Proto's Pizza is a well-loved, woman-owned pizzeria in the Highlands offering thin, crispy crust pizzas with inventive toppings and a thoughtful wine selection. Owner Jon, with a fine dining background, brings warmth and expertise, creating a welcoming local hotspot with standout desserts and a dog-friendly patio.
What's Included:
๐ Variety of thin-crust pizzas with creative and classic toppings
๐ท Extensive, affordable wine list and craft beers
๐จ House-made desserts including cannoli and gelato
๐ฅ Casual bar with cocktails and friendly service
Important Information:
No reservations accepted; walk-ins welcome Dogs allowed on the outdoor patio Wheelchair accessible throughout Paid parking nearby; somewhat difficult to find spots
Perfect for casual lunches, dinners, or a relaxed date night with excellent pizza and drinks.

Haley's Pick ๐ฝ๏ธ
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place sheโs obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, itโs worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barellaโs bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
Itโs barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isnโt just a meal, itโs a moment worth lining up for.
โ Haley @milehighandhungry
๐ Local Insights
๐ Crust Quality Matters: Locals rave about the thin, bubbly crust that strikes a perfect balance of crisp and chew.
๐ท Wine Selection: The ownerโs fine dining background shines through with an affordable, well-curated wine list featuring premium bottles at great prices.
๐พ Dog-Friendly Patio: Protoโs outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a favorite spot for pet owners to relax.
๐จ Must-Try Desserts: Donโt miss their unique ice cream cookie sandwich paired with caramel gelato or the classic cannoli for a sweet finish.
Public Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Proto's Pizza is widely praised for its consistently excellent thin-crust pizzas, creative topping combinations, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. The knowledgeable and personable owner enhances the experience, and guests also enjoy the extensive affordable wine selection and dog-friendly patio. Some reviewers note higher prices at this location and occasional challenges with parking and seating for larger groups, but the quality and service generally outweigh these concerns.
Last updated on
July 7, 2025
๐ฝ๏ธ Standout Dishes
Thin-Crust Pizza, Cannoli, Gelato, Panini, Side Salads, Tiramisu
โฟ๏ธ Accessibility
Proto's Pizza offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking lot, ensuring easy access for guests with mobility needs.