Review: Armand's Pizzeria

Don't let "Pizzeria" on the sign fool you.

Sure you can get pizza at Armand's in downtown Arlington Heights, but you also can get a whole lot more.

Like it's siblings in Elmhurst and Elmwood Park (the original), the Arlington Heights outpost offers standards like bruschetta and chicken parmesan, but you'll also find tempting pizzas (artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, basil and fontinella, for example) and steak sauteed in garlic and oregano. You can customize your own pie from a long list of toppings -- try one with homemade sausage and hot giardiniera -- just allow 30 minutes for prep and baking.

Once we all found parking (questionably legal for some) we walked in on a drizzly Saturday evening to find the eatery bustling -- not surprising given its primo location. We were thankful we had a reservation, but if we didn't we'd have grabbed a drink at the handsome bar.

You can start your meal with a funky martini or a glass (or bottle) of wine from the list that's more comprehensive than your average "pizzeria."

The bruschetta served atop cheese-baked bread scored points for its generous slices, but our diners were split over the texture: The women enjoyed the "soggy" bites, while the man in the group would have preferred a crisper palate.

Let's find out what they thought about the rest of the meal.

Name: Chris Daly

Age: 39

Hometown: Palatine

What I ordered: Spaghetti aglio e olio ($8.95)

Taste and presentation: The aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil) was perfect; just the right amount of noodles and garlic. I'm stuffed.

Atmosphere and service: It's a nice environment, but a little crowded. I like that it's casual; I would come back here with my kids.

Good if you want … good food and casual atmosphere at a good prices.

Name: Atom Davis

Age: 32

Hometown: Arlington Heights

What I ordered: Stuffed artichoke($6.95), steamed clams in white sauce with linguini ($14.95)

Taste and presentation: The stuffed artichoke I didn't care for too much. I did like the presentation (of my clams); the food was hot but about half the clams were over-cooked; a bit rubbery. The linguini was perfectly al dente. I also got the salad with blue cheese dressing and was hoping to find crumbled cheese.

Atmosphere and service: It's a cute restaurant, very warm in here. It's a little loud in here, but you expect that for downtown Arlington Heights on a Saturday night when people are having a good time.

Good if you want … decent food at a reasonable price.

Name: Sharon Myers

Age: 65

Hometown: Prospect Heights

What I ordered: Minestrone soup and chicken franchese ($14.95)

Taste and presentation: The chicken was very tender, but I thought it would have a crisper coating. The soup was a bit on the salty side.

Atmosphere and service: I agree that it's kind of loud, and I think that the service was good.

Good if you want … a lot of food at a reasonable price and you don't have to get dressed up.

Armand's Pizzeria

70 N. Vail St., Arlington Heights (847) 342-0664 www.armandspizzeria.com

Cuisine: Pizza, sandwiches and casual Italian fare

Setting: Well-appointed dining room with rich paneling and artichoke-colored walls

Price range: Entrees $8.95 to 19.95 (includes soup or salad); kids menu available

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday

Accepts: Reservations, major credit cards