The Portage’s roasted adobo salmon on summer succotash with frisée and asparagus

GIRL & THE GOAT In case you’ve been in a coma, the girl is Stephanie Izard, the goat is her culinary plaything, and this is the slam-dunk success of the summer. 809 W. Randolph St.; 312-492-6262

GILT BAR Darker than a Lynch film, louder than a chain saw, tighter than a 151 bus at rush hour: This is fun? Yes, it is. 230 W. Kinzie St.; 312-464-9544

PORK SHOPPE Trend trifecta in Avondale: communal tables, many beers, and barbecue. 2755 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-961-7654

CUMIN The Nepalese dishes draw curious diners, the Indian food pays the bills, and everyone’s happy. 1414 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-1414

BLACK DOG GELATO The scoop: Sometimes BDG closes early because it runs out of gelato. The strategy: Go early, especially when there’s lemon ginger. 859 N. Damen Ave.; 773-235-3116

CHILAPAN This Mexican BYO is so uncool, it’s the place to be. 2459 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-697-4597

ONE. SIX ONE The menu reads like the global mishmash of all time, but the patio is glorious, and The Bar 10 Doors—same owners—is right next door. 1251 W. Taylor St.; 312-226-1611

THE PORTAGE Jeff Brantley’s playful menu is irresistible. On the beatific back patio, with a glass of wine, it’s pure magic. 3938 N. Central Ave.; 773-853-0779

PRASINO Prasino is the name of a tiny village in southern Greece with a couple hundred people. In other words, the average Saturday night at this green-minded spot. 93 S. La Grange Ave., La Grange; 708-469-7058

RUXBIN KITCHEN This tiny storefront is a natural for Noble Square—a little quirky, a little shoestring, a lot indie. 851 N. Ashland Ave.; 312-624-8509