The Buzz: Chix is setting a new standard for environmental consciousness. Much of the restaurant is built with sustainable materials, including bamboo countertops and cork flooring. The cups and dressing containers look like plastic, but they are actually containers made from corn that compost in under two months. (Plastic cups, on the other hand, do not degrade in landfills.) Chix's plates and takeout boxes are made from a compostable and biodegradable sugar-cane fiber called bagasse, and the napkins, takeout bags, menus and even business cards are made from recycled paper.

On Your Plate: As you might have guessed from the name, Chix serves a chicken-centric menu. There are three types of slow-roasted chicken which are available as a whole, half or quarter chicken. The best of the three is the Colombian chicken, which marinates in coffee and coconut milk for 24 hours. Depending on the size of chicken ordered, customers can choose up to three free sides. Side options include brown and basmati rice, black beans and noodles and cheese. The restaurant also serves three wraps, along with rice bowls, salads and two soups. It uses free-range, hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken and makes healthful choices in ingredients across the menu. The vermicelli noodles and cheese are baked with nonfat milk and cheddar, and dishes like roasted sweet potatoes receive only a reserved amount of sugar.

Nice to Know: the restaurant offers free wi-fi in the upstairs dining room and airs NBA and NFL sports packages. The restaurant plans to stay open until 3 a.m. on weekends to serve portable take-home food as the bars close.

Price Points: The whole chicken with three sides is $20.99, but wraps and salads are all under $10. Soups range from $2.99 to $5.99.

-- Erin Hartigan (December 2007)