The October Hit List: Marisol, Savannah Luncheonette, Las Tablas, and More

Museum food courts rarely measure up to the beauty surrounding them. Not so at Marisol, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s restaurant. Named after the late French Pop Art sculptor Marisol Escobar, this vibrant spot meets the artistic aesthetic (thanks to artist Chris Ofili) with colorful walls, structural booths, and of course, excellent food. In the kitchen is Jason Hammel, who you may recognize from Lula Cafe and Superkhana International. After taking in the beauty in the galleries, enjoy artfully plated dishes like a cotija polenta cake topped with red chile braised pork or charred asparagus covered with a flurry of bottarga. Time your trip right and you may even make it for happy hour (Tues-Fri 4-6 p.m.).

Comfort food is what’s on the menu at this airy Bucktown eatery. The neon signage on the plant wall reads “Drink wine. Feel fine,” which you very much will, thanks to options like a double burger with American cheese, fish and chips with crispy hushpuppies, and skillet cinnamon rolls for brunch. Tucked into a leather banquette with a butcher-block table or posted up at a high-top, you’ll feel that warm hospitality ring true — especially if you order the Dutch apple pie. Keep an eye out for daily specials. (Monday has $7 martinis, just saying.)

For a taste of Colombia, visit Las Tablas, a family-owned spot in Portage Park. The bright and lively space sets the stage for everything from snackable empanadas and arepas with wood-fired pork belly to the hulking bandeja paisa, a Colombian specialty of steak, rice, beans, fried pork belly, chorizo, sweet plantain, avocado, and a fried egg. Yes, all of that. Come with a group to get one of the many large-format dishes to share, like the limited-run costilla criola—a 120-ounce Angus beef rib that’s slow-roasted in garlic and rosemary butter, then carved and deboned at your table, available only on Friday and Saturday nights after 5 p.m.

Disco balls, disco drinks, and disco fries are on tap at Good Night John Boy, a brand new, two-floor, ‘70s-inspired bar and lounge in Fulton Market. Amidst the LED-lit dance floor and the abundance of High Life, you’ll get a heavy dose of nostalgia here, whether you’re coming to drink, dance, or eat. When it comes to food, pair your Harvey Wallbanger with Fleetwood Mac ‘n’ cheese, Johnny O’s, or a Happy Meal–inspired Johnny Meal (complete with a double burger, fries, and a toy). There’s also French bread pizza, made with fresh loaves from D’Amato’s Bakery, a welcome upgrade from the frozen stuff. 

No reservations, more info here.

Whether you’re in the casual bar room on a cushy leather chair or the more formal 28-seat dining room, everything you’ll find from chef Jared Wentworth at Moody Tongue is worthy of its two Michelin stars. There’s a hyper-seasonal tasting menu that rotates weekly (though it may include dishes like hokkaido scallop with salsa macha and finger lime); a la carte options like skate cheek with lobster barbecue sauce; and always-inventive beer pairings curated by brewmaster Jared Rouben. If you’re looking for a refined spot where food and drink are the focal point, Moody Tongue is what you seek. 

Japanese street food is what you’ll find at Izakaya Shinya, a newly opened spot by Hugo Leung, who also owns Shinya Ramen House in Bridgeport. Come here (as late as 2 a.m.!) for yakitori that features oft tossed-aside parts of the chicken, charred veggies, and even quail eggs on a stick. The space itself has classic izakaya vibes, with Japanese umbrellas hanging from the ceilings and lanterns fixed along the walls. It’s a bustling spot filled with the hum of people eating and drinking— already a neighborhood standby for quick, tasty bites after opening just a few months ago. 

No reservations; more info here. 

It’s no surprise that Milk Room consistently ranks highly on our “Climbing” list. The exclusive, eight-seat speakeasy is both sultry and spellbinding—with vintage spirits and hard-to-find ingredients to match. From the creative studio Land and Sea Dept (the team behind Cherry Circle Room, Drawing Room, and Game Room), Milk Room is perfect for a moody date night, with its glowing candlelight and vintage chandeliers. Not sure what to order? Chat with the bartenders who have deep knowledge of even the rarest spirits. Try a flight and see where the night takes you.

Chef Eric Roldan lived and studied in Puerto Rico for over 20 years before opening Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar in August. Named after his late mother, the spot honors her legacy with family recipes and contemporary twists on classic Puerto Rican dishes. Here, under hanging plants and tropical fixtures, there’s slow-roasted pork with citrus and mojo, lollipop lamb chops, and mofongos with stewed steak, garlic chicken, or marinated portobello mushrooms. Do check out the drink menu—it is a rum bar, after all—for a slew of rum-based cocktails and some zero-proof options as well. 

No reservations; more info here. 

Savor the final warm days of the year with a snack or a meal at this neighborhood seafood spot (formally Dear Madison Oyster). Bivalves are well-represented in both grilled and chilled fashion, including an awesome surf ‘n’ turf burrito and a bright and crunchy cucumber-wrapped aguachiles. Happy hour is particularly lively. Park yourself at the bar or in a pintucked banquette beneath a jungle of hanging plants for $2 oysters, $3 tacos, and $5 beers—a delicious salve as you mourn the end of summer Fridays.

As a cha chaan teng, or Hong Kong-style cafe, Chinatown’s latest Cantonese restaurant, Yep Kitchen, has a number of teas to keep you warm this season, along with 11 different types of congee. If you’re still hungry, dig into slippery rice rolls, pork and corn dumplings, beef and rice with bitter melon, or crispy fish with ginger and onions. While you could order for takeout, we recommend pulling up a bright orange seat in the spacious restaurant and filling your table for a family-style meal that’ll take the chill right out of your bones. Bonus: they’re open from 8 a.m to 2 a.m. daily, should you have an early-morning or late-night congee craving.

No reservations; more info here.