From the blackened deep fryer to the low lighting, 45-year-old Chickie's has more grunge than Seattle in the early '90s, and if it weren't a bunch of stainless steel tables and cooking equipment, it could double as a small town mechanic's garage. Of course, a little honest dirt never hurts. On the surface, Chickie's sandwiches, served on traditional Gonella rolls and stuffed with Scalas beef, looks like your standard variety sub. One bite though, yields a juicy delight of toothsome meat, and ordered with hot peppers, packs a smattering of fruity and spicy jalapeno, cabbage and celery. While beefs like Al's shine because of its standout seasoning, Chickies' shines because of its impeccably balanced ingredients.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant