                      cassis, dark fruit, earth

                                                                                      • Refosco dal Peduncolo 2009 Vigne del Malina, Veneto$77.00

                                                                                        black fruit, forest, spices

                                                                                        • Nero d'Avola 2019 Luna Gaia Chiaramontesi, Sicily$16.00

                                                                                          blueberry, vanilla, leather

                                                                                          • Sagrantino 2016 Roccafiore, Montefalco$101.00

                                                                                            blackberry, tobacco, leather

                                                                                            Bevande

                                                                                            • Mexican Coke

                                                                                              • Diet Coke

                                                                                                • Iced Tea

                                                                                                  • San Pellegrino

                                                                                                    • Flavored San Pellegrino

                                                                                                      limonata, aranciata or aranciata rosso

                                                                                                      Caffè

                                                                                                      served hot or iced

                                                                                                      • Espresso

                                                                                                        • Americano

                                                                                                          • Cortado

                                                                                                            • Latte

                                                                                                              • Cappucino

                                                                                                                • Tea

                                                                                                                  Birra

                                                                                                                  austin beer works

                                                                                                                  • Peacemaker

                                                                                                                    What 623 people are saying

                                                                                                                    The Backspace - Austin reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                    4.6
                                                                                                                    4.6 based on all time ratings
                                                                                                                    • 4.7Food
                                                                                                                    • 4.5Service
                                                                                                                    • 4.5Ambience
                                                                                                                    • 3.7Value

                                                                                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                    623 Reviews

                                                                                                                    1. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                      Washington DC33 reviews

                                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on May 13, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                      Server Paydn was very good. Meatball appetizer was very good. Pizza was okay. Overall for a pizzeria it was good. Would have preferred the pizza a little hotter.

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    2. JoannaH

                                                                                                                      Philadelphia3 reviews

                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on April 1, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                      Service was outstanding and the food and wine great! The happy hour deal was excellent! I highly recommend this gem of a place.

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    3. Gregg

                                                                                                                      San Antonio7 reviews

                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on March 29, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                      Lovely setting with great pizza, appetizers and adult beverage selections.

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    4. Becca

                                                                                                                      Austin6 reviews

                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on March 25, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                      I had the cesar salad with anchovy and the margherita pizza. Both were fresh and flavorful.

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    5. Darrin

                                                                                                                      Salt Lake City33 reviews

                                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on March 15, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                      Charming small spot with excellent food. Shared a Caesar and Fennel Sausage Pizza. Both were great!

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    6. Emmie

                                                                                                                      Indiana8 reviews

                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on March 11, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                      Pizza is always amazing!!

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    7. OpenTable Diner VIP

                                                                                                                      San Francisco5 reviews

                                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on February 17, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                      Everything was great except for the smell of sewer in the restaurant.

                                                                                                                      1 person found this helpful

                                                                                                                    8. JonathanS VIP

                                                                                                                      Dallas2 reviews

                                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on February 5, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                                      3. Service 1
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                      We have been to the Backspace several times over the years, one of our favorite places in Austin. This time, however, will likely be our last and I offer the below feedback in the hopes of improving the experience for others. After being seated and ordering an appetizer, we waited about 25 minutes until noticing that what we ordered, a meat and cheese plate, was sitting on the counter waiting to be brought to our table. Our server, who may have been the only server taking care of the restaurant, was standing right in front of the board cutting pizzas and bringing them out to other tables. After 10 more minutes, the server finally brought the board to us after we had been waiting 35 minutes total. Any request, including drink refills was painstakingly slow and had to be requested twice. The pizzas were excellent and since we ordered four, they were brought out 2 at a time which was great. The food quality was high balanced out by the breathtakingly slow service. It’s one thing for a server to be overloaded but it’s quite another to be actively ignored. For reference, our table was two feet away from the server’s position cutting pizzas. We felt invisible and for $200, that should not have been our experience.

                                                                                                                      1 person found this helpful

                                                                                                                    9. OpenTable Diner VIP

                                                                                                                      Los Angeles9 reviews

                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on February 4, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                      Love this place. We’ve been several times. The happy hour is great and everyday. The fennel sausage pizza is our favorite and every appetizer we’ve had has always been good.

                                                                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                    10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                      Austin2 reviews

                                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                                      Dined on January 27, 2023

                                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                      Pre show quick appetizer and drink. Appetizer was very good as well as beer, wine offerings. Service was attentive . The restaurant is quaint and comfortable, Would definitely go back for pizza.

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                                                                                                                    FAQs

                                                                                                                    The Backspace - Austin offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (512) 474-9899.

                                                                                                                    The Backspace - Austin is rated 4.6 stars by 623 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                    Not available on OpenTable

                                                                                                                    Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

                                                                                                                    Is this your restaurant?
                                                                                                                    Claim this listing
                                                                                                                    Google Map for The Backspace - Austin

                                                                                                                    507 San Jacinto, Austin, TX 78701

                                                                                                                    Additional information

                                                                                                                    • Cross street
                                                                                                                      6th Street
                                                                                                                    • Neighborhood
                                                                                                                      Downtown
                                                                                                                    • Hours of operation
                                                                                                                      Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
                                                                                                                    • Price
                                                                                                                      $31 to $50
                                                                                                                    • Cuisines
                                                                                                                      Pizzeria, Italian, Tapas / Small Plates
                                                                                                                    • Dining style
                                                                                                                      Casual Dining
                                                                                                                    • Dress code
                                                                                                                      Casual Dress
                                                                                                                    • Parking details
                                                                                                                      Street and garage parking are available everywhere in the 6th Street Historic District. Valet parking is offered.
                                                                                                                    • Payment options
                                                                                                                      AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                    • Executive chef
                                                                                                                      Shawn Cirkiel
                                                                                                                    • Additional
                                                                                                                      Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                                    • Delivery & takeout
                                                                                                                      Order direct
                                                                                                                    • Website
                                                                                                                      http://www.thebackspace-austin.com/
                                                                                                                    • Phone number
                                                                                                                      (512) 474-9899
                                                                                                                    • Catering
                                                                                                                      Please place your carry out orders in person so that your pizza will be hot and fresh. You'll only wait a few minutes. Email us in advance for large to-go orders
                                                                                                                    • Private party facilities
                                                                                                                      The Backspace can seat up to 40 guests for private events. For cocktail and buffet style functions we can squeeze in a few more!
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