Closed !! We liked their pizza and tried to go there last weekend. Closed up - I knew that they were having problems (not enough customers) so not a complete surprise but still sad.
(4)
Megan P.
Was looking for a pizza joint near AirFx.. The new trampoline park....and stumbled upon this place. Wonderful pizza!! Since it was Friday during lent, we just had cheese. ..but it was awesome!
(5)
Christopher L.
I ordered a Cuban sandwhich to go, as I was on my way to work, so I can only speak to the quality of the food. I ordered the Cuban based on other yelp reviews, and I was not disappointed in the overall flavor. The bread has a nice light charred flavor to it from the oven (something I am a fan of), but it was very soggy, which is a shame because it was in the box for only 3-4 minutes before I began eating it in the car. Pros: Flavor of the food I had was good. Brick oven is visible from the counter, adding a nice appearance. Cons: Too much liquid - got soggy too quickly. This may have been different had I eaten in the restaurant, but alas I did not.
(3)
Bradford H.
I am glad to have been able to try their food. It was delicious. Unfortunately, it took me three attempts to find them open for business. The hours are a little quirky. They are closed Sunday... Oh well. I went there on a Monday only to find them open till just 2 PM. Crud. Had I not had a dining card for a free pizza, that would have ended my curiosity. The next visit was on a Wednesday, Woo hoo! They were open! The brick oven pizza is great! The crust is cooked at 750 degrees and has a lovely cornmeal flavor and a distinct crispness. Unfortunately, the cheese was missing a scorch on the top. The sauce and toppings were a little sparse. A bit more sauce, a few more toppings or even a better cheese blend (maybe mozz + provolone or muenster) would have been a lovely complement to the delicious crust. Even just getting a layer of browned cheese would have made a difference. Nonetheless, the pizza just didn't reach its potential though I thought the crust excelled. Will I be back? Maybe, if there is a good discount. But with other places offering high end pizzas with more toppings I'm likely to stick with one of the other restaurants in that $18 price range.. Nonetheless, Brickside's pizza is pretty good.... if you can find them open!
(3)
Theresa F.
I wanted to like this pizza, but couldn't. The crust was overwhelming with its corn meal, we couldn't taste our toppings over it. Price was a little high.
(2)
Lasairiona M.
3 of us shared the large monthly special which was chicken bacon ranch and we got some breadsticks. The breadsticks were better than the pizza, though the marinara was freezing and seemingly just out of the fridge. I wasn't thrilled with the chicken bacon ranch, didn't seem to have a lot of chicken or bacon on it and there was a lot of empty crust around. It was a decent place to have lunch (with only one toilet per gender!!) and they get an extra half star for having caffeine free diet coke on tap, but it's not OMG to die for pizza or anything :)
(4)
Larry K.
After an hour of play time at the new AirFX down the road, my boys and I stopped by for a little supper before retreating to the SW side. My boys are pretty finicky pizza eaters and at times hard to please (must get that from me). I have never had the brick oven pizza at Brickside and now was my chance. We ordered a half cheese and half Carnivore. It was at our table in no time flat. I fell in love with the pizza after the first bite. Perfectly cooked and very tasteful. I wish Brickside had a SW side location... I'd probably be there 2 or 3 times a week. Enjoy people!
(5)
Sean W.
Brickside Cafe is the only brick oven pizza place in the Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha area. Now we just need a woodfire pie place. Their menu also has deli sandwiches where you choose the meat, bread and toppings, and Brickside specialty sandwiches, soups and salads, breakfast and deserts. They also offer a variety of coffees and blends as you would find at your normal coffee houses. They also have beer and wine. And offer pizza by the slice and lunch specials too. And kids menu. They are in a new strip mall area and off on the side and have the entire back portion. So its all new and open space, nice seating, and nice brickwork inside as well with a large open counter where you place your orders on what you're getting (ie pizza, coffee, deli, etc). There is a separate room for private parties and meetings as well. I ordered a speciality pizza for $16 and sat down as they made it and popped it in the large brickoven in the corner. Good size for 2-4 people (14" square). Kind alike a flatbread pizza, good crust and charred cornmeal from the oven. Like brickovens.. the pies will only get better and better with time as it seasons the oven. Some of the best brick-pies come out of Eastcoast with brickovens that have been seasoned for decades. Good place to sit and chat over pizza and coffee and WiFi. I'll be going back.
