New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

Chicago has no shortage of good bites around town. That’s why we’re highlighting the best new restaurants opening in the city.

2026

April Openings

Schneider Deli in Lincoln Park

You might recognize Schneider Deli as the picturesque, old-fashioned eatery attached to Ohio House Motel. Now, a second location has opened in Lincoln Park. I’m visiting soon to try the giardinera-Russian-dressed reuben and will report back 🫡

March Openings

Txa Txa Cafe in Logan Square

An offshoot of Txa Txa Club, which hosts private supper clubs, this all-day cafe is open to all. It offers coffee, cocktails, and light bites, including a popular breakfast sandwich.

Indgō Mrktō in Pilsen

Indgō Mrktō is a new food hall and event space in Pilsen featuring four restaurant concepts: a coffee shop, a multicultural seafood spot, a street food bistro, and a late-night cocktail bar. They’re all by the same chef. And there’s a chilaquiles torta on premises 👀

Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club in River North

Crying Tiger has been generating buzz since it opened in the fall — now there’s a swanky cocktail bar in the basement: Kitty’s. The addition marks another step in Lettuce Entertain You’s foothold on Dearborn and Hubbard.

Chubby Skewers in Chinatown

Unsurprisingly, the food at Chubby Skewers comes on a stick. From the folks behind Chubby Cattle, it’s another cook-it-yourself spot.

Oooh Wee! IT IS! Smothered Potatoes Breakfast Bar in Chatham

Oooh Wee! IT IS!, a popular soul food restaurant that closed in 2024, has a soft reopening Saturday in a new Chatham location. Formerly located on 83rd Street, this new spot is in the old Reggio’s Pizza space on Cottage Grove Avenue. Although it has a new focus on breakfast, dinner items will also be available.

February Openings

Bar Bambi in West Town

Award-winning bartender and Speed Rack champion Katie Renshaw has opened her own bar — and it’s buzzy. The interior literally glows. The menu, meanwhile, features send-ups of classic cocktails and elevated bar bites. (I’m actually checking Bar Bambi out tonight, so I’ll keep ya posted.)

Belmont Tavern in Avondale

I’m skeptical of dive bar overhauls (lookin’ at you, Small Bar) but Belmont Tavern seems truly laid back. That’s a feat considering I visited on a jam-packed Friday night. And while cutesy, the interior doesn’t feel overly curated. It’s naturally eclectic. Extra points for carrying bison grass vodka!

Retro Pizza in Roscoe Village

Hero’s sub shop was an institution, and seeing the shack sit empty since 2017 hurt my soul. Now, new life has sprung in the form of Retro Pizza. The take-out only shops serves square Roman slices of ‘za plus coffee. Check out Dennis Lee’s review. But avoid visiting on school day afternoons or face the mobs of Lane kids — a Hero’s tradition.

Tune-Up in Avondale

Tune-Up, in a former auto body shop, doesn’t quite live up to the name. Although drink names like Anti-Freeze and Brake Fluid are fun to order, the space, affixed with flittering disco balls and mirrors, leans away from its blue collar roots. However, Tune-Up is bound to turn up — it’s open till 5 a.m. on Saturday nights. Yes, 5 a.m. bars still exist in Chicago.

January Openings

Logan Collective in Logan Square

Logan Collective is the neighborhood’s newest coffee shop with home-roasted beans and extremely reasonable prices. $3 for a drip coffee? Hell yeah! With a comfy couch and relaxed vibe, it’s also an excellent spot to write a daily newsletter from … On that note, shout out to barista Keillor!

Radicle in Logan Square

The return of the $10 cocktail. That’s how Radicle, a new bar in Logan Square, is billing itself. And I have to say, it’s quite the hook. Radicle arrives in the former Daisies space — find that artisan pasta a couple blocks away — but the focus really is reasonable drinks. My favorite was the ESOO, with rye and balsamic olive oil.

Carmine’s in Gold Coast (Again)

Carmine’s, one of Chicago’s most old-school Italian restaurants, has reopened in its original Rush Street location after a three-year, $4 million remodel. If you missed the red sauce, you’ll be happy to know Carmine’s is participating in Restaurant Week. (Pasta, plus an app, salad, and dessert will run ya $60.)

