Although it's relocated to brand-spanking-new digs, Jim's stands as one of the last remnants of the market-barker-and-blues era of Maxwell Street. There's no more interesting spot to score a late-night hangover helper after you take in the last notes of blown-out bop at the Green Mill or Velvet Lounge. Even hardcore vegetarians might be tempted with a late-night hankering for a dog after experiencing the heavenly smells that waft over the Dan Ryan.

Sure, it might make for a long cab ride, depending on where you started your night, but where else can you score meaty, bone-in pork chop sandwiches and beefy, garlicky Polishes overflowing with a tangle of glistening, caramelized onions and pickled jalapenos?

You can snag some choice conversation or a great story to go along with your nosh, as you'll be elbow-to-elbow with a cross-section of Chi-humanity, including three piece-suited Loop types, native South Siders and the UIC crowd.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant