History

Pizza, Beer, and a Dose of Gonzales History

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

By Marcy Stellfox

“Come and Take It” is the town motto of Gonzales, located about 1.5 hours southeast of Austin, down Highway 183. Founded by Green DeWitt as a colony in 1825, Gonzales was named for Rafael Gonzales, governor of Coahuila y Texas. The motto refers to the cannon the Mexican government gave the the town to defend itself against Indian attacks, and then tried to repossess at the start of the Texas Revolution. A flag stitched by DeWitt’s wife and daughter emblazoned with the cannon and the taunting motto was flown during the first battle of the war of independence from Mexico when the “Texians” (non-Hispanic white settlers of Mexico Texas) defeated the Mexicans.

Pizza, Beer, and a Healthy Dose of Gonzales History

Photo: Templin Saloon (Facebook)

The motto still in use today could also apply to a St Paul’s Pizzeria, although “Come and Eat It” is probably more appropriate. Housed in a saloon built in 1906, the pizzeria shares its space with a bar called the Templin Saloon. The building’s rich history is told along its walls by period memorabilia. In addition, throwbacks from the era include a push button cash register, old time safe, and the original bar. Scoot your way to the bar along the wooden floors and sip your beer or soda while gazing at the tin-tiled roof.

Pizza, Beer, and a Healthy Dose of Gonzales History

Photo: Templin Saloon (Facebook)

Justin Basquez, manager of the pizzeria, says, “It’s the freshness of the ingredients, the fresh jalapenos sliced daily, not pickled,” that make the pizza a five-star local favorite. Hand tossed crust and goodies sourced from the area, like mushrooms from Home Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farms and sausage from Kreuz Market in Lockhart guarantee freshness with a good dose of local flavor. Try the pizzeria favorite “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” pizza, featuring five different meats and eight kinds of veggies covered in 100% whole milk mozzarella.

Pizza, Beer, and a Healthy Dose of Gonzales History

Photo: Templin Saloon (Facebook)

Live music on the weekends (and outdoors weather permitting) will keep you toe tapping and calorie burning into the night. Challenge a friend to a game of pool – winner buys pizza, or sit around a table throwing down a game of dominoes as in days of old.

St. Paul’s Pizzeria and Templin Saloon are located at 621 St. Paul Street, Gonzales, TX.