Between my many recent trips, I have made it a point to get out and try the new and recommended restaurants here in Chicago. Here is a list of my favorite new spots:
Located in Bucktown is a wonderful new neighborhood gem, TÁMA, which opened in March 2024. Their goal is to bring “people together with shareable plates in a casual modern bistro with a union of Mediterranean, Asian, and South American traditions.” According to Eater Chicago.com, Chef Avgeria Stapaki “began her career at celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurant in Athens.” It is a charming two- level space, with a lovely staff and wonderful food. There is also a small outdoor patio in front. I found the small menu to be reasonably priced. I loved trying the grilled octopus with mashed potatoes, the mussels in a saffron broth with grilled sourdough and the best namelaka dessert, which is a chocolate ganache topped with hazelnuts and a raspberry/strawberry sauce. My friend and I shared a starter and a dessert and she loved the beef loin skewers with shaved black truffles. I look forward to going back again. 1952 N. Damen Ave.
One of my favorite neighborhood spots in Lincoln Square was Cafe Selmarie at 4729 N. Lincoln Ave. The owners decided after forty years to retire and to close the restaurant in April 2024. Andrew Pillman took it over and opened his new restaurant, Willow Café and Bistro. They have a breakfast and lunch menu as well as a brunch menu on the weekends. There is also a bakery and coffee shop in addition to the dine-in dining room.
I went in August 2024 for Sunday brunch and found out that many of the servers and kitchen staff stayed and joined the new staff. I liked the upgrade and remodel of the interior space and the lovely outdoor patio. I thought that the smoked salmon, tomato and spinach eggs benedict along with breakfast potatoes was the perfect choice. My server was also excellent. I am so glad that I chose to come back.
After driving by this new small Greek cafe many times, I made a point to stop in after it was recommended by a friend. Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina , meaning our Grandma, is a small restaurant at the corner of Sheffield, Willow and Clybourn in Lincoln Park. They have a menu of Greek coffee drinks, pastries, pies and other traditional dishes. 100% are made from Greek ingredients sourced directly from local producers in Greece. I enjoyed a latte and a tasty baklava for an afternoon snack. I went back for lunch and enjoyed the spinach pie and two pieces of baklava. The owner and his staff, both from Greece, were very friendly. They have indoor as well as outdoor seating on the side of the building. 1755 N. Sheffield.
I highly recommend one of my favorite new finds, Loba Pastry + Coffee at 3600 N. Lincoln Ave. Opened in May 2023, this is the new location of this Latina owned business. Owner Valeria Velazquez Lindsten had worked at Charlie Trotter’s and Blackbird and was able to raise enough money through crowdfunding to open her dream cafe. The focus is on her excellent pastries, bars, scones, muffins and biscuits. I had a very tasty buckwheat and honey scone and a latte. I enjoyed meeting Valeria in the kitchen and congratulated her on their 2024 James Beard Nomination as a Semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery.
Located in Lincoln Park is a new neighborhood restaurant John’s Food & Wine at 2114 N. Halsted. Located in the old Nookies Too space, it is a seasonal American restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner, except on Tuesday. You order at the bar/counter and then you are served at a table. I popped in for lunch on a Saturday on a chilly February day. I really enjoyed my fried fish sandwich with a celery root slaw. Their dinner menu looks excellent as well. I enjoyed meeting the two owners, Adam McFarland and Tom Rogers who met while working at Gramercy Tavern in New York.
Also in Lincoln Park is Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar. Opened in June 2024, this is a seaside-inspired smokehouse and oyster bar featuring Carolina-style barbeque, seafood from the Carolina coast and Lowcountry favorites. They also have a full menu of wine, whiskey, beer and cocktails plus live music from the Briny stage. This is the second location the restaurant based in Edisto Island, SC.
