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SEE ALSO: Best New Restaurants 2012 »
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1 / 10
CITY TAVERN Proposed as a gathering place for poets, artists, pols, and the rest of us, this S. Looper had the the rest of us pouring in the moment it opened. 1416 S. Michigan Ave., 312-663-1278
Photograph: Courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide -
2 / 10
BLACK BULL The Wicker Park tapanistas have spoken: BB’s sangría on tap is the best thing since two-liter soft drinks. 1721 W. Division St., 773-227-8600
RELATED: Check out photos of the weekend crowd at Black Bull on our nightlife photo blog, Seen on the Scene »
Photograph: Francis Son -
3 / 10
THE PEASANTRY You call your fare “elevated street food,” you better walk the walk. The Peasantry doesn’t walk—it struts. 2723 N. Clark St.; 773-868-4888
RELATED: Check out photos of The Peasantry’s rabbit pasta, shrimp & lobster roll, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats » -
4 / 10
MAISON Finally, a food purveyor in Lakeshore East more crowded than Mariano’s Fresh Market. 330 E. Randolph St., 312-241-1540
RELATED: Check out photos of Maison’s roasted chicken, arctic char, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Jeff Kauck -
5 / 10
G.E.B. Pull up a church pew and pass the small plates at Graham Elliot’s latest brainchild. 841 W. Randolph St., 312-888-2258
Photograph: Jason Budd -
6 / 10
TAVERNITA Usually the beautiful people move on from a hot spot after a month. They’re staying at Tavernita. And having another drink. 151 W. Erie St.; 312-274-1111
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Tavernita and read Ryan Poli Visits Spain for Tavernita ideas
Photograph: Drew Templeton -
7 / 10
RPM ITALIAN The wait at RPM is so long, some people have better luck at The Doughnut Vault. 52 W. Illinois St.; 312-222-1888
RELATED: Read our review »
Photograph: Anjali Pinto -
8 / 10
A TODA MADRE Bien Trucha and A Toda Madre may be the best Mexican neighbors in all of Chicagoland. 416 W. State St., Geneva; 630-845-3015
RELATED: Read our review »
Photograph: Rodrigo Cano -
9 / 10
BALENA If Steppenwolf built a catwalk across Halsted Street to Balena, everyone’s life would be easier. 1633 N. Halsted St.; 312-867-3888
RELATED: Check out photos of Balena’s Peter’s breads, orecchiette, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats and read our review »
Photograph: Eric Kleinberg -
10 / 10
NELLCÔTE The space and the crowd are all dressed up for pizza, pasta, and punch. But it’s really good pizza, pasta, and punch. 833 W. Randolph St.; 312-432-0500
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Nellcôte and read our review »
Photograph: Potluck Creative