Nestled in amongst a city block full of small shops, Lisa’s Pizzaria, located at 2961 N. Oakland Ave., is a hidden Italian beauty. Its square white figure and old tavern look give it a hometown feel that’s hard to find in the city.

Through the front door and up the stairs you’ll find a small room with warm red and yellow walls. Little tables for two or four people are staggered across the floor, and shaded lamps are mounted above the tables. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for lunch with your friends or an evening date.

I was seated and served ice water and a menu. There were many appetizers to choose from including fried calamari, chicken strips and garlic bread, but I went for the tasty jalapeno poppers ($5.00).

For my main course I wanted to get a classic Italian dish like lasagna, mostaccioli, or ravioli but my head was already set on pizza. So, I ended up ordering my favorite: a small sausage and mushroom pie ($10.25). Most courses on the menu start from $10 and up, but the portions are large.

The poppers came out quickly with a side of ranch and looked ready to eat. I could still see a little green from the pepper, just how I like them.

The peppers were filled with a tasty white cheese sauce. There was too much sauce though as it dripped all over my table and plate. Sometimes less really is more.

Shortly after I finished the jalapeno poppers, my pizza arrived looking extraordinary. I ordered a small and when the waitress came out she told me it was made a little big. Well she was right, because this was a small for giants, topped beautifully with homemade sausages and freshly cut mushrooms.

I forked a piece on to my plate and sprinkled it with a little red pepper and Parmesan cheese. A spatula would have been nice here to transfer the food, but I survived. After I let it cool for a generous three seconds, I dug in.

The pizza was delicious and done just right. The crust was crunchy on the outside and a little firm on the bottom. I like my crust underneath a little more tender though. The sausages were juicy and full of herbs.

After I finished less than half of each I gave up and asked for a to-go box. The waitress took my food in back and put it in a delivery box for me. That’s the reason people have been going to Lisa’s for years - home-style food in a hometown environment. *B+*

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