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1 / 10
ROKA AKOR Robata dining? Seems to involve communal tables, a huge lounge, and a thick binder dedicated to sake and shochu. 111 W. Illinois St.; 312-477-7652. Read our review »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
2 / 10
MICHAEL JORDAN’S STEAK HOUSE A kinder, gentler meat palace with not a hint of ego. You know, just like Mike. InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-321-8823
Photograph: Courtesy of Michael Jordan's Steakhouse -
3 / 10
PUMP ROOM Are the diners seated in Booth One the only people allowed to use their cell phones? Public Chicago, 1301 N. State Pkwy.; 312-601-2970
Photograph: Anna Knott -
4 / 10
TELEGRAPH Times have changed: Not long ago, uttering the words “caramelized chanterelle mushrooms” on this corner of Logan Square might have gotten you shot. 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-292-9463
Photograph: Katrina Wittkamp -
5 / 10
BARN & COMPANY Hey, guys, pipe down. We can’t hear the game. 950 W. Wrightwood Ave.; 773-832-4000
Photograph: Courtesy of Barn & Company -
6 / 10
EL The talk about Philip Foss’s remote dinner-party storefront has gone from a whisper to a scream. 2419 W. 14th St.; 312-226-8144
Photograph: Galdones Photography -
7 / 10
PERENNIAL VIRANT Everyone is farm-to-table these days. But PV’s farms—and its tables—are probably better than yours. 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.; 312-981-7070. 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.; 312-981-7070 Read our review »
Photograph: Anthony Tahlier -
8 / 10
AUTRE MONDE CAFE Berwyn hasn’t made this much noise since the car spindle sculpture was torn down. 6727 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn; 708-775-8122. Check out the chickpea pudding, tagliatelle, and other dishes on What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Jeff Kauck Photography -
9 / 10
BISTRO VOLTAIRE In a time of runaway burger, pizza, and barbecue joints comes a French charmer. Mais oui, it’s crowded. 226 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-265-0911
Photograph: Courtesy of Bistro Voltaire -
10 / 10
CENTRAL STREET CAFE A resto/café, a wine shop, and an upscale cheese mart/deli. Maybe you can satisfy all of the people all of the time. 2800 Central St., Evanston; 847-864-4444
Photograph: Courtesy of Central Street Cafe