(4)
Al R.
Found through Yelp. Thank you. Clean place. Food served phenomenally quick. Kids loved it. Wife loved it. Great pizza. Great bread sticks. Good value. A keeper.
(4)
Jessica W.
Very friendly staff and I like the atmosphere a lot. Nice and open with LOTS of seating options. We tried the Chicken and Artichoke brick oven pizza and the Pepperoni. I thought both were good, but plain and simple pepperoni just takes the cake when it comes to a thin crust, brick oven pizza. It's my fave! This was definitely good and the wait was hardly a wait...it didn't take long at all! I'm sure we will be back again to try more. They just might replace Tomaso's as our "special-treat pizza" because you definitely get more bang for your buck here and it is oh-so-tasty.
(3)
John M.
Disappointed....so wanted this place to be good. Confusing where to make an order. When you figure it out....very slow....half the tables needed to be cleaned...nobody remotely working on this...cleaned my own table....meatloaf sandwich was terrible....one more chance with Pizza then done....I hope the owner reads this....please..
(3)
Ed F.
Not overly impressed with the food on my first visit. I stopped in for lunch with a friend and had the Cuban sandwich & potato salad. I don't think I was ever served a sandwich in a bowl before. The Cuban has ham, pulled pork, cheese, pickles, coleslaw and a tangy sauce. My friend had the Brick sandwich with pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy and cheese sauce, so yes, it is sloppy! The potato salad was standard grocery store variety, not homemade. The staff were nice and friendly. The flame fired oven was unique though. I'll come back to try the pizza sometime. The WiFi is a pain, you have to get a code at the counter, then register before getting online. I would agree with the reviewer that said they seem to be trying to do too many things, but don't seem to excel at any one thing.
(2)
Josh S.
The Brickside Cafe offers a great deal of variety, but relatively little to recommend it. It's obvious that the owner is an amateur restaraunteur who wants to offer everything: Coke and Pepsi, Pizza, Sandwiches and Salads of every possible description, cupcakes, cake and pie. But for all of that (and I've visited several times), there's nothing on the menu that I would actually go out of my way to eat.
(2)
JP M.
Brickside is on the better end of cafes in the Cedar Rapids area. The signature sandwiches are awesome! They taste homemade and are served hot. Try the Cuban sandwich, it's an interesting combination of sweet, savory, and zesty. The pastries are outrageously good. They're fresh and beg you to take one more bite. Plus, if you work for some businesses such as Paetec, Rockwell, Toyota, and some others, you can get 10% off of your bill. Be sure to ask. The staff is personable and polite. It deserves every star I gave it.
(5)
Josh G.
A decent cafe, if unsure of itself. It's a simple cafe good for lunch food. I like the brick oven pizza and prices are good. I do agree that the place seems very amatuerly run. The staff stand around a lot instead of getting things that need done around the place. The wide variety of food doesn't go together well. And the advertising inside seems to be under the mistaken impression it is some kind of bar. If they could just focus on one or two things food-wise, hire staff who care or properly train them, and make the place a little more professional looking, I'd rate it higher.
(3)
Sandy D.
Living a couple of blocks from here my husband and I have frequented this establishment many times, we like to take advantages of the specials and the prices are very reasonable. One of my major complaints is the amount of burned cornmeal on the bottom of the pizza, sometimes in large chunks. The later in the day you go in the worse it is. I am not sure how this works but i would think you can keep the oven cleaner between orders. They also need to do a better job of busing tables. It doesn't help to get quick food if the only tables available are dirty. Pastry options are awesome here but since they do not open until 8:00 a.m. I think they are missing a LOT of people that would pick up items on the way to work. One other comment is that they have taken to displaying a lot of advertising and personal business cards and flyers laying all over the front counter and is very messy, I am not sure what purpose there is here but is there is a need to have this out keep them on a bulletin board for patrons to take if they want one. We really want this cafe to stay in business for Hiawatha because they do have a lot to offer.
(4)
jay c.
Just had their pizza today and it was AWESOME try the black and blue it is my favorite, can't wit to try their breakfast pizza
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Sandra S.
