Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Romeoville, IL

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

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

LITTLE ITALY. For terrific Northern Italian cuisine, Tuscany offers an upscale option in the Little Italy section of...

LITTLE ITALY. For terrific Northern Italian cuisine, Tuscany offers an upscale option in the Little Italy section of town. This cozy eatery, which tends to get a little cramped at times, is as popular with youthful hipsters as it is with downtown suits. During those "brisk" Chicago winters, their wood-burned gourmet pizzas are positively heaven-sent. Not just for locals, Tuscany has treated such "tourists" as former President Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore. Traditional pasta dishes are also available.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 4pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , 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

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

THE LOOP. For Cajun and Creole favorites, you can't miss Heaven on Seven. Thanks to a location in a popular shopping...

THE LOOP. For Cajun and Creole favorites, you can't miss Heaven on Seven. Thanks to a location in a popular shopping area, it entices many locals to stop in for some of the zestiest gumbo this side of the Mason-Dixon. Or, try red beans and rice, jambalaya, or a catfish po' boy. All the Louisiana-style classics are boldly flavored and expertly prepared. Choose your poison from the wall of fiery hot sauces if you're feeling brave. The huge menu also offers basic lunchtime fare like deli sandwiches and burgers if you aren't in the mood for spice. Either way, the place is full of color and bustling with activity. Cash only.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 10am-3pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

RIVER NORTH. A must for Chicago first-timers, Ed's is a true Windy City treasure. Reminiscent of a '50s-style roadside...

RIVER NORTH. A must for Chicago first-timers, Ed's is a true Windy City treasure. Reminiscent of a '50s-style roadside diner, the restaurant's retro decor and fun music are always a big hit with guests. After all, this is the place that once sold "Ed's Burp" tee-shirts! While the menu includes homestyle favorites like Ed's Mom's Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and chicken-fried steak, regulars know that burgers are king here. Go for the always-reliable Ed's Blue Moon Burger or the Route 66, either of which tastes better with a bottle of Ed's Beer. And don't worry: As always, the flurry of insults is free!

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

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

RIVER NORTH. This popular Spanish restaurant once had only four tables, but now it can seat more than 400 with ease....

RIVER NORTH. This popular Spanish restaurant once had only four tables, but now it can seat more than 400 with ease. And, the house is usually packed, thanks to authentic tapas offerings and an upbeat, festive atmosphere. Have a fruity pitcher of sangria and order hot and cold appetizer-sized dishes like baked goat cheese, vegetarian Spanish omelets, chicken brochette with caramelized onions or grilled octopus. A gourmet food shop lets you try to recreate your favorites when back at home. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. EL: Red Line to Chicago/State or Brown Line to Chicago

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-1:30am; Sun 11am-11pm

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

THE LOOP. No trip to the Windy City is complete without sampling the distinctive deep-dish pizza. A great place to start...

THE LOOP. No trip to the Windy City is complete without sampling the distinctive deep-dish pizza. A great place to start is the Prudential Plaza location of this popular Chicago-style chain, whose spinach deep-dish has gained legendary status. If meat is your thing, go for the classic cheese pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, and fresh garlic. A variety of pasta and salad dishes is also available. When you head back home, you may get the craving for Giordano's. Don't fret: you can order frozen pizzas via their website! There is another location at 730 N Rush St (312-951-0747).

Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

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

MAGNIFICENT MILE. The place for Chicago-style pizza. The original Pizzeria Uno, while quintessentially American in...

MAGNIFICENT MILE. The place for Chicago-style pizza. The original Pizzeria Uno, while quintessentially American in theme and cuisine, deserves particular recognition for its fabulous thin-crust and deep-dish pizza pies, which send lunchtime crowds away full and happy. On the go? Check out their fabulous "Priority Lunches," which include everything from Chicken Spinoccoli (baked chicken and broccoli in pesto cream sauce) and classic Chicago pies to fish-and-chips and sirloin tips. If pizza isn't your bag, they also serve tasty sandwiches, burgers, and pastas.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-1am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-11pm

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