Tag: Dining Reports

On the corner of Wells and Grand, chefs Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons) and Lee Wolen (Alla Vita) delivered Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna in March 2025, part of a growing trend in new-school tavern pizza spots. The space shifts depending on where you sit: There’s a dim, modern barroom that’s ideal for after-work drinks and casual dates; a second dining room that leans nostalgic with booths and old-school Italian restaurant touches like paisley walls bedecked in clusters of family photos; and an intriguing downstairs cocktail lounge that would make Frank Sinatra proud. But the draw here is the crackly, light tavern-style pies that feel dangerously easy to finish solo.

Try the Peach Keen, a blend of peach, lemon, and iced tea that balances sweetness with subtle bitterness and cuts through heavier, cheese-forward dishes.

Multi-room energy defines the experience at Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna: a polished bar area that works for Thursday hangs, after-work drinks, or girls’ nights, plus a booth-filled dining room with nostalgic, family-style energy. The downstairs lounge offers a more intimate setting — ideal for date night or quieter conversation — so ask about seating there when you reserve. If you’re staying upstairs, request a table near the bar and large windows for the best ambience and people-watching.

Make reservations, especially after 5 p.m., when bar seating fills fast. I had a reservation and still had to wait 10 minutes to be seated.

Despite its location on River North’s most notorious nightlife strip, Theory offers an elevated sports bar experience for serious fans who still want to have fun. Opened in 2008 by North Shore native Joel Sorinsky, the two-floor spot is a hub for sports fans across the board, including the city’s robust (but often underrecognized) Formula 1 crowd. One of the few Chicago bars to open in the early-morning hours to broadcast overseas F1 races, it’s regularly packed with dedicated fans who come for the sports and stay for the top-tier food and drinks.

Theory is great for serious fans who are there to actually watch the game. Spirited fans are usually fixated on one of the dozens of TVs, keeping the atmosphere lively but never too rowdy.

You’ll definitely want to make a reservation, or if you’re coming here to watch an early morning game or F1 race, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for a chance to get a primo spot. The best seat in the house, especially during the warmer months, is right by the floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the patio.

Chef John Manion’s family moved to São Paulo, Brazil, when he was eight years old. Those formative years as a Midwest transplant in South America shaped his perspective. In 2024, he opened Brasero, an homage to the wood-fired cuisine he fell in love with as a boy.

Brasero’s tone is set by the big open kitchen where you can watch the action taking place. The dining room features plush booths with beautiful carved wood accents.

Every Wednesday, the knowledgeable wine folks at Brasero choose six bottles from their 100-bottle list to mark at $60 per bottle — a very good deal. For even more bang for your buck, make an early dinner out of the prawns, oysters, noodles, and Manion’s beloved La Sirena kale salad during happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day, including Saturdays and all night on Sundays.

SoulFood Lounge 2, located on Chicago’s South Side, fuses Italian, Mexican, American, and Asian ingredients and flavors with soul food. Chef Quentin Love and Tiffany Abram’s Beverly restaurant offers innovative dishes in a fine dining space that celebrates the Black diaspora.

With a black and gold color palette, the neighborhood spot is upscale enough for a date, and even hosts live jazz on the weekends.

The portion sizes are large, so come hungry or with a group (and be prepared to share). There is a second location on the city’s West Side with a completely different menu. The Cajun fried catfish etouffee, South African peri peri chicken, and Louisiana blackened salmon are among its most popular dishes. Reservations at both locations are recommended. Both restaurants are dine-in only.

Soloway Coffee owners Artur and Iryna Yuzvik are continuing to charm the Lincoln Park neighborhood with their new, 26-seat all-day cafe and bakery, Abrah. The menu utilizes homemade bread for sandwiches and offers lovely laminated pastries. Attention to detail extends to its cocktail program, too.

Book a seat at the counter to watch Fenton and his team in action. Fenton’s conversations with guests and an upbeat Latin soundtrack give the meal the feel of a lively dinner party.

At 10 p.m., Cariño shifts to a taco omakase, offering eight courses for $125. Highlighting the in-house masa program, and inclusive of alcoholic beverages, it’s a more accessible way to experience the restaurant.

Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen is a Palestinian restaurant nestled in a strip mall that is always buzzing. Sudki Abdullah opened the restaurant in 1992, and Amer Abdullah, his son, took over the business after Sudki’s death in 2019 and reinvented it in 2022, with a greater emphasis on his Palestinian roots. Food sales and pop-up comedy shows going to benefit Gaza humanitarian relief is part of its mission. The restaurant isn’t just serving up food, it is a place for community.

Groups — the portions are hefty so bring a friend to share a plate or two with.

Make sure to check the daily specials displayed next to the cashier. It rotates often and features popular dishes at a discount, as well as one-off offers for the day (like buttermilk fried chicken or harissa fried fish on taco Tuesdays).

