Three hands holding cocktails and toasting at Bar Bambi
Photograph: Garrett Sweet

1 Bar Bambi

What: Seasonal wood-fired dishes (plus a creative kids’ menu) from two industry vets.
Why: With all the restaurants on this stretch, there’s a new spot for a pre- or postmeal drink.
Where: 1703 W. Chicago Ave., West Town Website

 

A sliced steak, herbs, sauce, and roll at Susu
Photograph: Matt Reeves

2 Susu

What: Alexander Willis (Dusek’s) helms this Asian and Mediterranean steakhouse.
Why: Who wouldn’t be curious about dipping their steak in green zhug or Sichuan au poivre?
Where: 652 W. Randolph St., West Loop Website

 

A view of the bar at Belmont Tavern
Photograph: Travis Frangie

3 Belmont Tavern

What: The long-closed tavern lives again.
Why: Longtime barman Nick Kokonas (no, not that Nick Kokonas) reopened the space with refined cocktails and Old Style on draft.
Where: 3405 W. Belmont Ave., Logan Square Website

 

Various dishes on display at The Purple Pig
Photograph: Courtesy of The Purple Pig

4 The Purple Pig

What: The famed downtown eatery adds a new location west of the city.
Why: It marks the return of Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia), who is part owner of the new outpost.
Where: 15 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook Website

 

A plate with meat covered in sauce and pomegranate seeds and asparagus at Spice by CMB
Photograph: Kim Yeoh

5 Spice by CMB

What: A homey Afro-Caribbean spot.
Why: It’s a big draw for brunch — think breakfast jollof.
Where: 2853 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square Website

 

6 Tune-Up

What: A casual bar from the Owl team.
Why: A late-night hangout that goes till 5 a.m. on weekends.
Where: 3810 W. Belmont Ave., Avondale Website

 

7 Retro Pizza

What: A Roman pizza takeout joint (plus a coffee bar) from the La Boulangerie folks.
Why: Finally, something new to try in that long-empty Hero’s space!
Where: 3600 N. Western Ave., Horner Park Website

 

A dish from Kouklas Greek Eatery
Photograph: Nikki Allen

8 Kouklas Greek Eatery

What: Jimmy Bannos Jr. serves a modern take on Mediterranean fare.
Why: Yeah, there’s whipped feta, but you’re going to want to check out the Greek pastas.
Where: 7620 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles Website

 

9 Bar None

What: A THC-focused bar that takes over the café Froth from Fridays to Sundays.
Why: It’s perfect for nondrinkers who still want to catch a buzz.
Where: 1515 W. Monroe St., Near West Side Website

 

A chicken sandwich and crinkle-cut fries at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Photograph: Courtesy of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

10 Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

What: Nashville’s famous chicken joint opens near Wrigley Field.
Why: A Tennessee takeover begins: This is the first of three locations launching here by early 2027.
Where: 3649 N. Clark St., Wrigleyville Website