2025
December Openings

Portage Park Breakfast Place

If the pared-down name didn’t tip you off, Portage Park Breakfast Place is serving classic brunch in, yep, Portage Park. Located near Milwaukee and Montrose, the opening marks another boost for the growing business corridor there. It comes from two chefs who met working at the popular m.henry in Andersonville.

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar in Chinatown

The Singaporean chain Le Shrimp Noodle Bar has opened a location in Chinatown Square, marking its first expansion to the midwest. Naturally, this place is for shrimp lovers (the shrimp broth simmers for eight hours) but there are plenty of seafood and non-seafood options alike, ranging from shrimp broth noodles to prawn buns to chicken rice bowls.

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Lakeview

The contemporary Southern restaurant Cleo’s opened in Bronzeville in 2019. Now, a third location has come to Lakeview. The menu draws from the owner’s family’s Mississippi roots, with dishes like Creole fish and honey-butter muffins.

November Openings

Brûlée in South Loop

Brunch is surging in South Loop. The latest spot, Black-owned Brûlée, offers a comfort food take. Think fried-lobster-tail-sweet-potato waffles. And don’t worry if you sleep in — Brulee is open till 4 p.m. Non-breakfast highlights include a brisket grilled cheese.

Levain Bakery in Lincoln Park

Once the “it” cookie of New York City, Levain expanded to the West Loop in 2022, then River North. Now, there’s a third Chicago location in Lincoln Park. In addition to famously gooey chocolate chip cookies, the chain began offering savory sandwiches and flatbread this fall.

Savanna Restaurant in North Center

After 15 years in Chicago kitchens, Ecuadorian brothers Enrique and Luis Calderon opened their own, Savanna, in 2018. Now, it’s expanded to four locations. The newest is in North Center on Western Avenue. All serve brunch — working at the former (beloved) Ina’s Restaurant, Enrique earned the nickname “Magic Pancake Man.”

Chomp Pizza in Pilsen

As much as we love tavern-style pizza in Chicago, New York slices are great on the go. (Sorry, it’s true!) That’s exactly what Chomp Pizza is serving, straight out of a window inside the 18th Street Pink Line ‘L’ station. Portability aside, I hear it’s pretty damn good.

Tasty Pot in Chinatown

It’s hot pot weather. (Honestly, I’ll take anything hot at this point.) And Tasty Pot, a new Taiwanese spot in Chinatown, makes it extra accessible by focusing on individual portions. There are Tasty Pots across the United States and Canada, but this location on Jefferson Street marks Illinois’ first.

October Openings

HAIBAYÔ Café in Uptown

Sourcing tea and coffee from different Asian-owned businesses, HAIBAYÔ is a nexus for Asia on Argyle. The cafe operates within the space of the HAIBAYÔ nonprofit, which aims to bring more visitors into the cultural area. As the name suggests in Vietnamese: “One, two, three, cheers!”

Azul 18 in Little Italy

Pilsen brunch hub Azul 18 has opened a second location at 1230 W. Taylor St., bringing Mexican-American flavors to the heart of Little Italy. Azul 18 serves breakfast, lunch, brunch — and, for now, the spot is BYOB. Get your at-cost bubbly on while you can!

Babe’s Sports Bar in Logan Square

It’s all women’s sports all the time at Babe’s, a new rosy-hued sports bar on Armitage Avenue. It’s Chicago’s first sports bar of its kind, featuring eight TVs for game-watching and chile margaritas. Think Sporty Spice.

Wil’s Martini Lounge in Andersonville

Andersonville mainstay Marty’s Martini Bar closed in 2024. Now, its former manager has opened his own neighborhood watering hole: Wil’s Martini Lounge. The featured fall cocktail with cardamom bitters sounds especially cozy.

September Openings

Crumbs.nd.Creams in Albany Park

Crumbs.nd.Creams is Chicago’s first shop specializing in silvanas: Filipino sandwich cookies. These cookies are made of frozen cashew meringue and coated in cookie crumbs. They’re also filled with buttercream — Crumbs.nd.Creams offers 10 flavor options.

