The biggest difference between Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen's perfectly acceptable Regular Falafel ($3.95) and the "house special" Classic Falafel ($4.95) is the addition of stuff. So with the tomato salad and tahini, you also get roasted vegetables like eggplant and cauliflower, along with a nice smear of hummus. More

A relative newcomer to the barbecue trail, Chicago's Smoque has quickly made a name for itself with meticulously studied barbecue staples. Believe the hype: The Irving Park smoke joint's beef brisket sandwich ($7.45), a standout in what is historically a pork rib town, is perfectly executed. More

There's not a whole lot to say about the actual pizza at Noli's New York Style Pizza. If you're craving that magical orange grease and are on the lookout for a mediocre New York slice, Noli's will fill your need. If you're craving a great example of New York –style pizza, fuhgeddaboudit. More

This is not a pizza that's going to blow your mind, but if you're in the neighborhood, it's one that will bring you some Chicago thin crust pizza joy. More

[Photographs: Nick Kindelsperger] Lawrence Fish Market 3914 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago IL 60625 (map); 773-267-6838 The Short Order: Freshly made takeout sushi. Want Fries with That? Keep away from anything fried here. Want Ketchup? Just a few packets of... More

Daniel Zemans, our man in Chicago, checks in with another piece of intel on the Windy City pizza scene. Daniel also blogs about Chicagoland pizza with his friends on the Chicago Pizza Club blog. --The Mgmt. It is always surprising... More