This charming trattoria pulls off that rarest of tricks: managing to please even the pickiest of palates (a perfect rigatoni carbonara, brick chicken with crackling-crisp skin) while not shying away from more interesting regional fare (sweet-tart spring onions in a balsamic agrodolce). 5316 N. Clark St., Andersonville, anteprimachicago.net
Topped with a streusel-like crumble, this is summer in a pie pan. And good news for city dwellers: The sisters behind the Oak Park pie shop have opened a new storefront in Pilsen. $30. 103 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park; 1844 S. Blue Island Ave., Pilsen, spiltmilkpastry.com
At this sunny brewery and café, Jess Galli (formerly of the Mill, a San Francisco bread shop) bakes up rustic loaves daily, slices them ultrathick, then smears and sprinkles each toasted slab with all sorts of housemade goodies. Her tastiest creation (pictured) combines cream cheese and turmeric milk jam. It’s sweet, spicy, sticky — and … Read more
No blocks of commodity cheddar here — this curated collection focuses on small artisanal creameries, including several from Wisconsin (like the makers of the grassy, well-aged Pleasant Ridge Reserve), selected by longtime cheesemonger Erin Carlman Weber. 2119 W. Chicago Ave., West Town, alltogethernow.fun
What makes the frozen treats here so special? Their ephemerality. Ava’s uses seasonal fruits that sing with flavor, and because the ices are made in small batches, once they’re gone, they’re gone, and all that’s left is a summery memory. 1814 N. Western Ave., Logan Square, avasitalianice.com
This oversize wonder sparkles with sugar crystals and shimmers with spicy, warm notes — a taste of Christmas available all year long. It contains vegetable oil instead of butter and yet delivers the same satisfying chew as the best nonvegan versions. $3, 2051 N. California Ave., Logan Square, bangbangpie.com
Alfonso Sotelo gets that the key to good guac is simplicity: lots of ripe avocado left nice and chunky, with just enough extras like lime and serrano to make a fleeting but not overwhelming impression. $8.50, 1758 W. 18th St., Pilsen, 5rabanitosdotcom.wordpress.com
How cool is it when your cocktail snacks come from the team behind Michelin-starred Oriole? The highlight is the pork-filled pillows stuffed with peppy pickles. 630 W. Lake St., West Loop, barkumiko.com
Star chef power aside, Stephanie Izard’s latest has all the makings of an insta hit for the Insta set. The breezy lounge is ideal for sipping pisco cocktails and nibbling Peruvian-inspired ceviches, complete with skyline views and opportunities for poolside selfies. The Hoxton, 200 N. Green St., West Loop, thehoxton.com
The dining room of Stephen Gillanders’s restaurant has never felt particularly stuffy, but perching yourself atop one of the velvet stools in the bar delivers an additional dose of conviviality: The bartenders are quick with both the one-liners and your order of lobster dumplings, and you’ll have an easier time buttonholing sommelier Charles Ford for … Read more
