"It's the crust," brands this West Loop pizza joint, claiming exclusivity in its semolina and sourdough based pies. Not overly doughy, and tinged with a buttery tang, the 12-inch Neapolitan-style creations are part of an under-$10 menu master dough-spinner Marco Aguirre (Maggiano's, Harry Caray's) and partner Madison Drake (Phil & Lou's) hope to find smiles within the neighborhood’s burgeoning family set.

Suited for more than 70 people, the bar-in-the-round space fuses the streamlined aesthetic of the apartment complex of the same name in which it resides – hardwood floors, patterned votive candles – with subtle pizza parlor kitsch found in marinara-red walls and spherical lanterns dotted like pepperoni and cheese.

The rest of the menu borders the same line, teasing adult palates with everything from flights of fine Italian meats to hand-cranked spinach fettucini. Add to that some gourmet mac 'n cheese for the kids and you got a full family meal.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul