Chicago

The eggplant Parm at Elina’s. Photo courtesy of Elina’s

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The Essential Chicago Restaurants to Access This Winter

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In the blink of an eye, we’ve reached the home stretch of 2022. As holiday gatherings and end-of-year celebrations are penciled in, Chicago restaurants are gearing up for the busiest season. And despite the whirlwind these final months bring, it’s also when hospitality truly shines.

This year, that also means getting a great table may be tougher than usual — a task made easier for American Express premium cardmembers with Global Dining Access by Resy, which continues to offer exclusive reservations at some of the buzziest locations in town.

The most recent additions to the Chicago collection rise to any occasion. Whether a modern Greek feast at Andros Taverna, the unexpected collaboration of beer brewer and chef at Moody Tongue, or the warm and fuzzy feeling of the bartender knowing your name at Gemini, you’re bound to find a spot that will delight. Read on for some of the latest standouts.

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Elina’s

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West Town

Don’t let the cozy confines fool you — there’s a ton of talent within the four walls of Elina’s. Chef-owners Ian Rusnak and Eric Safin draw from their years working in prominent New York kitchens (Carbone, ZZ’s Clam Bar), and have brought that approach to Italian red-sauce classics to West Town. That makes this 28-seater the kind of place where you’ll find old-style favorites done right, without frills.

The Vibe

An intimate neighborhood gem, with extra gas in the tank.

Don’t Miss

There aren’t any wrong turns with the eggplant parmesan for two or the rigatoni alla vodka.

By the Way

Bring that bottle of wine you’ve been vying to try, and the Elina’s team will serve it with a nominalc corkage fee.

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Coda di Volpe

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Southport Corridor

As the first collaboration between the veterans behind Gage Hospitality Group and Ballyhoo Hospitality, Coda di Volpe has quickly become a local anchor. Venture into Italy’s lesser explored southern region with an array of handmade pastas and pizzas that will endear Neapolitan aficionados.

The Vibe

Sink into a booth, raise a glass, and stay awhile.

Don’t Miss

A selection of house-cured meats is an excellent starting point, but you’ll segue into the likes of a signature pasta — all eyes on the bucatini puttanesca—and the crackly woodfire-crusted pizza.

By the Way

Those pizzas have been given the literal stamp of approval from the VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana), so come ready to embrace Neapolitan style.

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Andros Taverna

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Logan Square

Inspired by Greece’s cosmopolitan taverns, chef Doug Psaltis graces Logan Square with a sophisticated take on Athenian favorites. This is the go-to destination for Mediterranean flavors and fine-tuned hospitality.

The Vibe

All the trappings of a European night out in the Greek capital.

Don’t Miss

Spring for all the spreads and hand-stretched pita to order. The char-grilled octopus “from the embers” demonstrates seriously soulful cooking.

By the Way

Andros’ sommeliers are on deck to help you select the perfect option from a robustly Greek wine list.

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Moody Tongue Brewing Company

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South Loop

At this food-driven brewery, executive chef Jared Wentworth and brewmaster Jared Rouben emphasize the magic of a perfect pairing. Choose from a hyper-seasonal fine dining tasting menu in the dining room, or enjoy innovation in a casual setting à la carte at the bar.

The Vibe

The charm of a brewery with a sophisticated spin.

Don’t Miss

Menu standouts shift with the seasons but expect to be dazzled by tasting-menu offerings like cardinal prawn chawanmushi with charred scallion and black garlic froth, or bar menu morsels like the braised lamb neck. Cap it all off with the famous 12-layer German chocolate cake.

By the Way

The Moody Tongue team subscribes to a culinary-driven brewing philosophy that showcases flavors and aromatics to accompany the menu.

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Gemini

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Lincoln Park

With a made-from-scratch mentality and Midwest sensibility, Gemini is a Lincoln Park haven. Owner Ryan O’Donnell (Ballyhoo Hospitality) has polished the quintessential American bistro, enhanced by the charismatic behind-the-bar persona of partner Pauly Graves.

The Vibe

A local anchor where both locals and visitors feel like regulars.

Don’t Miss

The steak frites or the roasted half chicken with potato bacon hash are date-night favorites. In-the-know imbibers will be quick to order the signature citrus cocktail — the Squirtsky.

By the Way

On Sundays only, enjoy a Southern fried chicken feast complete with mashed potatoes and housemade hot sauce.

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Tzuco

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River North

After returning to his roots in Huitzuco, Mexico, the whirlwind talent of celebrated chef Carlos Gaytán is once again on display. Tzuco — a marriage of soul-searching and storytelling— puts forth the best of Mexico, prepared with French haute cuisine technique.

The Vibe

A lively ambiance with upscale yet approachable offerings.

Don’t Miss

Starters like the tuna ceviche and the steak tartare immediately bring a punch of flavor that segues into reinvigorated Mexican classics like chile relleno.

By the Way

Gaytán’s infatuation with French technique can be traced back to his time spent as chef de cuisine at Chicago’s Bistro Margot.

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Cebu

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Wicker Park

For a dose of Filipino home-cooking, nab a spot at this sibling-run nook in Wicker Park. Brother and sister Malvin and Cybill run the kitchen, while Marlon handles the front of house.

The Vibe

A bustling café that feels elegant but never fussy.

Don’t Miss

Come early to make sure you get one of the limited crispy orders of lechon (pork belly and skin). For a jolt of nostalgia, end the meal with halo-halo, the shaved ice dessert that’s a Filipino favorite.

By the Way

Experience a true Kamayan feast on Sunday nights — the set menu is designed for groups.

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The Vig

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Old Town

In a crowded category (sports bars) that doesn’t often generate enthusiasm among diners, The Vig defies expectations — with a flair for midcentury nostalgia. With its parlor decor of a past era, this Old Town watering hole draws guests with contemporary palates with refined food and drinks program that make it a sure bet for an after-work meetup or late-night bite.

The Vibe

All the charm of a lively 1950s sports parlor, with a modern-day expression of hospitality and service.

Don’t Miss

If looking for a savory morsel to complement one of the signature cocktails, procure the crispy cacio e pepe nugs or tuna poke tacos. For those looking to up the ante, there’s always the 14-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye.

By the Way

In line with the theme, the name “Vig” is a play on the old sports betting slang word vigorish, which represents the cut given to the bookie or the house on every bet placed.

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