-
1 / 10
It’s multicourse and pricey, but the food is divine—and you can wear jeans. See “Dining Review: Oriole Takes Flight.” 661 W. Walnut St., 312-877-5339 Website
Photo: Jeff Marini -
2 / 10
Admit it: You are intensely curious about goat fried rice. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825 Website
Photo: Jeff Marini -
3 / 10
The Alinea Group goes casual. Still, for reservations, you know the drill. (See “Andrew Brochu Makes His Mark at Roister.”) Critic’s Notes: The name, I’m told, has something to do with revelry. And despite the grim chefs in Andrew Brochu’s open kitchen, there’s more merriment around the room than at your average house party. —Jeff Ruby951 W. Fulton Market Website
Photo: Jeff Marini -
4 / 10
This place ain’t cheap, but it ain’t in Chinatown, either. 6 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-9440 Website
Photo: Jeff Marini -
5 / 10
Where grownups brag about wearing a bib to eat seafood. Critic’s Notes: This place is so Minnesota. The seafood is cleaned and cracked for you and set on very tidy silver trays so that the juices fall through and don’t touch your fingers. —Peter Gianopulos326 N. Morgan St., 312-973-1336 Website
Photo: Marcin Cymmer -
6 / 10
Can a 9,000-square-foot nightcrawler sprawled over four levels feel intimate? Yes, says partner Matt Menna. Critic’s Notes: Opening night at this multi-level bar and anti-steakhouse summed up what to expect, when a server playfully warned a guest holding a Bloody Mary oyster shooter: “Careful, there’s vodka in there,” and the guest replied, “Good.” That was my favorite moment. —Maggie Hennessy1500 N. Wells St., 773-966-0404 Website
Photo: Barry Brecheisen -
7 / 10
Cliché be damned: This charming café transports you directly to Europe. Critic’s Notes: There are few times in life when I haven’t felt compelled to ask for more bread. Seeing Americano’s spicy, soppable shakshuka arrive alongside four fat griddled slices from the house loaf wasn’t one of ’em. —MH2211 W. North Ave., 773-360-8757 Website
Photo: Jeff Marini -
8 / 10
Just when you thought tasting flights were over, along comes a new twist: pizza. 355 E. Ohio St., 312-222-0905 Website
Photo: Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune -
9 / 10
Think Northwoods of Wisconsin with relish trays, prime rib, and grasshopper cocktails. Critic’s Notes: Deep storefront done up to with moose heads and beer labels and such. Beautiful long bar and plenty of people are hanging out. Check your rifle and hunting hat at the door. —Penny Pollack2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-857-2000 Website
Photo: Courtesy of Brian Reynolds -
10 / 10
“Dip” here could mean chimichurri sauce or a tango lesson. 4767 N. Lincoln Ave., 872-208-7441 Website
Photo: Sean Williams