New Hot Spots
CICCHETTI
671 N St Clair St
312-642-1800
A focused Venetian-inspired menu sets Chef Michael Sheerin’s (Trencherman) second concept apart. Small plates honor the floating City with house-cured sardines, crackly flatbreads, and a bold tomato-chili seafood stew brimming with shellfish and puffed wild rice. Desserts include a “reverse” affogato of espresso gelato topped with crème anglaise, served with pastry for dipping.
KINMONT
419 W Superior St
312-915-0011
The first entirely sustainable fish & seafood restaurant in Chicago. Kinmont is inspired by ethical fishermen’s practices in the Midwest, and highlights at least one “rough fish,” fish that are less utilized but no less delicious and versatile, such as cobia and triggerfish.
NICO OSTERIA
1015 North Rush St
312-994-7100
Paul Kahan’s (Avec, Publican, Big Star, Violet Hour) newest is an authentically Italian seafood restaurant, dishing up beautiful house-made pastas and pristine seafood in the boutique Thompson Hotel (2013). Dessert offerings are also garnering buzz. For those who want just a bite, step inside the companion bar called Salone Nico for bespoke cocktails, coastal wines and a limited menu.
TÊTE CHARCUTERIE
1114 W Randolph St
312-733-1178
Inspired by French charcuteries and boucheries, this restaurant has transformed an old meatpacking facility on Randolph Street. Menu highlights include an array of cured meats, terrines, pates, and sausages, as well as inventive entrée plates featuring meat, seafood, and vegetables along with craft beer and cocktails.
THE WINCHESTER
1001 N Winchester Ave
773-698-8703
A neighborhood cafe and restaurant offering casual all day dining in a space that is bright and inviting. Quality, simple and fresh food that is sourced locally with service that is thoughtful and honest.
TRAVELLE
The Langham Hotel
330 N Wabash Ave
312-923-7705
http://www.travellechicago.com/#/home
Travelle features contemporary preparations of Mediterranean cuisine, including inspiration from Italy, France and Turkey. Peer through the glass-encased show kitchen from the dining room, located on the second floor of the Langham Hotel.
Modern Ethnic
EMBEYA
312-612-5640
Embeya aims to creatively re-tool the ubiquitous Asian concept, with dishes based on a range of Asian ingredients, flavors and textures using French technique. Embeya offers a progressive Vietnamese menu in a chic space. The wine program is driven by the same approach and ethos behind the cuisine – well-balanced, layered, and delicate.
FRONTERA GRILL
445 N Clark St
312-661-1434
Rick Bayless’ Mexican food empire began at Frontera Grill, with vibrancy showing throughout the food and décor. Expect a packed house due to limited reservation policy.
LA SIRENA CLANDESTINA
954 W Fulton Market
312-226-5300
Brazilian-style cuisine with style and flavor in a casual neighborhood setting. Go for ceviches and cocktails. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
SLURPING TURTLE
116 W Hubbard St
312-464-0466
Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi) prepares Japanese comfort food at this sleek, modern River North eatery specializing in small plates (over two dozen) and bowls of noodle dishes served in broth and without. Slurp the likes of Tan Tan Men (whole wheat noodles, ground pork and pork sausage and spicy miso broth), but use chopsticks for Chiyan Pon (fried egg noodles with mixed seafood). Sake is taken seriously here.
TANTA
118 W Grand Ave
312-222-9700
Superstar chef Gaston Acurio, who has 32 restaurants in 12 countries, opened up a stunning outpost of Tanta in River North last year. Authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages are made using locally sourced products with an emphasis on sustainable farming and fishing. The atmosphere is upscale casual with knowledgeable service.
TAXIM
1558 N Milwaukee Ave
773-252-1558
Dare to dine on Greek cuisine outside of Greektown? You will be rewarded at Taxim located in Wicker Park. Seasonal offerings of inventive regional Greek fare have an emphasis on vegetables. Chef David Schneider shops local farmers markets for his produce and then treats them with respect in dishes such as okra sautéed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil and cilantro; or fried heirloom eggplant slices with yogurt sauce. The Greek wine list is updated regularly.
