If you're anything like us, you're probably wondering where the hell the first half of 2018 went. Since this year shows no signs of slowing down, now feels like a good time to acknowledge the new restaurants and bars that have really blown us away. Though they're all recent additions to Chicago, these spots have burrowed their way into our hearts, becoming trusty standbys for special occasions and Saturday nights out.
The majority of these restaurants opened just this year, but we couldn't resist sneaking in a few exceptional late bloomers from 2017 for good measure. These six restaurants are well on their way to becoming some of the best in Chicago.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Bar Biscay: A self-described "cross between a Basque pinxto bar and a lively French brasserie," Bar Biscay proves that Chicagoans embrace restaurants that break the mold with funky flavors and boundary-pushing dishes. The West Town spot offers a superb wine list alongside a roster of knockout dishes including tender steak frites smothered in creamy sauce gribiche and a collection of enticing vegetable-packed plates. As an added bonus, the pink-lit interior is remarkably sexy, making it an ideal backdrop for date night or a night out with close friends.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
S.K.Y.: Earlier this year, Time Out Chicago critic Maggie Hennessy gave this Pilsen newcomer a perfect five-star review, noting that the dining experience "pulsates with warmth and generosity." For his first solo venture, chef/owner Stephen Gillanders curated a menu of memorable and buzzy bites like cornbread Madeleines, Maine lobster dumplings and fried chicken and fermented hot sauce. Make a return trip for the $28 three-course dim sum brunch, where main dishes include coconut pancakes and a short rib and potato hash.
Photograph: Courtesy Ludlow Liquors
Ludlow Liquors: Dive bar remakes often disappoint, but Ludlow Liquors breathes funky new life into the former Orbit Room space, thanks to bar experts Wade McElroy and Jeff Donahue (Sportsman’s Club, Estereo). Most of the cocktails are offered as one-, two- or three-ounce pours, allowing guests to dabble before committing to a full-size beverage; you can't go wrong with our critic's choice, the Summit, a bright whiskey martini. Sop up the booze with Filipino-tinged bites from onsite venture Old Habits, where Nick Jirasek is crafting Chicago rib tips, mostaccioli, filipino egg rolls and more.
Photograph: Clayton Hauck
Golden Teardrops: When the folks at Land and Sea Dept. (Longman & Eagle, Lost Lake, Parson's Chicken & Fish) opened Lonesome Rose at the tail end of 2017, they quietly debuted a mysterious basement bar in the same building. Guests enter Golden Teardrops through an alley and descend into the dimly lit 40-seat space. Put away your phone and order from a menu of lesser-known classic cocktails as you sink into the sultry interior. Psst: Golden Teardrops won Best New Bar in the 2018 Time Out Chicago Bar Awards.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Sushi-San: There's no shortage of excellent sushi joints in Chicago, but only one can claim expert chef Kaze Chan. This River North restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You delivers pristine raw fish prepared with simple techniques. There's plenty of maki to choose from, but insiders know to order from the San-Sets portion of the menu, where you can sample Kaze's finest cuts.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Pacific Standard Time: Chef Erling Wu-Bower bring California to the Midwest with his airy River North eatery. Expect outrageously delicious carbs (pasta, pizza, pita) and super-seasonal produce sprinkled throughout the menu. Don't sleep on pasty chef Natalie Saben's thoughtfully unexpected sweets—the chocolate tart is especially delicious, with peanut dukkah, milk chocolate ganache and peanut ice cream.
Ones to watch: Lost Larson, Aba, Tikkawala, Free Rein, Passerotto, Etta