DMK BURGER BAR In the Year of the Burger, Lake View became a holy place. 2954 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-360-8686
BIG STAR Bourbon, tacos, and country music: All that’s missing is porn and firearms. 1531 N. Damen Ave.; 773-235-4039
XOCO Beneath all the complicated fast-casual rules lies the irrefutable fact: Xoco’s tortas are impeccable. 449 N. Clark St.; 312-334-3688
MERCADITO Glam, glitz, and guacamole unleash their power in River North. 108 W. Kinzie St.; 312-329-9555
SABOR SAVEUR Ukie Village loves a rebel, which makes this French-Mex BYO the new darling of the neighborhood. 2013 W. Division St.; 773-235-7310
CHILAM BALAM Reservations? (LOL.) Place to wait? (Next door at Monsignor Murphy’s clutching your cell phone.) Yummy, affordable Mexican small plates and BYO? (Bingo!) 3023 N. Broadway; 773-296-6901
BELLY SHACK Bill Kim’s Korean-Latin BYO is making more noise than the Blue Line rumbling overhead. 1912 N. Western Ave.; 773-252-1414
HAPP INN It’s all about happiness at this uncomplicated American spot. So far, mission accomplished. 305 Happ Rd., Northfield; 847-784-9200
GEMINI BISTRO Gemini is compatible with Sagittarius, Aquarius, Libra, and basically everyone else in Lincoln Park. 2075 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-525-2522
MELANTHIOS GREEK CHAR HOUSE Even the spit-roasted pig looks like he’s having a good time at this Boystown taverna. 3116 N. Broadway; 773-360-8572