Like Pizza Shoppe, Minsky’s is a chain that has an indie sensibility, only much more so. Think of it this way: Pizza Shoppe can be epitomized by the simplicity of its menu; Minsky’s can be epitomized by the complexity of its menu.

The first Minsky’s I ever visited was in my hometown of Lee’s Summit, Mo. I frequently went there while I was in high school, usually after playing tennis. Back then, I ordered something called “The Prime Cut.” This is probably the most carnivorous pizza available -- it features hamburger, pepperoni, strips of bacon and two types of sausage. But there are also plenty of options for vegetarians; herbivores may order Nature’s Choice -- Fresh mushrooms, zucchini, artichoke hearts, green peppers and onions. This is also the only place where I’ve seen pizza that caters to vegans. The Cheeseless Grilled Veggie Pizza features grilled yellow squash, zucchini, green onions, tomatoes, red peppers and a garlic olive oil sauce (though if you should want cheese on this one, the good folks at Minsky’s won’t charge you extra). The list of pizza ingredients at this place is very large, and includes everything from almonds to zucchini (I couldn’t resist saying that one).

Though Minsky’s is independent, they offer more types of crust than the average chain place. In all, they have five types of crust: original, pan, honey wheat, thin and herbed crust. Plus, all available pizza ingredients can be rolled up into a calzone.

Pizza actually only comprises about half of Minsky's menu. They have a long list of sandwiches, including an excellent meatball grinder, which is served with French fries. Several types of pasta and salads are also present. Perhaps the most out of place items on the menu are those of a Mediterranean nature: hummus and gyros.

The price of a dinner at Minsky’s is not cheap, but it is certainly not exorbitant (items at Minsky’s are much cheaper than gourmet pizza chains Old Chicago and Pizzeria Uno).

There is no consistent design theme in these restaurants. So if you usually eat at the Barry Rd. & I-29 location, don’t think you’ll be able to find the restroom at the 39th Street location. This is a good thing, because each restaurant maintains its own ambiance.

The location at Barry Rd. & I-29, which seems to be the biggest, has a sports bar atmosphere. The Prairie Village location, which I usually frequent, has an almost European setting. The Lee’s Summit location is a whole in the wall of a typical strip mall.

(Minsky’s Pizza is located throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. For a list of locations, check the Yellow Pages or browse their Web site at http://www.minskys.com )

If you would like to share any ideas, e-mail the publisher at indiepizza@yahoo.com or visit the Indie Pizza Message Board .