BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW: RECENTLY OPENED
BBQ Joint | Taco Joint meets American barbecue. Think smoked brisket, steak carne asada or BBQ al pastor — on your choice of tortilla or bun. 1967 N. Halsted; Eatbbqjoint.com
Doodle’s Doughnuts | Order a signature doughnut — creamfilled with white icing and a mini piping bag for doodling — and a side of Slagel Family Farm thick-cut honey Sriracha-glazed bacon. 1419 N. Wells; Doodlesdoughnuts.com
Duck Duck Goat | Boka Restaurant Group just does not miss. Their latest is another Stephanie Izard collab focused on mostly authentic Chinese fare. 857 W. Fulton Market; Duckduckgoatchicago.com
Green Street Local | George Giannoulias (the brother of Kanela Breakfast Club’s Alexi) recently debuted this hearty West Loop locale. 130 S. Green; Greenstreetlocal.com
il Porcellino | The sigh heard ’round the city when Paris Club shuttered earlier this year is resolved with the latest Lettuce Entertain You venue in the same location. The small-ish Italian menu features Old and New School pasta dishes like gnocci Bolognese (old) and kale cavatelli (new). 59 W. Hubbard; Ilporcellinochicago.com
Moneygun | The classics, done right. Will Duncan, Dustin Drankiewicz and Justin Anderson are behind the bar program and, in the kitchen, Jared Wentworth makes the perfect accompanying snacks. 660 W. Lake; Moneygunchicago.com
The Northman | Cider, anyone? The city’s first pub and bistro dedicated to the drink — there are 18 varieties on draft — comes from the team behind Fountainhead. 4337 N. Lincoln; Thenorthman.com
Oriole | At $175/person (plus $75-$125 for wine pairings), it’s not the cheapest meal you’ll find — but with dishes like Santa Barbara sea urchin, fettuccine with black truffle and Mishima rib-eye, the ultra-extended tasting menu is worth every penny. 661 W. Walnut; Oriolechicago.com
Robert’s Pizza Company | Some say it’s the sauce, some say it’s the toppings, but at Robert’s, they say it’s “Za Dough” that makes the perfect pizza. 355 E. Ohio; Robertspizzacompany.com