Inside: Geraci's

When Clevelanders begin arguing about the best pizza in the city, always on the shortlist is Geraci's in University Heights. For nearly 55 years, the Geraci family has been serving some of the finest pizza (and homestyle Italian) around, keeping generations of loyal customers and newly-devoted enthusiasts coming back for more.

Food: While Geraci's is best known for its pizza, it also serves some tasty traditional Italian too. Ask anyone who grew up going to Geraci's and they are sure to have a favorite dish and accompanying memory. Whether it's the spaghetti and meatballs, the famous ravioli or lasagna, Geraci's dishes out consistent Italian dishes.

Two of my favorites are the eggplant parmagiana ($14.95) and linguini and clam sauce, but it has to be the garlic and oil version ($16.95). While your arteries may need a week to recuperate, each dish is simply prepared, but deliciously executed. I could eat the linguini and clam sauce every day, with its generous chunks of clam and garlic tossed in olive oil.

And let's not forget Geraci's pizza with its distinctive crust that somehow balances crispness with just enough soft dough. Served in cuts of four and eight slices, the pizzas can be customized any way you want. The prices aren’t cheap, as a large eight-cut one topping pizza will run you $12.95 and will barely feed two. If you're visiting Geraci's for the fist time, a can't miss is a sausage and pepperoni combo ($14.45 for a large), which comes topped from edge to edge with perfectly singed meat. Just know though that once you start adding on multiple toppings or move into the gourmet pizza selections, you could end up spending upwards of $20 to $25 for a large. 

Drinks: While Geraci's has a full liquor license serving a basic selection of beer, wine and liquor, patrons don't come to the restaurant to drink. It's the food that has kept people coming back and the alcohol takes a decidedly back seat.

Décor: Geraci's has been located in the same storefront on Warrensville Road since it opened, and while the inside has been refreshed with the times, the charm has stayed the same. Simple and clean, the restaurant won't win any awards with its design and ambiance, as cramped tables and narrow aisles dominate, but there's a familiarity to Geraci's that beckons you back.

Insider tip: Geraci's has been owned by the same family since it opened. Fran and Michael Geraci opened the restaurant in 1956 and just recently passed the restaurant operations to their daughters Marti and Fran. With that independent, family mentality come a couple of quirks, most notably the no credit card policy.

Bottom line: Geraci's continues to keep the pies cooking, with fans coming to the restaurant from all over just for a taste of one of the region's best, and after five decades, there's no slowing down.