Sam's is one of those places where it's OK to eat everything with your hands. In fact, it's encouraged. Most of the foodstuffs here are served between bread, on a stick or right off the bone for your finger-lickin' pleasure. You can get a full or half slab of ribs for under $20, and for those who are still cautious over pork, the restaurant offers a beef variation.

The spot is most popular with Loyola students and busy types who don't seem to care what type of meat Sam's is serving up – as long as it stays cheap and flavorful. The restaurant's close proximity to the Granville Red Line station makes it the ideal place to grab a bite while you wait out the rush-hour crowd. And you may be waiting a while, as Sam's isn't the quickest by way of service.

It's a small price to pay, though, when the food always comes out hot, fresh and deliciously greasy. Besides, missing the train won't matter once you sink your chops into the restaurant's thick barbecue beef sandwich.

Another favorite here involves cheeseburger, but not just any cheeseburger. This one gets ground up, slathered with a hefty amount of cheese and thrown into a gyro. Sam's also offers a selection of burgers (this time between buns), chili dogs, corn dogs and catfish sandwiches.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden