South Ave Pizza Co.

South Ave is a cozy place, with an old bar feel. It is the appendage of Finnegan's wake, so it has a full bar and also offers their beer selection. In regards to the beer, this place boasts an impressive 28 beers on draft. With such a selection I can't help but want them to be a bit more varied, as they seem a little to run-of-the-mill and "frat-party-ish." Yes, they have an adequate selection of Schlafly, Boulevard, Sam Adams, and some Irish Ales... and I do enjoy these beers, but I can't help but want just a couple of tap handles to be dedicated to a more eclectic palette.

When ordering here, I think the general rule is: "stick to the menu!" Don't be led astray by the "all you can eat lunch buffet!" It is lackluster and slightly overpriced. Also, one of my pet-peves is to put that iceberg bagged lettuce crap on a buffet, and this place is no exception. On that note, do come in for lunch. They still offer their full menu, and you would leave very satisfied having consumed one of their awesome calzones. These take a little longer than some of the other menu items but when you see that pillowy football shaped bundle of cheese, sauce, meats, and herbs you will have forgotten about your wait. Just a side note: these calzones are quite large, and can usually be a meal for two.

Depending on your tastes, the calzone might be the trophy but there are some VERY solid and original pizzas on the menu too. They have a freaking pear and Gorgonzola pizza! The pear/gorg pizza has a balsamic vinegar base in lieu of red sauce and it is quite a savory and rewarding pie. I have to give the chefs props there for being innovative in challenging the tired expectations of pizza. Some other pleasure providing pizzas would be the Bruschetta, or the Margarita. Say you're not in the mood for pizza? This place also offers some pretty tasty subs. I recommend the roast beef. It is tender, and served on nice bread that is toasted with a subtle but necessary garlic mayo. Also, splurge for the onion rings. They are battered in Guinness, and should be consumed anytime you are at South Ave. knocking a few back.

One final highlight of this place is there generous happy hour. It is Mon-Fri from 3-6. They offer 2 dollar domestic pints, AND half price appetizers. And "domestic" means domestic. Not just that pilsner American miller/coors crap. If it was brewed in the U.S., you will be enjoying 16oz of it for 2 bones.

So why the three stars? Well, the service while friendly is typically disorganized and a little slow. The disappointing lunch buffet takes it down a bit, and then you factor in the average beer selection and well you've got my 3 stars. But there is plenty of good things worth coming for. At the very least, hit this place up for happy hour!! It is an undiscovered downtown treasure!

I've now navigated a bit through South Ave's menu. I'm starting to like this place more and more. First of all, their calzones are most impressive. They hand make these gigantic things, so don't order one if you are in a hurry. They usually take about 20-25 minutes, but are totally worth it. I suggest the Basil-Pesto one. My favorite thing to get there is the roast-beef sandwich and onion rings. The roast beef is a good size and their onion rings are quite possibly the best I've ever had, if not the most unique I've had as they batter them in the Irish Beamish beer. You MUST get those. I'm also a big fan of the Guiness-cheese nacho thing, especially during happy hour. Their happy hour is very very nice. For their happy hour they have 28 different beers on tap, AND they are craft beers, not your bullshit American mega brews for only $2. Their well drinks are also $2 and they offer 1/2 off their appetizers. Bottom line, come here for lunch or happy hour, order off the menu, try a unique, flavorful beer, and DON'T get the buffet.