Small Bar 2049 W. Division St., 773-772-2727, thesmallbar.com As the line separating watering holes and restaurants continues to blur, a meal at this unassuming soccer bar could be one of the finest you’ll have all year. Justin White, formerly of the Bristol, puts his shoulder to the wheel with an evolving, inspired bar menu—past hits … Read more
Headquarters 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-665-5660, hqbeercade.com This Lincoln Park newcomer looks like just another horrible screen-filled place. But step inside and you’ll find rows and rows of the best classic arcade games (Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Pac-Man), a recently expanded pinball machine section, and a bar serving specialty cocktails and craft beers (16 currently … Read more
Begyle Brewing Co. 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., 773-661-6963, begylebrewing.com Best new: This Kickstarter-funded venture calls itself a CSB—community-supported brewer—an arrangement in which subscribers will fill their growlers with a new beer every month. Turns out, it’s also an ambitious brewery, working from a 5,000-square-foot headquarters in the Ravenswood corridor. Although the storefront is at least … Read more
Carriage House 1700 W. Division St., 773-384-9700, carriagehousechicago.com Best new: The folksy, laid-back vibe at this Wicker Park charmer is a welcome vacation from the turn-’em-and-burn-’em brunches around town. As both the hung-over revelers and the stroller-pushing moms in the room will attest, Mark Steuer’s low-country-themed menu is an ode to Southern mornings well lived: … Read more
Parson’s Chicken & Fish 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333, parsonschickenandfish.com Best new: Since Parson’s opened in mid-May, the wait for one of its 40 inside seats has clocked in at upward of two hours—rain or shine. What the cluck is going on in there? Some kick-ass cornmeal-crusted fried chicken, that’s what. True, this joint has … Read more
Gaslight Coffee Roasters 2385 N. Milwaukee Ave., gaslightcoffeeroasters.com Best new: Over the course of this year’s bean boom, adorable coffee shops have been popping up in every corner of town, a handful of which are brewing their own roasts. The best among the new crop of small-batch artisans? Gaslight, for the incredible pours that go … Read more
All the wine and cheese choices will give you and your new friend lots to discuss.
High-concept and low-cost in Logan Square, plus Grant Achatz’s trendsetting concept bar.
La Petite Folie 1504 E. 55th St., 773-493-1394 Best date-night dinner: The new restaurants opening soon in HP will have a hard time outclassing the service and sumptuous French dishes at this pitch-perfect bistro. Bonjour Café Bakery 1550 E. 55th St., 773-241-5300 Best dessert destination: This elegant patisserie could use more seats, but hang in … Read more
North Shore approaches its 10th anniversary with consistently delicious spirits and a newly expanded tasting room and patio.
