Big Star
Read more about Big Star’s new location and five other spots below. Photos: Jeff Marini

Wrigleyville Roundup

Dutch & Doc’s mac & cheese

Dutch & Doc’s

The Boka Restaurant Group’s 19th offering, set to open by June, is all-American. To complement the national pastime, chef Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons) is going for classics—steak sandwiches, fried chicken, and macaroni and cheese, plus a home-run kids’ menu. 3600 N. Clark St.

 

Jeni’s ice cream

Jeni’s

Summer game day prediction: The longest line in the city will be the one outside Jeni’s after the last at-bat. This location of the buzzy chain will offer bleacher-style seating and a flavor option called Popcorn! Peanuts!: popcorn-infused ice cream studded with caramelized peanuts. 3657 N. Clark St.

 

Big Star tacos

Big Star

Chicago’s most popular taco spot traded the patio-outside-a-garage charm at the original Wicker Park location for even more fresh air. When the weather’s good, all the walls and windows open up, so it’s almost like you’re at the ball game—but with tacos. 3640 N. Clark St.

 

West Town Bakery & Tap shake

West Town Bakery & Tap

This sweets spot expands on the original location’s menu, adding boozy shakes (think red velvet cake blended into a chocolate shake spiked with bourbon) and insane sundaes (doughnuts on the bottom, candy bars on top). 3626 N. Clark St.

 

Smoke Daddy BBQ

Smoke Daddy

Kansas City barbecue comes to Lake View in this offshoot of the popular Wicker Park meat palace. Fill up on pork shoulder, brisket, and other proteins smoked in-house, or grab a beer and watch some live blues if there’s a rain delay. 3636 N. Clark St.

 

Mordecai meal

Mordecai

Chef Matthias Merges (Yusho, Billy Sunday) went in a decidedly glamorous direction for this two-story stunner. The intimate bar upstairs serves vintage whiskies, many of which were purchased from old Chicago bars, while in the dining room downstairs, guests can munch on a gussied-up plate of porchetta. 3632 N. Clark St.