Gary Applebaum has brought his love of football and pre-game tailgating (and his food knowledge from years in the wine industry) to the Tailgate Restaurant, located inside the US Beer Company building in Lincoln Park. (The US Beer Company opened in 1939 and was the watering hole of choice for generations of factory workers since before World War II. The locale also sponsored nearly every softball team in the city.)

The US Beer Company's successor, Tailgate, offers something extra. It's still a great place to drink, watch the game, take in a concert or hold a private party in one of the private party rooms in the back. In fact, a DePaul student group routinely meets here and breaks into harmonious karaoke.

But since he opened in March 2009, Gary has already surprised patrons with the quality of his grub — especially the rotisserie chicken and barbecued ribs, served with soup or salad and a choice of potato or baked beans. Not to mention that almost everything on the menu costs less than $10.

Tailgate offers choices for health-conscious runners and beefy linebackers alike. The menu ranges from salads with fresh greens, to ballpark sausage fare, to carbohydrate-filled pasta dishes, to burgers packing half a pound of beef. Gary will cater private parties and deliver all over the near northwest side.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler