Brixx Wood Fired Pizza   

Offering some of the most notable outdoor dining and people-watching to be found Uptown, Brixx is a perfect spot for drinks or dinner when the clubs are too noisy or smoky and you haven't got the dinero for Mimosa or Bijoux. Leave the formal duds at home and go casual to business casual at this family-friendly pizza chain offering some of the Queen City's most award-winning pies. Flavors here are unusual, a la Wolfman: spicy shrimp and goat cheese, artichokes and pesto. All pizzas are baked in a wood-fired grill, and the smoky, tempting aroma drifts pleasingly into the dining area. There are hearty deli-style wraps, subs, salads and pastas, as well. Child-friendly Brixx offers a kids' menu, while mom and dad will like the wine list and beer selection. The great Uptown locale (funky Seventh Street Station, offering free parking after hours) definitely doesn't detract from the venue's fun, casual, neon-lit appeal. -- Jennifer Saylor