My criteria for a great lunch? Convenient, fast, inexpensive and good-tasting, With 14 East Valley locations offering delicious, ready-to-eat slices in six different lunch specials, Barro’s Pizza has all the bases covered.

The specials, available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, include two slices of pizza and a fountain drink ($4), a slice, salad and a drink ($4.25) or three slices and a drink ($5).

The mood: Each Barro’s is a little different, but most are in strip malls and have good-sized dining areas. The Barro family came from Chicago and are big sports fans, as evidenced by the Cubs and Bears posters on the walls.

Nothing fancy here. You order at the counter; during lunch, hot slices usually are ready to carry to your booth or table. A small salad bar has basic ingredients and dressings.

The food: Three kinds of slices — cheese, pepperoni and sausage — always are available during lunch. In addition, there’s usually a fourth option, such as veggie, ham and pineapple or all-meat, that changes daily.

I get two slices of Barro’s sweet and spicy sausage, while my companion gets two pepperoni-laden slices. The thick crust is light and flaky, and they’re loaded with gooey mozzarella

The drinks: Our Mr. Pibb and Diet Coke (plus refills) are included in the lunch deal.

The damage: $8. We leave full and happy, with minimal damage to our wallets. Is it any surprise that we visit Barro’s at least once a week?

>> Barro’s Pizza, 1925 E. Brown Road, Mesa, is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (480) 834-1541.