FRANCISCO AZPIROZ is better known by the nickname of "Patxi." Don't ask why. It's probably not that important. What is important is that the owner of Patxi's restaurant knows how to create the kind of Chicago pizza that would make a White Sox fan weep with joy. During a recent visit to the downtown Palo Alto eatery, I was told by someone on staff that he's had visitors from the Windy City say that Patxi's serves the best Chicago-style deep-dish pizza on either side of the Mississippi. I believe that story.

But all that pepperoni, sausage and other salty meat, as well as the bullet-proof-glass-thick layers of cheese, sure makes one thirsty. Fortunately, Patxi's is developing a cool little bar scene to complement the restaurant side of the business. The vibe is much different from what you will find at other downtown Palo Alto watering holes. People don't come to Patxi's to see or be seen. Nobody is going to care how much your tie costs or if your shoes match your bag. And best of all, there's not a cosmo in sight (Patxi's only serves beer, wine and sodas). Folks simply belly up to the bar and order a few brews, maybe some appetizers, and unwind for an hour (or two) while watching one of two TV sets behind the small bar. No, there're not jumbo plasma deals showing violent anime flicks and weird music videos. The TVs at Patxi's, in true Chicago tradition, are tuned to whatever game happens to be taking place. Jermaine Dye would approve.

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