Museum food tends to be a huge letdown, an overpriced and/or unappetizing snack that you regret purchasing moments after handing away your money. So the seasoned traveler or museum connoisseur may be rightfully skeptical of the Chicago History Museums North and Clark Cafe. Cast the cynicism partially aside, because while North and Clark doesn’t exactly serve up culinary achievements, the food's pretty decent and certainly not overpriced.

The idea behind the menu is clever if a little contrived: Virtually all the entrees have Chicago ties (or a goofy Chicago-themed name). First and foremost is the Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dog, served on Rosens poppy seed bun with thick, crispy fries for $4.50. But there are plenty of other salads, sandwiches and breakfast options, priced $6-$8. For dessert, try a brownie from the 1893 Worlds Fair (tastes delicious for being 116 years old!). The good people at Julius Meinl supply the coffee, with a 12-ounce regular brew only costing $1.65. If you're not in the mood for coffee, try a Goose Island soda, or some less-than-authentic Chicago brews: Miller Lite, Heineken, and Stella Artois.

The cafe has some nice leather chairs for maximum relaxation, and black and white portraits of good ol' Chicago blue-collar workers for maximum remembrance of those that built the foundation of this fair city. A word about the authenticity of this Chicago experience: though North and Clark serves up a fine Chicago-style dog, there's something a little awkward and incomplete about having the server automatically explain what constitutes the Chicago style, or eating from nice, clean silverware and having it brought to your table by a polite server in chef clothes. For the true Chicago experience, go to a dumpy stand and let someone treat you curtly and rudely. You'll be happy you did.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Andy Seifert