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1 / 10
LEGHORN CHICKEN In the competition to see who can sell out fastest on opening day, this Ukie Village joint clocked in at 90 minutes. 959 N. Western Ave., 773-394-4444
Photo: Potluck Creative -
2 / 10
THE WINCHESTER No oysters, no sweetbreads, no designer burgers. No attitude, either. Just awfully good, unfussy food. It’s like a miracle. 1001 N. Winchester Ave., 773-698-8703
Related: Find out why this restaurant came in at No. 9 on our Best New Restaurants list.
Photo: Clayton Hauck -
3 / 10
BOKA After a 33-day redo, Boka has a new look (eclectic), a new chef (Lee Wolen), an all-new contemporary menu, and the same old crowds. 1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070
Photo: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune -
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5 / 10
TÊTE CHARCUTERIE Like a wine list, TC’s menu gives sausages by country of origin. No mention of nose, mouthfeel, or finish, though. 1114 W. Randolph St., 312-733-1178
Related: Read all about the meat-centric restaurant here.
Photo: Courtesy of Tête Charcuterie -
6 / 10
CELLAR DOOR PROVISIONS This tiny café takes “from scratch” so seriously that you wouldn’t be surprised to see a cow and a butter churn out back. 3025 W. Diversey Ave., 773-697-8337
Photo: Courtesy of Cellar Door Provisions -
7 / 10
GREEN STREET SMOKED MEATS From Randolph Street, turn south onto Green Street. If there’s no line for the ’cue, it must be after 2 a.m. 112 N. Green St., 312-754-0431
Related: Read our dining critic’s first impressions of Green Street Smoked Meats on our photo blog, What Penny Eats.
Photo: Courtesy of Green Street Smoked Meats -
8 / 10
NICO OSTERIA Outsmart the crudo-loving dinner mob and duck in any morning for a kouign amann—an amazing puff pastry treat. Thompson Hotel, 1015 N. Rush St., 312-994-7100
Related: Read more about one of Chicago’s best new bars.
Photo: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune -
9 / 10
42 GRAMS Not a fan of online ticketing? For food this good, you should get over it. 4662 N. Broadway, 42gramschicago.com
Photo: Courtesy of 42 Grams -
10 / 10
LAO SZE CHUAN Tony Hu says that lao means “authentic” or “always.” Thought it meant “everywhere,” didn’t you? 1633 Orrington Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8989
Photo: Courtesy of Lao Sze Chuan