In the Midtown Corridor, close to the reinvigorating downtown, Roast Social Kitchen (1125 E. 5th St.) comes from the Stanley’s folks — but don’t look for barbecue here. Instead, a brick oven produces exceptional pizza, the super-thin variety made from handcrafted dough and fresh ingredients roasted on-site. My favorite pizza is the Bee’s Knees, topped with roasted garlic, a variety of cheeses, sopressata, Italian sausage, local spicy honey, and fresh thyme. Light dish choices include the roasted beet salad, tossed with baby spinach, caramelized onion, Haute Goat chevre (from Longview), candied pecans, and lemon Dijon vinaigrette. In the bar, find wine, beer, and cocktails on tap, including Rose’s Night Out, blending vodka with rose syrup and lemon for light effect.
