Cubs fans would do well to stay with the Friendly Confines: Though you'd expect this Green Bay import to do it up Cheesehead-style, Kroll's South Loop rallies South Side support with, you guessed it, loads of White Sox memorabilia.

Comprised of both a large dining room and sports lounge, the atmosphere seems more '50s smoking room than athletic paradise. It's not too hard to imagine Cary Grant sauntering up to the hot blonde on the couch with his cigar smoke trailing behind him...that is, if smoking was still allowed indoors and plasma screen TVs were Grant's choice form of entertainment (there are more than 20).

The family-run grill (which opened its doors in 1931 and started serving its classic buttered burger five years later) features casual American fare in a group-friendly setting. With a menu that just keeps on going, take your choice of more than 35 burgers, sandwiches and wraps, along with everything from dumpling soup to pizzas to chicken dinners (a hot favorite at $12.75 with two sides). Keeping the cater-to-every-taste vibe intact, bar-goers get to pick from more than 15 types of munchies, and children can pour over their own menu.

Expect large portions when ordering; each hefty, meaty "dinner" comes with a roll and two sides (pick from 12, including applesauce and whipped potatoes). If your stomach isn't about to burst, trade that Diet Coke for whatever the nightly drink special is (we like Monday's $2 boutique beers). Reservations, although appreciated, are not necessary, even with large parties.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Steph Yiu