Click thumbnails to launch gallery. ALSO SEE: Best New Restaurants 2011 »
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1 / 10
PUMP ROOM Would we all be this excited if it didn’t have the famous name? Hard to say. Will you get a table? Hard to say Public Chicago, 1301 N. State Pkwy.; 312-601-2970. Read our review »
Photograph: Public Chicago -
2 / 10
ROKA AKOR If “Roka” means something about gathering around a fire, then “Akor” must mean “so hot it draws half of River North on any given night.” 111 W. Illinois St.; 312-477-7652. Read our review »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
3 / 10
III FORKS Did the Texas owners of this Lakeshore East newbie check out Chicago winters before building the most beautiful rooftop deck in the city? 333 E. Benton Pl.; 312-938-4303
Photograph: Courtesy of III Forks -
4 / 10
MICHAEL JORDAN’S STEAK HOUSE It would be hard to spot even His Tallness in this Mag Mile crush. InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-321-8823 Read our review »
Photograph: Steven Johnson -
5 / 10
2SPARROWS The name has something to do with Aphrodite and a chariot. OK. We just want to try the foie gras and cherry Pop-Tarts. 553 W. Diversey Pkwy.; 773-234-2320
Photograph: Ryan Moore Photography -
6 / 10
TELEGRAPH This hipster wine bar’s menu is as serious as its wine list—a novelty that’s paying off big-time. 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-292-9463. A few tips for patrons »
Photograph: Katrina Wittkamp -
7 / 10
VERA There’s always room for another Spanish wine bar, especially when it comes from Carnivale’s Mark Mendez. 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 -
8 / 10
LIBERTAD Can a modern Latinburrito-free zone succeed in Skokie? You bet your sweet (and sour) margarita it can. 7931 Lincoln Ave., Skokie; 847-674-8100
Photograph: Chris Strong Photography -
9 / 10
GEMELLATO RISTORANTE The Ricobene family goes upscale on the Bridgeport block they’ve owned for ages. Brilliant. 260 W. 26th St.; 312-706-8081
Photograph: Courtesy of Gemellato Ristorante -
10 / 10
TONI PATISSERIE & CAFÉ At last, a cure for Euro envy. 65 E. Washington St.; 312-726-2020
Photograph: Anna Knott