Opening array at The Doughnut Vault
NEXT Everyone is bitching about Next’s frustrating ticket plan—but no one is complaining about the food. 953 W. Fulton Market; 312-226-0858
GT FISH & OYSTER "Men and fish are alike," reads a quote on GT’s wall. "They get into trouble when they open their mouths." In that case, several hundred people every night are in deep here. 531 N. Wells St.; 312-929-3501
PARIS CLUB River North falls hard for "modern French," which apparently means subway-tile walls, wine on tap, Mason jars, and apple strudel. 59 W. Hubbard St.; 312-595-0800 More on Paris Club »
FISH BAR If this breezy spot is packed, you can take your lobster roll next door and eat it at DMK, which is also packed. 2956 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-687-8177
THE DOUGHNUT VAULT It’s six doughnuts to a customer, so if you need more than half a dozen, bring a friend or plan on cutting a deal with someone in line. 401 N. Franklin St.
MAUDE’S LIQUOR BAR We thought wait-listing was reserved for airlines and colleges. 840 W. Randolph St.; 312-243-9712 The Chaser Amalie Drury’s night out at Maude’s »
BITE CAFE It’s the kind of charming little BYO where you go through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. 1039 N. Western Ave.; 773-395-2483 Browse photos of Bite Cafe’s garlic chicken, among other delicious dishes, in our dining editor’s photo-blog, What Penny Eats.
ANTICO Living proof in Bucktown that a one-page menu—with no small plates in sight—can jam a room night after night. 1946 N. Leavitt St.; 773-489-4895
BURGER BOSS Hand-cut fries and free Wi-Fi? Dangerous combination. 7512 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park; 708-452-7288
ING Homaro Cantu’s miracle berry meals hold their own next door to Next. A miracle indeed. 951 W. Fulton Market; 855-834-6464. Read our review »
Photograph: ESTHER KANG