-
1 / 10
So hot that West Madison Street could go on the climate-change watch list. Critic’s Notes Surprisingly intimate. Fewer tables than I expected and nicely spaced out. Chef Sarah Grueneberg made the rounds (I know some of her investors were there), but I was blissfully unknown to her. She is such a nice gal. You just want this place to be great! And here comes the pasta. Orecchiette clearly made with love. —Penny Pollack1020 W. Madison St., 312-888-3041 Website
Photo: Galdones Photography -
2 / 10
Think Eataly, only smaller and with Latin food. Just as crowded, though. 108 N. State St., 312-795-4444 Website
Related: Browse photos of our night at the pan-Latin restaurant.
Photo: Courtesy of Latinicity -
3 / 10
From the same group as Momotaro. What more do you need to know? 1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420 Website
Photo: Eric Kleinberg -
4 / 10
Because the Viagra Triangle needed another huge steakhouse. Critic’s Notes Another gargantuan two-story steakhouse. All very attractive and hip and vibey. My corner table overlooked Rush Street, which was way cool. A bunch of freebies, including a small Maple & Ash martini. A plate of Manchego cheese, cut into finger-friendly pieces. Another plate holds giant radish slices, olives, and Maple & Ash butter (to spread on the radishes). Ash-coated butter. Get it? Maple & “Ash.” —PP8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888 Website
Photo: Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune -
5 / 10
No entrée over $30—as promised. Critic’s Notes Formerly Pops for Champagne and then Gabe’s Lounge. Completely redone space. Wood floors, brick walls, hanging Edison bulbs. Achieves urban chic and suburban friendliness. What’s friendlier these days than free bread—zippy Parmesan flats, less zippy focaccia. But free. —PP214 Green Bay Rd., Highwood, 847-780-3396 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Ballaro -
6 / 10
The New York Times beat you here. Giddyup. Critic’s Notes Strange doesn’t begin to capture the dinner experience here. It starts with text exchanged between you and on of the partner, it ends hours after you have become best friends with your waiter from Moldova. (He was hired to manage the garden.) —PP
Photo: Nas Alejeyan -
7 / 10
Right next to a Brown Line stop. Pay attention or you will end up at the Merchandise Mart. 4642 N. Francisco Ave. Website
Photo: Courtesy of Baker Miller -
8 / 10
Here’s what happens when Michael Kornick and David Morton (DMK Burger Bar) run a fried-chicken contest. Critic’s Notes The kitchen looks bigger than the whole dining room. Rolls of paper towels on every table and a teensy menu of mostly chicken nuggets, tots, and shakes—no wonder this place is full of young families and hungover-looking college kids. —Maggie Hennessy815 Noyes St., Evanston, 847-424-8226 Website
Photo: Lindsey Becker -
9 / 10
Must be the Year of Rick Bayless Alums. Critic’s Notes Chic yet cozy, buzzy, and totally perfect for the neighborhood. I enjoyed pretty much everything I tried–meatballs, mole, a sweet corn tamal. But I loved the vanilla bean flan. Rich, custardy, drizzled with honey. I’m still thinking about it. —Carrie Schedler2829 W. Armitage Ave., 773-661-6452 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Dos Urban Cantina -
10 / 10
Comfort food and cocktails, sure. But chocolate shots sound like a game changer. Critic’s Notes A lovely intimate dining room and bar. Feels grown up. Just a few steps from the Music Box. I would have never guessed that the Jolly Posh guy had this in him. —PP3755 N. Southport Ave., 773-312-3755 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Vivial