YUSHO
2853 N Kedzie Ave
773-904-8558
Matthias Merges (formerly Charlie Trotter’s) changes direction from high-end New American to minimal-chic Japanese yakitori in a storefront space in Logan Square. Yakitori is about the simple flavors of authentic street food. Here, birds, offal, seafood and vegetables are expertly grilled on a sizzling hot fire. The bar program highlights sake and craft cocktails in addition to wines and spirits.
No Frills Authentic Ethnic
BA LE SANDWICH & BAKERY
5014 N Broadway St
773-561-4424
Fresh, authentic, handmade Vietnamese food from a French Pastry School grad. Go to the Uptown branch for the best banh mi sandwiches in the city on freshly-baked French bread.
CAI
2100 South Archer Ave, 2nd fl.
312-326-6888
Dim sum in Chinatown gets a glam make-over with Cai’s crystal lights and silk-covered chairs. There are occasional rolling carts but the best approach here is to order off the lengthy dim sum menu of 70 dishes. Blanket the table with bamboo steamers filled with a variety of dumplings. Beyond dumplings: sticky rice with Chinese sausage, silken bean-curd skin stuffed with minced pork, and puffy buns filled with sweet barbecued pork are just a sampling.
LAO SZE CHUAN
2172 S Archer Ave
312-326-5040
Chinatown’s best and busiest is an authentic Szechuan restaurant. An extensive menu offers everything from fried rice to offal, prepared by chefs hailing from the namesake region, who use bold and exciting flavors.
PHO XE TANG (TANK NOODLE)
4953 N Broadway
773-878-2253
You’ll find an ambitious and lengthy menu (200+ offerings) at this bustling Vietnamese restaurant. Arrive hungry and don’t miss the many iterations of pho or the catfish in a clay pot. BYO.
SPACCA NAPOLI
1769 W Sunnyside Ave
773-878-2420
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza is made in the traditional way – with a thin, blistered crust, and fresh mozzarella in a screaming hot oven for fresh artisan pizza that’s ready in minutes. Don’t miss the excellent wine list.
Reinventions
BOKA
1729 N Halsted St
312-337-6070
This 10-year-old fine dining restaurant has been home to many talented chefs over the years. Due to a completely revamped space, “hot” new executive chef Lee Wolen and stellar pastry chef Genie Kwon, the experience has been transformed into a more comfortable upscale neighborhood vibe.
PERENNIAL VIRANT
1800 N Lincoln Ave
312-981-7070
Paul Virant (Vie) has revamped Perennial to take advantage of its proximity to the popular, sustainable Green City Market located across the street in Lincoln Park. The menu’s farm-to-table New American fare includes prix fixe options, sharing plates and brunch. Perennial Virant is located on the street level of the recently opened Hotel Lincoln.
PUMP ROOM
Public Chicago Hotel
1301 N State Pkwy
312-266-0360
Public Chicago renovated the Ambassador East Hotel and completely revamped the historic Pump Room space. The New American menu and modernized concept is overseen by venerable NY chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Regional flavors and local purveyors are embraced. At night, the comfortable and chic lounge is transformed into a hip supper club atmosphere.
TOPOLOBAMPO
445 N Clark St
312-661-1434
www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo
The newly revamped menu at Rick Bayless’ fine dining restaurant, Topolobampo, is inspired by Mexico City in the year 1671, with price fixe options for 3, 5 or 7 courses.
Tried & True
COCO PAZZO
300 W Hubbard St
312-836-0900
This reliable favorite features Tuscan-inspired Italian fare on a seasonal menu, where both traditional ingredients and contemporary techniques shine. Expect an all-Italian wine list and a loft-style setting.
GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE
1028 N Rush St
312-266-8999
Gibson’s delivers the big city dining experience with steaks, chops, and fresh fish in a bustling atmosphere. Go for the lively bar scene and oversize portions.
