The August Hit List: Sifr, Kashmir, DeNucci’s and More

The newest offering from the team behind Indienne, Sifr flips the script on Middle Eastern cuisine — with flavors from Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, and nearby, and a handful of subtle Indian touches incorporated along the way. There are classics like hummus and muhammara, along with charcoal and wood-fired kebabs inspired by the kitchen team’s time in Dubai. Pair your herby falafel and fried pita with a scallop kebab topped with fermented pepper beurre blanc, or try the baharat-scented lamb shank served with a Persian pilaf. The airy, plant-filled space is a lively place to camp out, though the rooftop tables beckon lazy summer nights.

For drinks with a side of opulence after a meal at Bambola or Coquette, head across the street to this new nightclub, the latest offering from vibemasters Bonhomme Hospitality. An homage to ‘80s-era club culture, Kashmir is bedecked with plush banquettes, thousands of yards of sumptuous fabric, and a massive cocktail bar made from green onyx. Chill beneath the hand-blown Murano crystal chandeliers and choose from a slew of colorful cocktails, like a dirty martini spiked with Calabrian chili. Then prepare to party: fire dancers, boundary-pushing burlesque performances, live music, and DJs keep guests moving until the wee hours. 

From Ballyhoo Hospitality (Gemini, Coda di Volpe), this brand-new red sauce joint has arrived in Lincoln Park. Here, you’ll get your eggplant parm and tagliatelle Bolognese with a side of saucy fun. Pull up to the marble-topped bar or slide into a green booth for old-school Italian-American classics and a slew of New York-influenced pizzas tossed by resident pizza expert Salvatore “Sal” Lo Cascio. As the summer heat reaches its peak, cool down with one of the four house Negronis, including a refreshing frozen strawberry lemon version.

You may recognize chef Maya-Camille Broussard from her stint on the Netflix series “Bake Squad,” her cookbook, or the fact that she was a James Beard finalist last year. Now you can try her creative sweet and savory baked goods in person at her newly opened storefront. The chef also recently launched the Broussard Justice Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating food insecurity, in honor of her late father. Stop by for a salted caramel peach or bleu cheese praline pear pie in the new shop, designed specifically with accessibility in mind by the architects at Future Firm.

No reservations; more info here. 

15 floors above the streets of River North is Waterview, a new spot offering stunning panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. The sprawling space, complete with wall-to-wall windows, has a decidedly Art deco vibe, with vibrant furniture and geometric tiled floors. The menu has fancified comfort food favorites like IPA-battered cheese curds and a hot honey chicken sandwich with tangy vinegar slaw.

Kajiken, a Japanese soba shop with 40 locations around the world, has landed in Chinatown, and we’re here for it. The chain specializes in abura soba: noodles with a dozen-plus toppings, and a secret sauce to hold it all together. The space itself is simple and bright, with light wooden tables and decor. Pull up a seat beneath a hanging red lantern and order a set bowl, or build one piled high with everything from chashu to scallions and fried onions. Those with heartier appetites can start a meal with karaage fried chicken and octopus balls, or save it for a slice of matcha crepe cake for dessert.

No reservations; more info here. 

For classic Anglo-Indian pub fare in the heart of Streeterville, head to Monarch & Lion, the newest venture from the team behind Rooh and Bar Goa. Sip tea from beautiful china and dig in to chef Jitin Joshi’s rib-sticking savory pies, like a lamb keema number topped with buttered mashed potatoes. (Sorry, “buttered mash.”) Chili-cheese naan and a crispy chicken burger with tomato chutney bring more Indo flair, though there is, of course, a full English breakfast, too.

The team behind Tzuco has debuted a new contemporary Italian spot in River North. In the kitchen, you’ll find chef and partner José Sosa (Gibsons Italia). He’s focusing on dishes from Emilia Romagna and Puglia, which means lots of fresh pasta, seafood, and meats cooked over a live fire. The two-floor restaurant is cozy and buzzy: sage green banquettes, herringbone flooring, and a cool copper countertop. Paired with vintage jazz posters and live music upstairs, it’s a strong date night or summer Friday knock-off-work early contender.

Opens early August; more info here. 

Walk through the concept store Space 519 and you’ll find The Lunchroom, a bright little cafe offering a veggie-forward menu for when shopping turns into “what are we having for lunch?” The LGBTQ+-owned spot is well-appointed, with deep green banquettes and caned chairs, lots of potted plants, and even some outdoor seating, should the weather be nice. As for the food, it’s what you want when you’re feeling peckish: roasted garlic pimiento spread, salt-topped burrata with fresh fruit, and a host of crunchy salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Make your shopping trip a bit more celebratory with a French 75 or a glass of Sancerre, or stick to a frothy cappuccino for a midday pick-me-up.

When was the last time you karaoked? If it’s been too long, head over to King Karaoke, a delightfully gonzo new bar for the microphone-happy set. A golden elevator whisks visitors to a lavish 75-seat second floor space, complete with LED lighting, gold walls, and retro orange and bronze bar stools. (There are also plenty of private rooms for those who don’t enjoy singing in front of strangers.) In between sets, snack on bar bites like truffled burgers, saucy wings, and baos. There’s plenty of liquid courage, naturally, with cocktails like the Tubthumper (Johnnie Walker Black, ginger honey, turmeric, lemon, and Ardbeg float) and Passion at the Disco! (vanilla-infused vodka, passionfruit, orange, vanilla, and lime) providing ample fuel for your singing aspirations. 

More info and reservations here.