Zippy's

Notable: This well-run chain shows through its menu, its innovations (Dr. Shintani menus, Mainland care packages, benefit chili sales) and its often hilarious ads that there’s a reason why the “next stop” here is often Zippy’s.

Menu: The complete plate lunch universe, from hamburger steak to pork katsu, plus the mandatory local food groups of chili and saimin. More healthful options than some places (choice of green salad instead of macaroni); serving sizes are restrained.

FYI: Multiple locations. Hours vary (many open 24 hours). No reservations needed. VS, MC, AX. Checks accepted. $.

Notable: You want options with that? The McDonald’s menu has expanded in all directions. The chain also recently announced it’s cutting the trans fats in its french fries, which won’t reduce the fat or calories but does mean less of the clingy, clot-forming type of fat.

Menu: Earlier this year, McDonald’s of Hawaii introduced the Spam, eggs and rice breakfast platter, available only in the Islands. On Nov. 1, a new nationwide Dollar Menu debuts, with existing favorites and new additions selling for a buck.

FYI: Multiple locations. Hours vary. No reservations. No credit cards. No checks. $.

Notable: This beloved 24-hour restaurant operated by the Tom family at the busy intersection of Ala Moana Boulevard and ‘Ena and Kalia roads, renovated a year ago in retro Polynesian style, is many things: a hangout popular with Waikiki residents, an inexpensive option for tourists, a bamboo-and-rattan bar that’s picked up where Tahitian Lanai left off with entertainment and karaoke, and somewhere warm and welcoming at 2 a.m. when you just got off the late shift.

Menu: The complete diner spread with local-style touches. You can get a complete meal — salad bar, entree, starch, even dessert — for less than $10; steak dinners for less than $15. Breakfast 24 hours. Cheaper than cooking at home!

FYI: 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.; 955-1764. Open 24 hours daily. Reservations recommended for large parties. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. No checks. $. Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive; 955-4466. Dinner 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; late-night menu until 1 a.m. Sundays-Thursdays and until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. $$$.