The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right NowLynette Smithon August 25, 2021 at 12:36 pm

1 Jaleo

What:Celeb chef José Andrés’s iconic Spanish tapas spot lands in Chicago.
Why:Any night that starts with fruity sangría and plates of garlicky gambas al ajillo and jamón ibérico is a party.
Where:500 N. Clark St., River North Website

2 Adalina

What:A sleek Italian newcomer with two lauded chefs: Soo Ahn (Band of Bohemia) on savory and Nicole Guini (Blackbird) on sweet
Why:Nosh on a fried green tomato caprese and housemade pastas, then finish with the brown butter honey tart.
Where:912 N. State St., Near North Side Website

3 Verve Wine + Provisions

What:A lively, approachable wine shop and restaurant
Why:Ryan Epp’s plates, such as a bavette steak with allium jus, are simplicity at their best.
Where:2349 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park Website

4 Lardon

What:A café, bar, and charcuterie emporium from Chris Thompson
Why:Find Aya pastries and Metropolis coffee in the a.m., and finocchiona and butter sandwiches later in the day.
Where:2200 N. California Ave., Logan Square Website

5 L&M Parkside

What:A seasonally focused eatery across the street from sister market L&M Fine Foods
Why:Expect the same gourmet sensibility, as in the cast-iron steak with cherry steak sauce.
Where:2201 W. Montrose Ave., North Center Website

6 Blue Bottle Coffee

What:An outpost of the Oakland chain opens with single-origin coffees and Lula Cafe bites.
Why:Order a New Orleans–style cold brew with a blueberry-rose galette.
Where:313 W. Wolf Point Plz., River North Website

7 Little Sandwich House

What:An all-day Bronzeville hangout with coffee and plenty of — what else? — sandwiches
Why:Try the roasted red pepper and spinach sando with artichokes and Parm.
Where:411 E. Oakwood Blvd. Website

8 Listening Room

What:A music-forward eatery at the Exchange, part of a sprawling project from DMK Restaurants
Why:Order Brian Huston’s dishes while vinyl spins on a state-of-the-art system.
Where:224 S. Michigan Ave., Loop Website

9 Juice @ 1340

What:A bar and booze shop from a trio of beverage vets
Why:Try a pour of whatever somm Derrick Westbrook is excited about, then grab some cocktail mixers to take home.
Where: 1340 W. Madison St., Near West Side Website

10 The Art of Chicken

What:After a fire closed it for four years, a Bucktown favorite rises from the ashes.
Why:All the spiced, grilled chicken you know and love, now with Casa Humilde Cerveceria beers
Where:2041 N. Western Ave. Website

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