Closed !! We liked their pizza and tried to go there last weekend. Closed up - I knew that they were having problems (not enough customers) so not a complete surprise but still sad.
(4)Megan P.
Was looking for a pizza joint near AirFx.. The new trampoline park....and stumbled upon this place. Wonderful pizza!! Since it was Friday during lent, we just had cheese. ..but it was awesome!
(5)Christopher L.
I ordered a Cuban sandwhich to go, as I was on my way to work, so I can only speak to the quality of the food. I ordered the Cuban based on other yelp reviews, and I was not disappointed in the overall flavor. The bread has a nice light charred flavor to it from the oven (something I am a fan of), but it was very soggy, which is a shame because it was in the box for only 3-4 minutes before I began eating it in the car. Pros: Flavor of the food I had was good. Brick oven is visible from the counter, adding a nice appearance. Cons: Too much liquid - got soggy too quickly. This may have been different had I eaten in the restaurant, but alas I did not.
(3)Bradford H.
I am glad to have been able to try their food. It was delicious. Unfortunately, it took me three attempts to find them open for business. The hours are a little quirky. They are closed Sunday... Oh well. I went there on a Monday only to find them open till just 2 PM. Crud. Had I not had a dining card for a free pizza, that would have ended my curiosity. The next visit was on a Wednesday, Woo hoo! They were open! The brick oven pizza is great! The crust is cooked at 750 degrees and has a lovely cornmeal flavor and a distinct crispness. Unfortunately, the cheese was missing a scorch on the top. The sauce and toppings were a little sparse. A bit more sauce, a few more toppings or even a better cheese blend (maybe mozz + provolone or muenster) would have been a lovely complement to the delicious crust. Even just getting a layer of browned cheese would have made a difference. Nonetheless, the pizza just didn't reach its potential though I thought the crust excelled. Will I be back? Maybe, if there is a good discount. But with other places offering high end pizzas with more toppings I'm likely to stick with one of the other restaurants in that $18 price range.. Nonetheless, Brickside's pizza is pretty good.... if you can find them open!
(3)Theresa F.
I wanted to like this pizza, but couldn't. The crust was overwhelming with its corn meal, we couldn't taste our toppings over it. Price was a little high.
(2)Lasairiona M.
3 of us shared the large monthly special which was chicken bacon ranch and we got some breadsticks. The breadsticks were better than the pizza, though the marinara was freezing and seemingly just out of the fridge. I wasn't thrilled with the chicken bacon ranch, didn't seem to have a lot of chicken or bacon on it and there was a lot of empty crust around. It was a decent place to have lunch (with only one toilet per gender!!) and they get an extra half star for having caffeine free diet coke on tap, but it's not OMG to die for pizza or anything :)
(4)Larry K.
After an hour of play time at the new AirFX down the road, my boys and I stopped by for a little supper before retreating to the SW side. My boys are pretty finicky pizza eaters and at times hard to please (must get that from me). I have never had the brick oven pizza at Brickside and now was my chance. We ordered a half cheese and half Carnivore. It was at our table in no time flat. I fell in love with the pizza after the first bite. Perfectly cooked and very tasteful. I wish Brickside had a SW side location... I'd probably be there 2 or 3 times a week. Enjoy people!
(5)Sean W.
Brickside Cafe is the only brick oven pizza place in the Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha area. Now we just need a woodfire pie place. Their menu also has deli sandwiches where you choose the meat, bread and toppings, and Brickside specialty sandwiches, soups and salads, breakfast and deserts. They also offer a variety of coffees and blends as you would find at your normal coffee houses. They also have beer and wine. And offer pizza by the slice and lunch specials too. And kids menu. They are in a new strip mall area and off on the side and have the entire back portion. So its all new and open space, nice seating, and nice brickwork inside as well with a large open counter where you place your orders on what you're getting (ie pizza, coffee, deli, etc). There is a separate room for private parties and meetings as well. I ordered a speciality pizza for $16 and sat down as they made it and popped it in the large brickoven in the corner. Good size for 2-4 people (14" square). Kind alike a flatbread pizza, good crust and charred cornmeal from the oven. Like brickovens.. the pies will only get better and better with time as it seasons the oven. Some of the best brick-pies come out of Eastcoast with brickovens that have been seasoned for decades. Good place to sit and chat over pizza and coffee and WiFi. I'll be going back.
