The Handlebar - View this location on map 'A dimly lit cyclist hangout the bar stools are made from chrome rims, vintage bikes hang from the ceiling, and there are specials for messengers on Mondays this is a theme restaurant that doesn t feel precious or pretentious in any way. The food is cheap and vegetarian friendly: most entrees are under $10, and the only meat option is fish. The chefs don t do anything flashy, but they do a little bit of everything and do it well. For appetizers the samosas with tamarind chutney are on par with any you d find on Devon. The West African ground nut stew, a hearty mix of sweet potato, zucchini, and kale served over brown rice and garnished with peanuts and toasted coconut, is tailor-made for Chicago winters, as are the black beans maduro, served with mounds of fried plantain and a slow-burning chipotle-tomato sauce. They also do a bang-up job with comfort food: the short list of seitan and tofu sandwiches comes with coleslaw and a variety of sides, including a respectable vegetarian version of southern collard gre' Chicago Reader 2311 W. North, Chicago, IL Budget, Restauran

---