“Eat” listings
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Bakin’ and Eggs
It’s tough to breathe new life into breakfast, but this boisterous Lake View spot does just that with its savory “bacon flight” and decadent banana pecan bread French toast. While waiting for a table, snag some self-serve coffee and snack on a few housemade mini muffins. $ (09/2011)
3120 N Lincoln Ave
773-525-7005
bakinandeggschicago.com -
GT Fish & Oyster
The ivory-paneled Cape Cod design aesthetic is spot-on—as are the elevated interpretations of classic sea shack dishes that include a lobster roll overflowing with savory meat and clam chowder bursting with rich, bacon-y flavor. Steer the ship towards the pasta dishes too, or one of the 6 different oyster varieties. $$$$ (09/2011)
531 N Wells St
312-929-3501
gtfishandoy...rdpress.com -
The Wieners Circle
Most of Chicago’s legendary hot dog stands steam their links. This Lincoln Park stalwart goes the charbroiled route, resulting in a savory smokiness. Grab one with everything and a sack full of greasy yet delicious fries and dine al fresco at the Clark Street picnic tables. $ (08/2011)
2622 N Clark St
773-477-7444
wienercircle.net -
Ruxbin
Fine dining is broken down to the barest essentials at this tiny BYO hotspot. The menu changes seasonally, but staples include pan-seared trout and mussels swimming in a sake tomato broth. Somehow, the dining room’s salvaged and repurposed aesthetic radiates warmth, not hipster pretentiousness. $$$ (07/2011)
851 N Ashland Ave
312-624-8509
ruxbinchicago.com -
Sunda
Fresh modern Pan-Asian cuisine refuses to cede the spotlight at this always-packed scenester hangout. Try the crab-crusted ahi tuna or the seared Kobe beef tartare and settle in for an evening of people-watching. $$$ (07/2011)
110 W Illinois St
312-644-0500
sundachicago.com -
grahamwich
Here, celebrity chef Graham Elliot applies his considerable talent to the humble sandwich. Ironically, the man who invented foie gras lollipops shines brightest with a simple grilled cheese with shaved prosciutto. But he can’t resist tossing some truffle oil on his tasty popcorn. $ (06/2011)
615 N State St
312-265-0434
grahamwich.com -
Natalino’s
The menu at this Italian- American joint specializes in red sauce-and-veal standards, but also has the guts to dish out creative options like hand-stuffed pasta with lobster and ricotta and chicken in a champagne cream sauce. $$$ (06/2011)
1523 W Chicago Ave
312-997-3700
natalinoschicago.com -
Chilam Balam
The wunderkind young chef at this cozy, subterranean Mexican small plates spot is cooking well beyond his years. Start with fresh blue marlin ceviche and shitake mushroom empanadas and eat your way toward the robust lamb tenderloin tips. $$$ (05/2011)
3023 N Broadway
773-296-6901
chilambalamchicago.com -
Kuma’s Corner
Most of the hype surrounding this burger joint has to do with the blaring metal music and dishes honoring Metallica and Motorhead. But no matter what they’re named, these 10-ounce beauties really sing—especially the classic with bacon, cheddar and a fried egg. $$ (03/2011)
2900 W Belmont Ave
773-604-8769
kumascorner.com -
PEQUOD’S PIZZA
Can’t decide between deep-dish or thin crust? This Lincoln Park pizza parlor—known for its dark-edged, caramelized crusts—is that rare breed that excels at both. Order up a sausage and mushroom combo and a pint from a rotating selection of craft beers. $ (01/2011)
2207 N Clybourn Ave
773-327-1512
pequodspizza.com -
CUMIN
You used to have to visit Chicago’s North Side for quality Indian cuisine—until now. This warm, trend-free spot in hipster Wicker Park serves Indian classics like veggie samosas and chicken biryanis, along with Nepalese dishes like gorkhali khasi, a hearty goat stew. $$$ (01/2011)
1414 N Milwaukee Ave
773-342-1414
cumin-chicago.com -
GIRL AND THE GOAT
Hometown girl and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard runs the show at this creative ode to classic American comfort food. The real star is the kitchen’s wood-burning oven, which lends a smoky fl avor to dishes like lamb sausage-stuffed calamari and a killer lamb shank. $$$ (01/2011)
809 W Randolph St
312-492-6262
girlandthegoat.com
