DINE & DRINK
ANTEPRIMA
A charming neighborhood vibe and home-style fare make this Italian spot an Andersonville favorite. Must-try signature plates include super-tender grilled octopus and orecchiette with house-made lamb sausage.
INSIDER TIP: While not always on the menu, the knockout pasta dish cacio e pepe is always available. 5316 N. Clark St., 773-506-9990; anteprimachicago.net
THE AVIARY
From world-famous Alinea chef Grant Achatz and partner Nick Kokonas, Fulton Market District’s The Aviary is the city’s premier destination for avant-garde cocktails. INSIDER TIP: After your first drink, ask your server if there’s room in the teensy downstairs speakeasy The Office—where bartenders shake up the ultimate in classic cocktails—for round two. 955 W. Fulton Market; theaviary.com
BANGERS & LACE
It’s a sausage fest at this curated craft beer and encased-meats restaurant, whose recently opened Addison Street location gives Wrigleyvillers a dignified alternative to the sports bar madness.
INSIDER TIP: Brunch is a real find; don’t miss the shakshouka, a spicy Moroccan tomato stew with eggs and lamb sausage. 1851 W. Addison St., 773-697-8667; 1670 W. Division St., 773-252-6499; 810 Grove St., Evanston, 847-905-0854; bangersandlace.com
BAPTISTE & BOTTLE
Bourbon is the keyword at this Conrad Hotel hot spot spearheaded by globe-trotting chef Richard Sandoval, who crafts inspired American plates—chicory and Gorgonzola salad, triple-seared prime NY strip—to pair with smart cocktails like the Southside Mule (local Koval bourbon, pineapple-rosemary shrub, and ginger). 101 E. Erie St., 20th Fl., 312-667-6793; baptisteandbottle.com
BAR LUPO
Double whammy: Not only does this River North Italian pub boast an industry vet in owner Brian O’connor (Maple & Ash, RIA, North Pond)—the beverage program is curated by star mixologist Liz Pearce. Chicken parm and an Aperol spritz? Count us in. INSIDER TIP: Dig into the killer late-night menu with meatball subs and $3 house shots. 217 W. Huron St., 312-643-3400; barlupochicago.com
BAR ROMA
The meatball craze hits Andersonville with this buzzing new Italian destination, which tempts with five kinds of ’balls (lamb, pork belly, chicken, veal, and good old ground beef) plus house-made pastas, all whipped up by veteran chef Fred Ramos. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-9427572; barromachicago.com
BODEGA
As if the ACME Hotel weren’t already a hotbed of craft cocktails (Berkshire Room, anyone?), the surging Fifty/50 Restaurant Group has opened this upstairs sister venue serving “all things fizzy, frosty, and boozy.” 15 E. Ohio St., 312-8940945; acmehotelcompany.com
BOLEO
One of the latest in Chicago’s string of hot-hot-hot hotel bars, this sexy rooftop lounge in the Kimpton Gray Hotel serves contemporary takes on South American street fare—think ceviche and empanadas—alongside pisco-centric cocktails and sultry live music. 122 W. Monroe St., 15th Fl., 312-750-9007; boleochicago.com
BROKEN ENGLISH TACO PUB
Mexican street food gets the Technicolor treatment at this vibrant, whimsical new destination from Chicago restaurant legend Phil Stefani. Offerings include 12 kinds of tacos (shrimp, barbacoa, carne asada), plus snacks like achiote hummus and street corn hush puppies. 75 E. Lake St.,312-9293601; tacopub.com
CHICAGO CHOP HOUSE
Go old school at this clubby, masculine River North steakhouse, set in a lovingly restored brownstone, whose walls are lined with vintage Chicago images and whose menu is as comfortingly classic: baked oysters Rockefeller, wedge salads, and a stacked list of USDA prime steaks. INSIDER TIP: The voluminous (and award-winning) wine list is a must-read for oenophiles. 60 W. Ontario St., 312-787-7100; chicagochophouse.com
CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE
Drawing a high-profile crowd ranging from government types to visiting celebs and local athletes, this sleek riverside destination from industry vets David Flom and Matt Moore has
risen to become one of the city’s most popular restaurants—and with its spot-on service and primo steakhouse fare (the decadent “lobsterscargot” is life-changing), it’s no wonder. 300 N. Lasalle St., 312-329-1800; chicagocutsteakhouse.com
CINDY’S
This buzzing terrace atop the landmark Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has been among the hottest tables in town since its 2015 opening, thanks to killer year-round views of Millennium Park and Christian Ragano’s creative cuisine.
INSIDER TIP: Lunch is a much easier reservation—and boasts one of the best duck confit plates in the city.
12 S. Michigan Ave.,13th Fl., 312792-3502; cindysrooftop.com
COCO CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE
Nightlife impresario Andy Li (TR Napa Valley) returns with this new addition to Hubbard Street’s red-hot dining and drinking scene, a posh, multilevel restaurant and wine bar in the heart of River North. 23 W. Hubbard St.; cocochampagnelounge.com
COCO PAZZO
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this lofty-chic institution in
River North is still a staple for refined Tuscan-inspired fare.
