For the ladies (and gentlemen) who lunch, consider the Atwood Cafe. This may be the best choice in the Loop for a business lunch that doesn’t feel like a business lunch. The high ceilings and ornate decorations of the Burnham Hotel give the cafe an elegant yet intimate feel that makes your lunch hour feel like a leisurely treat. Even the service is pleasant and attentive, instead of the hurried, impersonal wait staff that you may experience at nearby locales. And if you’ve got no late meetings, indulge in a glass of port: Your boss may never know, other than the smile on your face. The food is fresh, and prepared with an eye to detail, from the salads embellished with candied nuts or fruity dressings, to classic sandwiches, to fresh fish and comfort food entrees. The Atwood also features a dinner menu, and with entrees hovering around $20, it's a good choice for a pre-show meal. But to truly enjoy the light streaming through the windows and the afternoon shoppers hustling by, lunch is the order of the day.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Claire Zulkey