They have a full menu of seafood, meats and sides. I went with friends and recommend that you share as many of the dishes that you can in order to try as many as possible. We loved sharing the Jimmy red corn bread with sorghum butter, the friend green tomatoes with chow chow (a Southern cold pickle relish), pimento cheese and bacon jam along with season four berry cobbler served with vanilla ice cream. I also loved the friend oyster roll sandwich served with coleslaw and Carolina bbq sauce. The old fashioned cocktail was the perfect addition. It has a casual atmosphere and is popular with a younger neighborhood crowd. 2577 N. Clark St.
Located in Avondale is Anelya at 3472 N. Elston. Opened by James Beard nominated chefs Johnny Clark and his wife Beverly Kim of Parachute which was located nearby and is currently being remodeled and rebranded. Anelya, named after Johnny’s grandmother, was started as a Ukrainian popup to provide humanitarian support for the region after the recent Russian invasion. It was then opened as a permanent location to preserve the culture of the area and of Johnny’s Ukrainian heritage. The kitchen staff is mostly Ukrainian. It has been featured in a number of publications including Eater Chicago’s “The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, April 2024” and The Infatuation’s “The Hit List: New Chicago Restaurants To Try Right Now.”
It has a contemporary menu in a beautiful setting.There is a small outdoor patio in the back. I suggest trying and sharing a number of dishes so you can taste as many as you can! There is an appetizer cart that will be rolled over to your table features 13 items. I recommend the trout roe tart, the deviled eggs with anchovies, the eggplant rolls and the sunflower seed hummus. The borscht made with smoked pears and duck was excellent as was the Napoleon made with a strawberry cream. Unfortunately the pasta that I wanted to try was sold out. Eastern European wines dominate the wine list along with a few selections from Greece. The Greek rose was very refreshing. I highly recommend the experience.
After reading about its great reviews, I recently went to Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant at 4337 N. Western Ave. which opened in February 2023. In its first year, Chef Joe Fontelera received a 2024 James Beard nomination as a Semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest. They are also listed in the Michelin Guide in the Bib Gourmand category. I went with a local friend who was born in the Philippines. We were both very impressed with the food. He said it brought back great memories of growing up there.
They have a small menu of Filipino specialties. I recommend that you share starters, entrees, sides and desserts in order to taste any many dishes as you can! We enjoyed the Lumpiang Shanghai or crispy fried pork spring rolls with a sweet and sour sauce along with the Adobong Monok or chicken thighs with an adobo glaze. This was followed by a very tasty Adobong Isde or black cod dish with garlic rice. We topped off the meal with a perfect Turon or plantain wrapped as a spring roll, dusted in brown sugar and deep fried. It is BYOB. I really enjoyed the excellent service and the great energy of this small restaurant. Make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Ed Debevic’s has been a local institution beginning in 1984. After closing its original location in 2015, it reopened a new Streeterville diner in 2021. I recently went back for the first time in its new spot and loved the experience. It has a traditional 1950s style diner vibe with a great menu of burgers, cheese fries, milkshakes and more along with snarky, fun waiters and waitresses dressed in costumes. They even did a dance number while I was there having lunch with a local friend. It has a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. I highly recommend it for families who are visiting the city. It is a block off of N. Michigan Ave. or The Mag Mile at 159 E. Ohio St.
Lula Cafe: A leading Chicago farm-to-table restaurant since 1999, Lula Cafe features the freshest local ingredients. They are also open for brunch/lunch and dinner with a creative menu. Reservations are available for dinner, unlike brunch/lunch. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.
In 2019, 2020 and 2022, Chef Jason Hammel was named a James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef Great Lakes. But in 2024 they won the James Beard Award for Best Hospitality. After winning the award and seeing Jason speak at an event in Chicago, I made a point to go back for brunch. I was glad to get a table with a minimal wait. I loved the smoked trout scramble made with scrambled eggs, arugula, dill and cream cheese along with house potatoes and toast. The blue cornmeal teacake topped with peaches and mascarpone cream was also excellent. 2537 N. Kedzie.
Opened by the New York City-based hospitality brand The Group, is La Grande Boucherie Chicago. Their first day was February 17, 2024. I went the next weekend for Sunday brunch after reading about it on Eater Chicago.com. They are also open for lunch and dinner. It is a beautiful Parisian brasserie located at 431 N. Dearborn. I was very impressed with the elegant new facade and the beautiful Belle Époque interior design of this large 10,120 sq. ft. two level space. It reminded me of many of the brasseries that I went to in Paris on my last trip in 2022.
