See the Hot List for previous months here.
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2 / 10
What:Fine dining in the heart of Uptown
Why:This is Chicago’s first new tasting-menu-only spot in ages — and it caters to both omnivores and vegans.Where:4662 N. Broadway, Uptown Website
Photo: Courtesy of Brass Heart -
3 / 10
What:An architectural marvel with a drive-through
Why:Don’t act like you don’t want a Big Mac and fries at all hours.Where:600 N. Clark St., River North Website
Photo: Courtesy of McDonald’s -
4 / 10
What:Wicker Park’s coolest cocktail bar
Why:With bartender Brad Bolt at the helm, this may actually fill the Bar Deville–size hole in your heart.Where:1270 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Neon Wilderness -
5 / 10
What:A subterranean lounge imported from L.A.
Why:Because it shouldn’t have taken this long for someone to put tiki drinks and karaoke together.
Browse photos of our visit.Where:613 N. Wells St., River North Website
Photo: Galdones Photography -
6 / 10
What:The most Instagrammable Popsicle shop ever
Why:Frozen treats this tasty need not be relegated to summer. (See “Get Tasty Frozen Treats at Pretty Cool Ice Cream.”)Where:2353 N. California Ave., Logan Square Website
Photo: Jeff Marini -
7 / 10
What:Midwestern food, gussied up
Why:Tim Graham, a veteran of swanky spots like Travelle and Tru, is now serving ants on a log. But, like, fancy ants on a log.Where:2445 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square Website
Photo: Courtesy of Twain -
8 / 10
What:A chill neighborhood hang from the people behind Sheffield’s
Why:Four years after Silver Cloud closed in this spot, there’s finally a place for Bucktowners to get pot pie again.Where:1700 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown Website
Photo: Courtesy of Tricycle -
9 / 10
What:Right there in the name: pizza and wine
Why:It’s not just any pizza — it’s pinsa, a lighter, crispier Roman style that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.Where:444 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Lincoln Park Website
Photo: Courtesy of Casati’s Pizza Vino -
10 / 10
What:Scottish cooking in Kane County
Why:Suet pudding, haggis, and a Scotch list a mile long — all that’s missing is a set of bagpipes.Where:40W099 Illinois Rte. 64, Campton Hills Website
Photo: Courtesy of Balmoral