Dinner at Johnny's is worth the trip to the suburbs, as great food at low prices can be mighty tough to come by in the city. The atmosphere is comfortable, casual and family-friendly, and the bar is a great place to hang out while you wait for a table (a likely possibility given the popularity of this Glenview establishment…but fear not, reservations are accepted for parties of any size).

Wood-roasted chicken (plain, BBQ or Grecian) and BBQ baby back ribs are the specialties of the house. For the best of both worlds, go with the chicken and rib combination, a value at $14.95. And speaking of value, even the surf and turf (two three-ounce lobster tails and a six-ounce filet) is affordable at $24.95.

Entrees come with soup or salad and your choice of potato. You also can't go wrong with a charbroiled burgers or chicken sandwich. For lighter fare, Johnny's offers plenty of dinner-sized salads and fresh fish dishes that won't leave you feeling hungry or cheated.

Centerstage Reviewer: Natalie Goldstein