You want fries with that.

Johnny's Beef

Led to the Arlington Heights Road location by my friend Dan, who worked at another Johnny's as a teen, I was smitten by the beef and sausage combo. Order it "sweet and juicy" and prepare to be delighted.

What the fries lack in quality they make up in volume, and the ambience is really poor, but damn, that's one great sandwich.

Worth the drive to the suburbs. I'm salivating just thinking about it.

Ted's Montana Grill

I had the "real deal" $13 lunch special which rounded out to just a bit over twenty bucks with a pricey soda and decent tip. One thing I loved about the place is that they serve Bison. Honest, American Buffalo. I've only met one person who hasn't liked it after trying it, so don't hesitate if you're curious. You won't find it better anywhere else.

I also dug that they have white cloth napkins and actual tablecloths. Unfortunately, the cover the latter with a piece of brown paper, which seems rather tacky. But overall, you're in a real restaurant, not a dressed-up fast food joint.

So, yes, Ted's is a great place to grab a lunch time burger. The dessert cookie is quaint, but you'll get quality food and can probably skip most of dinner. I visited the location in Schaumburg, by the way, at high Noon lunch and service was prompt with little waiting.

Duchamp

Located in a storefront on Damen Ave in Bucktown, DuChamp features a sleek, modern interior and artfully presented dishes. The cocktail list is short but interesting, and it's refreshing to find that the portions are just right.

However, the minimalist wooden decor results in a loud din of noise from other diners and the music. Definitely not a place to try to hold a conversation, and consider bringing a flashlight so you can see the menu. The communal tables, which is most of the seating, might be a turnoff for some visitors too.

The food was very good, the service attentive, but it's not a place that I'm eager to return to because leaving was such a relief.

Mario's

This Gold Coast restaurant is a lot smaller than it looks at first glance, but that's a plus, in my book. The menu is also larger than I expected. It leans heavily towards standard Italian fare, in gigantic serving sizes (but half-orders are available, a nice touch). I had the Heart of Palm & Cucumber salad, and it was delicious. Light, crisp, and flavorful. It also includes pine nuts, which I'm a sucker for, I must admit.

Mario's is proud of their martini menu, and the small bar seemed cozy if not too close to the seating, where boisterous conversation sometime overwhelmed more reasonable table manners. But, speaking of manners, a stern but friendly sign reminds parents that children must behave in order to be welcomed. Bravo for that, Mario! Located at Goethe and Dearborn.

Albert's Cafe

This used to be located at 52 W. Elm. It was cozy with friendly service. Owned by former Biggs partner. Totally busy on weekends Alas, it has been replaced by another joint that I haven't tried.

Karyn's Cooked - Conscious Comfort Food

Glance at the menu posted outside this Wells Street cafe, and you won't notice it's a vegetarian restaurant. Everything listed sounds so delicious and normal. Inside, the ambiance is modern, organized, and sparkling clean. The service suffers from friendly indifference, and while the food is very delicious, you do have to adjust your expectations. And therein lies the rub. The words "meatball sandwich" carry with them a certain expectation of taste, texture, and presentation. Karyn's version meets none of these expectations, but is wonderfully good nonetheless. So, my advice is don't go to this restaurant for the service, and don't go expecting to be fooled by the faux meat. Instead, take it for what it is, and you'll enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price.

Lil' Guys and My Pi

If you live in Chicago and I know you personally, you're on notice for failing to tell me about My Pie/Lil' Guys. Damn, is this place good. The chef is a CIA graduate, they make their own corned beef (best I've had outside of Katz's in NYC) and the deep-dish pizza is, by far, the tastiest in town. How could you let me live just blocks away, for over two years, and never tip me off? Damn you.

La Pasadita

There are 3 locations, all pretty much right next to each other. (For the answer why, see the placard in the main location.) I've only eaten at the Northernmost location, on the West side of Ashland. The best tacos and carne asada I've had from a taqueria, but the place is rundown and dingy. Come here for the good food only if you can overlook the surroundings. Its clean enough, just purely utilitarian and aged.

Bistro Zinc

I don't generally like French restaurants, and I'm loathe to repeat the actual names of the food, so let me keep this brief. Excellent service, a very nice butter-steak, and tasty desserts. Plus, a sharp crowd and nice surroundings. I don't think you can go wrong at Bistro Zinc.

Smoke Daddy BBQ

In the Division Street hotspot area of Ukrainian Village, Smoke Daddy is by far the best BBQ I've had since returning to Chicago. (Yes, it finally unseated the long-standing champion, Fat Willy's BBQ.)

However, Smoke Daddy is more bar (and live music venue) than restaurant, so you need check your mindset before deciding on which to visit. If you're only considering the food, go for Smoke Daddy. If you want a nicer, more traditional restaurant setting, the Fat Willy is your choice. Either way, be prepared for good BBQ.