...In which our heroine gives a diner's tour.

I am a broke college student, and therefore when I eat out, I eat cheap. It isn't that much different then when I was at home, but since Waffle Houses and Steak n' Shakes are nowhere to be found, I've had to use my navigational skills:

Closest to our building, in the same block actually, is the South Loop Club. I won't pretend like this place is anything special, because it isn't. On the weekends, the bar part is pretty happenin' with the thirty-five and up set, but the real magic is in the takeout food part. Instead of going into the bar, you walk to the carryout counter and watch your food get cooked. The fare is simple--burgers, hot dogs, gyros, and fries--but there are some more exotic choices like swordfish sandwiches.My personal favoriete there is the brat, which comes with a huge helping of fries for $4.50. Oh and then there's the fact that the SLC serves food until 4 AM, which is beyond awesome, especially since it's a two minute walk.

In one of the trendier neighborhoods, Belmont, we have Clarke's Diner, which is 24/7. I've only been there once but the atmosphere is very high energy. We were there around 2 Saturday night and it was filled to capacity. It attracts much of the CCC crowd, and patrons who need somewhere to go after the bars close. Clarke's has a ginormous menu with tons of breakfast choices, and huge portions. Kris and I split an omelette, which came with potatoes and pancakes, for $9. They also have a big dinner menu and apparently, amazing gyros. Seven of us ate there and the total bill was $57 with tip. So cheap for Chicago.

And finally, Katydid's personal favorite: White Palace. When my mom was here two weeks ago, we ate there for dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning. I love diners, and White Palace is like Waffle House on steroids. Even on a packed Sunday morning, we were able to sit down in less than ten minutes. For dinner I had a patty melt, fries, and chili and the next morning, I had french toast (which was delicious and tasted like it was soaked in essence of Cap'n Crunch) eggs, and sausage. Both meals were $7. Mom had a huge chorizo omelette with potatoes and toast, also for $7. White Palace is been in the same location since 1939 and the waitresses are perfectly sassy. There is also a decent movie with James Spader that takes place partially there, which is the only reason I'd ever heard of the place. It's a new favorite however.

***

I haven't really talked to Matt since I've been here, but he texted me today to tell me to listen to his--shock--own radio show on Bearcast Radio from 4 to 6. So Emily and I did and he played us a lot of cool songs (Radiohead, The Black Keys, The Raconteurs). He was talking to me without saying anything. It reminded me of the scene in The Virgin Suicides when the boys call up the Lisbon girls and play them music over the phone. Those tones of home, Matt's monotone voice. And just for a moment, I missed home.