I really enjoyed the staff and the food. The place was packed, and I was impressed with how smoothly everything went for having been opened a week. They have a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees plus desserts and pastries I had a perfect Norwegian eggs benedict with smoked salmon along with breakfast potatoes and a side salad. I also loved the Paris Brest for dessert which is a traditional French pastry filled with a hazelnut cream. I look forward to going back for lunch or dinner during the week.
Located near Fulton Market in the West Loop is the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago which opened in 2023. Guinness starting brewing beer in Dublin, Ireland in 1759. They opened their first brewery outside of Ireland in London in 1936. Today they brew in 50 countries around the world. At their attractive Chicago location, they currently brew 17 of their own beers from ales, lagers, beer cocktails and IPAs as well offer five brewed in Dublin, including the famous Guinness Extra Stout which I enjoyed tasting again. They have a bakery serving coffee, bread and pastries in the morning, followed by brunch on Saturday and Sunday and lunch and dinner during the week in the Restaurant & Taproom. I had a great cheeseburger for lunch. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They also have a nice outdoor patio during the warmer months. I highly recommend the experience.
I had not had their Stout since I was in Dublin at their Guinness Storehouse several years ago for a tour and tasting. Also make sure to buy their dark chocolate with a tast of Guinness. It is excellent!
Armitage Ale House has been on my list to try since it opened in 2021 in the former Pan Quotidien space at 1000 W. Armitage Ave. It is listed as one of the hardest spots to get a reservation in town. Now that it is open for lunch and weekend brunch from Wednesday through Sunday, I was finally able to book a lunch reservation and enjoyed the experience. I loved the warm, atmosphere of this old-world gastropub with its “rich, eclectic decor, spacious booths, warm lights and hand-carved woodwork.” It has a large menu of British and Indian food. I enjoyed the steamed mussels and fries with an aioli sauce. I highly recommend that you try it. They also have outdoor patio seating during the warmer months.
Located in Bucktown is Pompette at 1960 N. Damen. This is a new find that I found through Restaurant Week in January 2024. I went for brunch. I decided not to order the prix fixe menu, but had a very tasty tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich which was perfect on a cold Sunday. It is owned by three locals and has a young vibe with great food and service. The menu consists of daily brunch and dinner long with coffee, wine and cocktails. I recommend that you try it.
West of Pompette in Logan Square, is the new concept, Bar Parisette, opened by Table, Donkey and Stick owner and sommelier Matt Sussman in their former Attagirl space. Opened in June 2924, it is a modern and casual French bistro-style restaurant. It is a great addition to the neighborhood, with a reasonably priced menu, attractive decor, excellent food and attentive staff. They also have happy hour specials. They will soon be doing brunch as well. When I was there, it had several families dining with their children. I enjoyed an excellent veggie burger with fries and my niece loved the traditional moules frites, mussels and fries. 2829 W. Armitage Ave.
I recently went for the first time to Alpana at 831 N. State. It is the newest restaurant owned by restaurateur and sommelier Alpana Singh. I have been to two others in the past which have now closed. I was happy to meet her while there as I used to see her on the local PBS station’s Check Please show which reviewed local restaurants.
It has a menu of Wine Inspired Cuisine. It is open for dinner as well on for brunch on the weekends. I went for Sunday brunch and was very impressed with the menu choices. I loved the smoked salmon eggs benedict with breakfast potatoes. Our server was excellent.
Make sure to try the Willow Room, at 1800 N. Halsted, in the space formerly occupied by Black Duck Tavern & Grill. I went the first week it opened and enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I was just back before a Steppenwolf Theater play and thought the food was again excellent. They reopened in July 2023 after being forced to close for over six months due to damage caused by a water leak. I loved the beet salad, Key Lime Pie and the sea scallops. It was one of the best dishes I have had this year. The restaurant also has outdoor seating during the warmer months.