KIKI’S BISTRO
900 N Franklin
312-335-5454
This old favorite brings a homey, French country atmosphere to the dining experience. Here you will find bistro classics, with considerable flair, from daily fish specials to duck confit to escargots, but you’ll also find other rustic choices like lamb stew loaded with vegetables.
LE COLONIAL
937 N Rush St
312-255-0088
Classic French Vietnamese food served in a fine dining setting. Ask for a table by the window to assure a fabulous street scene and the bar upstairs is a great meet and greet spot. Expect great service, along with a very romantic setting.
PICCOLO SOGNO
464 N Halsted St
312-421-0077
www.piccolosognorestaurant.com
The best outdoor patio in Chicago sheltered from the busy street with gorgeous landscaping and heaters. Piccolo Sogno offers the complete Italian experience through its décor and its wide range of dishes from multiple regions in Italy. The Italian wine list is extraordinary and ask Ciró (chee ro’) for recommendations.
TORTOISE CLUB
350 N State St
312-755-1700
Tortoise Club is inspired by the old-school clubhouse vibe and features timeless dishes like the wedge salad and simply grilled meats. If a quick bite is all you need, sample selections from their raw bar and pair it with a classic cocktail.
VERMILION
10 W Hubbard St
312-527-4060
www.thevermilionrestaurant.com
A fusion restaurant that has stood the test of time, Vermilion blends Indian and Latin ingredients and techniques into an exquisite experience. While signature entrée portions are available, you can get just a taste with small plates.
American Contemporary – From Upscale to Kick Back and Relax
ALLIUM
120 E Delaware Pl
312-799-4900
Dine on modern American bar food rooted in regional farm-to-table cuisine in the revamped Four Seasons restaurant space. Try the bold flavors of bison tartare with waffle chips, beer mustard, and a 62-degree egg or a dry-aged 23oz bone-in rib eye with blue cheese fondue.
AU CHEVAL
800 W Randolph St
312-929-4580
Sit at the zinc counter or in tufted leather booths at this “uber-hip” trendy diner. The signature dish is burgers and a menu inspired by classic American diner fare given a sophisticated French accent. Cheese fries sport Mornay sauce, aioli and fried egg; potato hash is adorned with duck-heart gravy. Accompany your meal with craft beers, boutique wines and updated cocktails.
ENDGRAIN
1851 W Addison
Come for new American casual cuisine with the integrity of fine dining at this neighborhood destination in Roscoe Village. Menu highlights are savory biscuit sandwiches, daily doughnuts, and a seasonal brunch and dinner menu inspired by fresh ingredients.
Gourmet Quick Serve
XOCO
449 N Clark St
312-334-3688
www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html
Rick Bayless’ Xoco (pronounced SHO-ko) focuses on Mexican street food from authentic convenient eats to house-made ice creams. It is designed to create the feel of purchasing from a street vendor through its exposed, interactive kitchen. Xoco is sparkling clean and often has a long line of customers waiting to get in.
BAKER & NOSH
1303 W Wilson Ave
773-989-7393
Former cooking-school instructor Bill Millholland opened this Uptown shop to provide pastries and sandwiches for the early part of the day, and cheeses and charcuterie to nosh on later. The shop’s counter is filled with daily coffee cakes, soft sticky buns and other pastries. Huge sandwiches made with fresh baked breads satisfy, along with soups, flatbreads, cookies and scones. There is also a pluck-your-own herb garden accessible to patrons gratis.
INTERUBAN CAFE
2008 N Halsted St
773-698-7739
https://www.facebook.com/interurbanchicago
Tiny walk–up spot on Armitage by Halsted, with delightful pastries and sandwiches by a former Charlie Trotter pastry chef, Christine McCabe.
Food Scenes
EATALY
43 E Ohio St
312-521-8700
The Italian food emporium from celebrity Chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joseph Bastianich takes up a city block with its 23 food concepts – nearly a dozen of them restaurants – including mozzarella bar, Neapolitan pizza, soft serve gelateria, bakery, and brewery and more, as well as retail departments and fine dining restaurant, Baffo.
