R.J. Grunts

The man behind Tru and Everest started his Lettuce Entertain You empire with this shabby joint? Opened in 1971—with, we’re assuming, much of the same look it has today—this tightly packed hamburger shack is where to get the thick, juicy “Gruntburger,” topped with addictive fried onions and blue-cheese dressing; sloppy buffalo wings; and spoonable milkshakes with thick whipped cream. You can also check out the world’s first salad bar, since this is where it all began.