Pizza at Nick's...er...I mean the Moose House

Ranking: Value - 3; Dad Fun Factor - 4 out of 5; Kid Fun Factor - 4 out of 5

One of our favorite restaurants to take the kids to, besides the other favorites I've listed, is Nick's Pizza. Nick's is a small chain of pizza joints (meaning two) in the far western burbs. We have never visited the Crystal Lake version so I can't give much insight into that location. Our local spot is in Elgin. The boys really love the ambiance. Step inside through the heavy barn doors and you enter a taxidermist's dream. The whole place is littered with stuffed (meaning formerly breathing) animals. Everthing from deer, ducks, fish, bears, and moose (hence the nick name). The center of the restuarant is an enormous rock fire place with a large Moose Head centered up the wall. Very spectacular. There are live fish in large tanks used as seperation from the dinning area and the bar. One special feature is the bottomless baskets of peanuts on the tables which beg to have shucked shells thrown to the floor. Nothing thrills the boys like throwing food on the floor and not being sent to the naughty chair. They love it.

The pizza is pretty good. It's not traditional Chicago style. I would categorize it as thin crust with a little thicker body. I really like it, especially the Nick's Special with pepperoni added. The boys love the pepperoni and can easily split a small between them. Dad's will also like the large selection of beers. I like to order take-out and sit in the bar sipping a shorty while I wait. Nothing better after a long day.

All in all I'd give Nick's a try. Be scared if you are looking for a table after 5 pm on the weekend. We always meet friends there right at 5 and get seated right away. 10 minutes later and you are waiting for 15 minutes. That can seem like a lifetime with little people in tow. They do have a small video arcade to spend you lunch money. You can also litter the floor with peanut shells while you wait as well. Plan on spending $50 for a family of four with a beer each.

For more information visit their website. For a chain of two it is a very good site and worth a trip. You will immediately recognize the pictures I stole..er..borrowed: http://www.nickspizzapub.com/site/home