Zini’s Pizzeria

Wandering around deep ellum around midnight on a Friday night for a quick bite after an event, we saw Zini’s and headed over for a slice of pizza. Both employees we encountered were very nice. They were still making pizza at this time, and had slices of cheese, pepperoni and pepperoni and sausage. The pizza was hot but mediocre. with a weird tasting pizza sauce and fairly greasy. It’s unusual I don’t finish a slice of pizza, but I didn’t.
The restaurant itself left a lot to be desired. It was hot and humid inside, maybe even more so than outside on a hot summer night. There were flies, it was not overly clean and was in a state of disrepair. ATM is covered in graffiti and appeared to stop working years ago. The sign taped to the counter led me to believe the bathroom is permanently «out of order.» I wouldn’t come back.

Best pizza ever! So fresh, and it’s just the perfect amount of crisp!!!
Salads aren’t bad either.

Zini’s has been my favorite pizza (ever!) since I discovered it. My latest visit was pretty disappointing, though. I don’t know what was in there air there, but as soon as we stepped in, my eyes BURNED. It stopped almost instantly when we left (we were going to eat there, but had to get our pizza to-​go because of my eyes burning). Management needs to reevaluate their training program, because the guy who rang me up didn’t seem like he’d had anything explained to him. I asked for the «100 Pounder» and he looked at me blankly. There was an awkward moment that ended with him stating matter-​of-​factly that he’d «never heard of that before.» I said that it was the most popular special as the other person in my party pointed out that it was the first item listed on the menu. He appeared surprised. Once we had established that it is indeed a valid order, the guy had no idea how to ring it up, and had to stop the gal walking behind the counter (who was on her way back towards the oven area) to show him how to ring it up. We also ordered a side of ranch, and were pretty surprised to see that it was less than half full. I remember that being the case on a previous visit as well, so I suppose that is deliberate. It’s good ranch (Hidden Valley?), but at fifty cents pre-​tax for less than half of a 2-​oz container, I was disappointed. The pizza itself was incredible, as always. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed by the food here, but there’s definitely lots of room for improvement.

You can eat here late night but order by the slice. If you order one or two whole pies expect to wait an hour plus and service to be poor. I just came here and 3 employees were expected to keep up with the deep ellum weekend rush. It was pathetic. The employees were extremely I kind and hardworking but the management needs to get their shit together and have enough people working per shift.

Awesome quality pizza, medium size is perfect for one person. Ordered at 130a on a Sunday and they were still friendly, and food was great. Try the chicken pesto pizza

Good ol’ fashion pizza, New York-​style pizza in the heart of Deep Ellum!
Albeit there are steep competition between Serious Pizza and this pizza joint, I chose this because the line was better after the Logic concert I went to last night. Amazing music calls for some good, greasy eats.
My friends and I were satisfied with the pizza quality and for the cheap price, we were so down. It’s an old fashioned-​looking place overall, but it serves some awesome fresh pizza when you arrive at a good time. (Hint: 12am is not the greatest time)
There is upper level seating too, where you take the stairs up to a loft-​like area with more seating, which was full, but it was just really cute to gander at. I’m a loft-​y person haha.
If you’re in town and SP is too full, take this as a good alternative. It’s a few blocks down, and serves some good slices for cheap.

Zini’s is having a rebirth! Like a Phoenix rising from the sad ashy catch tray of an overworked and under-​loved pizza oven!
Buy a slice of fresh and ready pizza, or customize your own pie all the way up to the super extra large! Which is enough to have leftover for breakfast! And that my friends is «no time gotta run because in already late» breakfast game EXPERT LEVEL! Lmao… Like their are going to be any leftovers!
Marlon and crew are doing it right! Bringing sexy back with a prototype BBQ brisket or pulled pork melt in your mouth Texas pizza!!! They still have the Mexican cokes and some of the cheapest everyday beer prices in Deep Ellum, which takes the sting out of a night of rock clubs and bar hopping.
Encourage his Saturday creation specials because dude can cook! Just get in there and enjoy this rebirth of the pizza you know and love! He’s trimmed the fat so staff is friendly and refreshed! And pizza is made right again! Sadly, the chocolate fortune cookies are no more. I know, I cried a little. But they are no longer being made so don’t blame Zini’s. Instead, sink your sweet tooth into one of their big, fresh, soft, ooey, gooey, succulent chocolate chip brownies! I buy two… One to eat immediately; and one to take home for later, so when I can’t stop thinking about how scrumditilyumptious it was, but I promised I’d save it for a work snack, but i hear it calling from the refrigerator, but I have to be good, hell who am I kidding??, maybe I can run it off later, because grab some milk it’s going in mah belly… Delicious.
Of course, Smiles and smells are still free!
Do your mouth a favor, and get out there! Seriously, why are you still reading? Someone else is going to beat you there and eat up all the goods!!! What’s that? Oh the sound of the last brownie being sold because you aren’t on the way yet… Trust me. Go. Now. Unless you live in the delivery area… Then call them so they can speed over a pie!

