Shaw's is not a Chicago Original. Instead, it is a clone of a Maryland/D.C. crab house chain. Not bad, just not very Chicagoian.

How about the Nueva Leon on 18th St, just East of Ashland. Really great, really cheap Mexican (bring your own beer) in an old and historic Chicago neighborhood. And, afterwards, go over to Taylor Street for Italian Ice. I like Mario's but many say Carm's is better.

Carm's Beef & Italian Ice
1057 W. Polk St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 738-1046
http://www.carms.com
Hours: open daily (closed Sunday October-May)

A Little Italy stalwart, this Italian ice legend has been dishing the good stuff since 1929. Original Lemon was the only flavor made back then; today you can get your fill of cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple and banana (all made with real fruit), chocolate (made with cocoa) and more. The smallest size costs just $1.

Mario's Italian Lemonade
1068 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60607
none

Hours: open daily May-mid-September

Italian ice aficionados eagerly count down the days until Mario's May 1 opening. The enormously popular Taylor Street shop started as no more than a street cart 50-plus years ago. Lemon remains the most popular flavor, but you find coconut, cantaloupe and more, made with real fruit.

for more ice locations see: http://jump.suntimes.com/list.cfm?id...269546B6BE5AD3