The Sheik has been around Jacksonville since the ‘70s, and its retro vibe is reflected in the architecture and red, white & blue color palette.
I went through the drive-thru at The Sheik and looked over their menu of pitas, which they are known for. I wanted to try two different ones.
"In 1972, brothers Samir 'Sam' and Munir 'Mike Senior' Salameh, along with their wives Suad 'Sue' and Basima, opened the first Sheik restaurant on the corner of 18th Street and Main Street in Jacksonville, Florida. That restaurant still operates today. From the very beginning the brothers knew that the keys to any successful restaurant are great service and great food. The Sheik became known for selling the best “Steak in a Sack” or steak pita and for its “Camel Rider,” or deli meat pita. The chain also originated the “Cherry Lime,” The Sheik’s version of a black cherry and lime soft drink. All three items have gone on to become ubiquitous throughout the South and synonymous with the Jacksonville dining scene — even garnering an article in The New York Times."
Steak Pita – Steak in a Sack – (Tender slices of steak cooked with onions in pita bread) - The steak was thin and tender, but didn’t have a ton of seasoning, and the onions got lost in the mix. The melted cheese and sauce did their best to pull it all together, but it could’ve used something extra—maybe a hit of spice or a sharper cheese. Not bad at all, just kind of middle-of-the-road.
The Camel Rider has Ham, Salami, Bologna, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo, Onions & Dressing. The pita was soft and held up well, and the mix of ham, salami, and cheese was fine -- salty, a little smoky --but nothing really popped. The white sauce helped, adding some creaminess and tang, but overall it felt like a decent sandwich that leaned more on nostalgia than flavor. The cherry lime drink is a classic for a reason.
Grade: B
Vito & Nick’s is a Chicago institution that’s been serving up thin-crust pizza since 1920.
There’s wood paneling on the walls, TVs tuned to whatever game’s on, and a no-frills attitude. It’s family-run, full of regulars and old-school.
The pizza here is legendary for a reason. It’s ultra-thin, almost cracker-like, with a crisp edge and just enough chew to keep things interesting. The sauce is zesty and slightly sweet, the cheese goes all the way to the edge, and the toppings get a good char from the old-school ovens.
Cut tavern-style, into little squares, my cheese pizza was simple but perfect—gooey mozzarella melted over a crisp, buttery crust with a tangy, well-balanced sauce that hit just right.
Grade: A
Janson’s Drive-In is a retro South Side gem in Chicago that’s been slinging burgers, dogs, and shakes since the 1960s.
It still looks the part too—chrome trim, neon signs, and that classic roadside vibe that feels like stepping into a time capsule. There’s no indoor seating, just a walk-up window and a few outdoor benches.
They have a beef pizza puff that is one of those greasy, indulgent Chicago specialties that you don’t really find outside the city.
The puff is golden and crispy on the outside, with a thick, chewy shell that holds up surprisingly well to the molten filling inside. The jalapeno poppers had the same crispy exterior but give way to cream cheese and the pepper, which were equally as delightful.
Grade: B
Girl & the Goat is a super popular spot in Chicago’s West Loop, started by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. It’s known for its fun, shareable plates with bold flavors -- think goat empanadas, crispy pig face, and lots of veggies done in creative ways. The vibe is lively and laid-back, and it’s been a go-to for food lovers since it opened in 2010.
Girl & the Goat has a warm, rustic-industrial vibe with wood beams, exposed brick, and quirky touches like vintage fireboxes and a big goat painting on the wall. The open kitchen and cozy booths make it feel like a fun dinner party in a stylish loft.
The name Girl & the Goat comes from chef Stephanie Izard’s last name, which refers to a type of mountain goat in French. She liked the playful sound of it and felt it was a fun, personal touch—especially after seeing a painting of a girl and a goat that inspired the final name.
There’s a tiny chef’s counter right next to the open kitchen at Girl & the Goat, and it’s one of the coolest spots in the whole place. It only seats a few people, but you get a front-row view of all the action and sometimes even little surprise bites handed over from the line -- perfect for solo dining.
The green beans at Girl & the Goat are a must-order—crisp, charred just right, and tossed in a bold mix of fish sauce vinaigrette, cashews, and chili. They hit that perfect balance of salty, tangy, and umami with just a bit of heat. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple veggie into something craveable.
A gift from the kitchen - The chickpea fritters are crispy and dotted with crunchy chickpeas adding extra texture. They’re served with a rich, creamy goat yogurt that really brings the dish together. It’s a comforting bite with just the right mix of crispy and creamy.
The pig face at Girl & the Goat is surprisingly tender and packed with rich, smoky flavor. It’s served with crispy potato stix and a perfectly cooked sunnyside egg, adding a great mix of textures and a silky finish.
Every dish is packed with bold flavors and creative twists, making each bite exciting.
Grade: A
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