The Hollywood Grill, which keeps vigil at the corner of North and Ashland like a cheerier, less exposed version of the late-night diner in that Hopper painting hanging in the Art Institute, is our favorite Chicago diner. It does not have the best food in the city and despite its name, you’re not likely to catch Vince or Jennifer in this place. Sure, the restaurant has won awards for its Web site, but that’s not why you go to a diner.
What makes The Hollywood great is its location next to the expressway and on the edge of Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, ground zero for late-night revelers. Although the North Avenue hookers have largely disappeared and the surrounding neighborhood has gone increasingly upscale, The Hollywood still makes for some of the most colorful people-watching in Chicago around, say, 4 a.m. Are we wrong? Click on “Comments” below and cast your vote for Chicago’s best diner. Those with the best arguments for other establishments and the best descriptions will win free YoChicago tee-shirts.