Arlington Steak House

I've been going to Arlington Steak House with my family since I was in elementary school. This restaurant has seen me grow up, and now I get to go with my husband in tow. The menu hasn't changed much in two decades, and I'm glad for it! What they do, they do really well. This restaurant has the best homemade salad dressing anywhere. The rolls are delicious. The chicken fried steak is a specialty, and the gravy (which comes in a separate bowl, 1 per diner) is also homemade and oh so good. The prices have also stayed low over the last couple of decades. I've always had good service, with the wait staff being friendly and attentive without crossing the line to overbearing.Arlington Steak House is definitely a family favorite. Great place to take kids, grandparents, anyone who wants a good, home cooked meal.

Manny's Uptown Tex Mex

Hands-down, my favorite Tex-Mex spot in the area. Prices are pretty reasonable, especially on the lunch menu. On my last visit, I opted for a taco salad - the lowest priced version - and was amazed at the pile of fresh greens and tex-mex salad goodies that were presented. The queso at Manny's is so good, you'll want a bowl to yourself (if you're a queso-hog like me, anyway). Service is attentive and I love the ambiance - being in an old, rambling farmhouse adds to its charm. Highly recommended!

Porta Di Roma

Good food, and very reasonable prices. I walk by this place often and it's usually busy. The couple of times I've gone in to eat, I've had a good experience. Standard Italian fare. The rolls especially are a standout. You'll probably need a doggy bag, as the portions here are generous as well.

Pepe's & Mito's Mexican Cafe

Be ready to wait...either on your food, or a drink refill, or the check. They're always busy for lunch, and the wait can be a little rough.

The food is pretty good. A former coworker of mine swears by it, though I've had better. Overall, it's a good lunch spot, as long as you're prepared to wait.

La Casita

I've enjoyed several visits to La Casita - and had one crashing disappointment. The disappointment occurred when I brought out of town guests to dine at La Casita during their posted operating hours. The door was locked tight and no one was there. Even worse, we'd taken the bus, and we were all starving. So we settled for Thai food that night, but I know we would've been much more fulfilled with the delicious cooking at La Casita. When it's open, La Casita is one-woman show - she cooks, she waits tables, she buses tables. She chats you up and makes recommendations. She claims that her family members sometimes come by to help, but I haven't seen anyone but her on my visits there. If you can catch this place open, don't look any further for delicious, home-cooked Mexican food. It'll fill your tummy and clog your arteries, but you'll die happy! And you'll feel like a part of the family before you've finished dinner.

All Good Cafe

I enjoy the laid back vibe of Allgood cafe. I really like that they get their veggies from the local farmer's market. I've yet to have a bad meal at Allgood. My only complaint is that they don't have a fountain for soft drinks, so they're served in cans, and you're charged by the can. Not good for someone who likes to drink lots of diet coke with her meal! Other than that, though - I would highly recommend a trip to Allgood. Time it to coincide with their entertainment schedule, and you'll get to catch some good music as well.

Oak Lawn Deli

I doubt anyone who doesn't work in Oak Lawn Plaza would ever be eating here...it's tucked into a corner of the first floor of what's more popularly known as the "Observer" building.

A change in management has brought about better marketing efforts, higher quality of food, and much better customer service. Prices are still very reasonable and the menu has good variety. This is a great place to get a quick, cheap lunch in between meetings.

Dr. Keith W. Brewster, DDS

I decided to go see Dr. Brewster because my husband has been seeing him for a while, and he's right across the street from our apartment building. I'm definitely glad I did. The office is well-appointed. I only had enough wait time to fill out the form I was given. Then I was whisked back and had a great teeth cleaning with the hygienist, who was friendly and personable. Dr. Brewster's admonishments (floss more!) were even delivered in a kind and reasonable voice. Overall, I was very pleased with my dental experience!

Ravenna Urban Italian Restaurant

Cafe Ravenna has been in downtown for years, and they recently invested some serious cash into a remodel. The new interior looks great - they went from stuck in the 70s to modern chic! The service and atmosphere have kept pace with the new digs as well. The food was serviceable, to me. But the bar is frequently busy and it looks to be a good place to hang out and watch the game.

Empire

I ate at Empire Diner on my first full day in NYC, and few meals came close to it the rest of the trip. The fries were absolutely delicious - they're shaved fries, almost like chips, but cooked to a perfect consistency (soft and chewy). I had the Mediterranean lamb burger, and I ate every bit of it. So yummy!Service was fine - no complaints. The hot chocolate we ordered on the way out was the best we had that week - rich flavor and hot enough to warm my hands as we walked.