If you're looking for a great burger in a non "pub & grub" setting, then head to this neighborhood favorite, tucked into Lincoln Square just south of Montrose Avenue. Jury's has placed high on a number of "best burger" contests since its founding in 1979, and the tradition continues. Besides having great burgers, Jury's offers nightly specials; Monday's "buy one/get one free" deal has created a loyal following.

Jury's bar-like exterior belies its slightly elegant dining room, which houses a beautifully carved wooden bar, genteel white-linen tablecloths a varied menu with sandwiches in the $7.50 range, steaks, seafood and pastas. In warm-weather months, alfresco dining seekers have the option of either relaxing out front or on the eatery's leafy-green back patio. The newly redone menu doesn't feature any "three buck nonsense" when it comes to wine: A 2002 Echelon Pinot Noir at $26 a bottle is representative of the reasonably priced, well chosen selections. Its lone downfall is that service can sometimes be spotty and unorganized; I witnessed a few lilies bloom and wither on the patio before my drink order arrived.

Centerstage Reviewer: Dennis Mahoney