If the Smurfs opened a pizza parlor, it would look like Barro’s.
Step inside the stripmall eatery (825 W. Baseline Road, Suite 1, Tempe, ) and you’re almost blinded by all the blue. Blue vinyl booths, blue carpet, blue and white checks circling the dining room. And we’re not talking a soothing shade of sky blue or even aqua — we’re talking the color your tongue turns after eating cheap, blue bubblegum. Or an Otter Pop.

So, clearly, the 30 or so patrons seated in those bubblegum blue booths on this afternoon weren’t there for the “decor,” which also includes sports memorabilia and two TVs — on this day tuned to tennis and pool. (Possibly the only two sports more painful to watch than golf.) They’re there for the cheap, Chicago-style eats.

Specials range from $2.50 to $5.25; you can opt for a simple slice and a drink or — if you’re really hungry — two slices, salad and a drink. I opted for a slice of cheese and a lemonade. Piping hot, generously topped with cheese and perfectly baked (the crust was doughy on top and crisp on the bottom), the slice definitely filled me up, so I was glad I didn’t opt for a trip to Barro’s salad bar. (The bar is surprisingly decent, as evidenced by the lettuce offerings — iceberg and romaine.)

As for the crowd, it’s diverse. From UPS guys to tie-clad business-types to folks whose names are sewn across their shirt pockets, it’s clear a good deal is a good deal, no matter your occupation.

The verdict: Although this particular Barro’s looks like a “Trading Spaces” “before” picture, the food is tasty and cheap — proof that decor matters diddly when you’re talking about a $2.50 lunch.