Midōsuji in the Loop

Midōsuji is as much an experience as it is a meal. Tucked away inside an old speakeasy space within the Chicago Athletic Club, Midōsuji is intimate, serving just two seatings of eight per night. The “nouvelle omakase” tasting menu featured 11 rotating courses for about $200 per person — beverage pairings will run ya extra, but you’re gonna want to try the tomato martini. The crab salad with miso egg yolk is another unique standout.

Beef & Liberty in the Loop

Located inside the multi-floor Hawksmoor steakhouse, Beef & Liberty is a dimly lit cocktail bar with English noshes like Scotch eggs and Yorkshire pudding. Drawing inspiration from Soho bars, it’s more upscale than your typical pub — but just as cozy.

Van Leeuwen in Wicker Park

Van Leeuwen’s recent Chicago opening made news for two reasons: $1 scoops and a (strong) Malört flavor. While both of those specials were temporary, it’s still worth trying the velvety smooth treat that’s had East Coasters buzzing for years. The new shop is located right on Milwaukee, North, and Damen.

August Openings

Ithaki Estiatorio in Greektown

We’ve covered Ithaki extensively here at City Cast Chicago because it’s a new Greek place in Greektown. That’s rare these days! However, don’t expect an old-school, family-style Greek feast at Ithaki. It’s a modern take on the taverna with a fancy cocktail menu. You can get flaming saganaki, though, and that’s what’s really important.

TNT Ramen in South Chicago

TNT Ramen is the South Chicago neighborhood’s first-ever ramen shop, serving up tonkatsu, chicken paitan, and vegetable ramen. Formerly, the Commercial Avenue space was home to TNT Mexican Restaurant. The owning family now plans to open a café next door, too.

Moody’s Market in Avondale

The aptly titled Moody’s Market is a vibe. Off the bustling corner of California and Belmont, the storefront is cozy, full of for-sale vintage items and art that make the space feel like home. Foodwise, the mart offers to-go sauces, salsas, and fully prepared meals, plus fresh pastries and locally sourced snacks and wine.

Professor Pizza in West Town

The popular Professor Pizza has opened a second brick-and-mortar on Grand Avenue, further solidifying the block as a pizza epicenter. Previously the pizzeria operated a ghost kitchen and maintains an Old Town location, too. For now the new spot is to-go only, but the professor expects to welcome dining guests sometime this fall. I’ve heard good things about their Sicilian-style crust.

A Joong Boo Window in North Park

Real ones from the North Side know the Joong Boo window. Those massive kimchi dumplings got me through high school. I was crushed when their additional wholesale location opened on Pulaski Road with no to-go window. No longer! Tucked away behind Montrose Cemetery, these soul-nourishing dumplings are now hot and ready.

The Nook in Andersonville — And Soon, Marty’s Martini Bar (Again)

The Nook, a new cocktail bar, has opened in the lowkey former home of Marty’s Martini Bar, tucked away on Balmoral Avenue. Marty’s closed a year ago after getting acquired by an LGBTQ+ restaurant group but that beloved bar is set to reopen soon, nearby on Winnemac Avenue.

Smash Jibarito in Humboldt Park

The jibarito is a Humboldt Park invention — and one of Chicago’s most iconic foods. Now, it’s being offered in smashburger form. After garnering buzz as a pop-up, Smash Jibarito has opened a permanent cafe that pays homage to the dish’s neighborhood roots.

July Openings

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian in Lincoln Park

Tarantino’s was a neighborhood staple, but its red-sauce spirit lives on in the Armitage Avenue space. The new Dimmi Dimmi specializes in pasta, tavern-style pizza, and other classic Italian-American fare. In a trendy Chicago twist, the menu also features Italian beef carpaccio, layered with giardiniera.

Semicolon Books in West Town

Starting Wednesday, Semicolon Books is no longer just a bookstore. After launching a Kickstarter to save her nonprofit store, owner Danielle Moore raised enough to add a coffee shop. The space will host local, Black-owned coffee shops on a rotating basis. First up is Muse Coffee Studio.

