Beef 'n Brandy is so many wonderfully kitschy things at once: a local diner, an after-work watering hole and—oddly enough, on Fridays—an after-hours karaoke club. And it's much bigger than it looks from outside: The restaurant, which has been open for more than 35 years, is three levels high. Although the middle section tends to be the busiest, the full menu is also served downstairs.

The dinner fare may not be five-star, but it's plentiful: The menu features entrees ranging from stir-fry to seafood to a particularly tasty mostaccioli in vodka sauce. For those just hungry enough for a snack, Beef 'n Brandy's appetizers—almost all of which are fried—are served in decent portions. Daily lunch specials run for under $6 and dinner specials, served from 5 to 8 p.m., are less than $8 and come with extras like mashed potatoes and soup.

Beef 'n Brandy's breakfast fare is one of its biggest selling points. Belgian waffles come plain or with fruit toppings and ice cream, and the eatery also serves heartier fare like ribeye steak and eggs—but lunch is nothing to laugh at. The place is usually packed come noon. And with good reason: Where else can you get a chicken fajita omelet and a stiff martini?

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton