Peck your way a few blocks east of the Irving Park Blue Line and uncover an egg-citing chicken hut dubbed Chicken Works & Salad Company. In an area yawning with fast-food franchises and void of chicken stands, this privately owned sure-to-become-a-franchise standby works for Avondale residents and the area's retail employees hoping for a healthy lunch.

Strut inside from the Irving Park entrance, or the Elston side, and notice a habitat semi-swagger jacking that of Chipotle's, with the stainless steel everything, framed portraits of farm life and fresh ingredients cased beneath a sneeze guard. Staff sport yolk-yellow shirts that match their sunny personalities. Here, almost every customer receives a personal greeting from owners Voytech Czerwosz and Corneliu Covaliu who ensure they enjoy their meals.

Chicken, marinated overnight, slowly cooks over an open flame making for a juicy, not greasy, delicate bird that practically slides off the bone. It's sold in quarters, halves and whole served with warm pita and a choice of two sides ranging from dirty rice and pasta salad to baked beans and mashed potatoes. The company also provides a salad bar with shrimp, crab and several lettuce options for anyone wishing to leave with the same pant size they came in with.

Chicken Works also features sandwiches like the chicken pita sandwich and the Chicken Works wrap, $4.65-$5.35.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez