I’m generally of the opinion that all pizza is good. Chicago-style? Heck yeah. New York-style? Sure thing. You got a Totino’s? Let’s party. Pizza is the reason I don’t have abs. One of the newer establishments in the Waco area is making sure that my ab-less existence will continue: Slow Rise Slice House in Woodway.

Open since April, and sharing a space with Common Grounds, the first thing you notice when you walk in is how refreshing the space is: impossibly clean with high ceilings and perfect lighting. Slow Rise offers a relaxing atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. But once you’ve settled in, it won’t take long for you to notice how good the pizza is.

It starts with the dough, an uber-secret special family recipe. Now, we lived in upstate New York for three winters, so I know my way around legit New York-style pizza. This is legit. The crust is perfect, the toppings are wonderful, too.

Are you subject to some dietary restrictions? Slow Rise offers cauliflower crust as well as a gluten-free crust. Slow Rise also has vegan cheese available, so you can come in and customize your very own vegan pizza. Or you could laugh at those people and get a slice of The Butcher - mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, hamburger, and bacon - and end up with the Meat Sweats. It’s worth it.

You know how some people wear leggings as pants? Slow Rise does appetizers as meals. Loaded French Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Wings, and home-made meatballs. They have drink specials and will be unveiling their Fall Menu soon. Need a catered meal? Slow Rise has you covered.

Slow Rise, ultimately, is a community restaurant here to serve the community. It’s not uncommon to see one of the owners busing tables, or serving food, or walking you out to your car with an umbrella. And with a patio that has everything from cornhole to movie nights, Slow Rise is a family-friendly establishment. Bring them kids.

So it’s our fervent recommendation that you hit up Slow Rise, hang out, play some games, maybe get some coffee afterwards, and leave happy knowing you’ve eaten at a legit Waco establishment.

Slow Rise Slice House

7608 Woodway Drive

Sunday-Saturday: 11am-10pm