"Red Hot Ranch is one of the best places for a cheap lunch or your last stop after a night out. The counter-service Bucktown location is small and has a couple of picnic tables underneath some train tracks that feel very “Chicago”—assuming your baseline definition is “constantly being serenaded by the Blue Line.” Their burger is smashed thin with crispy edges, and is one of the best in its price range (a double cheeseburger and fries is less than $8). The menu also includes a Depression Dog, as well as milkshakes and fried shrimp by the pound. Just know, it's cash only." - john ringor, adrian kane, nick allen