THE GARAGE
116 N Aberdeen St
http://thesalsatruck.com/thegarage#top
A meet-up spot for various food trucks, with indoor seating, in the West Loop.
GREEN CITY MARKET
Saturday and Wednesday farmer’s market featuring fresh, locally-grown, sustainably-raised foodstuffs from 7am to 1pm. The market is located at the south end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive (approximately 1790 N. Clark).
CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET
131 N Clinton St
312-575-0306
Chicago’s only year-round indoor marketplace featuring local artisans and purveyors. Go for Fumare Meats Montreal-style pastrami sandwich and Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer.
Carnivorous Cravings
CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE
300 N LaSalle St
312-329-1800
A high-quality steakhouse and a revered local chef make a winning combination. Prime dry-aged beef, some in double cuts, and premium seafood are complemented by Jackie Shen’s (ex Red Light) vast culinary skills. Save room for the chef’s signature chocolate dessert.
BUTCHER & THE BURGER
1021 W Armitage Ave
773-697-3735
Allen Sternweller (ex Allen’s) embraces meat at his retro-styled counter-service spot in Lincoln Park offering patties made from grass-fed prime beef or game. Non-meat eaters may select seafood or vegan patties. Have your burger customized to suit your taste by choosing protein, bun, spice blend and topping. You can even get a breakfast burger. Eat the burger in or take out patties from the butcher shop.
GRANGE HALL BURGER BAR
844 West Randolph St.
312-491-0844
Behind a barn door in the West Loop is this farm-to-table hamburger house serving meat and veggie patties on house-made buns. Choose from grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, or veggie and bean protein, and a variety of cheeses and toppings. Be sure to check out the pie safe. American beers, cocktails and rotating wine selection for those who imbibe.
PUBLICAN QUALITY MEATS
825 W Fulton Market
312-733-9555
Paul Kahan (Publican, Blackbird, Avec, Big Star) has taken the meat market concept to a new level. Located across the street from Publican restaurant, this market/café and is a chef-driven establishment. Meat cases display house-cured charcuterie, grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork and free-range chicken. Freshly baked breads are stacked in baskets and house-made condiments line a white-tiled wall. Beer is the beverage of choice to accompany meat-centric sandwiches such as mortadella on griddled rye with peach mostarda or braised pork belly on flatbread with gyro-style accompaniments.
SPRITZ BURGER
3819 N Broadway
773-868-9866
Chicago’s newest burger spot is a collaboration between the Hearty Boys and pastry chef Gale Gand. Grass-fed beef, lamb, shrimp and scallops, and chickpea round out the patty options, while the beverages feature carbonation, as the name implies. For dessert expect a twist on childhood favorites.
Shared Plates & Snacks
BALENA
1633 N Halsted St
312-867-3888
The Boka crew has joined forces with Chris Pandel to open a rustic Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park’s theater row. Diners will enjoy sharing plates of wood-burning pizzas and spit-roasted meats, house-made pastas, charcuterie plates with country-style breads and cheeses, and much more.
BAR TOMA
110 E Pearson St
312-266-3110
Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia, Terzo Piano) hits the mark once again with this rustic Italian small plates food and wine bar. Outstanding crisp-crusted pizzas and pizza salads, mozzarella bar, gelato and espresso bar. Don’t neglect the small plates section of the menu. It has an intriguing Italian wine list with some unusual offerings, many by the glass. Bar Toma opens early and stays open late.
BREAD & WINE
3732 W Irving Park Rd
773-866-5266
This recently opened neighborhood American bistro and market specializes in farm-to-table fare. Over ten wines by the glass and reasonably-priced wines by the bottle can be paired with an eclectic menu focusing on house-made and locally-sourced. American and Midwestern cheeses and house-made charcuterie (corned duck breast; kielbasa) are served with bread, pickles, mustard and jam. Small plates, snacks and large plates round out the menu.