Sarima Cafe in Wicker Park

In the same space as SALT Burger and Fries is a brand-new bakery that’s already selling out. Local chef (and recent “Top Chef” contestant) Zubair Mohajir blends Filipino and Indian flavors through ube and chai doughnuts and a spread of savory breakfast sandwiches. The opening comes at a hot time for Filipino bakeries in Chicago.

Cured and Crafted in Jefferson Park

Fellow meat lovers — this place looks good. Owner and serious sandwich lover Mike Barboza modeled the menu after his life, with items running the gamut from Peruvian to Italian. A longtime Jefferson Park resident himself, Barboza hopes the spot will become a community hub.

Bloop Bloop Sushi in Lincoln Square

$1 sushi balls! There’s not much marketing for Bloop Bloop yet, but walking by the Montrose storefront, the low price caught my eye. (This TikTok also gets the point across.) Grab some to go for an easy picnic in Welles Park.

Leona’s in Old Irving Park

Yup, Leona’s is now in Old Irving Park. The family restaurant has operated in several neighborhoods over the past 75 years, most famously for decades in Rogers Park. (80 apartments are now coming to that site.) The new spot in Old Irving marks the chain’s second operating city location.

June Openings

El Bagelero in Bucktown

Sorry to be that person but … I used to live in New York. And I am a bagel snob. So I was ecstatic this month when El Bagelero opened near my house! Located in the former Little Lazo’s, this humble spot capitalizes on Chicago’s so-called bagel boom, and their chorizo-egg El Capitan sandwich is well worth the stop.

The Original Rainbow Cone in the Loop

The original Original Rainbow Cone is in Beverly, serving aesthetically stacked ice cream slices since 1926. But thanks to a 2019 merger with Buona Beef, the franchise has spread fast. Mag Mile is the latest place to grab one of Chicago’s most iconic cones.

Batter & Berries in South Loop

Batter & Berries in Lincoln Park recently made our list of the best brunch spots in Chicago. Now, the restaurant has a second location in South Loop. If you’re a sweet over savory kind of person, try their famous French toast.

La Lunita in Logan Square

A sister restaurant of the women-owned Pilsen taqueria La Luna, La Lunita focuses on larger entrees. Personally, I’m looking forward to trying their al pastor octopus (or the Slagel Farms steak with peppercorn mole) alongside a fancy margarita.

Wolf & Company in Wicker Park

From the team behind Little Bad Wolf and Gretel comes Wolf & Company. If you’ve been to those restaurants, you already know the burgers here are gonna be bomb. It’s also — drumroll — the city’s first restaurant with direct 606 access. The second-floor patio overlooks the elevated walkway. Inside, there’s also an all-day café, a market, and an in-house butcher. Another highlight: the Dirty Martini Salad.

May Openings

Solana in Wicker Park

Let’s be honest, you’re going to Solana for the rooftop view and pool, not necessarily for food. But I can attest that they have good mushroom tacos and great frozen margs. So take your lit vegetarian friends. Solana replaces Cabana Club at the Robey Hotel.

Spot Bistro in Englewood

Serving Southern and Cajun-style cooking, Spot Bistro’s opening marks a new era in Englewood. Before the student-run Sikia reopened this year, the neighborhood had no full-service, sit-down restaurants. Owner Letita Rogers hopes it’s the start of a burgeoning “Downtown Halsted.” In addition to classics like gumbo, blackened catfish, and fried green tomatoes, Spot also serves birria tacos that look bomb 🔥

Electric Shuffle in River North

Again, food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “Electric Shuffle,” but the new game-play spot in River North has solid bar staples, from wings to pizza. Plus, their souped-up shuffleboard with screens featuring slow-mo instant-replay may rile up even the least competitive spirits.

WG Pizza in Lakeview

No Chicago restaurant list is complete without some ‘za. In the North Shore, Alex’s Washington Gardens has been cheffing up cracker-thin, tavern-style pizza since the ‘80s. Now, through WG Pizza, the beloved suburban flavor is available in Lakeview. This is WG Pizza’s first brick-and-mortar — the restaurant operated as a ghost kitchen in Avondale for the past year.