INSIDER TIP: Whether with wild mushrooms or saffron, the everchanging risotto of the day is always a crowd-pleaser. 300 W. Hubbard St., 312-836-0900; cocopazzochicago.com
COCO PAZZO CAFE
Making its debut in a new location, this Streeterville favorite features a combination of Tuscan classics from its former menu along with a sampling of Roman-inspired dishes from sibling restaurant Tre Soldi. 212 E. Ohio St.; cocopazzochicago.com
CORNED BEEF FACTORY
This cash-only Fulton Market District eatery prepares its meats on-site in a quest to serve Chicago’s best corned beef sandwich.
INSIDER TIP: Go for the Tom and Jerry Combo, a mouthwatering mix of corned beef and CBF’S signature pastrami. 1009 W. Lake St., 312-6662535; cornedbeeffactorychicago.com
NEW EDEN
The ambitious menu at this contemporary American restaurant in the West Lake district—for which chef Devon Quinn grows more than 30 vegetables and herbs in a greenhouse he and his father built themselves— features dishes like braised duck lasagna and lamb loin with pistachioyogurt panna cotta. 1748 W. Lake St., 312-366-2294; edeninchicago.com
ENTENTE
Owner Ty Fujimura (Arami) has assembled an all-star team, including Brian Fisher (Schwa) and pastry chef Mari Katsumura (Grace, Acadia), to bring casual, super-seasonal fare— expressed in a tight list of offerings, from chicken liver mousse with Concord grape jelly to fettuccine with white truffle and Brussels sprouts—to Lakeview. 3056 N. Lincoln Ave., 872-206-8553; ententechicago.com
FIFOLET CAJUN & COCKTAILS
Named after the blue lights that float above the Louisiana bayou, this popular new destination brings New Orleans spice to the always-buzzing Wicker Park dining scene. Dig into classics like fried green tomatoes, gumbo, shrimp Creole, and po’boys; boozy offerings include planter’s punch, Sazeracs, and French 75s. INSIDER TIP: Save room for dessert, which includes beignets and bananas Foster pie. 1942 W. Division St., 773-384-6886; fifoletcajun.com
THE FLAMINGO RUM CLUB
From Caribbean-inspired tapas to luxe bottle service and a bar serving up mojitos, daiquiris, and caipirinhas, this island-focused restaurant and cabaret aims to bring the spirit of Havana to River North.
INSIDER TIP: Wednesdays feature a can’t-miss cabaret starting at 9 601 N. Wells St., 312-929-0060; theflamingorumclub.com
HARRY CARAY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
A sporting atmosphere meets a sophisticated menu at this River North institution, one of the city’s top spots for steak and a veritable shrine to the Cubs and other Chicago teams. INSIDER TIP: The restaurant’s chicken Vesuvio—a classic Chicago dish cooked in white wine and plated with peas and potatoes—is easily the best in town. 33 W. Kinzie St., 312-828-0966; harrycarays.com
INCOME TAX
Europe is the focus of this newcomer to Edgewater, from the smartly curated list of wines, sherries, beers, and ciders to the selection of winefriendly plates, including bacalao, pâté, lamb meatballs, and Black Forest duck with spaetzle. 5959 N. Broadway, 773-897-9165; incometaxbar.com
NEW LATINICITY
Chef Richard Sandoval brings Latin flair to the Loop with this Eataly-style concept in Block 37, featuring 10 different eateries that pay homage to Latin American, Spanish, and Portuguese street food; the space offers a bar, the full-service tapas restaurant Pata Negra, and a coffee shop, too. INSIDER TIP: Aguachile ceviche—a refreshing mix of shrimp, pineapple, cucumber, avocado, and peppers—is a must-try. 108 N. State St., Third Fl., 312-795-4444; latinicity.com
LEÑA BRAVA
The Rick Bayless empire continues to expand with this always-packed Baja-style addition to Restaurant
Row. Sip a Leña Ice (mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, lime, cucumber, and serrano pepper) while peoplewatching over tempting plates of ceviche, black cod “al pastor,” and 32-ounce tomahawk steak. 900 W. Randolph St., 312-733-1975; rickbayless.com/restaurants/lena-brava
LH
One of Chicago’s hottest bars, and boasting a magnificent city view, this trilevel rooftop hangout at the Londonhouse hotel scores with craft cocktails and creative American fare. INSIDER TIP: For a primo proposal location, book the Cupola, Londonhouse’s exquisitely intimate indoor/ outdoor space at the tippy-top of the
hotel. 85 E. Upper Wacker Dr., 21st—23rd Fls., 312-357-1200; londonhousechicago.com/rooftop
MASTRO’S
This glitzy River North destination for steaks and sushi brings a little bit of Hollywood to the Windy City’s carnivorous dining scene. The indulgent warm butter cake is one of the city’s top desserts.
INSIDER TIP: Catch nightly live music in the lounge from acts like the trio the Champagne Kings.
