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  • 1 / 10
    What:A pop-up Japanese convenience store from two longtime bartenders
    Why:Chicago’s been missing a spot for Japanese egg salad sandwiches, nori-topped hot dogs, and coffee tonics.
    Where:Order via Instagram (@ninebarchicago), and a pickup address in Chinatown will be sent to you.

    Photo: Courtesy of Nine Bar Market
  • 2 / 10
    What:Your go-to spot for the three essential food groups
    Why:Eat Free Pizza’s Sicilian pies, Kimski’s fried chicken, and Pretty Cool Ice Cream’s pops, all at one takeout window next to Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar
    Where:960 W. 31st St., Bridgeport Website

    Photo: Ed Marszewski
  • 3 / 10
    What:The iconic butcher shop, now with a sandwich counter
    Why:Stock up on brats, then order a 1949: a sandwich of pork sultz, Leberkäse, gelbwurst, salami, and Gruyère.
    Where:3501 N. Lincoln Ave., Lake View Website

    Photo: Emily Johnson
  • 4 / 10
    What:The Logan Square pizza spot adds a third style: New York slices, sold from the front window.
    Why:Whether it’s pepperoni or carnitas, Paulie Gee’s always gives the people what they want.
    Where:2451 N. Milwaukee Ave. Website

    Photo: Douglas Yee
  • 5 / 10
    What:Delivery chicken from Boka’s Lee Wolen
    Why:You know Wolen nails both roasted and fried chicken. But did you also know pastry chef Meg Galus nails oatmeal cookie sandwiches?
    Where:Order via Caviar. Website

    Photo: Courtesy of GG’s Chicken Shop
  • 6 / 10
    What:Barbacoa by the pound, plus soups and tacos, available on the Spilt Milk patio or via Caviar
    Why:Spicy posole decked out with citrus slaw is exactly the comfort food 2020 calls for.
    Where:2758 W. Fullerton Ave., Logan Square Website

    Photo: Courtesy of Kumbala
  • 7 / 10
    What:A pop-up lands a permanent home — and a partnership with Milwaukee’s Honeypie.
    Why:Yes, it’s OK to follow cheese-curd-topped fries with a slice of pistachio cream pie.
    Where:6157 N. Broadway, Edgewater Website

    Photo: Courtesy of Beard & Belly
  • 8 / 10
    What:A larger space for the Evanston bakery means more menu items for you.
    Why:The weekday-only egg sandwich with bacon, cheese, ramp pesto, and onion jam is the perfect Zoom-meeting fuel.
    Where:1733 Central St., Evanston Website

    Photo: Courtesy of Hewn
  • 9 / 10
    What:A neighborhood spot pivots to delivery meals and groceries.
    Why:You can still get bucatini carbonara, but now you can also get Sunday gravy, pizzas, and Negronis to go.
    Where:2755 W. Belmont Ave., Avondale Website

    Photo: Rachel De Marte
  • 10 / 10
    What:Grab-and-go plant-based fare from the former Chicago Raw chef
    Why:Feeling virtuous? Try the kelp noodle cacio e pepe, then indulge in a chocolate almond butter cake.
    Where:210 N. Carpenter St., West Loop Website

    Photo: Courtesy of Uncooked
Hot List

10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

By Amy Cavanaugh
September 1, 2020, 9:58 am
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