We were as surprised as anyone to find—in the largely-soulless daytime Loop—a made-from-scratch, fortifying delight like the Double Burger with Merkt Cheddar and Chili at U. B. Dogs. Owner Joe Plonka draws the lunchtime crowd by trying harder in a sea of sameness. The burgers are ground fresh in-house each morning; the chili is made from scratch with that same beef, and the Merkt sauce is some real last-days-of-Rome stuff to tie it all together. You’ll never settle for a poke bowl with the same peace of mind again. (John Carruthers)
