Houston Pizza has officially expanded to Saskatoon, bringing its legendary Regina-style pies, thick crusts, and heavy layers of cheese to a brand-new storefront on Herold Road. Located in the east side neighborhood where a former Boston Pizza used to operate, this new establishment marks a major homecoming of sorts for a brand deeply rooted in Saskatchewan culinary history. If you've spent any time driving down the highway between Regina and Moose Jaw, you already know the legacy. For Saskatoon locals, though, understanding what makes this style different from thin-crust Neapolitan shops or standard delivery chains is key to appreciating what's on your plate.
The appeal centers on a distinct style of pizza that defies modern minimalist trends. You get a thick, bready crust, a heavy blanket of cheese, and toppings layered directly underneath that cheese. This creates a rich, heavily spiced, almost lasagna-like slice that locals either grew up craving or need a few tries to fully understand. Let's break down where the restaurant is, what's on the menu, and how it fits into the local food scene.
Finding the Saskatoon Location and Setup
The Saskatoon restaurant sits at 329 Herold Road, taking over a spacious footprint that underwent extensive renovations before opening its doors. Unlike smaller counter-service spots or food court setups that sometimes bear the name, this location is a full-scale restaurant complete with a dine-in room, a dedicated family section, and a lively lounge area.
Parking is generally straightforward with a large shared lot, though weekend evening rushes mean you might have to wait for a table. The interior leans into a classic, comfortable family restaurant atmosphere rather than trendy industrial chic. It's built for groups, sports teams, and families wanting a casual night out without pretense.
- Address: 329 Herold Road, Saskatoon, SK
- Services: Dine-in, take-out, and delivery
- Atmosphere: Casual family dining room and separate sports lounge
Understanding Regina-Style Pizza
If you're new to this specific lineage of Saskatchewan pizza, don't expect a charred, leopard-spotted Neapolitan pie or a crisp New York slice. Regina-style pizza has a personality entirely its own.
The dough is thick, soft, and substantial enough to handle an enormous weight of ingredients without completely collapsing—though letting it sit for a minute helps firm up the center. The sauce is heavily seasoned, leaning slightly sweet and zesty, packed with herbs that permeate every bite. Crucially, the meats and vegetables are packed under a thick layer of melted cheese rather than scattered on top. This baking method traps the moisture and juices inside the pie, keeping the meats tender and infusing the cheese layer with flavor.
Exploring the Menu Beyond the Box
While the pies pull the primary focus, the menu leans heavily into classic comfort food categories that define old-school Canadian family restaurants. You won't find microgreens or artisanal drizzles here; instead, you get hearty portions designed to share.
Starters and Appetizers
Appetizers form a major part of the experience, especially if you're sitting in the lounge to catch a game.
- Garlic Parmesan Pizza Wedges: Hand-pressed dough topped with fresh garlic, melted mozzarella, and parmesan, served with a side of signature meat sauce.
- Boneless Dry Ribs: A prairie staple tossed in salt and pepper or signature spices.
- Nacho Plates: Layered tortilla chips with cheddar, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and banana peppers.
Signature and Specialty Pies
Standard pepperoni and cheese are always available, but the specialty options showcase the kitchen's heavier flavor profiles.
- The All-Dressed: Packed with meats and vegetables buried beneath the cheese blanket.
- Butter Chicken Pizza: Features a butter chicken sauce base, grilled chicken, red onion, red pepper, feta, and banana peppers.
- Greek-Inspired Variations: Leveraging ingredients like feta, black olives, and their famous house dressings.
Non-Pizza Entrees
If someone in your party isn't craving pizza, the kitchen runs a full suite of classic entrees. You can order Greek souvlaki dinners with pork skewers, chicken parmigiana baked with tomato sauce and cheese over spaghetti, or classic clubhouse sandwiches loaded with thick-cut bacon.
Daily Specials and Lounge Culture
The lounge side of the Saskatoon restaurant operates with a distinct neighborhood-pub feel, anchored by daily food and drink promotions that draw a consistent crowd. Pricing on drinks aims to stay competitive with other casual dining chains in the city.
- Monday: Pickle spears and specialty drink features
- Tuesday: Wing specials and highball deals
- Wednesday: Garlic shrimp plates and house wine discounts
- Thursday: Pizza wedges and double drink specials
- Friday & Saturday: Rotating seafood options like calamari alongside weekend cocktail features
For more details on local restaurant openings and community updates, you can check reporting from CBC News or explore broader regional food guides via Tourism Saskatchewan.
Common Mistakes When Ordering
Ordering from a traditional prairie-style pizzeria for the first time can lead to a few tactical errors if you aren't prepared for the sheer volume of food.
- Over-ordering sizes: Because the crust is thick and the cheese load is heavy, a medium pie often fills up people who would normally eat a large thin-crust pizza elsewhere. Plan your portions accordingly.
- Ignoring the delivery transport tips: If you order take-out or delivery, seasoned fans suggest keeping the box flat and opening the corner slightly on the drive home to prevent steam from softening the crust too much.
- Skipping the dips: The house meat sauce and specialty garlic dips aren't just for breadsticks; they are designed to be paired with the crust edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston Pizza Saskatoon open for delivery?
Yes, the restaurant offers both local delivery options and direct take-out services alongside its full dine-in experience. You can order directly or through major delivery apps operating in the city.
What makes Regina-style pizza different from other styles?
The defining characteristic is the assembly method: ingredients are placed under a heavy layer of cheese rather than on top, sitting atop a thick, soft, bready crust with a sweet-leaning, heavily spiced tomato sauce.
Does the Saskatoon location have a bar or lounge?
Yes, the 329 Herold Road location includes a dedicated lounge space featuring daily food and drink specials, making it a popular spot to watch sports or grab casual drinks.
Are there gluten-free or keto options available?
The menu accommodates dietary adjustments by offering options like cauliflower thin crust bases for select pizzas, though guests with severe celiac disease should inquire directly about cross-contamination in a kitchen that handles large amounts of traditional wheat dough.
