Good toasted sandwiches, burgers and pitas in a cheap-eats atmosphere.

The Scene
Locals grab takeout at this bright, reliable Lakeview place, where service is quick and most items on the menu cost under five bucks. Tables offer casual seating in the small dining area, but the best seats are at the front patio tables on warm days, when you can check out the bustling Belmont and Halsted scene.

The Food
Eat-a-Pita serves basic, consistently good fast food with a healthy bent. Hot and cold pitas are stuffed with tuna salad, cold cuts, or a variety of stir-fried meat and veggies; chicken breasts are done 10 different ways, including one super-tasty version with avocado and Swiss cheese. Order your sandwich as a ''toasted crisper,'' served on sesame toast and grilled till crispy, waffle-like and delicious. Too healthy for you? Go for a jumbo Polish sausage or a Texas burger with chili, cheese and onions.