Kan Zaman, Chicago

Under the light cast by fringed Middle Eastern lanterns, Kan Zaman's friendly servers guide guests through the authentic Lebanese menu of velvety hummus drizzled with olive oil, beef kebabs served alongside charbroiled vegetables, and smoky baba gannouj. Seated at low booths, diners can recline on colorful pillows in between bites of shawarma and battle over the last triangle of warm pita. Once located in Andersonville, the River North location is BYOB and boasts belly-dancing performances on Friday and Saturday nights.