Heaven on Seven is loud and crowded, and serves a mean bowl of gumbo. This is truly a Chicago insider's spot. Hidden on the seventh floor of an office building opposite Marshall Field's, this isn't the kind of place you stumble on by accident, but you'll find it by following the office workers who line up for lunch during the week. Chef/owner Jimmy Bannos's Cajun and Creole specialties come with a cup of soup, and include such Louisiana staples as red beans and rice, a catfish po' boy sandwich, and jambalaya. If you don't have a taste for Tabasco, the enormous coffee shop-style menu covers all the traditional essentials: grilled-cheese sandwiches, omelets, tuna -- the works. Indulge in chocolate pecan pie or chicory coffee crème brûlée for dessert. Although Heaven on Seven is usually open only for breakfast and lunch, they do serve dinner on the first and third Friday of the month from 5:30 to 9pm.

Although the Loop original has the most character, Heaven also has locations along the Mag Mile at 600 N. Michigan Ave. (tel. 312/280-7774), adjacent to a cineplex, and in Wrigleyville at 3478 N. Clark St. (tel. 773/477-7818); unlike the original location, both accept reservations and credit cards.