City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 3324 N. California Ave.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (773) 604-8769

Address: 2900 W. Belmont Ave.

Description: What Hot Doug’s is to encased meat, Kuma’s Corner is to burgers—only louder and with a bigger, brashier attitude. More bar than restaurant actually, this Avondale corner spot has become as famous for its hearty, half-pound Angus beef burgers served on puffy pretzel rolls as it has for the wait it takes to get one. A heavy metal mentality permeates, from the burger names (the Black Sabbath includes chili, pepper jack cheese, and red onion) to the tattooed servers to the music itself. An extensive craft beer menu makes the inevitable long wait seem less so, if you can even find a spot to stand inside. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (312) 337-8500

Address: 666 N. Orleans St.

Description: In Chicago, Italian beef sandwiches are just as much a part of the gastronomic landscape as deep-dish pizza. And one of the best places to get one is at this small River North spot, which is reportedly a favorite of Jay Leno’s. But be warned: The slow-roasted beef sandwich dripping in natural juices isn’t easy to eat. That’s part of the fun, though, along with the proper way to order one, which to any true Chicagoan means asking for the entire sandwich, roll and all, to be “dipped” into the sauce for even more juiciness. For an extra spicy kick, get it “hot.” Cash only. Open Mon through Thurs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. (perfect for a post-last-call stop); Sat from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.; closed Sun.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 22 W. Hubbard St.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (773) 763-0660

Address: 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Description: This Jefferson Park spot has gotten plenty of hype over its long life, but there’s a reason people still line up here—besides simply getting a peek at the goofy boy and girl hot dog figurines on its roof (“Maurie” and “Flaurie”) and indulging in some kitschy carhop service. Open since 1948, this family-owned slice of history serves a terrific all-beef hot dog with all the right Chicago-style trimmings, along with some crispy fries in a cute red box. (They also serve burgers, fried shrimp, and grilled cheese sandwiches, but that’s not why people flock here.) Up the nostalgia factor and get a thick and creamy milkshake. You can get your dogs every day from lunch till the wee hours.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (312) 326-5040

Address: 2172 S. Archer Ave.

Description: If you’re looking for authentic Chinese food, look for the name most mentioned around Chicago: Tony Hu. He also owns nearby Lao Beijing, Lao Shanghai, and Lao You Ju, which are also in Chinatown. And while the typical dishes get plenty of nods at Lao Sze Chuan, it’s the fiery dishes of this Szechuan restaurant that draw the biggest crowds. Popular picks include spicy ma po tofu, salt and pepper prawns, and double-cooked pork. Those with less heat-seeking palates will also find plenty of options on this huge menu, from won ton soup and crab Rangoon to the signature hot pot that’s sort of like a Chinese-style fondue. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 2131 S. Archer Ave.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 5041 N. Broadway

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 5347 N. Clark St.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (773) 782-1800

Address: 2416 W. Schubert Ave.

Description: Rather than serve barbecue from only one region, the owners of this Logan Square hideaway did their homework and gathered up all the favorites, including baby back ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all under one roof and all made from scratch. Sauce lovers appreciate the five options available, and making everyone happy are the top-notch ingredients that go into side dishes such as collard greens, bacon-studded baked beans, and green onion–cheddar cornbread. A popular spot for cops, Fat Willy’s is nothing fancy, but frankly we’re suspicious of a barbecue joint that is. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 111 N. Wabash Ave.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (773) 772-5500

Address: 1856 W. North Ave.

Description: Don’t let chef Charlie McKenna’s fine dining restaurant-filled résumé deter you—this guy knows his barbecue. Need convincing? His numerous wins on the tough barbecue circuit over the years should do the trick. Or, better yet, test it out for yourself at this Bucktown restaurant where you’ll find his signature 15-ingredient “Carolina Dirt” rub (wonderful on his slow-cooked pork shoulder), baby back ribs, baked beans with house-smoked bacon, and plenty of other finger-lickin’-good treats. In between sips of craft beer, take time to admire the meat-hook light fixtures, reclaimed farmhouse wood tabletops, and rustic-chic silver chairs. Open every day for lunch, dinner, and drinks.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (312) 939-2855

Address: 1141 South Jefferson St.

Description: Since 1946 some member of the Raskin family has been running the show at this South Side institution (the signage and interior look just as old), a home-style cafeteria that attracts patrons from all walks of life, including President Obama. Grab a tray and line up with the rest of them as you eye the options behind the long glass counter and choose from signature stuff like towering corned beef sandwiches, meat loaf like mama used to make, and matzo ball soup that would make grandma jealous. Early risers will appreciate the 6 a.m. opening and the fluffy three-egg omelets and thick challah French toast. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 3800 N. Pulaski Rd.

City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Address: 1840 W. North Ave.