Chicagoans who look at Lincoln Park as a neighborhood of high rent and over-priced restaurants take heart: This diner's no-fuss atmosphere and cheap eats take you away from the glitz and into a land of downright tasty grub.

Tucked into a strip mall at the corner of Racine and Clybourn, Mitchell's blends in with its surroundings. Inside, you'll find long rows of well-worn booths, soft lighting from cream-color sconces and a few fruit and animal paintings hanging on the otherwise bare beige walls. Right beyond the front door sits an old-fashioned soda shoppe bar with six stools waiting for a few customers to settle in with the paper.

To say the menu is large is an understatement: The more than 100 items will please everyone, from the strictest vegan to the meat-and-potatoes lover. Try one of its legendary omelets (big enough to split or to guarantee leftovers), like the fluffy feta cheese omelet or the ranchero omelet with salsa, mozzarella and beans. Sweeter breakfast options include whole-wheat pancakes and cinnamon raisin French toast topped with apples. For lunch, opt for the crispy chicken fingers with barbecue sauce and fries or the triple-decker club sandwich with turkey, bacon and cranberry sauce. Dinner offers heartier choices like the chicken breast alfredo, black Angus beef sirloin and the pizza burger, a patty with tangy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese served on a bagel or English muffin. Save room for the tart apple pie or a Hershey’s milkshake. Most items cost $8-$10.

If you're curious, this Mitchell is related to the Lou Mitchell of West Loop breakfast fame. Unlike at his brother's spot, though, you won't have to wait too long for a seat at this efficiently-run diner.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Eve Ardell