The spot: Medici doesn’t always win raves for its service, but that’s not why we come here: Rare is the BYOB spot that offers both decent get-your-drink-on-type food — pizza, sandwiches and burgers — and near-perfect outdoor seating. Grab a table on the spacious upstairs deck and order the popular thin-crust or pan pizzas. Sure, you can get all healthy with a spinach-and-goat cheese pie ($7.95-$21.95), but when you see a pizza with a name like The Garbage (sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, peppers and mushrooms, $9.25-$25.95), you just have to give it a try. Seeking a sandwich? Try the grilled portabella with ginger-sesame mayonnaise ($7.50) or the house burger ($7.25) atop a homemade potato bun.
The bottle: The combination of pizza and summer temperatures makes a light Italian red like Coltibuono’s sangiovese ($10) a good pick, says Russ Peters, a manager at nearby Binny’s Express (1531 E. 53rd St. 773-324-5000). If it’s really a scorcher, though, chill with a bottle of Tiefenbrunner pinot grigio ($13.99), a citrusy, stainless steel-fermented white.
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metromix@tribune.com
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BYOB BUZZ
Medici
1327 E. 57th St.773-667-7394
What you’re saying about Medici
“Good, solid, American food: shakes, burgers, pizzas are all very tasty. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed; graffiti everywhere and lots of customers from the university. The only downside is the service; they often have an unpleasant attitude.” — Alex
“This restaurant has a nice atmosphere and OK food, but the service is horrible.” — Jason
“The margherita pizza is fabulous. The sandwiches are great. There is not a better hamburger anywhere. The staff is great. Food is always hot. Delivery people are great.” — Mary Jane
“The food is good but nothing spectacular. The service is incredibly slow. I appreciate that items are made to order, but 40 minutes to get 2 sandwiches? It then took 20 minutes to get our check. Go to the takeout section next door unless you have half the day to while away.” — Sue
