Reader’s Choice

Moon’s Sandwich Shop

Moon’s grill men have skills: silky eggs envelop cheese, bacon is perfectly crisp, juicy sausages burst with flavor. Add to any of these the best grits in Chicago, pancakes dotted with pats of butter, and endless coffee and you’ve got yourself a feast. At lunch salami or burgers get loaded onto warm buns with sweet grilled onions. Daily specials shine, particularly a dense meat loaf studded with green pepper and succulent, tender short ribs served with (slightly too smooth but tasty) mashed potatoes and gravy. But the real star of the show is the corned beef, whether in a hot, steaming sandwich sliced on the spot, piled high on platters as a breakfast side, or served as a small mountain with mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy. Moon’s, in operation since 1933, is easy to miss, its tumbledown facade hard by a pawnshop and a vacant lot. But it’s an urban gem, the heart-, soul-, and belly-filling anchor of a rapidly changing neighborhood. All-counter seating encourages conversation, as does the staff’s spirited intramural banter. Moon’s is only open for breakfast and lunch.  16 S. Western, 312-226-5094, moons.homestead.com. —Gary Wiviott

Readers’ Choice

Chicago Diner

3411 N. Halsted, 773-935-6696, veggiediner.com.

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