Sometimes a fresh take on old traditions is better than the original. Take, for example, Sloppy Jo's Lunchroom, a grown-up spin on your elementary school days. This campy Highland Park eatery tries its best to flush away your haunting memories of the scary lunch lady scooping indelible glop on your tray by sending out perfectly sweet PB & J sandwiches and earth-friendly sporks from the kitchen.

The corner spot feels just as cramped as your junior high cafeteria: Three tiny tables nearly sit on top of one another with easy views of the kitchen. White walls with bright orange trim feature larger-than-life images of a sloppy jo, hot dog, tater tots and the restaurant logo: a baby’s head with one bright orange lock of hair and a sauce-stained face. Grab an Etch-A-Sketch by the door while you wait for your order or snag one of three stools at the window to people-watch.

The menu stays true to the lunchroom theme, with the handful of options including the namesake dish (which comes cheesy or regular), hot dogs (cheesy, sloppy or regular), corn dogs, tuna salad sandwiches and Fluffernutter sandwiches (peanut butter and marshmallow Fluff). Order with a side of chips or tater tots for the authentic experience. Costs are equally retro: The most expensive item costs $4, so you'll have plenty of leftover lunch money to finish your meal with an ice cream (served in the summer) or a cup of soup (for winter months).

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Eve Ardell