# Evel Pie

Evel Pie is a pizzeria in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States. The restaurant is named after Evel Knievel and features memorabilia related to the entertainer. The motto of the restaurant is "Live hard, ride fast, eat pizza." Evel Pie made international news after introducing a chapulines (grasshopper) pizza.

## Evel Pie is a rock ‘n’ roll-themed pizzeria and bar located in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Fremont Street in the city’s Downtown district. Opened in 2016, the venue is inspired by Evel Knievel, the legendary motorcycle daredevil, and features a nostalgic 1970s Americana aesthetic, blending classic New York-style pizza, vintage arcade games, and Evel Knievel memorabilia.

Evel Pie was conceived and created by visionary Branden Powers, a Las Vegas nightlife impresario known for his work in immersive entertainment, branding, and marketing. Powers, a lifelong fan of Knievel, collaborated with Kelly Knievel, Evel Knievel’s son, to develop a pizza parlor that paid tribute to the legendary stuntman. The venue was developed in partnership with High Horse Entertainment, a hospitality group that helped bring the concept to life.
The pizzeria opened its doors in 2016, quickly gaining popularity for its authentic New York-style slices, irreverent atmosphere, and Knievel-themed décor. Evel Pie’s motto, “Live Hard, Ride Fast, Eat Pizza”, reflects the spirit of its namesake.
Design & Atmosphere
Evel Pie is known for its over-the-top, kitschy design, featuring:
* Motorcycles and Evel Knievel memorabilia, including authentic leathers, helmets, and posters
* Retro arcade games and pinball machines
* A wild, rock ‘n’ roll vibe, with vintage beer signs and an anti-establishment attitude
* An outdoor patio, providing additional seating for Fremont Street visitors
The menu focuses on classic and creative pizza options, with signature slices such as the “Balls to the Wall” (featuring meatballs) and “World Famous Snake River Special” (made with rattlesnake sausage). The venue also offers cheap beer, including $2 Schlitz cans, and a rotating selection of craft brews.
Cultural Impact
Since its launch, Evel Pie has received widespread acclaim and has been featured in Eater Vegas, Thrillist, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. It has won multiple awards, including “Best Pizza in Las Vegas” from various publications. The pizzeria has also been involved in viral marketing campaigns, including its “Grasshopper Pizza” stunt, which gained international attention in 2019 when Las Vegas experienced a massive grasshopper invasion.
Evel Pie has become a staple of the Las Vegas dining and nightlife scene, drawing tourists, locals, and celebrities alike.
Legacy
While Branden Powers was instrumental in creating Evel Pie, his involvement with the brand has since ended and he has formed his own hospitality group - Strange Magic.
Despite changes in ownership and management, the pizzeria continues to embody his original vision, celebrating Evel Knievel’s legacy while serving up some of the most beloved pizza in Las Vegas.

## Design

The restaurant and bar is a tribute to Evel Knievel. It is based on a pizzeria built in 1979 and features Evel Knievel memorabilia, the majority of which is from the collection of the Knievel family. Memorabilia includes a pinball machine, skateboards, bicycles, photographs, and a bust of Knievel.

## Cuisine and beverages

Evel Pie serves New York-style pizza. The menu includes classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas, and speciality pies, including "Balls to the Wall" made with meatballs and gravy, a pizza with rattlesnake jalapeńo sausage, and Hog Heaven, a pizza with barbecue sauce, smoked mozzarella, fontina, pulled pork, bacon, and red onions. There is also a white pizza, without tomato sauce, named after Barry White. The restaurant also offers housemade meatballs topped with tomato sauce. In 2019, Evel Pie introduced a chapulines (grasshopper) pizza named "The Canyon Hopper." The pizza was created after countless grasshoppers swarmed Las Vegas, triggering the weather radar to report it as a storm.
The restaurant has a full bar and serves inexpensive beer, including Schiltz and Hamm's.