The kids ran the gamut on the children's menu, scarfing up spaghetti with a half-meatball (believe me, it was plenty!), a grilled-cheese sandwich and a nice, simple cold-cut sandwich of ham, cheese, spread and bread. Afterward, they wrestled us for Tastykakes and some of Moochie's dark, chewy brownies.

The Italian side of the menu gets a bit of short shrift from customers intent on the sandwiches, and that's too bad, because the deep-dish lasagna and stuffed peppers sound divine.

We did try the Italian rice, an inspired concoction of rice topped with a ladleful of marinara sauce and oozy melted mozzarella. Stir it all up and eat it with a spoon for an excellent side dish.

Sandwiches $5.49-$10.49, entrees $6.59-$6.99, salads $1.99-$7.49, sides $1.59-$6.59, desserts 89 cents-$2.89, kids' meals $3-$4.

Moochie's

Rating: ★★★1/2

Where: 232 E. 800 South

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; closed Sunday

Payment: Major credit cards accepted

Phone: 801-596-1350

Web: www.MoochiesMeatballs.com

Wheelchair access: One short step to enter; crowded interior

Also: Catering and box lunches available

Stacey Kratz is a freelance writer who reviews restaurants for the Deseret News. E-mail:skratz@desnews.com