The September Hit List: Estación, Lola’s, Brindille, and More

What was previously Cafe Coralie is now Estación, a casual spot offering the rich, vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico from the team behind Zentli and Libertad. The space itself is modern and simple: White tin ceilings, dark walls, and a long wood banquet ensure the focus is on the food and good conversation. Grab a seat and enjoy heaping portions of arroz con pollo, slow roasted pork shoulder, and crispy chicharrones with fiery habanero salsa. Wash it all down with a prickly pear mojito — a glimmer of summer as we make our way into a new season.

Quintessential American dishes are what you’ll find at this bright, inviting new West Loop space. But instead of a simple hot dog, this one is house-smoked and served on a brioche bun; the wings are slathered with housemade Buffalo sauce; and even the banana split has a brûléed banana on top. Murals from local artist Jason Farley abound, including one depicting classic scenes of a neighborhood joint: a couple canoodling, a bartender shaking up a martini (there are six variations on offer), and two girlfriends gossiping over wine. Pull up a red cushioned barstool, order your Vesper, and you’ll feel like a regular in no time. 

Spain and the American South collide at this friendly Lincoln Park cafe, where you can find everything from fresh churros with chocolate for breakfast to serrano ham croquetas in the afternoon (paired with sangria, of course). On weekday mornings and afternoons, chef James Martin offers pastries and bocadillos, Spanish sandwiches filled with eggplant and punchy pickled tomatillos or hearty smoked lamb with nora pepper aioli. On Thursday through Saturday nights, there’s sit-down dinner service with composed plates like tempura squash blossoms, and Iberico pork with cabbage and mojo sauce.

Chef Matteo Lo Bianco and restaurateur Mariam Shahsavarani just opened the city’s first Persian tasting-menu restaurant, and it’s well worth a visit. The dining room only seats 38—an intimate space complete with a vintage Persian carpet, contemporary art from Shahsavarani’s aunt, and a long leather banquette for diners to experience Persian cuisine at its finest (for just $85 per person). Expect beautifully plated dishes like a salad-e hendevaneh, which layers sliced watermelon and feta with a few balsamic pearls, branzino served with smoked rice and a saffron beurre blanc, and the chef’s take on fesenjan, a traditional pomegranate-walnut stew with quail and a crisp saffron tahdig.

Call (773) 961-7866 for reservations; more info here. 

From the mind of Steven Sandoval and the Suenos team comes this newly opened craft cocktail bar in West Town. Step into the welcoming, Baja-inspired space—you’ll know you’re there from the wall-sized “Diego” spray-painted out front—for a colorful escape. There are tostadas and ceviches, chips and salsa, and mariscos aplenty to soak up your drinks. Speaking of, the cocktail menu is as vibrant as the space, with micheladas, spicy margaritas, and frozen pina coladas on offer. The oversized pink plastic cups are the home bar souvenir of the season.

No reservations; more info here. 

Kick off the new season at this opulent French classic, where truffles and foie gras are de rigueur additions to any dish. From the James Beard award-winning team behind NAHA, Brindille is a longtime River North staple for celebratory meals, elevated with French linens, beautiful china, and excellent service. The modern space is both airy and intimate, perfect for date night or a meal with friends. (Pro tip: If you’ve got a group, try for table 10.) Once you’ve got your seat, delight in gorgeously plated dishes, from a classic duck a l’orange to dover sole meuniere and the house special: tarte tatin. 

Five years ago, the city lost its first iteration of Yokocho, a hot sushi spot inspired by bustling Japanese alley bars. But we’re excited to say that restaurateur Susan Thompson has finally brought Yokocho back, now in Fulton Market. The dark, cavernous space has a dimly lit sushi bar or wooden booths where guests can enjoy a 10-course omakase, a set of small plates called mittsu, or hand rolls, and watch the chefs at work. With just 30 seats, it may be hard to grab a spot, so do note that they also have lunch available for pick-up or delivery: crispy chicken katsu on soft, sweet milk bread is a worthy plan B.

Call (312) 890-1119 for reservations; more info here. 

If you’re craving a white-tablecloth steak dinner, then book a reservation at Kinzie Chophouse, one of Chicago’s only female-owned steakhouses. Thirty-two-year-old Kinzie has all the hallmarks of an old-school classic, from the wedge salad and lobster claws to the dry-aged rib-eye and wet-aged Tomahawk. (Don’t forget the buttery whipped potatoes.) Pull up to the newly renovated bar for a signature martini or in the dining room for a more formal affair. If the weather holds, you may even get a seat on the patio. No matter where you end up, expect jazzy tunes, delightful service, and a whole lot of meat.

Tucked into the city’s 63-year-old Ohio House Motel is the newly opened Schneider Deli, a friendly spot offering all the Jewish deli classics. While there are just 21 seats here — a few high tops along the wall have wooden stools for perching — Schneider’s is mostly a bustling stop for pickups and meals on-the-go. Come for Jewish standbys like a bagel with gravlax and cream cheese, matzoh ball soup, and sliced-to-order pastrami. Wash it down with an egg cream made from on-tap seltzer, and grab a loaf of challah to go.

No reservations; more info here. 

Everyone deserves to experience the glory of a hot, fresh, made-to-order doughnut. That’s why we’re excited to see a new location of mini chain Duck Donuts, where you can watch each doughnut being made, open in suburban Naperville. Come here for over-the-top combinations like the Beach Ball (vanilla icing, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate drizzle), S’mores (chocolate icing, graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow drizzle), and Bacon in the Sun (maple icing, chopped bacon, salted caramel drizzle). If you’re really hungry, get your BEC on a doughnut or dig into a cookies ‘n’ cream doughnut sundae.

No reservations; more info here. 

As a bonus this month, we want to remind you that the Taste of Chicago is happening September 8-10. Head over to Grant Park for great live music, dancing (if you wish!), and all the food you can handle, from vendors like Badou Senegalese Cuisine, Pies of London, Tandoor Char House, Seoul Taco Chicago, and much more.

More info here.