520 N. Dearborn St., 312-521-5100; mastrosrestaurants.com
MERCADITO
Mexican fare meets a nightclub vibe at this River North hit, whose groupfriendly menu boasts six different guacamoles, plus creative drinks (try the mango-licious Smokey Pablo). INSIDER TIP: For a sultrier scene, head downstairs to the lounge La Mez, which offers a rotating selection of more than 80 mezcals and a DJ on weekends. 108 W. Kinzie St., 312329-9555; mercaditorestaurants.com
MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE
A Chicago original since 1978, Morton’s is still one of the city’s absolute best places for steak. INSIDER TIP: Catch the bar’s 5–8 PM weekday “Power Hour” for primo food and drink specials. 1050 N. State St., 312-266-4820; 65 E. Wacker Pl., 312-201-0410; mortons.com
OCEAN CUT CHICAGO
At this sophisticated yet approachable seafood destination from Chicago Cut partners David Flom and Matt Moore, chef and industry vet Dirk Flanigan (The Gage, Henri) crafts uber-fresh and flavorful eclectic fare, such as jungle-curry mussels and swordfish au poivre.
INSIDER TIP: Make tracks to the Shark Bar on Tuesdays during Happy Hour (4–7 PM), when the restaurant raffles off a pair of Jimmy Choos. 20 W. Kinzie St., 312-2808882; oceancutchicago.com
NEW OTTO MEZZO
The latest collaboration between nightlife maestros Rockit Ranch Productions and Michelin-starred chef Kevin Hickey, this Italian hangout is set to open this spring. Expect intriguing large-format and individual cocktails alike from award-winning mixologist Brandon Phillips in an Italian arts- and cinema-inspired space. 311 W. Chicago Ave., 312-2340884; ottomezzobar.com
PELAGO
It’s all in the family at this lovely, intimate Raffaello Hotel destination, where Michelin-starred chef Mauro Mafrici crafts exquisite Italian fare— delicate beef carpaccio with cremini mushrooms, penne pasta with hen ragù and sage—in an elegant space designed by wife Kimberly Anguil Mafrici, an architect and interior designer. 201 E. Delaware Pl., 312280-0700; pelagorestaurant.com
NEW PIZZERIA BEBU
Thin-crust pizza gets the gourmet treatment at this new Lincoln Park concept, where chef Jeff Lutzow (Publican, Nico Osteria) and team bake pies in a gas-fired, brick-lined oven for three and a half minutes (exactly!), then serve them piping-hot in a metal pizza
tin. Toppings include littleneck clams and wild forest mushrooms. 1521 N. Fremont St., 312-280-6000; bebu.pizza
ROCKIT
From nightlife king Billy Dec and the squad at Rockit Ranch (Sunda, Bottlefork, Underground, Duck Inn), this was River North’s first sports bar/ lounge/restaurant hybrid, and it’s still the best. The smartly crafted bar fare includes everything from gourmet burgers and salads to addictive, pizza roll-esque Rockit Pockits.
22 W. Hubbard St., 312-645-6000; rockitbarandgrill.com
RPM STEAK
Power couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic prove that RPM Italian’s success was no fluke with this see-and-be-seen sister restaurant, the rare Chicago steakhouse where stilettos are as common as suits and the meat-heavy menu offers tempting gluten-free and vegetarian options aplenty. 66 W. Kinzie St., 312-284-4990; rpmrestaurants.com
SIENA TAVERN
The Dineamic Group’s flagship restaurant, this River North hot spot showcases comforting, creative
Italian fare from Top Chef fave Fabio Viviani, from crudo and grilled octopus to house-made pastas and truffle-topped pizzas. 51 W. Kinzie St., 312-595-1322; sienatavern.com
SOUTHERN CUT BBQ
First steak, then seafood; now the team behind Chicago Cut and Ocean Cut has embraced barbecue with this new Streeterville destination—and with ’cue queen Lee Ann Whippen manning the kitchen, this one is sure to make fans of Southern fare sit up and take notice. 198 E. Delaware Pl., 312-280-8887; southerncutbbq.com
SPILT MILK
Logan Square’s latest must-try for cocktails is a classy throwback establishment with a gorgeous mahogany bar and a compelling drink list featuring Concord grape juleps and Madras margaritas, plus pineapple soft serve topped with the cocktail du jour. 2758 W. Fullerton Ave., 773413-8440; spiltmilktavern.com
3 ARTS CLUB CAFE
Hogsalt Hospitality founder Brendan Sodikoff says of this airy retreat at the center of RH’S fab Gold Coast gallery, “It’s a place where anyone can feel at home.” True—but it helps if you’re wearing designer duds to fit in with the uber-chic crowd of lunching ladies. 1300 N. Dearborn St., 312-475-9116; 3artsclubcafe.com
WON FUN CHINESE
Sichuan-style dining and drinking hits Restaurant Row with the arrival of this double destination, featuring a 60-seat ground-floor family-friendly restaurant serving classics like Beijing-style duck and mapo tofu (Won Fun) and a second-floor craft cocktail and karaoke lounge and dim sum hangout (2Fun). 905 W. Randolph St., 312-877-5967; funfunchinese.com