Pressed for time and cash? Make like a bevy of Downtown office workers and head to one of the Enzo Pizza locations for a quick slice-and-soda combo. In my former life as one of those cubicle dwellers, I frequently dropped by the Enzo off Monument Circle, on Market Street. So for a change of pace, I recently headed to the Illinois Street location with my hubby, Pete. We had just visited the post office to drop off our tax forms, along with a check to Uncle Sam, so a cheap dinner held definite appeal.

The mood

Like its Market Street cousin, the Illinois Street Enzo keeps the decor simple, with red-topped tables and wood chairs. Unlike the Market Street stop, which has a large seating area in back, this space is relatively small and narrow. Mirrors line the wall opposite the counter/food-prep area to visually enhance the room.

The food

What you'll find here are the basics: thin-crust pies served plain or with humble toppings (pepperoni, sausage, the usual veggies). Calzones, pizza rolls, salads and standard pastas (spaghetti, lasagna) round out the offerings.

The large menu stretching above the counter lists eight combo-meal options. I chose #2 ($5.70), a slice of pizza with one topping, two breadsticks with choice of dipping sauce (cheese or marinara) and a large (21-ounce) drink. At 7 p.m., available pizza choices were limited. So with my preferred pepperoni off the table, I settled for sausage.

Pete wanted a combo with a stuffed-meat pizza slice, but that wasn't offered. So he ordered a slice a la carte ($4.05) along with a large Diet Pepsi ($1.25). As we placed our orders, the guy behind the counter transferred our precooked slices (along with my breadsticks) to a large pizza oven for heating.

What Enzo lacks in options, it makes up for in portions. One slice of pizza here is the equivalent of two single slices at other venues. The crust on my sausage slice was a bit chewy for my taste, topped with medium-sized sausage bits and more cheese than sauce. Pete's stuffed slice contained a heavy layer of sausage chunks topped by pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. The pair of breadsticks seemed fresh and soft, with standard-issue yellow cheese sauce for dipping. Pete and I both finished off our respective selections.

The drinks

Pepsi-brand fountain drinks are the order of the day here. They are poured behind the counter, however, so don't expect unlimited free refills.

The damage: $11.88

If you're looking for gourmet pizza, head on over to Bazbeaux on Mass. Ave. But if cheap eats are on your daily menu, Enzo is a suitable stop. Whether you choose to eat in or munch on the run, you'll be on your way without investing much in either minutes or money.

By Julie Cope Saetre, Correspondent