April Openings

Lucky Trendy Sushi in Logan Square

Lucky Trendy Sushi is offering Logan Squarers like myself a taste of the good life for cheap. Everything on the menu is under $20! (Ok, technically the Sashimi Silver plate is $20.95. But still.) Signature rolls are just $6.50. It’s the second restaurant from Ratchapol Treedamrongrit and Narumon Sutthitham, two Thai immigrants who met and fell in love in Chicago 💕

3LP & Seoul Taco in Hyde Park

Chinese or Korean … How about both? 3LP & Seoul Taco, new to Hyde Park, combines the Chinese-inspired 3 Little Pigs Chi with the popular Korean taco chain, offering a bulgogi korean beef burrito and 3LP’s salt-and-pepper chicken sandwich under one roof. “Think of this concept as an upgraded version of a KFC-Taco Bell,” the owners say.

Ambar in River North

With three locations in and around Washington D.C., this Michelin-recognized Balkan eatery is arriving in Chicago in April with innovative versions of classic dishes.

Hiro Izakaya in West Town

This approachable Japanese restaurant will be moving into what was once the Michelin-starred Porto in late spring. Expect an evolving menu from their two-kitchen layout — one for wood-fired dishes and the other for fresh sushi.

March Openings

Taco City in Logan Square

Taco City opened recently in the former El Habanero space in Logan Square. El Habanero closed in February, saddening neighbors, but you can once again get your fill of Mexican favorites on Fullerton Avenue. Taco City offers all the classics, like tacos, tostadas, tortas, and pambazos, and their saucy al pastor is a real standout.

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies in Bridgeport

Chicago has New York beat on pizza. We know this. But sometimes a hand-held, New York-style slice just hits. Especially when you’re bar-hopping. Enter, Coawabunga! in Bridgeport, just down the street from Maria’s Packaged Goods. I’ll definitely be stumbling over for a slice of “TMNT”-themed pie.

Namit Cafe in North Park

For you far-Northsiders missing Merla’s Kitchen (not a day goes by I don’t think about those ground beef empanadas), consider a new family-owned Filipino spot in North Park. Namit Cafe, originally in Ravenswood, has reopened on Bryn Mawr near Kimball. Right next door to the bustling Breakfast Club! It’s welcome news on a corner that long lacked new businesses.

Mariscos Los Cuates in Pilsen

This new Mexican seafood spot serves up seafood boils, ceviche three ways, and as many mussels and oysters as you can consume. Just save some room for churros, bread pudding, or their homemade flan.

Kanin in Lincoln Square

The new Filipino-Hawaiian bodega-style restaurant is a delightful grab-and-go. We’re eyeing the spam and shrimp musubis, chimichurri pork skewers, and an ube-banana pudding.

Spoko in Old Town

This Polish street-food restaurant and beer garden covers the basics with authentic zapi and pierogi. They also serve nine flavors of milkshakes and a weekend brunch menu — pierogi benedict, anyone?

Mr. B’s Caribbean Grill in Jefferson Park

Opened last week, Mr. B’s name honors the owner’s late father with Caribbean-Chicago fusion: island barbeque plates Chicago style. Pick your favorite protein and pair it with plantains or corn spinach fritters.

Nic & Junior’s in River North

Junior Borges, a James Beard Award-winning chef, is behind the spot combining flavors from Africa and Brazil. Borges is no stranger to the restaurant industry, having opened the popular Meridian in Dallas.

NADU in Lincoln Park

Sujan Sarkar is the chef behind this future Indian restaurant. He is also the chef of Indienne, the Michelin-starred tasting-menu spot located in River North. Sarkar promises authentic Indian flavors, along with a full bar.

February Openings

Diversey House in Logan Square

This brewery, restaurant, and sports bar is a great spot to kick back and grab a beer. Uniting the Black-owned Moor’s Brewing Company with the reimagined Steep Ravine Brewing Company, there are plenty of tasty beers to try. Along with beer, dine on some classic, yet elevated bar food.

Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant in Little Village

This Mexican restaurant takes inspiration from Urupan, Michoacán. Inocencio Carbajal founded the first restaurant in Pilsen in 1975, and the establishment has been providing delicious food ever since. Recently, they’ve opened their third location in Little Village.

Noriko in the West Loop

With only 21 seats, this counter-service sushi spot creates an intimate experience for customers. Enjoy classic rolls, ranging from $5-$9. Options include a California roll or a bluefin tuna avocado roll. But maybe you want to ball out on a premium roll like the wagyu tataki roll or the uni roll.

Sanders BBQ Supply Co. in Beverly

Slicing meat by the order, Sanders BBQ Supply Co. offers delicious barbecue using meats from farmers they know. This BBQ spot offers sliced brisket, Chicago pulled pork, pork ribs, and rib tips. Only on Saturdays can you get their beef short ribs.

January Openings

Pupuseria el Centroamericano in North Center

The family behind the delicious freshly-made pupusas has had restaurants from Uptown to Des Plaines. Now, they’re bringing Salvadorian specialties — alongside other Central American flavors — to their newest location.

Sikia in Englewood

After about a five-year closure due to the pandemic, Sikia is back. Run by students of Kennedy-King College, this fine-dining restaurant offers a three-course lunch for about $17 per person.

Oso & The Bull in Pilsen

This new sports bar in Chicago is serving up classics like wings and burgers, along with brunch on weekends. Get the steak and eggs or the pozole verde while catching various sports games.

Prince Street Pizza in West Loop

See what all the hubbub is about for this New York City–based pizzeria, which just opened on Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row. Grab a Sicilian square or Neapolitan-style pie, even if Chicagoans know tavern-style always remains supreme 💪

Mister Tiger in West Town

I’d never let Hey Chicago readers miss a new Korean restaurant in town, especially a family-owned one that serves braised short rib and spicy cod.

2024

December Openings

Sotto in the Loop

An Italian bar in the basement of the Italian Village restaurant complex opened in early December. It’s a new concept from the family-owned business.

Il Carciofo in Fulton Market

Chicago is home to some of the biggest names to come out of the “Top Chef” franchise, including Joe Flamm. The South Side native’s new restaurant celebrates Italian cuisine with Roman pizzas and a pasta lab.

Cumin in Lakeview

From Election Day dinner to sick day grub, the Wicker Park location is my go-to takeout spot. North Siders have to try the Nepalese dumplings and lamb curry at the new two-story restaurant.

Nitro Nostalgia in Bronzeville

The new South Side ice cream parlor is a treat for the whole family: Kids can marvel at the liquid nitrogen used to make the ice cream and play board games while adults can enjoy spiked options. Plus, everything is homemade from the ice cream to the waffle cones.

November Openings

Fire in Fulton Market

After closing Roister last weekend, the Alinea Group debuted its new restaurant highlighting open-fire cooking techniques this week.

Cantina Rosa in Hyde Park

The team that specializes in Southern cuisine at the uber-popular Virtue and Daisy’s has officially opened a Mexican craft cocktail bar.

Monday Coffee in North Lawndale

The coffee company finally has a brick-and-mortar cafe after hosting pop-ups for a few years, and it’s becoming a quick favorite among West Siders. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, the space alone is worth visiting for its plush chairs, cozy decor, and lemonade.

Lawrence Fish Market in Bridgeport

South Siders don’t have to travel to Albany Park to visit the seafood wholesaler. The second location features its signature sushi and is adding ramen to the menu.

October Openings

Homewood Brewing Company in Homewood

Nearly five years after rapper Juice WRLD died, his mother, Carmela Wallace, opened a brewery this month in the south suburb he called home. Part of the proceeds will go toward the foundation she created to address mental health and addiction.

The Pink Polo Social Club & Bar on the Near North Side

Remote workers, looking to spruce up your work-from-home environment? Work hard and play hard at this new North Side spot that is a cafe by day and a cocktail bar by night.

Dicey’s Pizza in West Town

You already know the City Cast Chicago team stans tavern-style pizza, but we’re extra excited for the pizzeria because it’s at a former Parson’s where we first met years ago 😭

September 2024

Tavern on Rush in Gold Coast

The steakhouse is set to reopen Monday in the Thompson Hotel across the street from its original location. And don’t worry: Ladies Night on Mondays is coming back, too.

