Fans of traditional Cantonese and Szechwan Chinese cuisine will appreciate the authentic fare at this Lincoln Park restaurant. The family owned and operated spot has been serving its haute little 'hood for going on a decade now. Despite its popular location, Jade East keeps its dishes affordable and as approachable as possible. Guests of the restaurant can feel at ease asking questions about the menu, as the staff is very helpful.

Fresh fruit smoothies, ranging from avocado and banana to strawberry and watermelon, are served in 20-ounce glasses and are filling enough to double as a meal on their own. But don't slurp your blended concoction too quickly, as you'll want to save room for the restaurant's savory stuff.

Jade East offers over seven different lunch specials, all under $7. Each daytime dish includes white or chicken fried rice and two crab rangoons. Appetizers tout the expected egg rolls, spring rolls and pot stickers, in addition to a few surprises like Szechwan wontons, spare ribs and teriyaki beef on a stick. In the evenings, Jade East's selections skirt the more exotic side of things with chicken chop suey, Mongolian beef, velvet shrimp with black mushrooms and an egg white sauce and Singapore noodles in a spicy curry sauce. Additionally, the restaurant offers a generous assortment of rice, noodle and tofu dishes. All of Jade East's entrees are under the 10-dollar mark.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden