Eat Freshii

Lean green cuisine Lunch is a conundrum. You want something warm. You want something good. But you had a cheeseburger last night and you’re meeting up for Mexican later… You could get a salad… but not getting a salad sounds better… Freshii to the rescue. Tucked away in a sub-basement of Water Tower Place, down by where the taxi stand used to be, Freshii serves up wholesome food that's heavy on the green stuff from the garden and light on the green stuff from your wallet. The options - - burritos, wraps, bowls, salads, and soups - - are offered along a spectrum of healthiness from buffalo chicken to seven vegetable soup. The only downside is the lack of seating in the winter and an arcane ordering process that involves those stubby little pencils you find at bowling alleys and mini-golf. The friendly staff will walk you through it, though. There are two other Freshii locations in the Loop, and with big plans to expand, Freshii will soon be coming to a citii near you.

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Restaurants • Gold Coast / Mag Mile

Mexi-Fancy

The name, like the food, is a delicious mouthful. The most upscale of Rick Bayless's empire, Topolobampo is an innovative revamp and dare I say upgrade of Mexican fare. The decor is trendy and funky, colorful with lots of elaborate Spanish kitschy touches, Mexican fine art, and Dia de los Muertos figurines. It is cozy and small, tables are scarce. The appetizers are amazing, particularly the guacamole garnished with cucumbers, a refreshing and healthy alternative to chips. Their chicken tortilla soup is out of this world. Specialty cocktails, especially their Mojitos, are top notch. However, don't get too attached to any one thing on the menu, the whimsical dishes change seasonally. Spontaneous reservations are out of the question, call weeks in advance. Yes, it is pricey and upscale so expect small, expensive, complicated dishes. If you prefer Bayless's simpler, cheaper, and more casual take on Mexican food, try Frontera Grill, or his newest creation, Xoco, featuring Mexican street food and snacks. All three hotspots are located conveniently next door to each other.

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Restaurants • Near North / River North

Kids 'N Food

Two words come to mind when describing John’s Place: kids and food. This cozy two room restaurant tends to feel like Lincoln Park’s resident day care, particularly on weekends when it is dominated by swarms of moms and unruly kids running wild. As for the food part, it is healthy and simple comfort fare. The salads are delicious and cater to a wide range of palates: the signature and eclectic John's Salad with smoky bacon, pungent goat cheese, and sweet dried cherries, its spicier counterpart the Southwestern Salad (the Chipotle Ranch is amazing), and the zesty Rose's Curry Chicken Salad with apples and pita. Two other notable and heartier mentions are the Los Alamos Chili and sweet potato fries. Despite its reputation for kid friendliness, John's also services grown-ups with an extensive wine collection and nightly drink specials. On Tuesdays they have half-price bottles of wine, Wednesdays $4 House Margaritas, and Thursdays $4 glasses of wine. Closed Mondays. Word to the wise, save a little room to venture next door to Sweet Mandy B’s for dessert.

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Restaurants • DePaul / Wrightwood / Sheffield

Drunkalicious

The La Pasadita trio is somewhat of an ambiguous Mexican Bermuda Triangle on Ashland. There are three locations right next to each other. In feeble attempts to sort out their various (and supposedly distinct) purposes: Uno- a sit down restaurant. Dos: next door, small taco shack with vegetarian and chicken options. Tres: across the street, a taqueria with a limited menu that services late night drunk munchies. Carne asada tacos and huge amazing steak burritos are main attractions here. The La Pasadita steak burrito with sour cream and cheese is hands down the best I have had in Chicago. For authentic Mexican flavor their horchata and spicy salsa verde are regional favorites. As can be expected from a hole in the wall that is open until 3 am, burritos tend to be on the greasy side, service is lackluster, and the ambience is far from charming (read: seedy). Taking this delicious Mexican fare to go is probably your best bet (or come in too drunk to care). In the end, La Pasadita food passes the sobriety test: it is delicious drunk or sober!

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Restaurants • Noble Square / Goose Island

Miracles Do Happen

Hidden in the Heart of the City Sayat Nova's location is an anomaly. The owners must have missed the memo that says that tasty, authentic, and affordable ethnic restaurants aren't allowed within 100 yards of the chain-restaurant-blighted Magnificent Mile. Thanks to them, you'll never have another reason to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. Sayat Nova, on Ohio and, unbelievably, steps from Michigan Avenue, delivers reliable, hearty fare at a reasonable price. It's the kind of local mainstay that you'd more likely find in Lincoln Square or Roscoe Village. The interior looks like a discarded set piece from Star Wars, but in a good way, with cozy booths and eccentric lighting. The food is Armenian, of the hummus/kebab variety, and is like eating someone else's mother's home cooking. Try the Kufta, Armenian meatballs in a light yogurt sauce. The kebabs won't lead you astray, either. After your meal, once you've rolled back under the bright lights of Michigan Avenue, you'll be sure to find a way to spend all the money you just saved on dinner.

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Restaurants • Streeterville / Mag Mile