We ordered pizza Saturday night online, after calling the store and it ringing for several minutes before we hung up. On busy nights like Saturdays, I always try to call the store and confirm how long it will take, as I know pizza joints get busy around bar closing time. Our confirmation email suggested upwards of an hour, no big deal. An hour and a half passed, and we attempted to call the store again twice to cancel the order since it was taking longer than expected, only for it to ring several times and no one answer. After 2 hours, we assumed they weren’t coming. Finally, I get a call, nearly 2 and a half hours later, from a driver out front saying he’s here to deliver. Not only did they have the wrong customer name, but I told him I would not accept an order that was over 2 hours old, and told him we attempted to cancel the order via phone, but no one answered. The driver didn’t have much to say, only told us that we’d have to take it up with his manager. I relayed that we TRIED, but no one would answer the damn phone. We sent the driver back with the food, and nevertheless, my debit card was charged with the full amount 2 days later.
I understand being busy, I understand long waits, but at least call people and let them know. Poor customer service, and I will never be ordering delivery from this place again.

Nothing special here, but if you’re on Elm St. and can’t find anywhere else that’s open late night, Zini’s will be happy to serve you a slice of their pizza.

Pizza is okay, frozen pizza disks.
Delivery has always been fine.

Worst pizza I have ever had. We found them on Unilocal (thanks, people. Not) as a late night delivery option.
First of all, our order was incorrect.
Second of all, the pizza was so greasy it didn’t even taste good. It was almost cold when it arrived, though I don’t think being warm would have made things better. We threw the entire thing away minus a couple bites.
Waste of $, folks. Spend your cash elsewhere.

Pizza is yummy, definitely not shy with the ingredients and fast service! Fresh & hot pizza.

The only good thing about this place is that it’s cheap. The food is so-​so because they don’t use the best ingredients and the staff is hit and miss. Honestly if you want good pizza go right down the street to Serious Pizza

I wish I could base this review on Zini’s food but we never got the chance. Tried to order pizza from there two nights in a row; first night they didn’t have any delivery drivers, second night they are «out of pizza dough.» I’m not sure why it is so difficult ordering food in Dallas but it has been a major struggle. We hope to try the pizza soon but I doubt we ever will. Zini’s would get zero stars from us if possible.

The pizza and drinks are cheap here but it’s a little grimy inside. It’s probably the least expensive joint on the block, though, and it’s right next to Trees so it can’t get easier if you’re about to head over there.
Great choice if you’re about to see a show and don’t want anything fancy.

Stood in line for 30 mins with the slowest person behind the counter I have ever seen. On a busy Saturday night 1 person taking orders and cleaning tables you kidding me??? Phone was ringing off the hook nobody answered it. Got 2 slices of cheese since that’s all they had and it was terrible. Even after drinking all night and starving it was horrible. I would have rather are little Caesars $ 5 pizza that’s been sitting out for 6 hours. Maybe it would be different during the day BUT after this experience I would never try it again and I am pretty sure the other 15 people around me will be saying the same. Owner needs to stop in there and see how much $$ he’s losing and staff up for a busy night

Tried Zini’s for the first time on a Wednesday after enjoying a concert at Trees. It was late and my friends and I were hungry, so we decided to Unilocal the closest pizza restaurant. It wasn’t packed at all with only about 2 other tables in the restaurant. Their menu is pretty extensive and they were open to make a custom pizza for us. We got a pepperoni and jalapeño pizza for 4 people. Service wasn’t the best but wasn’t the worst either. We got everything we needed with no complications so I’m not complaining.
But let me tell you about that first bite… omg it was so delicious that I didn’t even stop to breathe until I finished a slice. The jalapenos weren’t too spicy but they also weren’t mild at all. Definitely will be back to try it out if I’m in the area!

I’ve been eating at Zini’s for about fifteen years now, and it’s still as good as it’s ever been. Every time I go down to Deep Ellum, I make a point to stop at Zini’s and get a couple slices before a show. Their pizza is fantastic!

Food is just okay, service just plain sucks. The staff makes you feel as if you’re a burden. Happened twice now during off peak hours. Took 7.5 minutes to be acknowledged even. Won’t be back!

Loved this place! Tried the pasta, and i was impressed. It wasn’t too busy at 10pm, and we received great service. Look forward to trying the pizza next time. Bottom line is where else can you eat great pasta at a place open until 3 am?

Came here after Serious Pizza closed (30 minutes before they said they would). They were out of everything except pepperoni and sausage (fine). When I asked for a side of Ranch dressing, they said «sorry, we didn’t prep for that».
It’s 10:30 on a popular night in DE, and they only have mediocre slices of pepperoni and sausage pizza and no ranch. Two stars might be generous.

