Pizza, a universally loved dish, holds a special place in American cuisine. From New York's thin slices to Detroit's crispy-edged rectangles and Chicago's deep-dish pies, pizza's adaptability and deliciousness have made it a classic. With over 74,000 pizza restaurants in the United States as of 2024, finding the best spot can be a challenge. Factors such as ambiance, ingredient quality, and overall taste play a crucial role in determining a pizza place's appeal. Given that Americans consume an average of 180 slices of pizza annually, the quest for the perfect local spot is a serious endeavor. Fortunately, data-driven reviews and local inspections can guide customers to the top-rated establishments.
El Paso's Culinary Landscape
El Paso, Texas, boasts a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants vying for the title of the best pizza place. Among these establishments is Union Draft House George Dieter, a local sports bar that offers pub food and a wide selection of 100 draft beers. Located in the Sandy Creek neighborhood, Union Draft House aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere where residents can enjoy a meal and unwind.
Sandy Creek: A Thriving El Paso Community
Sandy Creek, situated east of downtown El Paso in the Mission Valley area, is a vibrant residential community known for its family-friendly environment and convenient location. According to Linda Bastraw, an El Paso native and broker/owner of Linda Bastraw Realty, LLC, Sandy Creek's proximity to malls, restaurants, and other amenities makes it an attractive place to live. The neighborhood features a mix of stucco and brick homes, with popular subdivisions like Visita Hill offering various architectural styles, including Spanish Mission influences, ranch styles, and two-story dwellings.
Residents of Sandy Creek enjoy easy access to various amenities and attractions. Sun Metro bus stops are located along major roadways like George Dieter Drive and Montwood Drive, providing public transportation options. Texas State Highway Loop 375, adjacent to Sandy Creek, connects residents to the rest of the city, while Interstate 10, approximately 4 miles away, leads to the Bridge of the Americas and Downtown El Paso. El Paso International Airport is also conveniently located an 8-mile drive away.
Union Draft House George Dieter: A Local Favorite
Nestled in the Sandy Creek neighborhood at 1960 George Dieter Drive, Union Draft House George Dieter is a popular spot for locals seeking a casual dining experience and a wide selection of beers. While specific details about its pizza offerings are not available in the provided data, the establishment's focus on pub food suggests a menu that includes classic American fare alongside its extensive beer selection.
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Health Inspections and Restaurant Grades
In El Paso, restaurants undergo regular health inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards. These inspections, conducted by the city of El Paso, Anthony, Clint, Horizon City, Socorro, Vinton, and El Paso County, assess various aspects of a restaurant's operations, including food handling, hygiene, and sanitation. Establishments receive a grade based on their inspection score, with a passing score being 70 or higher. Restaurants scoring 60 or lower face closure.
According to inspection results from August 5, 2025, Union Draft House received a score of 77, earning it a Grade C. It's important to note that an inspection carried out on a particular day may not reflect the overall, long-term conditions of the establishment. Restaurants failing inspections are given a chance to rectify the violations before a reinspection.
Earlier in the year, during the week of February 24-March 3, Union Draft House underwent another inspection and received a score of 86, earning it a Grade B. This indicates an improvement in the restaurant's compliance with health and safety standards between the two inspection periods.
Yelp Ratings and Reviews
While health inspection scores provide valuable insights into a restaurant's adherence to food safety standards, customer reviews on platforms like Yelp offer a glimpse into diners' overall experiences. As of February 2025, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated pizza shops in the El Paso area based on diners' reviews on Yelp. However, Union Draft House George Dieter was not among the top-rated pizza shops in the El Paso area based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025.
It's important to consider that Yelp ratings and reviews reflect individual customer experiences and may not be representative of the establishment's overall quality. Factors such as personal preferences, expectations, and specific dining experiences can influence a customer's rating.
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Pizza in El Paso: A Competitive Market
The El Paso area boasts a vibrant pizza scene, with numerous establishments vying for the title of the best pizza place in town. According to Yelp data from February 2025, the top-rated pizza shops in the El Paso area include:
- (Rating: 4.3/5, 52 reviews, Address: 10025 Dyer St.)
- (Rating: 4.2/5, 84 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 3021 McRae Blvd.)
- (Rating: 4.2/5, 290 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 6705 North Mesa St.)
- (Rating: 4.2/5, 52 reviews, Price level: $, Address: 208 North Stanton St.)
- (Rating: 4.2/5, 151 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 2016 North Piedras St.)
- (Rating: 4.1/5, 39 reviews, Price level: $, Address: 9109 Dyer St.)
- (Rating: 4.1/5, 111 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 830 North Piedras St.)
- (Rating: 4.0/5, 141 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 4176 North Mesa St.)
- (Rating: 3.9/5, 414 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 8889 Gateway Blvd.)
- (Rating: 3.8/5, 48 reviews, Price level: $, Address: 321 East Mills Ave.)
- (Rating: 3.8/5, 123 reviews, Price level: $, Address: 1200 Chelsea St.)
- (Rating: 3.7/5, 178 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 2900 North Mesa St.)
- (Rating: 3.7/5, 115 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 206 Cincinnati Ave.)
- (Rating: 3.4/5, 134 reviews, Price level: $, Address: 500 North Stanton St.)
- (Rating: 3.3/5, 104 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 6951 North Mesa St.)
- (Rating: 3.3/5, 213 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 11905 Gateway Blvd.)
- (Rating: 3.3/5, 28 reviews, Price level: $, Address: 6640 Montana Ave.)
- (Rating: 3.0/5, 27 reviews, Address: 4020 Monroe Ave.)
- (Rating: 3.0/5, 140 reviews, Price level: $$, Address: 1201 Airway Blvd.)
These establishments represent a range of styles and price points, catering to diverse customer preferences.
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