Judging by its casual interior, oversize portions and reasonable prices, you'd never know West Egg is just a stone's throw from the Magnificent Mile (two blocks east, to be precise). Straightforward, home-style comfort food draws consistent breakfast and lunch crowds every day of the week.

Breakfast isn't just a morning thing here, as the entire menu (from French toast to taco salad) is fair game any time of the day. Go ahead and contemplate the wide range of waffles, flapjacks and French toast, but know that eggs (served as omelets, scrambles, skillets and frittatas) are the undisputed specialty of the house. If you can handle the Grabowski, you're in for a treat: a smoked Polish sausage, split and grilled, covered with honey-mustard, onions and melted Swiss, and served with potatoes and two eggs. That's right.

A tempting array of salads, sandwiches and burgers provide an alternative to the breakfast-y fare, and you'll find healthy choices galore. Rotisserie chicken (by the half or whole for $6.95 and $9.95, respectively) comes with hash browns or a baked potato and a side salad. Other important features: daily lunch specials, fresh squeezed OJ and a solid cup of joe.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Natalie Goldstein