-
1 / 10
What:Hotel dining for people who never eat at hotels
Why:Aaron Lirette, of the dearly departed (and Michelin-starred) GreenRiver, brought the rest of the band over to this swank brasserie for a reunion.
Read more about the new restaurant from the crew behind GreenRiver.Where:St. Jane Hotel, 224 N. Michigan Ave., Loop Website
Photo: Neil Burger -
2 / 10
What:Beer, but with Sichuan peppercorns
Why:Three years (!) after first being announced, this Asian-inspired brewpub is finally pouring, in one of the city’s airiest, prettiest taprooms.
Find out what you should drink at this Logan Square brewpub.Where:2515 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square Website
Photo: Paul Beaty/Chicago Tribune -
3 / 10
What:A little bit of anything you can cook over open flames
Why:Danny Grant (of spendy steakhouse Maple & Ash) plays well with fire — and now you can get a taste without torching your wallet.Where:1840 W. North Ave., Bucktown Website
Photo: Rachel Bires -
-
5 / 10
What:Sushi for maximalists Why It’s not cheap — a cool $125 for the 17-course omakase menu — but when each plate is so finely wrought, it’s kind of a steal. Where:651 W. Washington Blvd., West Loop Website
Photo: Christopher Greene -
6 / 10
What:The cured-beef kingpins
Why:A new location across the street with ample dining space means that, for the first time, you can devour your Reuben while sitting down.Where:1016 W. Lake St., West Loop Website
Photo: Courtesy of Corned Beef Factory -
-
8 / 10
What:A slashie for the people
Why:This decades-old bar and bottle shop moved from Jefferson Park and added food like soft pretzels and sausage.Where:4058 N. Milwaukee Ave., Portage Park Website
Photo: Jason Little -
9 / 10
What:Part sports bar, part trend-chasing restaurant
Why:Stellar placement in the heart of Logan Square plus gimlets and fried-rice arancini equals a constant crowd.Where:3137 W. Logan Blvd., Logan Square Website
Photo: C|Louise Public Relations -
10 / 10
What:Mounds of cookie dough in a mall kiosk
Why:Enjoy your guilty pleasure without getting sick (the eggs are safely pasteurized).
Take a look at the tasty treats at their Michigan Avenue sweets stand.Where:835 N. Michigan Ave., Gold Coast Website
Photo: Courtesy of Scooped Cookie Dough Bar