Cheesie's Pub & Grub in Lakeview just recently doubled in size and includes a full bar and a menu of grilled cheeses, pizzas, and other bar food. I ordered The Popper ($6.95), which features sturdy sourdough with a perfect bronzing on top. More

Uncommon Ground's relative location to Wrigley Field and inspiring green mission make for fine excuses to stop by the Lakeview shop. I certainly couldn't blame you for choosing to stop by because of either. But you really don't need an ulterior motive to visit this cozy cafe. Just make sure to arrive hungry. More

Whenever I'm feeling down about life or the prospects of the Cubs, I visit Murphy's Red Hots. I mean, just look at the place. Isn't your heart swelling with patriotic pride at this very moment? More

Vegetarian sushi doesn't begin and end with the cucumber roll. Take the menu at New Tokyo, where there are no less than nine varieties of meatless, seafood-free sushi rolls. Not only is New Tokyo more accommodating toward vegetarian diners than most sushi joints I've been to in Chicago, the humble little Lakeview BYOB eschews the overblown theatrics common to more upscale Japanese restaurants. More

I've been rooting for the Bánh Mì & Co. in East Lakeview since I wandered in one night shortly after its December opening and the owners made an entire sandwich just so my companion and I could try a sample before ordering. The freshly warmed baguette alone would have convinced us to try their bánh mì. More

Nhu Lan Bakery's new Lakeview outpost Nhu Lan's Saigon Subs offers the same spot-on bánh mì. More

Just in time for the opening day of baseball season, Rockit Burger Bar, which is located directly across the street from Wrigley Field, is set to open to the masses today. We had a look around yesterday to see what you'll be able to find at this revamped restaurant. More

I would happily eat any sandwich on the menu at Chicago Bagel Authority. With almost 100 different variations offered, that may seem like a reckless claim, but there's just something about a steamed bagel sandwich that I will say yes to every time. I don't know if its the ubiquitous gooey cheese or the way the bagel becomes a fluffy, squishy, bao-like encasement for the filling, it just seems like the sandwich equivalent of a warm hug. More

Byron's is famous for topping its dogs with a literal salad. Along with the traditional seven toppings (mustard, onion, relish, dill pickle, tomato slices, sport peppers, and celery salt) that you'll find on a classic Chicago dog, lettuce, green pepper, and cucumber are also added. So, if you already thought that the Chicago dog was a tad too unwieldy, look away now. More

Without some help, brie is too mild to be the centerpiece of a delicious sandwich. But as the grilled brie at Southport Grocery shows, when joined by sauteed mushrooms and served on outstanding focaccia, the creamy delight can be a critical component of something pretty special. More