On Philly's Best's takeout menu, the owner proudly asserts that he is a graduate of the Johnson and Wales School of Culinary Arts and uses his training "not in fast food, but in great food fast." As hokey as that sounds (and as hard as it is to believe that a culinary school-educated chef opened a cheesesteak joint), Philly's Best really does offer fast food at unrivaled quality.

If you couldn't tell from the name, Philly's Best specializes in all things Philadelphia. The original Philly cheesesteak ($6.50) has rightfully won numerous awards for being the best in Chicago, with thinly sliced beef, white American cheese and grilled onions draped on a perfectly grilled bun. The East Coast theme resonates throughout the entire menu, as Snyder's pretzels and Tastykakes (both Pennsylvania natives) make appearances alongside soda, not pop.

Philly's Best has an expansive delivery area, stretching from Wilmette to just north of the Loop. It also offers online ordering (just go to the website and click away), which is an easier and faster alternative to being put on hold or trying to articulate your order. Delivery becomes even more appealing during late-night hours if you want to avoid the drunk hordes of Northwestern students piling in post-bar.

Centerstage Reviewer: Laura Brown