By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Sep 26, 2009 at 4:34 PM

In Milwaukee, pizza is something people take very seriously. Head just a few miles north to Cedarburg, and you'll find things there are no different.

Tomaso's Pizza, W63 N688 Washington Ave., serves up arguably the best pizza in the city and all without the pretense of fancy seating and high end offerings.

A two storefront space, Tomaso's is one part carry-out, one part dine in but completely unique to the area.  Tomaso's opened 30 years ago and still portrays the same charm and local hospitality found in restaurants few and far between today.

Boasting only 15 tables, diners at Tomaso's know the ordering routine. Rather than provide table side service, customers order drinks, appetizers and pizzas at the bar and then respond when their order is up. It's a system that upon first glance seems confusing and inconvenient, but you'll find the food comes out fresh, hot and fast.

From the wafting smell of baking dough to the perfectly browned crust, Tomaso's gets pizza right from the start.

Tomaso's offers thin crust or deep dish crusts; make either choice and you'll be pleased with your plate. Thin crust pizzas are traditional in their offerings with classic combinations of veggies and meats. Deep dish pizzas flip cheese and sauce; toppings and cheese are layered on the crust and then topped with Tomaso's savory tomato sauce.

You'll find all the traditional offerings of lasagna, ravioli and spaghetti but the locals favor the homemade potato chips. A heaping pile of thinly sliced Idaho potatoes, Tomaso's homemade chips are served with creamy cheese sauce, salsa and jalapenos.

But like any good, small town establishment, Tomaso's offers a bit of everything. Those looking for something outside the Italian vein, customers can opt for sandwiches, burgers or rotisserie chicken.

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.