THE DRAWING ROOM
937 N Rush St
312-266-2694
The Drawing Room pairs their modern American-contemporary menu with their culinary cocktails crafted by highly trained Master Bartenders, and at your request, your cocktail can be prepared tableside using their custom built mobile bar carts.
NELLCOTE
833 W Randolph St
855-635-5268
The team from Old Town Social has taken on the old Marche space and outfitted it with a marble staircase from Italy, wrought iron gates from Nice, and produce flour in a custom-built stone mill to turn local wheat into Neapolitan style pizzas in a wood-burning oven. Expect Mediterranean and French inspired cuisine such as veal sweetbreads with broccoli-hazelnut puree and a frog leg raviolini en brodo. A full bar has 24 drafts and mixologists who produce bitters, syrups and mixers in house.
OMBRA
5310 N Clark St
773-506-8600
Welcome to Italy in Andersonville. Traditional Venetian snacks line the counter along one wall of this tiny restaurant/wine bar from the owners of nearby Anteprima and Acre. Plates of cicchetti (Venetian small plates) are the draw at Ombra. Examples include tuna with borlotti beans and pickled peppers, new-potato salad with smoked trout and capers, and an herbed sheep’s milk ricotta plated with blood oranges and drizzled with a fruity olive oil. While sipping wine, try the fritti and bruschetta.
UNTITLED
111 W Kinzie St
312-880-1511
Untitled is hidden behind large unmarked doors, paying homage to the vibrancy of supper club and speakeasy establishments of the Prohibition Era. Go to see-and-be with a craft cocktail in hand, or partake in their approachable cuisine and live entertainment.
GOURMET RETAIL
GENE’S SAUSAGE SHOP
4750 N Lincoln Ave
773-728-7243
Lovely European specialty grocery and butcher, with a plant-filled rooftop beer garden in Lincoln Square.
GREEN GROCER CHICAGO
1402 W Grand Ave
312-624-9508
If you miss the Green City Market, the same meats, eggs, cheese and dairy can be had at this small-footprint store in West Town.
OLD TOWN OIL
1520 N Wells St
312-787-9595
Sample a wide variety of extra-virgin and flavored olive oils, as well as over 20 balsamic vinegars at this specialty shop.
PASTORAL
53 E Lake St
312-658-1250
European-inspired neighborhood cheese, specialty food and wine shop offering high quality, cut-to-order specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, and perfectly chosen accompaniments; additional locations in Lakeview and inside the Chicago French Market.
RIVER VALLEY FARMER’S TABLE
1820 W Wilson Ave
872-208-3267
www.rivervalleyfarmerstable.com
A staple at Chicago farmers markets; River Valley produces several mushroom varieties. They recently opened a café that features tons of locally made products—including, of course, River Valley’s own extended line of fungal sauces, dips, chutneys, spreads, and pastas, familiar from their presence at local farmers’ markets. In addition to the retail component, the space has been outfitted with a bakery operation, a deli counter, and a café.
SPICE HOUSE
1512 N Wells St
312-274-0378
This specialty shop has freshly ground spices and the freshest dried herbs available, which delivers vibrant flavors into the kitchens of chefs and home cooks. Go for the aromas wafting through the store, custom house-blended spices and candied ginger.
Sweet Indulgences
BANG BANG PIE
2051 N California Ave
773-276-8888
Formerly a food truck, Bang Bang has opened up a pie shop in the heart of Logan Square. Enjoy a seasonal slice of pie or big fluffy biscuits and house made jam with small-batch roasted coffee in this quaint neighborhood shop. The menu is ever changing due to the season or the strike of inspiration. Of-the-moment savory biscuit sandwiches are featured on the weekend.
BLACK DOG GELATO
859 N Damen Ave
773-235-3116
Arguably the best gelato shop in the city, Black Dog makes theirs fresh daily in small batches using an artisanal process. Classic chocolate is divine, but intriguing flavors like goat cheese cashew caramel and blueberry French toast draw crowds.
