While every corner shack in Chicago claims the best Italian beef in the city, Chickie's is one of the few places that can actually make a legitimate claim to that crown. The thin translucent waves of Scala's roast beef here piled on a gravy soaked bun is lean, tender and bathed in its own succulent peppery juices. The thing that really makes the beef, though, is the hot giardinara featuring spicy green peppers sliced wafer thin that snap and crunch under greedy teeth.

Chickies also offers plenty of normal fare from decent Chicago dogs to old-school, diner-style hamburgers, but the other item worth the drive is the fries. These skin-on spuds, which get a double fry to ensure a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior, are cut on the thick side, somewhere between steak cut and McDonald's. Though once you dig into a grease-stained bag of them, you will never think about ordering fries at the Golden Arches again.

The decor, which is bunker-like and features yards of grease-stained stainless steel, isn't quite as inspiring as the beef or fries. There's also no seating here, save for picnic tables in the summer, so bring your lawn chairs or be prepared to dine on the trunk of your car.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant