Do the Dewey's

Walking into Dewey's Pizza, located at 256 Hosea Ave. near Ludlow Avenue, one might first think they were walking into a Chipotle that served pizza.

Featuring an glass-window view of the kitchen across from the bar, mouth-watering salads, delicious pizzas and deserts to die for, Dewey's Pizza is a fine choice for many occasions.

Lighting and décor help to set the atmosphere, which is similar to a '50s diner with some futuristic elements added in. It allows for all kinds of gatherings, from the first date to a family night to a reunion of old friends after work or class.

In a Chipotle-esque fashion, the ductwork is exposed, but the ceiling is not completely open for customers to view, unlike the McDonald's-owned burrito-slinging joint.

Lots of stainless steel pervades the pizzeria, with tunes such as David Grey's "Babylon," popular Bob Seger ballads and others from the Moody Blues to Fleetwood Mac, set at a good volume to allow for conversation.

Just a bit more than $30 buys a large cheese pizza with just the right blend of sauce and cheese, a Hawaiian pizza topped with Canadian bacon and pineapple that pulls a disappearing act in seconds, a few beers and a piece of strawberry shortcake that won't let you put your fork down.

Although a bit thin, the pizza is very tasty, because the sauce is whimsy, not overpowering and has a sweet taste to it.

The create-your-own pizza is available for those diners who aren't hungry for the dozen pizzas on the menu, with more than 30 topping items to choose from.

While the pizzas are good, some students trying to get the most bang for their buck may cringe from the prices.

Large pizzas range from $11.95 for the standard cheese pizza to $19.75 for the Southwest Barbeque Chicken. The delicious Hawaiian falls in the middle at $14.95.

The small pizza, perfect for two people, is available from $7.95 for the cheese to $12.95 for the barbeque chicken.

Salads are well priced at $6 for the main dish or about $4 for the side.

The on-tap beer selection features no well-known ales except Guinness, but a few popular domestic beers are available in bottles, with pricing for tap and bottled beers at $3.75 and $2.50, respectively.

Although the lack of a thick crust pizza, along with no coupon or multiple pizza deals, may persuade some to go elsewhere for their pizza enjoyment, the 10 percent carryout discount does help those cash-strapped college students.

For those interested in trying out Dewey's Pizza, prepare for a hard-to-find location upon a first-time visit. The main entrance to the pizzeria is from Hosea Avenue, more commonly known as the street the Skyline Chili parking lot is on.

The lack of smoking, while not popular, is the policy many restaurants are moving toward, so smoking diners had better be prepared. Die-hard fans of Cherry Coke be forewarned, too, as that Coca-Cola product is not offered with the rest of the fountain drink selection.

But on the plus side, Dewey's is casual, so eating with your fork or just eating with your fingers is accepted.

Whether you are trying to woo your next partner or just grab a quick bite before heading out for the evening, you can do both at Dewey's Pizza.

For more menu, pricing and location information, check out www.deweyspizza.com.