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1 / 10
CITY TAVERN When it comes to burgers, CT is king, and S. Loopers know it. So do River Northers and Gold Coasters and . . . 1416 S. Michigan Ave., 312-663-1278
RELATED: City Tavern wins for Best Burger in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide -
2 / 10
TRENCHERMEN “I’m looking to do more refined food in a very casual atmosphere.” —Michael Sheerin, September 27, 2010. Guess he was referring to the Pickle Tots. 2039 W. North Ave., 773-661-1540
RELATED: Check out photos of Trenchermen’s Pekin duck breast, beet salad, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats and browse pics of the weekend crowd at Trenchermen on our nightlife photo blog, Seen on the Scene »
Photograph: Anthony Tahlier -
3 / 10
PICCOLO SOGNO DUE Housemade linguini with clams is the new Power Lunch. Well played, Tony Priolo. 340 N. Clark St., 312-822-0077
RELATED: See photos of Piccolo Sogno Due’s pesciolini, espresso granite, and other goodies on What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Nick Novelli, Novelli Photodesign -
4 / 10
HOMESTEAD Where farm-to-table means walk from your rooftop table to the rooftop garden, pick a vegetable, and hand it to the chef. 1924 W. Chicago Ave., 773-645-4949
Photograph: Courtesy of Homestead -
5 / 10
GRASS FED Tad’s Steaks circa 1950s: $1.09 got you a sirloin, a baked potato, a garlic roll, and a salad with Roquefort dressing. Grass Fed 2012: Bring $25. 1721 N. Damen Ave., 773-342-6000
Photograph: Peter Heil -
6 / 10
PECKING ORDER With celeb chefs planning fried-chicken joints left and right, Kristine Subido zigs instead of zags with all-Philippine preps. 4416 N. Clark St., 773-907-9900
Photograph: Ashley Fornelli -
7 / 10
WOOD When this newbie opens its Belgian fries window, the folks headed to Sidetrack might not know which line to get in. 3335 N. Halsted St., 773-935-9663
Photograph: Courtesy of Wood -
8 / 10
MAISON Disneyesque Lakeshore East is quite possibly the last place we would have looked for French bistro classics. 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 -
9 / 10
TAVERNITA What Tavernita really needs to alleviate the crowd is a little pintxos bar right behind the host desk. Oh, that’s what Barcito is. We thought it was a holding pen.. 151 W. Erie St.; 312-274-1111
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Tavernita and Ryan Poli Visits Spain for Tavernita ideas
Photograph: Drew Templeton -
10 / 10
THE PEASANTRY Listen up, Lincoln Parkers: Please leave some baby octopus gyros for the rest of us. C’mon, we said “please.” 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 »
Photograph: Kimberly Grosser