Mike Gebert (of Sky Full of Bacon) posted his response to Michael Pollan’s food rules (which I posted earlier). I like his rules, especially for Chicago dining. My favorite:
If there’s a reason to eat somewhere besides the food, the food’s no good.
The only exception I can think of: Breweries. I’ve eaten at quite a few that have great beer and decent food.
Other than that though, a great list.