DINE & DRINK
The king of Thai food in Chicago, chef Arun Sampanthavivat’s Northwest Side restaurant is a temple to the art of fine Asian fare. Indulge in prix-fixe-only 10- and 12-course menus and craft cocktails in the recently reinvented space. 4156 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-539-1909; arunsthai.com
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—home of the ultimate 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
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? Yes, please. 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
NEW BARRIO
For its latest concept, Dineamic Group teams up with another Top
Chef veteran, Katsuji Tanabe, for a Mexican restaurant with a bit of
Asian flair (think dishes like grilled diver scallops with poblano-uni relish) in a stunning, expansive space smack in the heart of River North. 65 W. Kinzie St., 312-940-9900; barriochicago.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