The Baked Crust - Pizza & Taproom in Leander, TX

The Baked Crust took a sports-bar shell and built something I didn't see coming: pizza with an Indian twist, a crust that tastes naan-inspired, and a tikka-style pie loaded with paneer, bell peppers, red onion, and a gorgeous green chutney drizzle that I'm still thinking about. Full bar, a wall of beers on tap, and a green spicy sauce that earns the hype.

It's not all fusion fireworks. The classic pepperoni and mushroom holds its own, the supreme came loaded, the wings are small and crispy the way I like them, and the spicy luau flatbread reinvents the Hawaiian. Friendly staff, cozy room, little games for the kids, conversations instead of phones. This is the rare creative pizza spot that's also a good hang.