The Loop isn’t the dining capital of Chicago, but Etc. livens up this area wrought with business people, slow-walking tourists, and soulless hotel restaurants. Etc.’s tasty Southern food, stylish space with fluorescent pillars, and upbeat R&B soundtrack could trick you into thinking The Loop was cool. Couples split savory rice with smoked turkey and fried okra. Friends pass around juicy lamb chops with whipped potatoes. Some dishes are overly ambitious—we’d prefer the fried green tomatoes without the distracting red tomatoes and balsamic. But you’ll forget about the few misses (and the neighborhood you’re in) once you’re lost in the gravy-covered oxtail and purple grits.