Walking down the stairs of the 223 W. Jackson building into the muted, low-lit Chicago Sports Bar & Grill is a welcome reprieve from the smog and bustle of downtown. Drawing in a business lunch crowd during the day and a post-work cocktail coterie after five, Sports is a decidedly professional gathering place, although its warm, laid-back atmosphere offers a pleasant change from the cookie-cutter downtown sandwich shops where seating is near-impossible to find at peak hours. The space is large, if not sprawling, with two huge rooms replete with plenty of tables and stools, as well as cozy spots in the nook of the bar, where your favorite beer is sure to be on tap.

The appeal of Chicago Sports Bar and Grill extends even beyond its neighborhood vibe and drink specials, which vary daily. This Loop landmark has a reputation for serving up the best, and cheapest, burgers in the city—like the massive half-pound ground beef-loaded Texas burger or bacon cheeseburger, $6.50 each. Chicken and club sandwiches, as well as a famous reuben, round out the menu; and a tofu burger served with cottage cheese caters to the veggie friendly. And Sports is even kid-friendly, with a special section on the menu for half-pint diners. After a tasty, hearty meal, patrons can hit up the Golden Tee machine or play a game of darts before heading back to the office, shopping, or whatever has drawn them downtown.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: August Evans