If you’ve been by the Summit recently, you might have noticed the new The Escape Game and Great Big Game Show. Located right next door is Emmy Squared Pizza is one of the Summit’s restaurant gems (300 Summit Blvd., Ste 104, Birmingham). You might’ve seen or visited one of the chain’s other locations in cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and New York. While each restaurant sticks to their classic tried-and-true recipes, their spaces all have their own “flavor,” and Birmingham’s is cheery and open, filled with fresh greenery. Open for dinner Monday through Wednesday and for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday,* this family-friendly neighborhood spot should be your go-to for a Detroit-style pizza.
THE PIZZA
I’ll confess: I’m normally not a deep-dish pizza kinda girl. But the Detroit-style pizza they serve at Emmy Squared is the perfect thickness without feeling too thick and greasy. And the best part is there is a pizza for every kind of person. “Our secret? We combined a New York style grandma pie with a Detroit style pizza and then added a dose of culinary creativity with our fluffy focaccia-like dough, edged with a caramelized, crispy cheese known as frico crust,” their website explains.
Their menu is divided into three “saucy” camps: Reds, Pinks, and Whites. The “red” is self-explanatory—red sauce! The “pink” is a Vodka sauce, and the “white” just means that the first layer is cheese, not sauce—but that just means it likely has a glaze on top. Within each category, they have multiple pizza options. Whether you prefer a ridiculously fabulous amount of ooey gooey cheese, all the meat and then some, pineapple-galore, or the spicier the better, there’s a pizza for you. Here’s my recs:
- BIG ANG (Pink)
It’s the creamy, fluffy ricotta cheese that sells this one for me, although the banana peppers also make it special.
- GOOD PAULIE (White)
Talk about cheesy—this one is for my cheese-lovers out there. The caramelized onions and Italian sausage add a bit of substance (and dare I say protein) to this piece of cheese pizza.
- THE FOUNDERS (Red)
There’s a reason this one is the most popular. The sweet honey combined with the spicy jalapenos and pepperonis make for a memorable, delicious bite.
- BIG HAWAIIAN (White)
This one has an unexpected kick to it due to the pineapple chili glaze, but the pineapple itself is complemented by the pepperoni and bacon.
EVERYONE CAN EAT HERE
Have a picky eater? You can customize every pizza—remove a topping or add one at your fancy. And gluten-free eaters, don’t count yourself out! They use a cauliflower crust and don’t cross-contaminate, and you’ll find it’s one of the best GF pizza options out there. They even serve vegan options, which makes your dining experience even more kid-friendly.
The “half and half” option might be the best part about these pizzas—you can order your pizza with two different flavors, even in their “sixer” (with six pieces, perfect for 1–2 people to split). It doesn’t even have to be the same sauce base. Personally, I see this as an opportunity to try double the number of pizzas.
THE “NOT PIZZA” OPTIONS
It feels like in every family, there’s always that one person who either doesn’t want what everyone else wants for dinner—or perhaps cannot eat it due to dietary restrictions. Whether you ate pizza for lunch or you’re looking for a healthier option, Emmy Squared has you covered. They offer multiple salad options that come in a sharable portion or a side salad, including a wedge, a Caesar, and a shaved Brussel Sprouts. You can even add on grilled, crispy, or Nashville hot chicken to “spice” it up.
Their double-stack burger, the Le Big Matt, was named “#1 Best Burger in Nashville” by The Tennessean and several NYC journals also have raved about it. So you’re not getting second-best, even if you don’t get pizza. Their other handhelds include a Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Parm Sandwich, both served on pretzel buns.
If you’re feeling extra knotty wanting even more bread, get the Cheesy Garlic Sticks. They come doused in cheese and drizzled in pesto, with a rich marinara sauce for dipping. Their other shareable appetizers include the Bklyn Mozz (Mozzarella) Sticks, Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings, and Jumbo Zia Nacho Fries.
THIRSTY?
Emmy Squared serves fun cocktails like the seasonal “I Have That On Vinyl” and “Pear Pressure,” along with classics like the tangy, refreshing “Emotional Damage.” They also serve mocktails like “Lavender 79” and Birmingham-only “Cherry Blossom.” Your kids will love snagging a Mexican Coke or lemonade. Additionally, they have wine, beer, and local drafts.
DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT?
Oh, no one said dessert? Well I always am thinking it… and the Skillet Baked Brownie is worth thinking of. It’s warm but not hot, which means the giant scoop of vanilla ice cream won’t immediately melt. Chocolate chips are nestled into the brownie like Easter eggs, providing a bit of a delightful crunch. There’s also the perfect proportion of ice cream to brownie—enough for every bite—which I personally find very important. Plus, the whipped cream and chocolate drizzle are fun bonuses that add to the vibe (and taste!).
If you or someone in your party is gluten intolerant, you can pop on over to Nothing Bundt Cakes, just a few steps away, and get a GF bundt cake… because everyone deserves dessert. 🙂
VISIT FOR YOURSELF
Reservations aren’t required—you can pop in whenever. But if you want to secure your table or place a to-go order, you can give them a call at (205) 994-8685. Follow them on social media @EMMYSQUAREDPIZZA for some gooey-good content. If you like free things, download their app to receive rewards for your Emmy Squared pickup and delivery orders. Whether you play a game or two before grabbing some pizza or you’re looking for a unique family dining experience, be sure to check Emmy Squared Pizza out!
*Their hours are: 4–9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
