See the Hot List for previous months here.
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1 / 10
What:A rollicking wine bar inspired by España
Why:If you order it by the shareable porrón, it’s perfectly OK to pour txakoli directly into your mouth here.
Browse photos of our visit to the River North spot.Where:441 N. Clark St., River North Website
Photo: Peter Ranvestel -
2 / 10
What:A Filipino restaurant by way of Cuba — or vice versa, we’re not sure.
Why:Because where else can dinner be lumpia Shanghai and ropa vieja?Where:1810 W. Montrose Ave., Ravenswood Website
Photo: Courtesy of Bayan Ko -
3 / 10
What:Korea’s preeminent fried chicken chain continues its expansion.
Why:KFC isn’t just Colonel Sanders anymore.Where:1732 W. Division St., Wicker Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Bonchon Wicker Park -
4 / 10
What:Authentic French food, right down to the housemade beurre
Why:In the depths of a Chicago winter, a bowl of bouillabaisse may be the closest you’ll get to the Mediterranean.Where:2301 W. Roscoe St., Roscoe Village Website
Photo: Courtesy of Le Sud -
5 / 10
What:A steakhouse that doesn’t take itself too seriously
Why:Beef Wellington by the slice is the bar food you didn’t know you craved.Where:Hotel Julian, 168 N. Michigan Ave., Loop Website
Photo: Kailley Lindman -
6 / 10
What:A bookstore-slash-boozy-dessert-purveyor
Why:The pastry wizard behind Fabiana’s Bakery has branched out into the literature and alcohol-infused-cupcake scene.
Check out photos of the bar and restaurant.Where:1644 E. 53rd St., Hyde Park Website
Photo: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune -
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8 / 10
What:Veg-friendly brunch fare
Why:All the soy chorizo a person could want.Where:2100 W. Roscoe St., Roscoe Village Website
Photo: Courtesy of Lucy’s Cafe -
9 / 10
What:A college town fave (by way of East Lansing) that has made a Midwestern expansion
Why:Who doesn’t want a Tater Tot wrap at 1 in the morning?Where:1422 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Conrad’s Grill -
10 / 10
What:Taps and tacos
Why:It’s time the northern burbs got a noteworthy brewpub.Where:582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Ravinia Brewing Co.