Chicago’s Latest & Greatest Restaurant Openings
The Chicago food world is POPPING right now, foodies! New restaurant and bar openings, as well as the upcoming warmer weather, mean plenty of excitement over dining possibilities for this season and beyond. Whether you want cafes for a caffeine fix, sexy bars for date nights or cozy dinners of comfort food favorites, there’s likely a Chicago newcomer with your name on it. Here are some of the latest and greatest restaurant openings (plus one re-opening!) to check out right now…
LÝRA {905 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.660.7722}: Take a trip to Greece with this new hot spot from Dineamic Restaurant Group! The ambiance is warm and sexy and the menu is full of fun twists on Greek classics like Grilled Octopus and Prawns Saganaki. Just save room for Kataifi Napoleon for dessert!
Con Todo {2853 North Kedzie Avenue, Chicago; 773.681.0674}: From famed and much-loved Chef Jonathan Zaragoza, this Logan Square restaurant was shrouded in mystery before it opened, but when it did… it opened BIG. “Con Todo” means “with everything” and you can get everything from tacos and margaritas to Pamburguesas (Smash burger on a guajillo potato bun, onion, American cheese, pickles, special sauce) here.
Goddess and Grocer {911 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 773.839.1050}: Most Chicagoans have heard about, or already shopped with the Goddess, and now it’s easier than ever to get your favorite cupcakes, sandwiches, specialty coffee and Windy City retail brands. Their new location has more retail space, specialty menu items and an extra long salad bar!
The X Pot {1147 South Delano Court East, Chicago; 312.585.8655}: Want to get served by robots? How could you not?! This unique dining experience also comes with amazing food, including a whole Wagyu Tasting Menu as well as rice, noodles, and other traditional Asian dishes.
Roux {1055 East 55th Street, Chicago; 773.770.4785}: Get some good ole’ Southern cooking at this coffee shop/restaurant with a Southern diner-inspired menu from from Consulting Chef Charlie McKenna (Founder/Chef of Lillie’s Q and LQ Chicken Shack). It’s the kind of menu that can cheer up any bad day!
Bar Mar & Bazaar Meat {120 North Wacker Drive, Chicago}: Chef José Andrés has brought all kinds of glamour to the Loop with his two-story culinary destination. Bar Mar is on the ground floor, offering fresh seafood dishes, festive cocktails and decor that will make design-lovers melt. One floor above is Bazaar Meat, where guests can celebrate all things carnivorous.
Bae Coffee Company {2945 North Broadway, Chicago; 773.661.1074}: Started by Chicagoans Devon and Alicia, this cute coffee shop is perfect for a first date or when you want your caffeine with a side of Instagram-able interiors. Plus, all their beans are respectfully sourced and fair-wage, so you’ll be caffeinating responsibly ;)
Mother's Ruin {2943 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago}: This opening happens on Friday, March 11 in Avondale! Mother’s Ruin also has locations in New York and Nashville, and will be serving up it’s much-loved menu of bespoke cocktails and elevated bar food Green Chile Beer Cheese Nachos and French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese.
elephant + vine {719 Church Street, Evanston}: Another upcoming opening, this one in Evanston is elephant + vine, a plant-based vegan eatery. Their doors officially open on Thursday, March 17 and 50% of opening day sales will be donated to Barn Sanctuary, a safe haven for abused and neglected farmed animals located in Southeast Michigan. We’ll see you there!
PLUS RE-OPENINGS!
Rotisserie Ema {74 West Illinois Street, Chicago}: Quick, casual, and always delicious! You can build your own perfect lunch box (see above) with all your favorite Mediterranean flavors. We recommend the Pulled Sumac Chicken or Lamb & Beef Kefta for lunch, and add on all your favorite spreads and sauces too!
Café Crèmerie {615 North State Street, Chicago}: We love seeing a woman-led business back in action! Owner Lisa Gasparian and her Café Crèmerie team is back to offering specialty coffee by Illy, worldly wines, artisanal Italian gelato, snacks, treats, and more, including gluten-free options.
MAD Social {1140 West Madison Street, Chicago; 312.243.2097}: This West Loop spot is back, making it the go-to spot once again for dinners before Blackhawks games as well as more casual date nights out. Order the MAD Burger and get ready for a madly delicious meal!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor