A planet made of tasty chicken. Sound too good to be true? Well, what about a no-frills lunch spot that does chicken (and only chicken) and does it well? That's Chicken Planet, a Loop restaurant that offers a number of inexpensive options for gobbling up everyone's favorite poultry. Pick a chicken, any chicken, in sizes that range from a whole to a quarter of a bird, and pair it with a side like homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, potato salad, corn on the cob or rice. Salsa or BBQ sauce and a warm piece of pita bread accompany most orders.

The chicken here comes roasted to perfection with minimal seasonings: just a bit of salt, pepper and garlic. If you're so inclined, you can watch the whole process—from the cleaver wielding chicken chopper to the roasting spit—because the magic is happening right in front of you. Minimal seating at the Planet means it's best to take your food back to the office or pack a picnic to go. Don't be scared off by the line snaking out the door during lunchtime; it moves quickly and that savory, tender meat is worth the wait, especially considering the prices. An average lunch here will set you back $6 or less.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Beth Dugan