Cosi, 4929 E. 71 St., 794-1600

Swing by for coffee, a muffin or a hot breakfast sandwich like the Ham and Swiss Baked Omelet Sandwich. Cosi has baked goods galore in the morning, including several kinds of bagels in flavors like Cranberry Orange and Asiago Cheese. Scones are also offered along with yogurt parfaits and fruit salad. Espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos come in both hot and iced forms.

Hours: MON-SAT 7AM-8PM; SUN 8AM-8PM

Qdoba

1520 E. 15 St., 585-2229; 5220 S. Yale, 493-7179; 7153 S. Lewis, 494-7022

If you tend to order everything on the side, this might be the perfect lunch spot for you. Everything at Qdoba is made right before your very eyes. Try one of the signature burritos, such as a Fajita Ranchera Burrito or a Poblano Pesto Burrito. Qdoba also offers quesadillas, tortilla soup, and nachos, all prepared with your choice of beans, salsa and toppings.

Hours: SUN-SAT 10AM-10:30PM

The Local Table, 4329 S. Peoria, 794-8013

This Brookside restaurant uses local meat, dairy and produce whenever available. Start with a salad made with local greens, or goat cheese flatbread with smoked Gouda. Then try Fried Chicken with Cherry Tomato salad as an entrée. Other main courses include roast rainbow trout and Cajun meatloaf. The Local Table's menu changes with the seasons, depending on what's available.

HOURS: SUN-SAT 11AM-10PM

SoCo's Bar and Grill, 8161 S. Harvard, 477-7551

Soco's is a hopping joint during the twilight hours - complete with jamming music and a full bar. If you're looking for a snack, you can't go wrong with the sampler which includes wings, fried mozzarella, southwestern potato skins and fried pickles. If you want to top off the tank, go for the St. Louis style ribs, the rib-eye steak or the beer battered tilapia.

Hours: SUN-SAT 4PM-2AM