If you don't get it from the name, it'll hit you when you walk in: The Soupbox is all about, you guessed it, the soup. Twelve cauldrons sit atop the front counter, bubbling over with the day's top choices. The selections vary, but longtime favorites include the lobster bisque and the chicken with wild rice. Take your pick (sampling is encouraged) and order yours regular, large or in a bread bowl, which borders on enormous. Though prices vary depending on the soup, it usually falls within the $4.50-$6 range. Each is made daily from scratch and served with one big hunk of Italian bread. Twelve salad options toss a little green into your meal.

Sister to the successful Lakeview location, this Soupbox sits just off the Magnificent Mile, where it draws in a steady crowd of shoppers, families and downtown workers all craving a fast food meal, minus the guilt and grease. Lots of people take their soup to go, but plenty chow down in the mid-size, no-frills shop over trays and paper cups of soup. Beware: This place strictly abides a cash-only policy, so bring those cold, hard dollars. Otherwise it's no soup for you!

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Ashley Hamilton