Old school diners are hard to come by in Chicago (err…don't quote us on that), which is why it was so depressing when, a couple of years back, the original Man-Jo-Vin was torn down. See, Man-Jo-Vin was a Roscoe Village staple going back to 1953 when it was built by three brothers named Manny, Joe and Vince Nuccio (hence: Man, Jo, Vin). Originally a hot dog stand where food was sold through a window and over a counter, it eventually grew into something far more substantial and far more successful.

Fast-forward a few years, past its unfortunate destruction, and it magically reconstituted itself into what it is today. Brand new in the most shiny, spotless and pristine sense of the word, MJV's current incarnation looks less like an old school diner (or a new school one, for that matter) and more like summertime grill where you order to go. That probably has something to do with the very limited available seating. Thankfully, the food has not changed one iota, particularly when it comes to style and substance. The mid-sized menu includes all manner of Chicago hot dogs, cheeseburgers, hamburgers, shakes, malts and sundaes, none of which will run you higher than $9 – and typically much less.

For fairly quick, fairly cheap diner food that tastes way better than it looks, try Man-Jo-Vin's and pretend, all the while, that you know all about the immense history of the place. Maybe it'll make you feel better as a result.

Centerstage Reviewer: Benjamin Andrew Moore