Odge's is cooking up quite the red hot. Located on the corner of Damen and Superior for the past three-plus decades, this hot dog haven has some serious Chicago roots, not to mention lots of charm. Odge's has character in every way possible, and you'll first notice it when you see the outside of the restaurant. It's painted bright orange and red and includes some terrific drawings of the food it offers – a giant hot dog, a hamburger, a basket of fries and a fish sandwich.

And if the flashy building and smell of fried, greasy goodness isn't enough to catch your attention and carry you through the door, once you're in, the friendly staff and kitschy decor will have you feeling right at home. A playful mix of 1950s memorabilia fills the orange and green-paneled walls and floors of Odge's, including framed black-and-white photographs of stars like Elvis and Lucille Ball as well as photos of old Chicago street scenes, vintage Pepsi and Coca-Cola signage, an old gas pump and even a vintage phone booth.

The decorations aren't what draw the crowd, however – they're just an added bonus. Odge's menu is plain, simple and straight to the point. Find the original "old fashioned red hots," chili dogs, Polish dogs (fried, not grilled) and double dogs. All are served with fries and will be in your hand for less than $4.

If you're not here for a dog, try the homemade half-pound burger made fresh each morning by Odge himself. He adds in his secret ingredients and serves it on a gourmet bun with fries for $5.95. The restaurant also serves cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, steak tacos, Italian sausage and sides like onion rings, hot tamales and homemade chili.

Selling about 200 hot dogs a day, however, you know what the popular item is. The secret to Odge's dog? They wrap them up directly with the fries, allowing the hot dog to soak up the flavor of the fries, and vice versa.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Katie Piepel