Brick's   

1909 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
312-255-1490
www.brickspetaluma.com

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"If you come in and go straight to the dining room to have your pizza and leave, not only are you asocial, you don't get it." Bill Brandt, Bricks' owner, feels strongly about this philosophy. This is not a place to order a pizza, have a beer and be out in an hour. This is a place to be adventurous. Well, that might be exaggerating, but in order to truly experience Bricks, Bill suggests you come in, head straight to the bar, and introduce yourself. Although it attracts many homogeneous Lincoln Park residents, management strives to give the place a non-conformist feel. The staff is as personable as Bill, so if he's not in (which is not too likely) hang out with the others behind the bar. The subterranean bar/pizzeria's foundation contains some of the oldest bricks in the city. And you thought it was just a brick oven pizzeria. Some of the bricks separating the dining room have survived almost all of Chicago's history, including the Fire. With 6 microbrews on tap, and over 20 varieties in bottles - including some from Belgium -- Bricks is sure to satisfy most palates. They also serve wines by the glass. The most popular pizza is the Popeye, generously covered in spinach, garlic, feta, and roma tomatoes. If you dare, try the Painful, covered with spicy pepperoni, jalapenos and garlic. The Brickhouse is an exception to the pizza rule of sauces. They use a pureed artichoke sauce instead traditional tomato base sauces.Salads and appetizers are also available. The garlic bread always pleases, but try the 'tout le monde' salad. That is, if you're not allergic to nuts.Don't overlook the atmosphere in this place, and don't let it go over your head. Come in and spend some time. Bill would want it that way.TIP: When you do meet Bill, be sure to ask, "What's the call?" -- Tara Bukow