Pane Caldo for Italian, Walton St west of Michigan. Rosebud Steakhouse, Walton St. east of Michigan. Bistro Zinc, Rush Street. Don't remember the name, but there's a good not fancy Tahi place on the NW corner of Clark and Chicago.

Upscale, try Chicago Chop House. Middle market, try Miller's.

Assuming you're on wheels, take 88 west to Naperville, and go to Timpano -- varied menu, good jazz, good steaks

The nearest spiritual clone of Papa Milano's is probably The Village -- second floor of the Italian Village on Monroe between Dearborn and Clark.

I'm glad we got to take our seven year old grandson to Papa Milano shortly before its demise, just as we used to take his daddy there 35 years ago

Portillo's or Gold Coast Dogs fit the image of the Chicago steamtable dog, but if you want a really good hot dog, get the jumbo at Blackie's!

I second Vivere, or any of the other two in the Italian Village, for good old red-sauce Italian. But for a real treat, go to Piccolo Segno at Halsted and Grand and take a cab to the theater