Briks Pizzeria — Restaurant in Mahomet

Let me start by saying this was easily one of the most welcoming places I've been in a while, and I'm definitely coming back.

Unfortunately, I have to avoid a lot of common ingredients and fan favorites due to medical reasons. I can't have red meat or any dairy products, so I was anxious when my friends suggested we go here. Before going, I looked at the menu online and saw some potential options.

So I came in hangry after a long day, trying not to be rude to a perfect stranger just doing their own job. If I could give 6 starts for customer service, I absolutely would! After struggling to order via the online service, I went up to the front and the man at the counter was so kind and helpful! I asked if they have any dairy alternatives, since I had heard they did, and he confirmed. He asked if I had any food allergies and I said it's not an allergy, but I cannot have red meat and cross contamination can be an issue, plus I'm lactose intolerant. He said it would be no problem, and my god is seriously wasn't! So many menu options were suddenly available to me and he said they make each by hand, so it would easy enough to change gloves and not risk any cross contamination.

The food itself was DELICIOUS. I got the shrooms pizza and added chicken and onions, with non dairy cheese. I ate nearly the whole thing in one sitting! Also tried the mango margarita, which paired nicely. Not too sweet and not too strong. My friends all loved what they got too.

Atmosphere was pretty cool, very relaxed vibes with many options for seating - plus games! I love that the outdoor seating is more an open air dining area than...

The old saying goes, “You can’t please everyone,” but this place certainly comes close. Briks offers a full slate of brick-oven pizzas to satisfy any palette, from the “foodie” seeking to experience new and creative flavor combinations, to the family that comes in to feed and entertain the kids in one fell swoop.

Because here’s the deal: This place (1) makes outstanding pizzas with amazing flavor combinations and side dishes that could be their own meal, (2) has a wide selection of sodas, organic juices, and custom-brewed adult drinks, and (3) offers comfortable indoor/outdoor dining options…

…but at their core, they are all about community.

Did I mention they have an entire outdoor “play area?” Yeah, send the kids out to play ping-pong, foosball, corn hole, or just burn some energy on the climbing ropes and structures while you sit and enjoy some conversation around one of the fire pits. Or maybe you want to join in on the games? Feel free to do so — I did.

It comes down to this: In an era of too many screens and overloaded schedules, Briks clearly recognizes the connection between good food and gathering with friends and family to impact and strengthen relationships in a positive way.

This is a gem for the community of Mahomet, and an easy drive just outside of Champaign for anyone looking for great food and tremendous hospitality.

Pro Tip: Dessert pizza. With fruit. Even if you’re full. Try it anyway. You...

They were out of pizza so we had to order wings and mac and cheese. Wings (lemon/pepper) came with no other sauces and only one tiny side of ranch, so they are dry. The mac and cheese is a plastic/paper tray that is just reheated so it looks and tastes like a frozen one you'd buy at the supermarket. We were expecting fresh and high quality ingredients for the price but the options for kids don't look healthy at all (the mac and cheese is reheated on the plastic tray with a potential risk of particles leaching to the food) and no other sides like fruit or vegetables are available. The play area is chaotic and the kids are unsupervised so they are throwing the games accessories to the parking lot and when you finally get a chance to play, you have to try to find the things you need for the games. Maybe they should have those available upon request to make people responsible for them and allow people to have them for a certain time so that others get the chance to enjoy them as well. Maybe the pizza is good and with actual fresh ingredients? Their website says they do online ordering but it is not actually available so not sure why that option is live on...