A Loop location for breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1967, Old Timers is often the only place still serving drinks when almost everywhere else downtown is shuttered for the evening. Not pretending to be anything it's not, the restaurant/bar is exactly what you'd expect it would be: a Greek-style chow joint replete with '70s wood paneling, periwinkle padded booths, a chatty wait staff and the warble of regulars at the bar.

Basically, if you've ever had it at any place that starts with "Grandma's," "Uncle's" or any sort of Greek character (Omega, Alpha, etc.) you can find it here, and at extremely reasonable prices for the location. Go cheap with $6-$8 patty and tuna melts, burgers, club sandwiches and everyone's favorite diner hot dog treatment: the Francheezie, a dog filled with cheese and wrapped with bacon. Entrees include such senior selections as baby beef liver, served with onions and bacon, and steak, pasta, salads and Greek classics, all priced less than $15. Breakfast is available as well.

A wrap-around bar, a few tables and booths, a couple TVs and a view of bustling Lake Street comprise the bar side. Beers come cheap, and rotating special include $2 Bud pints on Wednesday and pitchers of PBR or Bud Light on Thursdays for $6. While it may seem a bit rough from the outside, it's worth a trip inside for a quick one.

The restaurant side closes down at around 8 p.m. and owner Bill claims that the bar shuts down at 10 p.m., but seems to extend its hours if there are people still willing to fork out cash for bottles of beer.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Karl Klockars