On bustling 53rd Street, Virtue stands out. Owner and James Beard Award-winning chef Erick Williams and Emerging Chef award recipient Damarr Brown’s Hyde Park restaurant is an ode to the creativity, generosity, and enduring legacy of Black Southern culture. The story is told through memorable dishes like creamy mac and cheese and fall-apart short ribs.

The blend of music, kitchen buzz, and conversation forms a melody of its own. Paired with food that feeds both the tongue and the soul, Virtue has a way of making even the hardest days softer and the brightest ones shine brighter.

As I sat at my table, the woman next to me whispered to her friend, “I’d come here alone,” after dipping her spoon into the warm belly of her cinnamon apple bread pudding — and I understood exactly what she meant.

The dining room is all low lights and warm wood with an ideal “head-nod” level soundtrack of Stevie Wonder, Etta James, and old-school R&B. Through the tall windows, Hyde Park glows — a neighborhood just as poetic as its establishments.

Date-night or celebrating the big and small wins of the week. It’s also a superb spot for a solo dinner.

If visiting on the weekend, grab a Spothero or an Uber; parking is limited.

Tucked into West Town, Lao Peng You is a Chinese spot centered on dumplings and noodles — dishes rooted in memory, ritual, and family. Founded in 2019 by brothers Daniel and Eric Wat, the restaurant is a tribute to their childhoods; the pair learned how to make dumplings from their grandmother, who immigrated from just outside Shanghai.

Nearly seven years in, Lao Peng You is consistently packed. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, and on weekends and in the evenings, it’s common to see people patiently waiting an hour — sometimes longer — outside for its deeply comforting, handcrafted dishes.

Solo dining after a long day, or impressing friends or visitors with a spot that proves your taste is elite.

They don’t take reservations, so arriving between noon and 2 p.m. — especially on weekends — is key.

“Anything this good is worth the wait,” said co-owner José Correa, as a line of people at this casual Roscoe Village restaurant grows. The family-run restaurant moved to its current location from a spot in Belmont Cragin in 2023, and already Tepalcates has had to expand into a second dining area.

Prepare to wait in line to order at the counter. Food will come to your table, and the check will come at the end. Note the broken pieces of pottery decorating the walls and incorporated into the furniture, which allude to the restaurant’s name.

If you want to beat the lines, try to get there early, ahead of the noon lunch crowds, Sunday through Tuesday.

Despite its unusual name, Creepies is a charming neo-bistro that feels right at home on West Loop’s Restaurant Row. David and Anna Posey weave French technique with Midwestern comfort, creating a menu that’s simultaneously familiar and original. Creepies is a great pick for date night or for enjoying refined cooking without any of the formality.

Though Creepies offers alcohol, it lacks a dedicated bar area. Solo diners may find the counter seating slightly awkward as it faces a mirrored wall, forcing them to look at their own reflection during a meal.

Due to the scarcity of street parking, I recommend taking a rideshare instead of driving to the restaurant. For those who prefer public transit, the Morgan and Ashland CTA stations serviced by the Pink and Green lines are the closest options.

Arguably of the best Mexican restaurants Chicago has to offer, Istmo celebrates the cuisine of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Oaxacan region that chef Carlos Muñoz calls home. Muñoz brings real mastery and heart to the table. His educated, respectful, and clearly loving perspective doesn’t just nod to Oaxaca; it delivers culture and flavors to Chicago with the fanfare they deserve.

A place to sit at the bar solo or to host a small celebration. This is a great spot to impress your foodie friends, whether locals or out-of-towners.

Follow Istmo on Instagram; the eatery often hosts cultural events.

Situated between a muffler shop and a strip mall, No Pasa Nada is the kind of place you could easily miss if not for the aromas of asada and al pastor emanating from the grill and trompo perched outside its wooden cabin. While efforts to import the sizzle of a Mexican taqueria often fall flat, owner Isaac Jauregui accurately captures a snapshot of Mexico’s surreal character, heartfelt hospitality, and charcoal-kissed flavors in a small corner of Chicago. As such, the operation has rightfully been abuzz since opening in May 2025.

Part taco stand, part garage party, this laid-back spot has a first-come, first-served table for four in the back, set against a backdrop of turf greenery. The coveted seating offers a view of both the grill and a muffler shop.

Al pastor fans, and for anyone chasing a quick bite, from solo diners to late-night wanderers and groups fueling up before or after a party. No Pasa Nada stays open until 11 p.m. most nights.

Emidio Oceguera has managed some of Chicago’s best-known restaurants, including De Cero and Chicago Cut. When he began entertaining the idea of opening his own place, his parents kept him grounded. Their advice ultimately inspired him to launch the Pilsen restaurant Cerdito Muerto in his childhood neighborhood last summer. Oceguera brings unapologetic personal touches to the space and menu. In a Mexican food scene as rich as Chicago’s, Oceguera isn’t interested in chasing trends or being anything but himself.