I had a very bad experience here without even getting to the food. So please take that Into consideration.
We arrived and ordered at around 1:45 am. After placing an order for two large pepperoni pizzas we were told that it would be 15 min. Also keep in mind that there are some drunks that loiter around and one in particular wanted to fight me for asking what the discount was for ordering a large pizza.
After waiting for 20 minutes we decided to check in and see how the pizza was coming. The girl at the front then revealed that they just discovered that the printer for orders wasn’t working so they didn’t make our pizza. To further exasperate the situation, the girl admitted that she didn’t even work there. She was just helping her sister.
The gal in back started working hard to see if she could catch up and even with all the hustle and bustle it was still another 45 minutes before we got pizza.
The pizza was meh. Not worth and hour of my life. I don’t know how a business can pretend to operate at night with one employee. Management please take note.

Not a great place to sit and enjoy dinner with friends. It’s more like a «daing I’m hungry but I don’t want to dine in anywhere» kinda place or a «Serious is packed, let’s go to Zini’s» place.
A slice of cheese pizza is $ 3, a little pricey. More so cause it’s a small slice. They run out of pizza pretty quickly because it seems they never make enough of it, like they never have it rotating. They wait till its out and then make more, about a 30 minute wait.
This place is one of the few that have survived in deep Ellum, but with all the new places coming in the neighborhood they need to up their game a little. Renovate and hire positive employees.

Ok pizza at a great price. At 2am not bad for 3 bucks. Staff isn’t that friendly after hours but who can blame them with all the drunks lol. The cashier handled him self very well and professional when he was getting busy with all kinds of characters. As for the food it’s ok there some better pizza out there but great job guys keep up the good work.

Ordered a pizza for delivery at 9:00 pm Saturday night on 5÷09÷2015, called to check on my pizza several times and didn’t get a answer at all finally got a call at 12:10 am on 5÷10÷2015 saying I’m at your door your pizza is here, I just hung up the phone after saying take that pizza and shove it where the sun don’t shine. Thanks for coming through Stone Deck Pizza Pub. I will never order a pizza from Zinis Pizza are even go to this place what poor service.

If I could give a half or zero stars, I would. For the second time in my experience, Zini’s processed an online order, took my credit card payment, and never delivered. Each time this happened, the store location from which I ordered was closed (for the night or for good — who knows?!); previously it was the Greenville location. No voice messages when the phone simply rang until disconnect or notes on the door to alert of an unplanned closure. I know there was no note, because I had to drive to the restaurant to see why no pizza had been delivered or why no one was answering the phone. The hours were posted right on the door that the place was «open» as I stood out front hungry; it was clearly not, as the chairs were stacked on tables, lights were off, and nobody was inside.
I spoke to the Cedar Springs store, where the main Elm number was eventually forwarded, and that store did not know that the Elm store was closed or that calls were being forwarded to them. There was no manager in the Cedar Springs store to process a refund for me, and the employee on the phone had no idea when one would be in the store next. He also told me that this was his worst job ever, he didn’t know what was going on, and that he was about to walk out on the job — all before he hung up on me. As of this moment, the Cedar Springs store has my name & number to call me back «when a manager is in» and refund me; I’m not holding my breath on that refund. Deplorable service, and since this is the second time, unfortunately I suppose this is a ‘shame on me’ moment. Never again, Zini’s (any location), will you receive my money.

Most consistent delivery in dei ellum I love serious but Zini’s wins by consistency!
Thanks guys!

A group of us stumbled in here after a night of drinking. I’d say it’s the equivalent of a dive bar. Speaking of which, I’m OK with eating in a dive bar, but is it OK to eat in a divey pizza place?
I think the answer is yes. We went through the line and grabbed some slices of pizza. One member of the group finished her’s before I even had a chance to order and pay for the other slices. I’m still not sure if we were charged for her piece. Everything was good enough that we went through the line a second time.
I can’t say much for the atmosphere. It honestly looked kind of run down, hence the dive reference.
I’m going to give Zini’s 3 stars this time around because my judgement was slightly impaired, but I’d definitely eat here again.

A delivery driver from the Deep Ellum location almost wrecked into me and 4 other vehicles on Main St. while speeding and driving erratically late in the evening of 02/​14/​2015. The driver was in a blue 4 door Honda Civic or Accord.
I tried to call and report this issue, but was put on hold for several minutes. I then called back twice and no one answered the phone.
Way to go, Zini’s! We will never visit your establishment again!

LOVE LOVE LOVE THE PIZZA HERE! Tastes delicious and fills you up. Drinks are cold and they offer a loyalty program through belly
The only downside: The loft area upstairs is a total dump and needs updating.

This is drunk pizza. Meaning it’s for those drunken nights spent wandering the streets of DE and bar hopping. Personally I think everything about this dive sucks. Service is slow and sometimes rude. It’s always too hot in there. Usual slices are pre-​made and re-​heated. They have a walk up window which is cool.
My first experience was with a pepperoni slice. The pepperoni was like the stuff you get in the can with the Chef Boyardee box pizza kits. Greasy, tasteless, and, NASTY! My second experience was with the supreme slice. Dude working the register (who was rude) told me he fucked it up so I got two slices for the price of one. They were cold. Cold. Cold. Cold. I went back to the counter and asked if I could get them heated. I was given a dirty look, so, I said fuck it and left.