The Black Crust Revolution: Introducing Eastside Pizza House in OKC

Black-owned pizza served with a slice of history

black woman 3 open pizza boxes in front of colorful mural wall eastside pizza mel drake

Welcome to Eastside Pizza House, Oklahoma City's newest pizza restaurant! Located on NE 23rd street in the city's historic black district, this unique eatery is not only known for its delicious pizzas but also its commitment to community. Founded by Oklahoma City native Jabee Williams—an avid food aficionado and activist—Eastside Pizza House is a black-owned business with a mission of providing “A Slice for the Community!” With their signature “black” pizza crust (which isn't actually burnt!), colorful pop-art pictures of iconic African Americans adorning the walls, and an overall atmosphere that celebrates diversity and progressivism, East side Pizza House is a hit in Oklahoma City.

So let's get into it...

Ready to explore more of OKC, OK? Be sure to check out my local travel guides for where to eat JINYA Ramen Bar, fun things to do in Oklahoma City, OK, Best Oklahoma City Hotels, and Funny Things Everyone Assumes About Oklahoma City too!

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Mission to Provide “A Slice for the Community!”

Eastside Pizza House is on a mission to provide more than just their signature black crust pizzas to its community; they seek to offer something of real value - a place where people can come together, have conversations and enjoy the ultimate fellowship experience. For Jabee Williams, his mission of providing “A Slice for the Community” is founded on the idea that Eastside Pizza House will use its business to benefit its community through both service and support. At the end of the day, Eastside’s message is bigger than great pizza - it’s about helping to make the OKC a better place for all.

outside white brick building eastside pizza oklahoma city ok

staff member black man smiling in white shirt showing east side hand sign.jpg

neon sign white hand eastside sign on black wall

Decorated with Pop-Art Pictures of Iconic African Americans

Welcome to Eastside Pizza House—the black crust pizza powerhouse of NE 23rd street in OKC’s historic black district! You can't miss the bright and colourful pop-art pictures of iconic African Americans gracing the walls as you walk in; from Ralph Ellison, author of 'Invisible Man', to civil rights activists Clara Luper and Roscoe Dunjee. Once the helm for black-owned businesses and civil rights movements in Oklahoma City, you can still feel the reverberations of black excellence here at Eastside on NE 23rd street—just take a bite out of that black crust pizza and find out!

The Black Crust Revolution - Signature “Black” Pizza Crust

Have you ever heard of black crust pizza? Contrary to popular belief, it's not a sign that the pizza is burnt or stale. At Eastside Pizza House in Oklahoma City, black crust pizzas are made with activated charcoal - Jabee Williams' unique way of making his black-owned business stand out from the crowd! And don't worry about any odd aftertaste; black crust pizzas taste just like regular crust pizzas, only blacker! So next time you're craving something new and exciting, why not go for black crust pizza?

black woman holding pizza boxes in zebra print shirt eating pizza slice mel drake east side pizza house oklahoma city ok

What to Eat at Eastside Pizza House

The Eastside Pizza Menu Items

If you're looking for a perfectly made pizza, then look no further than Eastside Pizza House! Their "less is more" approach to the menu results in pizzas that are absolutely delicious. Specializing in what they do best means their five signature pizzas are definitely not to be missed.

Take the Deep Deuce, inspired by OKC's historic district - black crust, pizza red sauce, crispy shoulder bacon and sausage - truly mouthwatering! For a Mexican-inspired pizza, go for the Jabee, named after Eastside Pizza's owner - roasted corn blend, sliced jalapenos, goat cheese, and chipotle aioli drizzle on top... Yum! Or why not try some of their other signature pizzas like the Ellison, named after famous African American author Ralph Ellison - alfredo sauce, pizza cheese, and chicken, or Garden Oaks - spinach artichoke cream sauce with olives and roasted red peppers? Of course, there's gotta be a Clara Luper pizza pie too - alfredo, pizza cheese, spinach, and tomato topped with delightful goat cheese.

If you need something to complete your meal though, sink your tastebuds into some crispy Eastside Knots - little heavenly bit-sized breadsticks dipped in ranch or marina sauce that'll have you coming back for more! Oh, and don't forget they also offer salad too - so you won't be disappointed when you eat at Eastside Pizza House!

Here's What I Ate at Eastside Pizza House:

I had the extreme fortune of trying all the signature pizzas and appetizers from Eastside Pizza. And while all of them were truly DAMN GOOD, there was one signature pie that surprisingly stood out - the Jabee. I don't really picture myself as an Elote devote but what can I say? After the Jabee pizza, I'm a changed woman now!

Appetitzers/Starters:

Eastside Knots (one word = addictive).

Cocktails:

Eastside is cocktail free; however, Eastside shares a patio with Kindred Spirits Bar. You can enjoy the flavors of your favorite Eastside Pizza pie and an adult beverage (or two).

Main Course:

Jabee (imagine: if Elote and pizza had a tasty black crust baby)

Dessert:

At this time, Eastside doesn't serve desserts but who knows, things could change in the future.

“After the Jabee pizza, I’m a changed woman now!”

— Mel Drake

black man glasses gray beard eating black crust jabee pizza east side okc

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FAQs: A Few Things to Know About Eastside Pizza House Before Your Visit

Is the black crust burnt?

No, the black crust isn't burnt! It's made with activated charcoal and tastes just like a regular pizza crust.

Does Eastside Pizza House deliver?

No, not at this time; however, Eastside does offer an online ordering option for pick-up.

Is Eastside Pizza House a cash-only establishment?

No, they accept all major credit cards in addition to cash.

Does Eastside Pizza Serve Alcohol?

No, Eastside does not serve alcohol but you can enjoy your pizza with your favorite beer or wine at Kindred Spirits Bar which is located right next door.

Are there gluten-free options at Eastside Pizza?

Yes! Eastside now offers cauliflower pizza crusts as a gluten-free option.

When is Eastside Pizza open?

You can swing by Eastside for your favorite pizza Monday - Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Friday - 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday 12 noon - 9 pm.

black table chairs in front of colorful pop art mural clara luper ralph ellison east side pizza oklahoma city ok

Final Thoughts on Eastside Pizza House

It’s clear that the Eastside Pizza House is becoming a staple in the Oklahoma City, OK culture. From their delicious black crust pizza to their bright famous Black civil rights figures on the wall, decor, and inviting atmosphere, this black-owned establishment has so much to offer! And with owner Jabee at the helm as an active advocate for his community, it's evident Eastside Pizza House lives out its motto "A Slice for the Community!" Ready to join the black crust revolution? Don’t waste another minute - be sure to drop by Eastside Pizza House, grab a slice, and support a black business.

If you have any questions about what to see or where to eat while visiting our city, please feel free to leave me a comment below!

Thanks for reading!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake