Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Elk Grove Village at I-290, IL

NORTHWEST. Family-owned since 1948, this hot dog drive-in is a local institution, not only for its great menu but for...

NORTHWEST. Family-owned since 1948, this hot dog drive-in is a local institution, not only for its great menu but for its enormous, roof-top wiener mascots. An indoor dining room is available, but most folks take advantage of the retro carhop service. Hot dogs are the prize, nestled in poppy-seed buns and done up with relish, pickle spears, hot peppers, and pickled tomatoes. They come with hot, salt-sprinkled fries and make a great accompaniment to rich malts and shakes. Other possibilities: burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, Polish sausages, fish sandwiches, and ice cream. A kitschy classic that absolutely lives up to the hype.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

OAK PARK. As you might expect, Penny's specialty is noodles! And she sells a lot of them to the hip crowd that packs...

OAK PARK. As you might expect, Penny's specialty is noodles! And she sells a lot of them to the hip crowd that packs this location every night. Though the fare is admittedly, "Thai for the American palate," regulars swear that the soups and pad Thai are some of the best in town ­ for a bargain price. Penny's is extremely popular, so expect to wait for a table, and bring your own liquor since Penny's doesn't have a license. EL: Red Line to Belmont

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun Noon-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

WARREN PARK. This relaxed restaurant serves truly authentic Indian food. The lunch buffet is a big draw thanks to a...

WARREN PARK. This relaxed restaurant serves truly authentic Indian food. The lunch buffet is a big draw thanks to a variety of options at reasonable prices. Order lamb, chicken, rice, vegetarian, or tandoori selections. Representative fare includes chicken vindaloo (cooked in a zesty tomato sauce and served with potatoes) and lamb curry (cooked in an onion and tomato sauce). Northern and southern dishes both make appearances, as do a range of flavorful breads and mild sweets.

Hours: Daily 11:30am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EVANSTON. Located north of Chicago, this restaurant offers casual-style Deep South fare in an authentic, down-home...

EVANSTON. Located north of Chicago, this restaurant offers casual-style Deep South fare in an authentic, down-home setting that includes old license plates, rusty aluminum signs, and even an old timey gas pump. The Southern menu includes such comfort food as fried green tomatoes, johnny cakes with honey butter, blackened catfish fillet, jambalaya, and, of course, well-stocked Louisana gumbo. Full bar.

Hours: Mon-Wed 8am-9pm; Thu 8am-10pm; Fri 8am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-9pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WEST SIDE. Maiz might be a tiny restaurant, but the owners have big ideas, and the food has big taste! Carlos and...

WEST SIDE. Maiz might be a tiny restaurant, but the owners have big ideas, and the food has big taste! Carlos and Margaret Reyna's cozy little Mexican restaurant is based on the idea of "pre-Hispanic cuisine." The staples of this diet, and of the restaurant's menu, are maize (corn), beans, chilies, and zucchini. When you dine at Maiz, you first choose one of the six basic tortilla options and then choose your fillings or toppings. The chicken chalupa with rice and the daily tamale special are especially popular. Don't miss the "special sauces" that are sitting out on the tables. They are homemade and pack a kick!

Hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

EVANSTON. This eatery with the interesting name ­ it serves Indian and Nepalese cuisine ­ serves top-quality...

EVANSTON. This eatery with the interesting name ­ it serves Indian and Nepalese cuisine ­ serves top-quality fare, and the lunch buffet provides great value with hot entrees, salads, and desserts. The menu features vegetarian selections, tandoori dishes, and lots of options centered around chicken, lamb, or seafood. Drinks include Himalayan tea, wine, and Indian beers. The interior gains interest with colorful Himalayan prints, and traditional Indian music plays overhead.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat-Sun Noon-3pm, 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

HIGHWOOD. This restaurant serves delectable seafood, French-style. Friendly prices, a large wine list, and friendly...

HIGHWOOD. This restaurant serves delectable seafood, French-style. Friendly prices, a large wine list, and friendly service all add up to recommend a restaurant that delivers terrific food for everyday dining. Try crab cakes to start, and then consider a salmon filet accented with shallots and sweet bell pepper sauce. Meat and poultry items also abound ­ try sliced pot roast or duck with orange sauce for a taste of the kitchen's bounty.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

LINCOLN PARK. As you would expect, Penny's specialty is noodles! And she sells a lot of them to the hip crowd that packs...

LINCOLN PARK. As you would expect, Penny's specialty is noodles! And she sells a lot of them to the hip crowd that packs her Sheffield Avenue location every night. Though the fare is admittedly, "Thai for the American palette," regulars swear the soups and pad Thai are some of the best in town ­ for a bargain price. Penny's is extremely popular, so expect to wait for a table, and bring your own liquor since Penny's doesn't have a license. EL: Red Line to Belmont

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

WRIGLEYVILLE. This casual Greek diner serves up consistently tasty and authentic Greek food to hungry locals, including...

WRIGLEYVILLE. This casual Greek diner serves up consistently tasty and authentic Greek food to hungry locals, including a mix of students and professionals. Menu items include kebabs, gyros, pita sandwiches, and the restaurant's signature Chicken Kalamata. They also serve several hearty American dishes like burgers and fries. No reservations and virtually zero ambiance means this place isn't fancy, but it is a great value with most items being under $10.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

GREEKTOWN. Since 1973, this local standout has prepared traditional Greek dishes. Great fare includes braised lamb,...

GREEKTOWN. Since 1973, this local standout has prepared traditional Greek dishes. Great fare includes braised lamb, homemade Greek sausages, fried squid, roast lamb loin, dolmades, and orange roughy. The restaurant's casual ambiance features Greek music playing in the background and quaint knickknacks adorning the blue and coral-hued interior.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club