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SEE ALSO: Best New Restaurants 2012 »
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1 / 10
LA SIRENA CLANDESTINA John Manion’s big sloppy kiss to Brazil (see “Where to Find Alfajores in Chicago”) leaves chimichurri on your collar. 954 W. Fulton Market, 312-226-5300
RELATED: See photos of La Sirena Clandestina’s empanadas, Brazilian steak, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats
Photograph: Abel Uribe/ Chicago Tribune -
2 / 10
CARRIAGE HOUSE This Southern charmer’s good vibes literally spill out onto Division Street now that the heated patio is open. 1700 W. Division St., 773-384-9700
RELATED: Browse pics of Carriage House’s she-crab soup, Lyonnaise, and more on What Penny Eats
Photograph: Courtesy of Carriage House -
3 / 10
ELIZABETH Iliana Regan’s dramatic forager-inspired menus are charming and one of a kind. Ditto for Regan. 4835 N. Western Ave., 773-681-0651
Photograph: Jennifer Moran/ JenMoranPhotography -
4 / 10
BELLYQ Communal dining, Korean grill-top tables, a karaoke den, screened-off rooms, and BQ2GO. No Wi-Fi? 1400 W. Randolph St., 312-563-1010
RELATED: Check out photos of BellyQ’s banana leaf-wrapped salmon, grilled edamame, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats and read more on BellyQ
Photograph: Courtesy of BellyQ -
5 / 10
ANDY THAI KITCHEN Will the throngs of TAC Quick die-hards follow its former chef ten blocks south to his new BYO? They already have. 946 W. Wellington Ave., 773-549-7821
Photograph: Courtesy of Andy Thai Kitchen -
6 / 10
BOBBY’S DEERFIELD It takes courage to open where others have failed. Now all this American bistro needs is crowd control. 695 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield, 847-607-9104
Photograph: Jeremy Cliff -
7 / 10
FOUND A 1920s salon? A 1950s beatnik lounge? Amy Morton’s living room? Found is all of these, plus fried oyster tacos with bacon. 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945
Photograph: Courtesy of Found -
8 / 10
BAR PASTORAL A superpopular wine and cheese shop opens a wine and cheese bar (see “Bar Pastoral’s Live Wine and Cheese Experience”). Talk about a no-brainer. 2947 N. Broadway, 773-472-4781
Photograph: Courtesy of Bar Pastoral -
9 / 10
BAVETTE’S BAR & BOEUF Only Brendan Sodikoff could put Lillet Rose martinis and fried chicken on the same menu—and succeed. 218 W. Kinzie St., 312-624-8154
RELATED: See pics of Bavette’s hanger steak, crab cake, and more on What Penny Eats and read about the bar’s soul-warming Old Fashioned
Photograph: Courtesy of Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf -