MONTE VISTA. If you're craving a burger and fries while in town, you must go to Chris Madrid's. Hand-cut fries and massive burgers are legendary, especially the Cheddar Cheezy and the Tostada Burger, which incorporates refried beans, homemade salsa, and cheese. More basic burgers, a grilled chicken sandwich, and chalupas can also be had, and everything comes in regular and "macho" sizes. The place is decidedly family-friendly, so be sure to bring extra quarters for video games.

ALAMO HEIGHTS. Hungry for top-notch pizza? You've found the right spot at EZ's. They cook their pies in a wood-fired oven for delicious, smoky flavor, and if you sit at the bar, you can even watch yours being made. EZ's is also popular for thick, homemade shakes made with Blue Bell ice cream. Other popular items include roasted rosemary chicken and fresh caesar salads. At EZ's you place your order at the counter and help yourself to drinks, a practice that keeps prices low enough to feed the entire family! Fun and lively.

BRACKENRIDGE PARK. Sometimes you just need a chicken-fried steak sandwich at 4 in the morning. Thankfully, Pig Stand (which bills itself as the world's first drive-thru) delivers. All the classics are here: burgers, malts, and fried shrimp. Plus, the Pig Sandwich is a simple joy ­ tender pork barbecue, relish, and sauce. If you want to sit and savor, skip the history-making drive-thru and head for the 1950s-themed interior. A jukebox plays oldies, and there's pig paraphernalia aplenty. And yes, breakfast is served all day.