With the latest influx of fast-fire pizza spots in Tucson, it can be difficult to distinguish what makes one stand out from another. At Calistoga, Calif. based Pieology Pizzeria’s latest location by campus, it’s fast, custom, quality pie for under $8.

Recently opened at 914 E. Speedway Blvd., fast-casual Pieology offers artisan pizza, classic salads and “strips” (pieces of cooked dough) in a herb butter or cinnamon sugar variety.

You won’t find canned tomatoes or dried cilantro and basil. Pieology features fresh ingredients, a thin crust, and a low price tag. The $7.95 pie also includes unlimited toppings with favorites such as artichokes, jalapeños, and gorgonzola cheese.

With high ceilings and tall windows, it’s an open, sunny (but air-conditioned) spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. In case you need a pep talk while creating your custom pizza, you’ll find encouraging quotes on the walls and on employees’ t-shirts. Pieology’s staff is friendly, helpful and quick to answer questions. Despite having opened less than a week ago, the atmosphere was calm and the employees were polite and knowledgable.

The highlights:

• Speed. Sit down with your drink and your custom pizza is in front of you a minute later.
• Cost. It’s $7.95 for a 12″ pizza.
• Herb Butter sauce. Be sure to request it for your dough before choosing marinara or olive oil.
• After Bake sauces. I recommend the Roasted Red Peppers and Pesto.

Pieology Pizzeria will have no problem maintaining demand. With a competitively priced, fast and delicious pizza available in the University area, there is a large audience ready to indulge. The only critique this reviewer found is the lack of stand out toppings on the assembly line. However, they deserve props on the sauce and cheese selection.

Next visit: olive oil, ricotta and parmesan combination. Let us know what combination you come up with.