Back when we were in college in Madison, Wis., in the 1980s, a quick campus bite usually consisted of something in the oily bratwurst family or greasy fast food pizza in a grungy storefront "café." But with the ongoing major facelift around the University of Cincinnati, the options for healthy, hearty "fast" food keep getting better.

We'd never heard of the national Spicy Pickle chain, but since our kids are both gherkin fanatics, we figured it was worth a shot. Though known for its creative panini and sub sandwiches, we were glad to see a variety of pizzas and offerings kids like at such a centrally located campus affair where the staff seemed unaccustomed to serving kids.

We had the place to ourselves on a rainy Monday night and opted for the tall stools in a large window overlooking Clifton Avenue. There are also 10 or so tables in the spotless main dining room, which had the feel of a hipster loft

The menu is nirvana for a sandwich fan, and though the many house specials sounded mouthwatering, I opted for a build-your-own panini. I built a roast beef sandwich with spicy chipotle mayo, sprouts, banana peppers, portabella mushrooms, roasted red peppers, onions and cheddar cheese ($6.95). According to the chain's Web site, it was one of just 150,000 possible sandwich combinations.

Served with chips and a spicy pickle, it was more than enough for a meal, very fresh and served on perfectly toasted bread. Other options include mesquite turkey, roasted chicken, veggies, mortadella, as many toppings as you like from an extensive list, from sun-dried tomatoes and coleslaw to artichoke hearts, bacon and corn relish.

Among the good-sounding, hot-pressed sandwiches on focaccia bread ($6.95) were the South Side (roast beef, pepperoncini peppers, red onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar, horseradish mayo) the Adobe (mesquite turkey, fresh mozzarella, green peppers, corn relish, chipotle mayo) and the Bastille (portobello, red peppers, smoked mozzarella, red onions, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, sun-dried tomato mayo).

There's also a nice selection of sub sandwiches ($6.95), soups and salads. We ordered a small ($3.25) Forest (spinach, portobello, toasted hazelnuts, grilled onions, sun-dried tomatoes, with honey-balsamic vinaigrette), and a small, equally crunchy and generous Caesar ($3.25).

While ordering at the register, we figured our son would like a six-inch ($3.50) Neapolitan-style thin crust Pizzetti, a bit like a thick baked burrito shell topped with sweet pizza sauce and cheese.

"It looks really different," he said, usually code for "no way am I eating this." But, alas, he dug in and loved it as his sister tore apart her thick, savory "Little Dill" grilled cheese, served with chips and lemonade ($3.50).

For a fast, fresh and reasonably priced quick meal, the Spicy Pickle hit the spot.