Fried Rice at 5 A.M.

We tend to think of diners as a place to get an artery-clogging patty melt, but who's to say a heaping pile of greasy pot stickers doesn't fit the bill?

New Chinatown Chop Suey is one of the greatest Chinese food place in the city, and I may or may not have them on speed dial. The menu is just the right amount of fake American and authentic Chinese food at a very reasonable price. The minced beef over rice is one of my favorite things on the planet. The various fried rice options are perfectly seasoned with an excellent meat-to-veggies-to-rice ratio, and the soups are everything you want out of comfort food. And it's important to note that the portions are huge, so be prepared to take some home with you.

Located in Chinatown, at the corner of Cermack and Wentworth, this fine establishment opens at 6:00 p.m. and closes at 5:00 a.m., give or take a few minutes/hours. This brings in a pretty interesting crowd of patrons. You'll usually find some variety of crazy bum outside asking for your leftovers, but I don't think you can blame that on the restaurant so much as Chinatown at night. (That was not a dig at Chinatown. I'm a huge fan.)

Another thing to note: There's been a sign in the window for about ten years now that says the credit card machine is broken, so be prepared with cash.

It's not the most glamorous Chinese food place in the city, but it's one of my favs and deserves way more recognition.