When nostalgia or a gyro craving kicks in, head to CND Gyros in Streeterville. The dive doesn't appear to have been updated since 1975 – from the menu of deep-fried food all priced under $8 to the collection of dusty clown paintings and random memorabilia to the old fashioned cash register, it all points to those golden years when Mayor Richard J. Daley held office.

Chances are you don't miss J. Daley, but perhaps you long for the days when trans fat, high fructose corn syrup and Tab still reigned supreme. If so, it's time you made a date at CND, where complimentary bowls of popcorn and sample trays of cheddar cheese cubes and cocktail wienies are an everyday occurrence. The menu – featuring such fare as hot dogs and beans, chili mac and a patty melt – is guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat.

Just don't expect your love for CND to be requited. The staff here is of the wisecracking variety (another holdover from J. Daley era Chicago). The best you can hope for is to earn their respect by being prepared to pay your tab in cash (all you'll need is a 10-spot for food, a 20 if you're drinking) and never, ever complaining about grease.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Amanda Nyren