Tucked on the corner of Central Avenue in Clayton, Il Vicino's offers customers an alternative to "St. Louis Pizza" (which proudly boasts provel instead of mozzarella cheese, a cracker-thin crust, and square slices) and the traditional chain restaurants. Slightly European in flare, the restaurant's menu offers tasty calzones, delicious spinach salads overflowing with roasted red peppers and feta cheese (large enough to share), and excellent brick-oven pizzas. They have a few beers on draught and offer wine by the bottle and glass. You'll be delighted by the prices, which are inexpensive by any standards, but especially in relation to the rest of Clayton. There are a few outside tables, but they look out on Maryland Avenue, a relatively busy road. My husband and I were so enchanted with Il Vicino's that we asked to rent it for our rehearsal dinner. Their response? They were flattered but wanted to steer clear of special events that might turn regular customers away. I was impressed if disappointed.
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