Tasty mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, sandwiches and salads hit the mark at the Lincoln Park location of P.J. Clarke's. The big dining room upstairs overlooking Armitage Avenue also impresses; gorgeous tin ceilings, red and green walls, a fireplace, a piano and soothing jazz music combine to create a welcoming vibe. A large green, flowery lantern hangs from the ceiling, and at night, red-and-white candle covers look like candy canes when illuminated by the flames. The impressive decor extends beyond the dining area; even the ladies' room is decked out with chandeliers.

Kick off the night right by sharing appetizers such as fried calamari, crab cakes, chicken tenders and margherita flatbread, which comes topped with fresh mozzarella, oven-roasted plum tomatoes, pesto and basil. Then enjoy turkey burgers, chicken wraps and sandwiches, which run $7.95-$9.50. Other popular items include roasted chicken, linguini and marinara sauce and chicken pot pie, chock-full of peas, carrots, diced potatoes and mushrooms. Many wine options also dot the menu at the restaurant, which has sister locations in the Gold Coast and Streeterville.

Centerstage Reviewer: Mary Susan Littlepage