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1 / 10
TAVERNITA The sheer amount of time, money, and expectation poured into this Spanish star blows the mind—and so does the hoppin’ bar. 151 W. Erie St.; 312-274-1111
Photograph: Drew Templeton -
2 / 10
SLURPING TURTLE Tan tan men sounds more like a weekend in St. Tropez than the most popular noodle dish in Chicago. 116 W. Hubbard St.; 312-464-0466
Photograph: Tyllie Barbosa Photography -
3 / 10
BAR TOMA The wooden “bookends” on the tables are actually stands for the best wood-fired pizza on the Gold Coast. 110 E. Pearson St.; 312-266-3110 Read our review »
Photograph: Jeff Kauck -
4 / 10
VERA Who started the no-reservations trend, anyway? If we knew, someone might get hurt. 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 -
5 / 10
GOOSEFOOT On the other hand, who started the fine-dining BYO trend? Give that person a medal. 2656 W. Lawrence Ave.; 773-942-7547
Photograph: Jessica Pierotti -
6 / 10
YUSHO Former Trotter’s chef opens yakitori bar, serves twice-fried chicken in Logan Square. Gotta love 2012. 2853 N. Kedzie Ave.; 773-904-8558
Photograph: Katrina Wittkamp -
7 / 10
SOULWICH An Indonesian ginger BBQ sandwich, Burmese chips, and homemade pomegranate lemonade: just your usual takeout spot. 1634 Orrington Ave., Evanston; 847-328-2222
Photograph: Sarah Davidson -
8 / 10
URBAN UNION Michael Shrader and Jason Chan dish up fab small plates on Taylor Street. University Village rocks anew. 1421 W. Taylor St.; 312-929-4302
Photograph: Barry Phipps -
9 / 10
ACADIA Ryan McCaskey’s place is hard to find—we think the South Loopers like it that way. 1639 S. Wabash Ave.; 312-360-9500
Photograph: Anthony Tahlier -
10 / 10
CHARLIE TROTTER’S In 1997, R.J. Grunts announced it was closing, but popular opinion prevailed. How about it, Charlie? 816 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-248-6228
Photograph: Kipling Swehla