"Navy Pier" – it's a phrase that strikes fear and despair into the hearts of several native Chicagoans, a place considered as vile as the sixth level of hell. But just before you reach that awful, awful tourist trap, there is an obscure oasis of breakfast and beer, every bit as family-friendly as the pier, yet less hectic and much cheaper than any edible item would cost you two blocks east.

Flamingo Bar & Grill is a bit of an awkward place: half a greasy-spoon diner, with a large-open room with tables and a cook frying eggs; half a bar, with a big-screen for your sports-viewing needs. Served until 10:30 a.m., the breakfast menu may be small, but it does the trick – two large fried eggs for $4.45 will help you stomach the Navy Pier crowds, and feel free to add hash browns, sausage and toast. Once lunchtime rolls around, the menu opens up – cheeseburgers, grilled ham & cheese, rotisserie chicken – all with just enough (but not too much) of greasiness you've come to secretly adore. But the real treat is that specials of the day are served with your choice of a free 20-ounce soft drink or (gasp!) a 12-ounce beer.

The beer itself is pretty standard – Miller, Bud, Corona, etc.; but whether it's complimentary with your meal or if you're just drinking (still under $5 a drink), the price is such a deal compared to its neighbors that Miller Lite actually tastes up to its "World Beer Cup"-winning status. It's worth traveling ever-so-close to the eye of Sauron – er, to Navy Pier to enjoy on a daily basis.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Andy Seifert