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1 / 10
Where “food that is soulful” is code for monumental portions. Critic’s Notes The place is staggeringly crowded, with customers spilling into aisles. Bravo to chef Sarah Grueneberg for using tigelle (a Modena peasant bread, kind of like somewhere between toast and English muffin), which is pretty obscure in Chicago. —Jeff Ruby1020 W. Madison St., 312-888-3041 Website
Related: Check out Monteverde’s artichoke crostino and other goodies in What Penny Eats.
Photo: Galdones Photography -
2 / 10
As form follows function in modern architecture, food follows foam in this modern brewpub. Critic’s Notes How many more ways can I express my love for the weirdo beers here? I wish I could stock my fridge with orange-chicory six-packs. —Carrie Schedler4710 N. Ravenswood Ave., 773-271-4710 Website
Related: Browse photos of our night at the Ravenswood brewpub in Seen on the Scene.
Photo: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune -
3 / 10
A crew of Hogsalt alums bet their giant meatballs that Humboldt Park will be the next hot resto zone. Critic’s Notes Initially, this feels more like "Sodikoff lite" than a fresh, new concept—from the Bavette's-esque setup of the place down to the font printed on the doors listing opening hours. But upon reflection, I changed my tune: Sodikoff has mastered the hip-yet-comfy vibe, and that vibe is perfectly befitting of Humboldt Park. It's more of an homage to Hogsalt Hospitality's sheer coolness than a ripoff. —Carly Boers2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-697-4489 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Bar Marta -
4 / 10
This is the seventh Lettuce spot in Lincoln Park. Time for a Melman street sign? Critic’s Notes Our waitress made it clear that she would explain anything or get an explanation and meet our every need. Wow! That’s not an easy speech to pull off without sounding like a pompous ass. —Penny Pollack1962 N. Halsted St., 773-248-3000 Website
Photo: Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune -
5 / 10
Proving it’s never too late to get on the Neapolitan pizza bandwagon. 1126 Central Ave., Wilmette, 224-215-0305 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Napolita -
6 / 10
Another DIY from Team Chipotle. This time it’s Southeast Asian bowls. Critic’s Notes Well, now we know where everyone who used to slam Chipotle burritos at lunch has taken refuge—I was waiting in line behind them for more than 20 minutes. The flavorless bowl I got was hardly worth wasting half my break. —CS24 E. Jackson Blvd., 312-588-0064; 1022 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, 224-353-6505 Website
Photo: Bill Daley/Chicago Tribune -
7 / 10
Mexican-born Dudley Nieto plays his trump card—tacos—in Albany Park. Critic’s Notes Management gave free shots of mezcal to everyone at the table. Crazy strong and smooth. One of my guests came away in a better mood than I have ever seen him in. —PP3830 W. Lawrence Ave., 773-539-4398 Website
Photo: Barry Brecheisen -
8 / 10
It’s not a new percussion band, just the sounds you hear coming from the Thai kitchen. Critic’s Notes The "gateway drug" appeal of those well-done yet familiar Thai dishes makes you want to get to know Thai food a little better, which seems to be the plan here. (Bang Chop will do rotating specials highlighting regional dishes. The first one will be something with northern Thai sausage! They just got a meat grinder.) —Maggie Hennessy605 W. Lake St., 312-285-2800 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Bang Chop -
9 / 10
Carriage House reborn as more laid-back Southern. 1700 W. Division St., 773-384-9700 Website
Related: Check out pics from our visit to the Wicker Park restaurant in Seen on the Scene.
Photo: Hilary Higgins -
10 / 10
Dos couples working together: a true labor of love. Critic’s Notes Chic yet cozy, buzzy, and totally perfect for the neighborhood. I enjoyed pretty much everything I tried–meatballs, mole, a sweet corn tamal. But I loved the vanilla bean flan. Rich, custardy, drizzled with honey. I’m still thinking about it. —CS2829 W. Armitage Ave., 773-661-6452 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Dos Urban Cantina