Whether they scored the winning touchdown or got their butts kicked, every team deserves a treat after the big game. Lovers Pizza & Pasta accommodates the winners and losers with its community atmosphere. “We like family together,” owner Benini Zeqiri says. “That’s what people like about us.” That, and the authentic Italian food. The recipes came from Zeqiri’s uncle who owned a restaurant in Venice some 30 years ago. He moved to New York City, eventually made his way to Dallas and opened Brothers Pizza. Zeqiri tried his hand at the business with the first Lovers Pizza & Pasta location at Lovers and the Tollway — hence the name. The Casa Linda storefront opened in 2005 followed by another at Mockingbird and Abrams. The menu includes homemade salads, pastas, seafood, sandwiches and, of course, gourmet pizza. The white pizza combines freshly made Alfredo sauce with mozzarella cheese, steamed broccoli, red peppers, mushrooms and spinach. But it really comes down to two key ingredients, Zeqiri says. “For pizza, the No. 1 things are cheese and sauce.”

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Lovers Pizza & Pasta
• Garland & Buckner
Loverspizzeria.com, 214.321.2223

Three more spots to take the team

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Mariano’s
This popular Tex-Mex spot welcomes large groups with its special event rooms. If you want to have an all-out party after the game, this is the place.
• Skillman & Abrams
laharanch.com, 214.691.3888

Burger Spot
Known for its juicy, eclectic cheeseburgers and spicy Cajun fries, this neighborhood joint has a nice, family environment.
• Skillman & Royal
• 214.221.9206

Jake’s Hamburgers
In addition to being noted as one of the best burger shacks in Dallas, Jake’s offers party food on the cheap.
• Skillman & Abrams
jakesburgers.net, 214.349.1422