(4)Al R.
Found through Yelp. Thank you. Clean place. Food served phenomenally quick. Kids loved it. Wife loved it. Great pizza. Great bread sticks. Good value. A keeper.
(4)Jessica W.
Very friendly staff and I like the atmosphere a lot. Nice and open with LOTS of seating options. We tried the Chicken and Artichoke brick oven pizza and the Pepperoni. I thought both were good, but plain and simple pepperoni just takes the cake when it comes to a thin crust, brick oven pizza. It's my fave! This was definitely good and the wait was hardly a wait...it didn't take long at all! I'm sure we will be back again to try more. They just might replace Tomaso's as our "special-treat pizza" because you definitely get more bang for your buck here and it is oh-so-tasty.
(3)John M.
Disappointed....so wanted this place to be good. Confusing where to make an order. When you figure it out....very slow....half the tables needed to be cleaned...nobody remotely working on this...cleaned my own table....meatloaf sandwich was terrible....one more chance with Pizza then done....I hope the owner reads this....please..
(3)Ed F.
Not overly impressed with the food on my first visit. I stopped in for lunch with a friend and had the Cuban sandwich & potato salad. I don't think I was ever served a sandwich in a bowl before. The Cuban has ham, pulled pork, cheese, pickles, coleslaw and a tangy sauce. My friend had the Brick sandwich with pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy and cheese sauce, so yes, it is sloppy! The potato salad was standard grocery store variety, not homemade. The staff were nice and friendly. The flame fired oven was unique though. I'll come back to try the pizza sometime. The WiFi is a pain, you have to get a code at the counter, then register before getting online. I would agree with the reviewer that said they seem to be trying to do too many things, but don't seem to excel at any one thing.
(2)Josh S.
The Brickside Cafe offers a great deal of variety, but relatively little to recommend it. It's obvious that the owner is an amateur restaraunteur who wants to offer everything: Coke and Pepsi, Pizza, Sandwiches and Salads of every possible description, cupcakes, cake and pie. But for all of that (and I've visited several times), there's nothing on the menu that I would actually go out of my way to eat.
(2)JP M.
Brickside is on the better end of cafes in the Cedar Rapids area. The signature sandwiches are awesome! They taste homemade and are served hot. Try the Cuban sandwich, it's an interesting combination of sweet, savory, and zesty. The pastries are outrageously good. They're fresh and beg you to take one more bite. Plus, if you work for some businesses such as Paetec, Rockwell, Toyota, and some others, you can get 10% off of your bill. Be sure to ask. The staff is personable and polite. It deserves every star I gave it.
(5)Josh G.
A decent cafe, if unsure of itself. It's a simple cafe good for lunch food. I like the brick oven pizza and prices are good. I do agree that the place seems very amatuerly run. The staff stand around a lot instead of getting things that need done around the place. The wide variety of food doesn't go together well. And the advertising inside seems to be under the mistaken impression it is some kind of bar. If they could just focus on one or two things food-wise, hire staff who care or properly train them, and make the place a little more professional looking, I'd rate it higher.
(3)Sandy D.
Living a couple of blocks from here my husband and I have frequented this establishment many times, we like to take advantages of the specials and the prices are very reasonable. One of my major complaints is the amount of burned cornmeal on the bottom of the pizza, sometimes in large chunks. The later in the day you go in the worse it is. I am not sure how this works but i would think you can keep the oven cleaner between orders. They also need to do a better job of busing tables. It doesn't help to get quick food if the only tables available are dirty. Pastry options are awesome here but since they do not open until 8:00 a.m. I think they are missing a LOT of people that would pick up items on the way to work. One other comment is that they have taken to displaying a lot of advertising and personal business cards and flyers laying all over the front counter and is very messy, I am not sure what purpose there is here but is there is a need to have this out keep them on a bulletin board for patrons to take if they want one. We really want this cafe to stay in business for Hiawatha because they do have a lot to offer.
(4)jay c.
Just had their pizza today and it was AWESOME try the black and blue it is my favorite, can't wit to try their breakfast pizza
(5)