See the Hot List for previous months here.
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1 / 10
What:A foodie’s food court
Why:Brendan Sodikoff sees your mall’s Wendy’s and Sbarro and raises you Small Cheval and a Detroit-style ’za joint.Where:900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Gold Coast Website
Photo: Tara White -
2 / 10
What:The most millennial-friendly café imaginable
Why:The pendant lamps provide the ideal glow for Instagramming your savory yogurt parfait.Where:2119 W. Chicago Ave., West Town Website
Photo: Carolina Mariana Rodríguez -
3 / 10
What:Your summertime fave’s new second location
Why:You will still see everyone you know here, and there’s more room for them to congregate indoors.Where:2435 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park Website
Photo: Bar Horizontal/Clayton Hauck -
4 / 10
What:A tavern serving everything you want to eat after you’ve tipped back a few
Why:Ah, that most natural of pairings: everything-spiced biscuits and White Russians
Browse photos from our visit to the River West bar.Where:415 N. Milwaukee Ave., River West Website
Photo: Garrett Sweets -
5 / 10
What:Dinner and a show, but, like, an actual show
Why:Snacking on a rainbow of potato chips under a painting of Alice in Wonderland before a concert feels trippy.
Check out pics from our night at the West Town spot.Where:905 W. Randolph St., West Loop Website
Photo: Kyle Flubacker -
6 / 10
What:A stall dedicated to the wondrous egg crêpe known as jianbing
Why:Take China’s most perfect breakfast food, add in some avocado and bacon, and feast.Where:Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St., West Loop Website
Photo: Courtesy of Jian -
7 / 10
What:Korean tabletop barbecue, except it’s Mexican.
Why:The only one to blame if your chipotle chicken is overcooked is you.Where:1523 N. Kingsbury St., Goose Island Website
Photo: Courtesy of Bistec -
8 / 10
What:Bar bites, but hold the animal products.
Why:How do you feel about vegan food? Because you’re about to be seeing a lot of it.Where:1943 W. North Ave., Wicker Park Website
Photo: Victoria Sprung -
9 / 10
What:Saks’ meat- and dairy-free respite
Why:See what we mean about vegan food?Where:Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., Near North Side Website
Photo: Courtesy of Althea -
10 / 10
What:A family-run source for sweets and tamales
Why:A good paleta knows no season.Where:1915 W. 19th St., Heart of Chicago
Photo: Courtesy of Cafe Emmanuel