See the Hot List for previous months here.
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2 / 10
What:Soigné soul food
Why:For once, Hyde Park has true destination dining.Where:1462 E. 53rd St., Hyde Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Virtue -
3 / 10
What:Chicken, chicken, and more chicken
Why:The only gospel preached here is Darnell Reed’s tangy-spicy sauce.Where:2009 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown Website
Photo: Courtesy of Luella’s Gospel Bird -
4 / 10
What:A four-year-old West Loop Japanese stalwart where you still can’t get a table
Why:The new face in the kitchen is a familiar one — the beloved Gene Kato (Sumi Robata Bar).Where:820 W. Lake St., West Loop Website
Photo: Huge Galdones -
5 / 10
What:A speakeasy beneath a pizzeria
Why:What better way to hide from the Wrigleyville hordes than by slipping underground for a rye and Cynar cocktail?
Browse photos of this underground bar.Where:3473 N. Clark St., Lake View Website
Photo: Courtesy of Robin Subar -
6 / 10
What:Oh-so-chic Greek
Why:Gather five of your closest friends and feast like kings on a whole roasted leg of lamb.Where:1335 W. Wrightwood Ave., Lincoln Park Website
Photo: Kailley Lindman -
7 / 10
What:An all-day breakfast café
Why:Oatmeal topped with peaches and bourbon will ruin you for plain old Quaker Oats.Where:305 E. Garfield Ave., Washington Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Peach’s at Currency Exchange Cafe -
8 / 10
What:A fried-egg institution
Why:After a 2016 fire, this 24-hour diner has risen from the ashes.Where:1635 W. Irving Park Rd., North Center Website
Photo: Louisa Chu/Chicago Tribune -
9 / 10
What:Splurging à la française
Why:Downing escargot is a great way to kill time while you wait for the Metra.Where:155 W. Van Buren St., Loop Website
Photo: Meghan Leigh -
10 / 10
What:An L.A. restaurant group’s big Chicago debut
Why:Crab cakes, lamb chops, caviar dip, and other fare for power diners.Where:613 N. Wells St., River North Website
Photo: Anthony Tahlier