Though the valuable confines of most Loop real estate parcels have given way to shiny office buildings and high-end restaurants, a few hardcore old school stalwarts remain. G and G is the Edward Hopper-esque ideal of the ubiquitous diner, where traders, artists, and general workaday stiffs belly up shoulder-to-shoulder for fuel in the city of big shoulders.

G and G is a spot where grill men work the flattop like Ahab manning the Pequod, churning out steaming piles of hash browns and endless variations on egg-filled dishes. Fluffy arterial clogging omelets, rashers of bacon and spicy piles of chorizo fuel the workday masses here.

Of course, if you want to keep it savory and old school, there's no shortage of snappy full-casing hot dogs studded with sport peppers and the usual salad dog accoutrement. Likewise, caramelized beef burgers and greasy gyros also fit the bill. Tastewise, you might do better, but you won’t find a place more honest.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant