GILT BAR The trend squad vetted this newbie two seconds after it opened, and now they’re sorry they gave up their seats. 230 W. Kinzie St.; 312-464-9544
LONGMAN & EAGLE Eleven years ago Lula Cafe put Logan Square on the map; this year L & E put the Blue Line in the black. 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.; 773-276-7110
CHILAPAN The young and the hip caught mole fever as soon as this BYO opened its doors. 2459 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-697-4597
FRANKS ’N’ DAWGS The Hot Doug’s comparisons are inevitable. They’re also justified. 1863 N. Clybourn Ave.; 312-281-5187
BENNY’S CHOP HOUSE Census question: How many steak houses are there per every man, woman, and child in Chicago? Answer: Never enough. 444 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-626-2444
DUCKFAT TAVERN & GRILL Restaurants 101: Give your establishment a tantalizing name and do your damnedest to live up to it. 7218 W. Madison St., Forest Park; 708-488-1493
MASU IZAKAYA Japano-pubs: Passing trend or wave of the future? Masu is Chicago’s test case. 1969 N. Halsted St.; 773-435-9314
THE PURPLE PIG The refined get in line to dine at this wine-and-swine shrine. 500 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-464-1744
M BURGER On the ever-expanding spectrum of burger styles, it’s closer to McDonald’s than to Kuma’s Corner. That’s the whole point. 161 E. Huron St.; 312-254-8500
FLORIOLE CAFE & BAKERY What? A bakery without cupcakes? Is that legal? No wonder the buzz is on. 1220 W. Webster Ave.; 773-883-1313