First-time diners at Bandera are best off leaving a little extra time to locate the restaurant's home. The second-floor spot requires you to enter through the doors under the Adrianna Furs sign on Michigan Avenue and then ride up the chandelier-lit escalator before landing at its doorstep. If the smell of chicken roasting on the spit isn't enough of a clue from there, you'll find the restaurant clearly marked to your left.

Once you've reached your destination, the hard part is over. Sit back and relax with a drink at the large, 365-degree bar or have a meal in one of the booths. If you're lucky enough to score a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entire front of the restaurant, views of Michigan Avenue will keep your eyes busy while you chew.

The menu is carnivore heaven, and includes American comfort food like barbecue beef back ribs served with hand-cut fries and cole slaw, rotisserie leg of lamb, aged prime rib and side orders of cornbread. If you're feeling like a sandwich, choose from the likes of prime rib French dip au jus or the blackened fresh fish sandwich. There's slim pickins for those who prefer their meal meatless; a veggie burger and a Caesar salad are about the only options. Whatever you choose, don't expect a modest bill. Entrees cost around $10-$28.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Albrey Nuss