I'm a big fan of the Emeco reissues, like Starck's Hudson chair (even though the pirce on the gorgeous polished version is prohibitive).

At the other end of the spectrum I'd start at CB2, where the $149 Envelope chair is a budget-friendly alternative to the Bellini:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=115&f=2384

Also like their Online chair:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=115&f=1051

And in spite of mixed reviews here, I still like the B-Pop chair from DWR:
http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=7410

And to me, no side-shair round up is complete without a Bertoia or a Cherner:

Bertoia
http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=7891

Cherner
http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=7052

The Maarten Van Severen .03 chair is conspicuously missing from the list... Comfort of all comforts... For me it was a toss-up of the Jacobsen Ant chair and the Van Severen... But comfort won out.

http://vitra.com/products/home/dining_room_chairs/03/default.asp?lang=us_us

I'm a big fan of Arne Jacobsen. Simplicity and clean lines are his forte. More than the Ant Chair, I like the Series 7:

http://www.arne-jacobsen.com/neobuilder.php?id=20020205123424190000002018658346

i've loved the Thonet #18 since i was a little girl. actually, virtually every Thonet chair i've ever come across (side or otherwise) has made me happy.

i'd also suggest the classic shaker ladderback with caned seat.

and i have a little soft spot in my heart for Ikea's Stefan.

the funny thing is that as much as i love side chairs, i've always secretly wanted a big beat up farmhouse table with benches down each side.

I like the design of the Bellini, but I think it is a cheap and uncomfortable in person...also Patrick, why offer a budget alternative that costs $50 more???

AMP--
You are correct. I sit corrected!
I was actually thinking of Bellini's Cab chair...
http://www.mossonline.com/product-exec/product_id/30499/category_id/21
for which the CB2 IS indeed a budget alternative.

prouve standard, yes, yes it's repro all over but i like the look any way. koi leather chair from england, any ponti chair, jacobsen oxford chair, those thonet chairs are forever beautiful,

I'm trying to locate the Thonet Hoffmann chair or a good knock-off but can't find it on the Internet for sale. Can anybody help?
Thanks.