In August 2023 Ballyhoo Hospitality, who owns Gemini and several others in Chicago, opened DeNucci’s, at 503 W. Dickens, in the former Four Farthings Tavern & Grill space. DeNucci’s is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria with a large menu of starters, pastas, salads, pizzas and entrees. I recently went for the first time and really enjoyed the experience. The tomato & buffala mozzarella salad was excellent along with the Maine lobster ravioli and a perfect tiramisu for dessert. They have a lovely outdoor patio during the warmer months.
At the north end of the Southport Corridor is Port & Park Bistro & Bar at 4000 N. Southport. This is a casual bar and restaurant in a vintage tavern setting with a lounge and patio. I was pleased to have found it and went for brunch with a friend who was visiting from Michigan. I loved being on the outside patio on a beautiful fall day. They have a large brunch, lunch and dinner menu along with cocktails. I recommend the California frittata with cheese, tomatoes, spinach and avocado plus breakfast potatoes.
Located at 1856 W. North Ave. is Firewood BBQ. Opened in early 2023, this is a casual, neighborhood sport that has a menu of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, platters and entrees. I went for their weekend brunch on a Saturday and was very pleased that I chose the smoked brisket benedict served on sourdough bread with greens, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce along with roasted potatoes. They also have food and cocktail specials throughout the week. It has a great atmosphere and service. They have three other restaurants, including Ella’s BBQ in Lincoln Park that I have enjoyed in the past.
Further north at 2748 N. Lincoln Ave. is Batter & Berries. This is a Black-owned restaurant that was established in 2012 by Dr. Tanya & Craig Richardson with a goal of supporting the community and local businesses. They have a focus on breakfast, lunch and brunch. I have been wanting to go for a while, but the lines have been very long. I chose to go on a Wednesday for lunch to make sure that I got a table. This is a casual spot with a very friendly staff. I really enjoyed the spinach omelete made with spinach, mushrooms, a sundried tomato and spinach puree and Asiago cheese along with cheese crusted hash brown potatoes. The smoked salmon eggs benedict and the shrimp fritta specials also looked great.
Opened in 2007 is Wilde Bar & Restaurant at 3130 N. Broadway. I had not heard or read about it until a local friend suggested we go for lunch. This is a literary-themed upscale Irish pub in a warm, comfortable setting. They have a large menu of American and Irish dishes including soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and entrees including fish & chips and shepherds’s pie. They also have weekend brunch menu and a gluten free menu. I had a great reuben sandwich and really enjoyed the experience.
Two doors south is Oak & Honey at 3124 N. Broadway. Opened in August 2024, this is a casual bakery, bistro and bar where they make their own bread, pastries, croissants and pies. They have a breakfast/brunch and lunch menu served from 8am to 3pm as well as a dinner menu from 5pm untl closing. I went for brunch and enjoyed the French omelet with gruyere cheese, a side salad and toasted baguette with homemade jam. The staff was very friendly. They told me weekends are very busy, so go during the week if you can.
Nearby at 3107 N. Broadway is The Bagel Restaurant and Deli. This is a classic Jewish deli/diner, started over 70 years ago, with an extensive menu of traditional favorites from salads, sandwiches, blintzes, soups, burgers, fish dishes, omelettes, breakfast dishes, fountain treats and desserts. Their Old Orchard location recently closed. According to owner Danny Wolf, “at our Chicago location we will continue our tradition of home-style cooking and hospitality established by my parents and grandparents when they brought their recipes and kitchen skills from Europe.”
I was very pleased to have found it and really enjoyed the diner atmosphere and the avocado toast with lox. It was a perfect choice before a performance at the Timeline Theatre nearby.
I recently found Drew’s on Halsted, which was recommended by local friends. This a casual restaurant serving lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. I went for brunch on a Saturday with other friends and really enjoyed it. The staff was excellent and the menu had many great choices. I was pleased to have ordered the crab cake eggs benedict and a latte. They have a full bar menu as well as an outdoor patio in the summer months. I will definitely go back. 3201 N. Halsted at Belmont.
