Anyway's touts itself as a downtown Chicago-inspired restaurant and pub, one that (according to its website) combines "the sophistication of taverns from Lincoln Park, the eclectic taste from Wicker Park, and the warmth of your neighborhood bar for food, drinks, and friends." The Oakbrook Terrace establishment does achieve more of a city look and feel than most suburban bars, but that ambitious combo is nearly impossible to recreate on a busy suburban road like Roosevelt.

The classy and spacious interior is full of wood and exposed brick. To the left of the entrance, the pub area has a long bar with lots of flat-screen TVs. To the right, there's a slightly more low-key dining area with a fireplace that's good for large groups and family get-togethers. The average patron may be tad older than at bars in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, but Anyway's does attract youthful suburbanites as well.

Anyway's menu, which is filled with photos of Chicago landmarks, gives visitors a lot to choose from. For $8, the Chicago Buffalo, a charbroiled chicken sandwich dipped in hot wing sauce, is a good choice. But options like the cool ranch wrap ($8) and the flat iron steak sandwich ($11) can make it hard to choose. The diverse menu also has ribs, pizza, pasta, salads and a handful of vegetarian dishes. A friendly and attentive staff adds to an enjoyable dining experience.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jim Collins