![Food from Pompette](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-01-Pompette.jpg)
1 Pompette
What:A breezy Bucktown café and wine bar from a trio of industry pros who met working at Wood.
Why:It’s open all day for French- and Italian-inspired fare, so get going with a brown butter Dutch baby or a yogurt parfait with honey and Stellar granola. Or head in for dinner, when chefs Aaron Patten and Katie Wasielewski serve charcuterie boards, crab croquettes, and seared scallops with kohlrabi-fennel salad alongside Old World natural wines.
Where:1960 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown Website
![Chicken and waffles from Yardbird](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-02-Yardbird.jpg)
2 Yardbird
What:Southern comfort eats (and lots of bourbon) from a lauded national restaurant group
Why:Order the house special chicken and waffles with honey hot sauce or a fried green tomato BLT with pimento cheese while sipping an old-fashioned.
Where:530 N. Wabash Ave., Near North Side Website
![Food from Planta Queen](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-03-Planta-Queen.jpg)
3 Planta Queen
What:A local outpost of the vibrant national vegan chain
Why:The globally influenced all-day menu features an array of bites like potato-truffle dumplings and eggplant nigiri with miso truffle.
Where:413 N. Clark St., Near North Side Website
![Breakfast at Irene’s](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-04-Irenes.jpg)
4 Irene’s
What:An upscale diner from the team behind the Press Room, a West Loop wine bar
Why:Find twists on classics, like a short rib Benedict or cookies and cream pancakes.
Where:2012 W. Irving Park Rd., North Center Website
![Cheesecake at Longman & Eagle](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-05-Longman-and-Eagle.jpg)
5 Longman & Eagle
What:The Logan Square staple gets a new chef, Brian Motyka (Rose Mary, Spiaggia).
Why:Motyka adds his stamp to the menu with dishes like kabocha squash tortellini with foie gras butter and Burrata with grape mostarda and focaccia.
Where:2657 N. Kedzie Ave., Logan Square Website
![Fried chicken at Soul Food Lounge](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-06-Soul-Food-Lounge.jpg)
6 Soul Food Lounge
What:Modern takes on soul food favorites from chef Quentin Love (Turkey Chop)
Why:Love serves up Korean-style rib tips and fried pork chops with sweet chile sauce.
Where:3804 W. 16th St., Lawndale Website
![A variety of food from Entrée](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-07-Entree.jpg)
7 Entrée
What:A pickup and delivery outfit that offers finish-at-home meal kits from noted chefs
Why:Try menus created by chefs including Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y.), with mushroom risotto with a side of lemon-garlic asparagus.
Where:1639 S. Wabash Ave., South Loop Website
![Barbecue and sides from Heffer BBQ](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-08-Heffer-BBQ.jpg)
8 Heffer BBQ
What:A central Texas barbecue pop-up from a husband-and-wife duo
Why:This city always needs more options for great brisket, and you can find Heffer at pop-ups at bars around Chicago.
Where:Follow @therealhefferbbq on Instagram for information on the next pop-up.
![Avocado toast from Tasa Coffee Roasters](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-09-Tasa-Coffee-Roasters.jpg)
9 Tasa Coffee Roasters
What:A microroastery slinging Latin-inspired drinks and bites
Why:Grab a coconut-lavender latte to go, or settle in with your laptop over an avocado-chorizo toast.
Where:4136 W. North Ave., Hermosa Website
![Various pastries at The Green Post](https://www.chicagomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C202301-T-Hot-List-10-The-Green-Post.jpg)
10 The Green Post
What:A British café from the team behind the Northman and Bar on Buena
Why:Look for savory pies to start the morning, and a crisp sandwich with cheddar later on.
Where:4749 N. Rockwell St., Lincoln Square Website