Also in Lakeview is DMK Burger Bar. This is a casual, popular spot that has a large menu of grass-fed burgers, shakes and fries along with beer and cocktails. I was not aware of it until I watched a segment from 2011 on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri. I then met friends there for lunch and tried his recommended bison burger with a blueberry barbecue sauce, goat cheese and marinated onions. It was great as were the sweet potato fries. He also loved the salmon burger with Thai curry mayonnaise and Asian coleslaw. I will try it on my next visit.
Another spot that caught my eye was the Frida Room, a breakfast and brunch restaurant at 1454 W 18th St. in Pilsen. On my most recent trip, I made a point to go for brunch after an event at the National Museum of Mexican Art nearby. I really enjoyed my omelette and latte. It has a fun vibe and nice service.
Across the street from Pequod’s Pizza is CornerStone Café at 2200 N. Clybourn Ave. opened for over seven years, I recently went for the first time even though I live a few blocks away. It is a casual cafe/diner offering breakfast and lunch dishes. The menu is quite extensive including omelettes, eggs benedict. pancakes, Belgian waffles, crepes, sandwiches, wraps, salads and burgers. I really enjoyed the smoked salmon and avocado eggs benedict for brunch. I also enjoyed meeting the owner. They now only have this location, having closed the cafe in Logan Square. I am looking forward to going back and trying their reuben sandwich.
Across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art is Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe with two city locations and two suburban locations. This is a budget-friendly restaurant with a large menu of pancakes, breakfast dishes, omelettes, specialty benedicts, skillets, waffles, French toasts, crepes, sandwiches, salads and panini/wraps. I had been wanting to go for a while, so I made a point to go for brunch before a performance of Broadway in Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse around the corner. I had a great Fresca omelette with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and avocado along with fruit and toast. The server was so friendly and helpful. It is outside in Water Tower Place at 196 E. Pearson.
I recently went to Cafe Michelle along DuSable Harbor at 200 N. Lakefront Trail. Owned by the same group as Whispers Oak Street Beach, this is a lovely cafe and bar along the water. They have a dine-in menu where you can sit on the patio and enjoy beautiful views of the boat docks. Here you can have starter, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and tacos. I enjoyed the tasty lamb burger topped with caramelized red onions, fresh spinach, feta cheese and topped with tzatziki sauce along with some fries. They also have a full bar menu.
There is also a cafe where you can buy coffee drinks, gelato and other take-out menu items.
I recently went back after many years to Mia Francesca at 3311 N. Clark St. Founded in 1992 and part of a Chicago and suburban chain of restaurants, they closed and underwent a renovation. They reopened in February 2024 with a new menu as well. I went with local friends and enjoyed the food in the small dining room the back overlooking the patio. They feature the cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. I enjoyed the Spanish octopus with roasted potatoes along with a tasty tiramisu and rose wine.
After going back to Mia Francesca, I went two weeks later with friends to a recently opened restaurant, Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine, two blocks south at 3231 N. Clark St. It opened in July 2024 by Carlos López Muñoz, who hails from the state of Oaxaca in Mexico and who studied under top Chicago chefs Carlos Gaytán and Rick Bayless. Currently they are open for breakfast and lunch until 2pm, but will soon be opening for dinner as well.
The menu includes the items that were his his family’s culinary traditions including the black mole, which unites the culinary traditions of both his grandmothers. I enjoyed the enfrijoladas with a black bean sauce, fried plantains, a fried egg, crema and queso fresco along with chicken tinga. I also liked the colorful decorations of Oaxacan folk art and the two servers.
Northeast of Beatnik and Hoosier Mama in Noble Square is Frontier restaurant at 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. This is a casual restaurant with a large menu of burgers, sandwiches, wild game, seafood and more. They also have a great brunch menu served on Saturday and Sunday. I enjoyed my Sunday brunch with a great server and a tasty crab cake benny served with a fried egg and red pepper hollandaise. I also wanted to try the shrimp and grits and the lamb burger. They have a large outdoor patio as well. They are part of Pioneer Tavern Group that also owns Ina Mae Packaged Goods for New Orleans specialties and Lottie’s Pub. I have been to both and loved the food.