Classic Cobbler in Bronzeville

Wondering what to bring to upcoming holiday dinners and potlucks? Cobblers from this new South Side brick-and-mortar bakery are bound to be a hit. And don’t forget to add puddings and pies to your cart.

Nafsi in South Shore

The Black-owned soul food restaurant in the South Shore Cultural Center has range, from fancy dishes like lobster bucatini to comfort food like fried catfish with grits. Plus, the eatery is rewriting history: The former country club once banned Black and Jewish people from becoming members.

And She Bakes Too in Portage Park

What makes the new Northwest Side bakery even sweeter? The recipes have been passed down through generations of baker Paris Clark’s family 🥹

Petit Pomeroy in River North

Missing the Olympics? Waiting for the next season of “Emily in Paris?” The classic French bistro from the minds behind Pomeroy in Winnetka might just satiate all the Francophiles out there.

Shabu Plus Rotary Hot Pot in Chinatown

Like its Wicker Park outpost, the new spot in Chinatown features all-you-can-eat Japanese hotpot and dozens of toppings on a conveyor belt. Something else you should know? They don’t take reservations.

Lynn’s Chicago Pizza in Woodlawn

Want to try Lynn’s original Dorchester thin crust? The South Side brick-and-mortar pizzeria is set to open after Labor Day. And you know we are #TeamThinCrust at City Cast 💪

Au Levain in North Center

Bistro Campagne pastry chef Angel Chavez is turning his pandemic pop-up into a permanent bakery, set to open in late September. In the meantime, get the creative pastries at the Lincoln Square and North Branch farmers markets as well as DueLire on Sundays.

August 2024

Is/Was Brewing in Ravenswood

Want a break from IPAs and lagers? Consider heading to Is/Was for a saison-style beer. The Malt Row spot is helping Chicago maintain its title of having the most breweries of any U.S. city.

Stussy’s Diner in Bridgeport

Patrons who’ve eaten at the diner during its soft opening have gotten to enjoy everything from the retro decor to the strawberry shortcakes. The owners are rewriting their family history at Stussy’s, which is on the same corner where a relative suffered a racist attack decades ago.

Void in Avondale

You can find Italian American comfort food like pasta and chicken parmesan with slight twists at this new restaurant. But run, don’t walk: Void doesn’t take reservations. As for me, I’m most curious about their Spaghetti-O’s …

July 2024

Cadinho Bakery in McKinley Park

Run — don’t walk — to the new Portuguese bakery for a pastel de nata, an egg custard tart pastry. And, yes, you might catch a few City Casters guzzling coffee and putting away desserts at the Southwest Side spot (especially your fav newsletter editor).

Perilla Steakhouse in The Loop

This new Korean steakhouse in the L7 Chicago Hotel is the restaurant of my dreams. The team behind Perilla Fare is serving food all day from popular breakfast plates to different cuts of meat grilled tableside.

Mána in LaGrange

Just a quick Metra ride on the BNSF line, and you could dine at the new Greek restaurant in the western suburbs. Did someone say spicy feta? Wood-fired tiger prawns? All the above?

June 2024

Calumet Fisheries in South Deering

Chicagoans can once again dine at the Far South Side smoked fish shack. A fire last fall shut down the award-winning restaurant for several months.

Sanders BBQ Supply Co. in Beverly

What screams Labor Day more than BBQ? Since opening this summer, Sanders has attracted long lines and regularly sells out. See what all the hubbub is Thursdays to Sundays.

Novel Pizza Cafe in Pilsen

Eating your way through the city’s thin crust pizza scene? Add this new Pilsen pizzeria to your list for unique toppings like giardiniera and Filipino breakfast sausage.

Feld in Ukrainian Village

The “relationship-to-table” restaurant that changes its menu regularly is getting some, uh, mixed reviews. Love it or hate it, head chef and owner Jake Potashnick says he always knew Feld would be “divisive.” FWIW, we’re still intrigued.