It's nearly impossible to get two Chicagoans to agree on their favorite hot dog stand, so we won't say that Ferro's is the best. But how about this: the legitimate greasy spoon at the corner of 31st and Wentworth Streets makes a very good hot dog. Its thin links are perfectly cooked and snap in your mouth, and come slathered with onions, relish, mustard and sport peppers inside a steamed poppy seed bun. The ample seating and counter space allow you to sit back, look out the giant windows at the traffic flying by on the newly finished Dan Ryan, and eat in peace.

What Ferro's makes better than few others in the city is Italian ice. During the summer months, locals, Bridgeport expatriates, Sox fans and others just looking to beat the heat flock in waves to Ferro's for lemon, watermelon and strawberry frozen treats. Teeming with flavor, the ices come in two sizes. The small ice would qualify as a super-size in any other neighborhood, while a family of four could easily be sated by the large.

Centerstage Reviewer: Chuck Sudo