After brunch at Frontier, I went for dessert at Puffy Cakes at 1651 W. Chicago Ave. This is a Japanese bakery and coffee shop that opened in June 2024. According to Eater Chicago, it “specializes in Japanese cheesecake, which features a fluffy texture that’s a cross between a souffle and brioche French toast.” They also feature Hokkaido cheese tarts and other artisanal pastries. In partnership with La Colombe Coffee Roasters, they also serve a number of coffee drinks. I enjoyed my latte, my strawberry Macaron and a perfect lemon raspberry tart. I enjoyed the colorful atmosphere and meeting the owner, Memo who is from Morocco.
On my last visit to Andersonville, I met a local friend for lunch at m.henry. I had seen it featured on several top lists of the best neighborhood restaurants and the best breakfast spots in Chicago. It is a casual breakfast and lunch spot at 5707 N. Clark St. The menu has a large number of egg dishes, quiche and pancakes along with salads, sandwiches, bowls and soups. They also have a coffee shop and bakery on-site. I enjoyed an omelet special made with Canadian and a side of plantains on their attractive outside patio.
A block north of Nookies in on Wells, at the Hotel Lincoln is the recently opened Americano, Lincoln Park. Opened in mid-June 2024 in the former space occupied by The Kennison. This is an attractive, upscale restaurant with a 210-seat dining room and an 81-seat outdoor patio. They are open for dinner every night except Monday and also for weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. I went for brunch and had an excellent build your own omelette with breakfast potatoes. My friend had the same dish. In the evening, my server recommends the miso salmon and the Mediterranean sea bass as two of the best items on the menu. They also feature raw oysters. It is very popular, so make sure to book your reservation before. 1816 N. Clark St. at the corner of Lincoln and Wells.
Located in Marina City is Legal Sea Foods at 315 N. Dearborn St. Opened in July 2024, this is a great new addition to the neighborhood. Legal Sea Foods is a legendary New England restaurant established in 1950. It began as a fish market in Cambridge, MA and has grown into a culinary institution along the East Coast, operating 26 restaurants in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Rhode Island. This is its first Midwest location. I remember going for the first time in the late 1960s in Cambridge with my parents.
This is a large space with a main dining room and a terrace overlooking the Chicago River Walk. There is also an Oyster Bar upstairs. The Chicago menu features its specialties from oysters, chowders, lobster rolls, seafood and sushi.
I went for lunch and enjoyed the experience. Their new lunch combo was a great value. I loved the lobster bisque, the buttered lobster roll, fries and coleslaw. The space was attractive and the service was excellent.
A few blocks north is Union restaurant at 2202 N. Calfornia Ave. This is a small, intimate gastropub that is part of Meadowlark Hospitality and listed as a Bib Gourmand in the current Michelin guide. It has a large selection of beers on tap, over 200 whiskeys and a creative food menu. After reading about it, I went with family and enjoyed the experience and food, where I had a great Union old fashioned cocktail, the roasted whitefish entree and the sticky toffee pudding dessert with bourbon ice cream. My niece loved the Union burger with cheese and the pistachio cheesecake.
A recent online search resulted in me finding Taureaux Tavern, downtown at 155 W. Van Buren. This is a contemporary French bistro located behind the Chicago Board of Trade Building. I went for lunch and enjoyed eating on the outside patio. The food was excellent as was the service. I loved the French onion soup and some pommes frites or fries with a garlic aioli. It opened in 2018.
Ballyhoo Hospitality, which also owns Gemini Grill, opened Petit Pomeroy in September 2024 in their upstairs space. This is a classic French bistro that is a sibling to Pomeroy in suburban Winnetka which I have enjoyed in the past. Petit Pomeroy has a warm, inviting space with a menu of traditonal French dishes. I had a great French onion soup gratinée, mussels marinière, a yummy apple tart and a great French cabernet wine. 748 N. State St.
I have lists of new places to try. I will keep you updated as I go and explore.