Smoked meats dominate the menu and fill the air at this relaxed, come-as-you-are barbecue joint in Lincoln Park. Sandwiches come filled with your choice of protein, from chicken to pulled pork to brisket ($5.50-$6.95) If you need more food, you can add $2 and get coleslaw and a side dish along with your order.

Sides include baked beans, fries, beer-battered onion rings, slightly sweet cornbread and tasty mashed potatoes, which are slightly lumpy and come with some potato skins. Dessert is either a root beer float or an apple crisp, which is tenderized apple slices topped by a gooey cinnamon coating.

Salads, burgers (both veggie and not), roasted chicken, chicken tenders and hot dogs round out the menu at this laid-back restaurant. The tables have long benches and are parked in close proximity to one another, so you might want to prepare some more interesting conversation topics than, "man, is this food good or what?".

Centerstage Reviewer: Mary Susan Littlepage