Franky & Johnny's Restaurant

This neighborhood bar and grill is nobody's idea of fine dining, but it's a trusty spot for the hungry uptown lunch crowd. Work your way past the leatherette bar and settle in for a good day of people watching. From the waitresses to the regulars, this place is packed with characters straight out of a "Sopranos" casting call.

Expect straight-ahead neighborhood fare without a hint of portion control. Most everything on the menu is deep-fried, from big butterfly shrimp to tender, cornmeal-battered green pepper rings and crispy fried chicken. The griddle turns out respectably juicy pork chops and hamburger po' boys, and any menu item (pork chop, tuna salad, you name it) can be magically turned into the city's signature sandwich. According to local custom, pasta in "red gravy" (marinara sauce) runs on the sugary-sweet side, as do some of the bean dishes.