An evening at Cerdito Muerto feels like an intimate party. The space preserves the spirit of its former billiard-hall tenant with photos of Oceguera’s father shooting pool and cues lining the walls. The soundtrack is ’90s Mexican pop. You might spot doña Consuelo, Oceguera’s mother, warmly chatting with guests.

A first date or for small gatherings. The space is a tight 30 seats; larger groups might find it difficult to have a conversation due to the layout.

Hyde Park’s bustling 53rd Street has long been packed with dining options, but it wasn’t until Cantina Rosa opened in 2024 that the neighborhood finally had a cocktail bar worth lingering in. With a focus on Mexican spirits — from tequila and mezcal to rum and gin — as the foundation for easy-sipping tropical drinks, it’s well-suited for a low-key date night or an escape from whatever’s bothering you this week.

Despite offering tropical cocktails, Cantina Rosa isn’t a kitschy tiki bar. The stylish space is bathed in moody lighting, and intimate booths tucked into alcoves and a fabric-draped ceiling create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The food menu is small, and two of the most filling items — quesabirria and a torta — are only served during happy hour: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and all day Sunday.

With papel picado hanging from the ceiling and sombreros lining the wall, it’d be easy to write off Manchamanteles as cheesy. But then you taste the food and realize there’s an expert at the helm. Chef Geno Bahena’s kitchen specializes in mole, a difficult Mexican sauce to make; Manchamanteles’s version uses an impressive 28 different ingredients.

The restaurant feels like a bygone era of Mexican cuisine. Waiters are dressed like charros, and the decor made me think it was designed to attract Americans eager to relive their Mexican beach vacation. During peak hours, Manchamanteles gets busy but never packed; the massive space means reservations aren’t required. The staff is kind and attentive with steady service that doesn’t feel rushed. Friends, dates, and large parties filled the space on Saturday night during my visit, while Bahena roamed the dining room speaking to guests.

The kitchen’s use of seasonal harvest is where Manchamanteles really stands out. The restaurant deserves vegetarian fans for its use of squash, avocado and carrots.

Del Sur Bakery has been one of Chicago’s buzziest 2025 openings, drawing steady lines from morning to midday. Under pastry chef Justin Lerias, the shop blends Filipino heritage with classic baking traditions for a lineup of deeply creative laminated treats. It’s worth braving the wait for calamansi chamomile buns and pandan Basque cakes that highlight the bakery’s bright flavors and imaginative spirit.

While the lines have eased since Del Sur’s opening, you’ll likely still need to wait to get into the small shop. On a recent Saturday at 11:30 a.m., our visit took about 30 minutes from start to finish.

According to Lerias, the most popular pastries, with the longganisa croissant leading the pack, typically start selling out around 10 a.m., and most items are gone by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.

Led by HaiSous’ Thai Dang, Crying Tiger arrived as one of 2025’s most anticipated openings thanks to the celebrated chef and the backing of powerhouse restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You. It has quickly lived up to the buzz, impressing with standout Southeast Asian dishes like lobster pad Thai and memorable desserts. The boisterous setting and shareable plates make it an ideal spot for group gatherings.

Start the evening next door at Gus’ Sip & Dip for drinks before dinner. Both spots are from Lettuce Entertain You, and Gus’ serves a wide selection of classic cocktails — all $12 each.

Crying Tiger’s space is full of striking artwork — many from managing partner Amarit Dulyapaibul’s family collection — but don’t miss the bathrooms, where large, majestic murals of tigers command attention.

Monster Ramen stands out in Chicago’s crowded ramen scene with its beef bone broth and a front-row view of the making of the springy noodles that fill each bowl. Not only is the Logan Square spot one of the few places serving gyukotsu ramen in the city — it’s one of Chicago’s best ramen shops, period.

The small, lively dining room buzzes with energy. An open kitchen and noodle lab put on a theatrical show for diners, and friendly servers guide both ramen aficionados and newcomers through the menu with thoughtful recommendations.

Grab a seat at the counter for a glimpse of the action. Up front, you might catch owner Katie Dong making noodles, while the seats toward the back provide a look of the bowls coming together in the kitchen.

A hub for trendy restaurants and a steady stream of tourists, River North has never been a budget-friendly neighborhood. Yet Gus’ Sip and Dip bucks the trend, offering $12 cocktails and a food menu that truly impresses. It’s an approachable spot for happy hour or a casual dinner and drinks with friends.

Every cocktail costs $12, with 30 options organized by spirit, all based on classic recipes. Highlights include the Hemingway daiquiri, a tart, easy-drinking sipper poured dramatically over a pile of shaved ice. Those seeking something stiffer should try the Wisconsin Old Fashioned — a nostalgic nod to the popular supper club cocktail featuring brandy instead of the typical whiskey and a splash of 7 Up.

Gus’ offers a rotating $6 cocktail during weekday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., which is also the best time to visit since it’s walk-in only and fills up quickly after doors open.