Mr. Nice Pie

- 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

In the dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape of Houston, restaurants come and go, each leaving its own unique mark. One such establishment that made a memorable, albeit brief, impression on the downtown food scene was Mr. Nice Pie. Located within the popular Finn Hall, this pizza vendor became a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike who were craving an authentic slice in the heart of the city. While it is no longer open, understanding its legacy and what it offered provides valuable insight into the vibrant and competitive nature of Houston's downtown food culture. This article serves as a tribute to what Mr. Nice Pie was and what made it a noteworthy part of the Main Street dining experience.

Mr. Nice Pie was a concept that aimed to lure in foot traffic with its unique and indulgent offerings. It was part of the first wave of vendors to open in Finn Hall, a modern food hall that brought a diverse mix of chef-driven concepts to downtown Houston. The restaurant, a spin-off from a former partner of Montrose’s Love Buzz pizzeria, focused on serving oversized pizza slices and whole pies, creating a distinct identity within the bustling hall. Its mission was to provide a high-quality, delicious, and convenient meal that satisfied both quick-bite seekers and those looking for a full, savory pie to share. The presence of Mr. Nice Pie was a testament to the food hall model's goal of testing emerging culinary ideas and bringing new flavors to the city's core.

Though its time was short, Mr. Nice Pie was celebrated for its creativity and its role in enhancing the dining options in the downtown area. Its brief run reminds us that Houston’s food scene is constantly changing, with new concepts and flavors always on the horizon. For those who were fortunate enough to try its offerings, it remains a fond memory of a place that brought delicious, larger-than-life pizza to a convenient and stylish location.

Mr. Nice Pie was situated at 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This address places it squarely within the historic Jones on Main building, which houses the Finn Hall food court. The location is in the central business district of downtown Houston, making it highly accessible for a variety of people, from working professionals and residents to tourists exploring the city.

Accessibility to this location is a key factor. The area is well-served by Houston's public transportation system, with multiple bus routes and the METRORail passing through or near Main Street. For those who drive, parking can be a challenge, as is typical for a busy downtown area. There are paid parking garages and some limited street parking options available nearby. The building itself is also connected to Houston’s underground tunnel system, providing a climate-controlled way to get to the food hall from many surrounding office buildings without ever having to go outside. This was particularly beneficial for the lunch crowd.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Guests could enjoy their pizza in the communal, casual seating area of Finn Hall, which provided a relaxed and social atmosphere.
• Takeout: For those on the move, Mr. Nice Pie offered a convenient takeout service. Customers could grab a slice or a whole pie to enjoy on the go.

Features / Highlights

• Oversized Pizza Slices: The restaurant was known for its massive slices, which provided a generous and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick lunch or an afternoon snack.
• Whole Pies: For larger groups or those with a bigger appetite, Mr. Nice Pie also sold whole pies, making it a great option for shared meals or catering small gatherings.
• Prime Downtown Location: Being located inside Finn Hall on Main Street was a significant highlight, offering a new and exciting food option in a high-traffic area that was previously underserved by unique, independent eateries.
• Part of a Food Hall Concept: The vendor was an integral part of Finn Hall's curated collection of local culinary talents, contributing to the vibrant and diverse food scene of the downtown area.

Contact Information

Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Phone: +1 713-420-4200

What is worth choosing

While Mr. Nice Pie is no longer in operation, its existence and what it represented are worth discussing for anyone interested in the dynamic nature of Houston's culinary landscape. What made it a compelling choice was its unique approach to a classic food item. Instead of just another pizza place, Mr. Nice Pie offered a spin on the concept by focusing on truly massive slices, making a simple lunch feel like a grand affair. This was a key part of its allure, providing a satisfying and substantial meal that stood out from its competitors.

Furthermore, its location within Finn Hall was a significant draw. The food hall model offers a fantastic benefit to diners by bringing a variety of different cuisines under one roof. Mr. Nice Pie was a delicious part of that collective, allowing people to grab a classic American meal while their friends or colleagues chose from a variety of other global cuisines. This synergy was a huge advantage, making it an excellent choice for groups with differing tastes. The central and accessible location, combined with the quick-service model of a food hall, made it a practical and enjoyable option for the busy downtown crowd.

Though you can no longer visit Mr. Nice Pie, its story is a reminder of the creativity and risk-taking that define Houston's restaurant scene. It paved the way for other vendors in Finn Hall and showed that even a simple concept like pizza could make a big splash with a creative twist and a prime location. For those who enjoy exploring local food, it’s a good example of how to seek out the unique gems that make a city's dining culture truly special. The legacy of Mr. Nice Pie is a perfect illustration of how to find what's worth choosing in a bustling, ever-changing urban environment.

Mr. Nice Pie

712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA