Click thumbnails to launch gallery. ALSO SEE: Best New Restaurants 2011 »
-
1 / 10
PUMP ROOM When Sinatra wanted to eat here, he just paid everyone’s bill to clear out the room. If only. Public Chicago, 1301 N. State Pkwy.; 312-601-2970. Read our review »
Photograph: Public Chicago -
2 / 10
VERA Charging $6 for bread and butter could lead to Occupy Lake Street protests. But it’s really good bread and butter. 1023 W. Lake St.; 312-243-9770. Check out photos of Vera's garlic prawns, roasted beets, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Vera Chicago -
3 / 10
2SPARROWS These days, Charlie Trotter’s vets open a brunch place and no one wails that they’re slumming. 553 W. Diversey Pkwy.; 773-234-2320
Photograph: Ryan Moore Photography -
4 / 10
LAKE STREET KITCHEN + BAR Look hip, tout farm-to-table, load up on microbrews, and declare victory. 1101 Lake St., Oak Park; 708-383-5253
Photograph: Courtesy of the restaurant -
5 / 10
GRANGE HALL FARM BURGER When is a burger joint more than a burger joint? When it churns ice cream and bakes its own pies. 844 W. Randolph St.; 312-491-0844
Photograph: Chris Lee -
6 / 10
ROKA AKOR The colder it gets outside, the better eating meat cooked on 1,800-degree mesquite coals sounds. 111 W. Illinois St.; 312-477-7652. Read our review »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
7 / 10
FILINI The dining room at this shimmering Lakeshore East spot gets almost as much action as its lounge. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Dr.; 312-477-0234
Photograph: Courtesy of the restaurant -
8 / 10
TELEGRAPH A telegraph is a device for transmitting messages over long distances. Like the distance between you and an open table at this wine bar. 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-292-9463. A few tips for patrons »
Photograph: Katrina Wittkamp -
9 / 10
MICHAEL JORDAN’S STEAK HOUSE Why does MJ keep showing up at the Pump Room? Apparently he can’t get a table at his own restaurant. InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-321-8823 Read our review »
Photograph: Steven Johnson -
10 / 10
BUTCHER & THE BURGER Guess “Butcher & the Burger & Custard & Beignets” didn’t fit on the awning. 1021 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-697-3735
Photograph: Isabelli Media Relations