Why go: Inspired renditions of unabashedly bad-for-you dishes, from frat-boy fare (corn dogs) to more sophisticated creations (pork belly with potato purée). Add an impressive roster of house-made charcuterie and 70-plus wines by the glass and you’ve got the makings of a culinary bacchanal.

What to get: French onion dip with crostini and savory palmiers; bacon-wrapped figs oozing with mascarpone; golf-ball-size hush puppies; house-made hot dog; meatballs with polenta.

Best for: Impromptu dinners (no reservations are taken); wine and cocktail lovers; carnivores; movie buffs (there are free screenings, with truffled popcorn, every Sunday night).

Insider tip: We’ve yet to find a dessert we like; put together a cheese board instead. Because everything is meant for sharing—and the kitchen sends dishes out as they’re ready—plate pileups can be a problem.

Open Monday through Friday for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner.

>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here