The pizza that made Chicago famous is thick and greasy, bulked up by slabs of spicy meat and chunks of cheese. While you can find some of that pizza at Pizza Capri, what you'll really want to check out are the less expected options: exotic specialty pizzas like Thai Pie (a spicy peanut ginger and sesame sauce topped with mozzarella, bean sprouts, cilantro, carrots, scallions and roasted peanuts) and South of the Border (bean spread, chicken, cheese blend, onion, mild pepper, tomato and cilantro).

Toppings range from what you'd expect (sausage, onions, bell peppers) to what you wouldn't (sun-dried tomatoes, calamari), and stuffed is available for die-hard locals. Pies range from $7.95 for a small thin crust to $21.95 for a family-size gourmet pie. Not in the mood for pizza? There's no lack of choices, from grilled salmon salad to tequila lime chicken fettuccine.

The spacious location at Belmont and Sheffield is perfect for groups, even on weekend nights. The atmosphere is decidedly casual, as is the pleasant, accommodating service. It's also fairly affordable, though higher-quality ingredients do result in higher prices. But really...who wants to eat plain ol' cheese pizza these days?

Centerstage Reviewer: Stephanie Kuenn