Hickory House Restaurant   

Rather than going through the trouble of remodeling, this venerable eatery opened up a new location a few blocks east of the old one. The cheerful ambience, comfortable booths, well-spaced tables, and friendly servers remain the same. So does the menu -- which consists primarily of Midwestern comfort food: steaks, chops, chicken, butterfly shrimp, barbecued whole chicken (not always easy to find in a sit-down restaurant) and (but of course) ribs. Also offered are a variety of fish entrees: orange roughy, haddock, smelt and salmon, with the first two being broiled, breaded or battered. Along with thick slices of bread and butter, all meals come with a side and salad, preventing nasty a la carte surprises when the bill is presented. Soups, sandwiches and salads are available for lighter appetites. Plus, for every two dinners, you get a $5-off coupon for your next visit.