New American

Smart/casual

Goosefoot. Offbeat hideaway worth a gander for chef Nugent’s nuggets of marvellous, market-driven fare. 2656 W Lawrence / Lincoln Square / 773 942 7547 / dinner Wed-sat / set menu / BYO from next door Food & Wine / goosefoot.net

Acadia. Devour burgers bar-side or splurge in the elegant dining salon – either way she sure is one tasty trendster. 1639 S Wabash / South Loop / 312 360 9500 / dinner Wed-sun / acadiachicago.com

Pump Room. Former Sinatra stomper now swings under Schrager’s ice-cool gaze and Vongerichten’s farm-to-fork. Public Chicago / 1301 N State / Gold Coast / 312 787 3700 / b’fast, lunch & dinner daily / pumproom.com

Blackbird. No spring chicken, but still reeling ’em in with minimalist vibes and creative, delectable eats. Cui-scene! 619 W Randolph / West Loop / 312 715 0708 / lunch Mon-fri, dinner daily / blackbirdrestaurant.com