Wake up. Eat yummy pizza. Repeat.

The motto at Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse is slightly different than that (read to the end), but yet, the same if your idea of kicking butt is making delicious food, serving a seemingly endless list of craft beers, and then bringing people together to enjoy it all.

Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse has a family history of making pizza that goes back over 30 years. In Houston, their history is just a few months long. The Texas chain opened its first Houston location in December 2024 at the MarqE Entertainment Center in the Spring Branch Management District.

Known for its aviation-themed minimal decor featuring recycled bowling alley tables, an extensive menu of pizzas, and a selection of 50 Texas beers on tap, Aviator Pizza is a great addition to the MarqE, just steps away from the recently renovated Regal Edwards movie theater and other attractions like Sloomoo Institute, where patrons can create their own unique slime combinations and then hop over to Aviator to order unique pizza creations.

Handcrafted with the freshest ingredients — the fresh dough is prepared daily and the sauces are made in-house, you’ll find classics like the Margherita. But what puts Aviator on the map (flight plan?) are their specialty creations.

If you’re a carnivore, you’ll love the Meat Almighty topped with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, smoked ham, and bacon. Also, check out offerings like “Ground Control” and “Major Tom,” a nod to David Bowie.

And the choices don’t end there. If you’re craving local craft beers or wines, they’ve got you covered with an extensive, 100% Texan menu.

Also at the Houston location are multiple 85” TV screens to catch every game, from NFL to college sports, and space for private parties and events, including outdoor seating.

The booths are huge — perfect for a large family or a group. Those visiting for the first time should know that all ordering is done online. (A QR code is  provided at the tables.)

Be sure to join the “Flight Club,” their loyalty club, to easily earn 2 percent in dining credits with each order.

And the savings don’t stop there. There is a Family Pizza Night special for $36.99 that includes focaccia bread sticks, a medium specialty pizza, and a large one-topping pizza. There are also lunch specials with various options for pizza, salad, and grinders (sandwiches), all for under $15 with a nonalcoholic drink.

“Our expansion into Houston is far more than just geographical growth; it’s about fostering a sense of community through exceptional dining and entertainment,” said John McElroy, CEO of Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse, when the Houston location first opened.

McElroy and Dr. Ana Lam-McElroy opened the original Aviator Pizza in Elgin, Texas, in 2014, later expanding to Austin. The 4,504-square-foot  Houston location is the sixth for the brand.

“The incredible support we’ve received in Austin has inspired us to replicate that same vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic community engagement here in Houston,” McElroy said.

One reviewer on Yelp seems to think they’ve succeeded: “Great place to watch sports games, good music, and the staff was great! We will definitely be back. The food had a great taste to everything — very warm and fresh.”

LEVCOR, the commercial real estate owner and operator of the MarqE, announced the addition of Aviation Pizza last year, along with the completion of Regal Edwards’ extensive renovation. More business openings are in the works and are expected to be announced soon, officials said.

“MarqE continues to be a family-friendly shopping and dining destination in a highly convenient location in our city,” said Sasha Levine, Vice President at LEVCOR.

With all the growth and development, perhaps the MarqE will want to take on Aviator’s motto as its own:  “Wake Up. Kick Ass. Repeat.” 

Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse
MarqE Houston
7620 Katy Freeway, Suite 415
https://aviatorpizza.com/

— Dorothy Puch Lillig