Where to Eat in April: Asador Bastian, Happy Camper, Parson’s and More

Situated in the iconic Flair House, originally built in 1883, Asador Bastian puts a Basque spin on the ever-popular chophouse concept. Opened at the end of March with chef Doug Psaltis at the helm, the restaurant offers a cozy downstairs bar, a full dining room, and a chef’s table for a personalized meat experience. All of the beef is raised by the Peacock Cattle Company and is treated how it would be in San Sebastian: aged in-house on the hoof for maximum flavor. Sides include bone-marrow spiked mashed potatoes, and, in a nod to its Iberian roots, truffle and Iberico ham-laced rice.

Even if you don’t care about baseball—FYI, the season starts now—it’s undeniably fun to camp out at Wrigleyville sports bar Happy Camper. Enjoy outdoor seating, disco balls, and crowds of fellow Cubs fans alongside a dozen-plus pizzas pies, apps like pulled pork nachos and elote dip, and XXL vodka-spiked pink lemonade. Whether you’re a staunch baseball fan or a fair-weather one, there’s no better place to celebrate spring.

Tucked into the Viceroy Hotel, Somerset gives serious yacht club vibes, with vaulted ceilings and globe lights, blue accent walls, and cerulean tufted banquettes to match. While the decor feels transportive, the menu is decidedly local, with ingredients procured from Nichols Farms, Mick Klüg Farms, and others. The New American menu offers upmarket crowd pleasers, like housemade bread and smoked-honey butter, and a burger with American cheese and truffle sauce. Stop by for the “Golden Hour” menu from 3 – 5 p.m., with deals on oysters Rockefeller and classic cocktails.

No one deserves stylish cocktails 18 stories up more than Chicagoans who survive the long winter. We recommend rooftop lounge Devereaux for a night on the town, or perhaps a moody date with your spring fling. Enjoy sprawling views of the lake and skyline in front of a blazing fire pit while you sip whatever cocktail suits your fancy (they’ve got frozen ones, hot ones, even spirit-free ones, too). Feeling peckish? Small plates like prosciutto tartine and sliders are there for you, along with a cookie plate, which is always a good idea. 

After eight years as the GM at Luella’s Southern Kitchen, Tyris Bell has finally opened his own barbecue spot on the South Side. Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking and the family barbecues of his youth, Tyris offers succulent rib tips, smokey turkey legs, and the creamiest mac and cheese, ordered at the counter (or online). Our advice? Place an order to-go and enjoy your meal al fresco—just be sure to bring extra napkins.

No reservations. Find more info here. 

Good news for those disappointed by the closure of Boonie’s Revival Food Hall location: The beloved Filipino spot finally has its own brick-and-mortar location in Lincoln Square. The new space has plenty of seating (and plants), dim lighting, and photos of chef Joe Fontelera’s family home. It’s casual and welcoming: the perfect place to bring a group and order the whole menu—sizzling sisig with a runny egg, bistek with calamansi onions, stir-fried pancit canton made with Sun ramen noodles included. Bonus: it’s currently BYO, so grab a bottle (or two) of the good stuff on your way over.

No reservations. Find more info here. 

Award-winning fried chicken and slushy Negronis in a retro atmosphere are the name of the game at Parson’s, and we can’t think of a better way to welcome the spring. While the famous drag shows, featuring Masha Potato and Chanel Mercedes Benz, have come to a close for the season (they’ll be back in the fall), there’s still much to enjoy at this Andersonville stalwart, including a sun-drenched patio with picnic tables shaded by old-school white-and-red striped umbrellas for casual feasts with a crew. Order a plate of super-saucy wings or shatteringly crisp fried chicken and cheers to a new season (and a city that celebrates drag!).

An empty nest and passion for game nights inspired husband-and-wife team Jose and Yesenia Maldonado to open Stay and Play Game Cafe, a convivial spot featuring over 500 games for the playing. Puerto Rican finger foods like pastelillos (crisp turnovers stuffed with meat or cheese) and ham-and-cheese croquetas fuel hungry players, while rum-centric drinks like Cuba libres and fruity hurricanes improve any round of Settlers of Catan or Exploding Kittens. Bring a crew—tables seat up to eight—and marvel at Chicago artist John Vergara’s stunning floor-to-ceiling mural, a vibrant, colorful ode to the Maldonado’s Puerto Rican heritage, passion for their city, and, of course, love of games.

No reservations. Find more info here. 

Low and slow Texas-style barbecue meets Middle Eastern ingredients meets Salt Bae at Meat Moot, the first U.S. location of a popular Istanbul-based barbecue chain. While the meat-serving spectacle could come off as gimmicky—lots of TikTok-ready pyrotechnics, knife-flinging, and drizzling honey from a height—the food stands on its own. Zabiha halal lamb and beef is smoked until fall-apart tender, and all orders come with seasoned rice, salads, and a choice of 14 different sauces, ranging from chimichurri demi-glace.

No reservations. Find more info here. 

Olugbemisola Olawumi grew up in Lagos, eating fresh agege, a soft, slightly sweet bread similar to brioche. Now she’s bringing a taste of Nigeria to her bakery in Bucktown, newly open for retail. At this little Western Ave storefront, you’ll find loaves of fluffy agege on display, along with a few Western sweets like cinnamon buns and banana bread, and savory meat pies. Spread your agege with butter and jam, eat it with eggs, and use it for sandwiches or scooping up moin moin (a steamed savory bean pudding). It’s a staple on every Nigerian table, and will be on yours, too. 

No reservations. Find more info here.