Two Chicagoland spots just landed on the New York Times’ list of the best restaurants in America. Honestly, I’m surprised there are just two. We Chicagoans know the city is full of excellent new places to try.
Here are seven recent openings.
Logan Inn in Logan Square
Just what Logan Square needed: an upscale coffee-shop-bar! I kid. But the martinis are pretty damn good. And if, like me, you can’t stomach the $18 price tag, there’s a “tini” version available for $12. TBD on a coffee review — the line was too long when I went to try one.
Picadilly Market in Lakeview
The second Picadilly Market opened recently at the courtyard on the corner of Clark and Fullerton. It’s essentially a boutique (sorry, “European-style”) grocery store with an all-day cafe and bar. Local vendors include Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Publican Quality Bread, and Katherine Anne Confections.
- I popped in: Bartender Andrew gave me a heavy pour of wine, and my friend enjoyed her spicy tuna sandwich.
Chez Poulet in Logan Square
From the team behind romantic French bistro Le Bouchon comes a very different kind of restaurant. This one serves rotisserie chicken on paper plates. And it’s working — lines stretch down Western Avenue. (It arrives in the original Taqueria Chingon space.)
The Beef Stand in Wicker Park
This new spot by Bunoa is minimal in name and concept. The pop-up, walk-up window on Division Street serves, yup, Italian beef. (Okay, there’s also vegan beef, milkshakes, and chips. But still. Pretty sparse.)
- Bonus: It’s attached to a Rainbow Cone!
Taan in Humboldt Park
Thai restaurant Taan is also a wine bar. The cozy interior truly evokes both. However, you might not find your Thai go-tos on this menu — there’s no basil chicken or pad thai. And that’s the point. Owner Chanita Chayaluk says local Thai dining is stuck in the ‘80s. For now, the menu is made up of small bites.
F1 Arcade in River North
This new arcade, inside former Rock Bottom Brewery, has 61 racing simulators, plus food and signature cocktails. The drinks are by James Beard Award-winning chef/bartender Julia Momosé, of Kumiko fame.
- Worth noting: I really like the food at another River North gaming spot, Electric Shuffle — don’t write off downtown arcade grub!
Nothing to see here, just a newsletter writer dressed as a burger in front of a Thai restaurant. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
Tarra in River North
I recently walked past Thai spot Tarra — in a burger costume — but I haven’t gotten to visit yet. Luckily, a little birdie (aka the Hungry Hound’s daughter) told me just what to order when I do: crab curry, grilled chicken thighs, and fried shrimp cake.