DOUGHNUT VAULT
401 ½ North Franklin St
http://thedoughnutvault.tumblr.com
Light and fresh donuts of Brendan Sodikoff fame (Au Cheval, Maude’s Liquor Bar, Bavette’s) served from a walk-up window. While their daily rotation always packs knock-out flavor, the traditional glazed has been named best in the country. Get there early before they run out. Cash only.
DO-RITE DONUTS
50 W Randolph St
312-488-2483
You won’t be bored here with flavors such as Candied Maple Bacon, Carrot Cake Pistachio, Caramelized Pineapple-Rum, and Coffee & Cream. With no more than 3 dozen donuts to a batch, Do-Rite only serves the freshest donuts.
FIRECAKES DONUTS
68 W Hubbard St
312-329-6500
From the brick-oven pizza makers at La Madia comes another tiny “served until sold out” donut shop. Indulge in pillowy soft treats in flavors like Tahitian vanilla glazed, blood orange jelly, and Nutella long john.
FLORIOLE CAFÉ & BAKERY
1220 W Webster Ave
773-883-1313
This bakery-café is no longer the best kept secret in town. On the menu are breads, breakfast pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, tarts, teacakes, and cookies. Floriole’s bakers use organic ingredients from local farmers whenever possible. Menu items change frequently depending on availability of seasonal ingredients and creative whim of the bakers.
GLAZED & INFUSED
312-226-5556
813 W Fulton Market
Morgan – Green Line
30 E Hubbard
Grand – Red Line
1576 N Milwaukee Ave
Damen – Blue Line
201 E Delaware Place
Chicago – Red Line
939 W Armitage Ave
Armitage – Brown Line
Five stores strategically located near train stations make this the go-to artisan donut shop for their innovative and utterly delicious confections. Go for flavors like crunchy PB&J and vanilla crème brûlée with a crispy torched glaze.
HENDRICKX BELGIAN BREAD CRAFTER
100 E Walton St
312-649-6717
A hidden gem serving artisanal European-style breads and croissants, macarons, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads prepared in an open kitchen.
TONI PATISSERIE
65 E Washington St
312-726-2020
Across the street from Chicago Cultural Center and short walking distance from Millennium Park is a French-style bakery-café that offers sweet and savory treats for coffee breaks, breakfast or lunch-time meals. While cakes and pastries are specialties here, try the savory quiche, Parisian-style sandwiches, salads or charcuterie plates before you choose dessert.
Distillery Tours & Tastings – Check schedules before venturing out
CH DISTILLERY
564 W Randolph St
312-707-8780
CH is Chicago’s first distillery with a cocktail bar. (The “CH” stands for the symbols of carbon and hydrogen, the fundamental compounds in alcohol.) Northern European-style nibbles include corned duck on black rye bread with liverwurst and lemon, as well as cheese and charcuterie. Go to imbibe proprietary Vodka, Peppercorn Vodka, London Dry Gin, Key Lime Gin, Bourbon, Whiskey, Rum, and Limoncello.
CHICAGO DISTILLING COMPANY
2359 N Milwaukee
872-206-2774
These craft spirits are made using organic grains sourced from Illinois farms. Family recipes and techniques dictate that these third-generation distillers work in small batches to ensure the best flavors and highest quality. Go for spirited discussion and samples of their Vodka, White Whiskey, Gin, and Amaro.
KOVAL DISTILLERY
5121 N Ravenswood
773-944-0089
Opened in 2008, KOVAL produces luxury, organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits in Chicago’s first distillery since the mid-1800s. Schedule a free weekend tour to sample Whiskeys made from various grains, Apple and Pear Brandy, Sunchoke Spirits, and other Specialty Liqueurs.
RHINE HALL
2010 W Fulton St
312-243-4313
Rhine Hall is a family owned and operated distillery using small batch, hand-crafted techniques to turn Great Lakes-sourced fruit into brandy. Sign up for a Saturday tour to taste the pure spirit and cocktails, as well as to purchase bottles of their signature Apple Brandy.