The Resy Hit List: Where In Chicago You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in Chicago: a monthly-updated (and expanded!) guide to the restaurants in town that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Chicago Not to Miss This Month
- Beat the Winter Blues: Instead of complaining about the chill in the air, we Chicagoans know that the secret to surviving winter is a combination of the following: a roaring fire with optional cozy nook, a spread of comfort foods, and plenty of hot drinks (preferably spiked with something spirited). Newly updated for the months ahead, here is our list of the city’s coziest restaurants, where you can do just that, along with a whole slew of other guides, too.
- Big Jones Has Entered the Chat. This Andersonville stalwart is known for its uncompromising dedication to Southern heritage cooking — and now you can make reservations for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Never been? Expect soul-satisfying plates from chef and co-owner Paul Fehribach, like smoked pork shoulder, fried chicken, and Dutch apple pancakes. Of course, Big Jones isn’t the only new player in town—check out other newcomers here.
- Fresh Hits: The Vig—a ‘50s-themed sports bar and restaurant from the team behind The Whale—just opened a second location in the West Loop, so if you want to take a trip back in time to sip a Vig Old Fashioned or a House Rules martini, now is your chance. Don’t miss the happy hour, either, with $8 drinks and a $15 burger and fries. Want to see what else is fresh and new in the city? Check out more new openings right here.
- Your holiday calendar: From holiday brunches at The Elm to Christmas Eve meals at Apolonia and NYE dinners at Frontera Grill, the city’s top restaurants are offering a host of ways to celebrate the season. (There’s even a French holiday tea at Brindille for those who want to celebrate with scones and jam.) No matter how you like to do the holidays, now’s the time to mark your calendar and get your plans, well, planned. Get your holiday calendar squared away with all of our December events.
New to the Hit List (Dec. 2024)
Eight Bar, Mi Tocaya Antojería, Atelier, Galit, Milk Room.
1. Petit Pomeroy River North, Gold Coast
If you’ve been up to Pomeroy in Winnetka, then you’ll be happy to hear that Ballyhoo Hospitality is bringing the same charming bistro vibes into the city with Petit Pomeroy. Expect a similar menu, pared down just a bit (it is petit, after all), but the specialties remain, like onion soup gratinée, a buttery tomato tart, frisée aux lardons, and the steak à la bordelaise. With those iconic curved bistro chairs, white tablecloths, and warm lighting, Petit Pomeroy is a winter date night staple in the making. Shaved black truffles atop the macaroni au gratin don’t hurt, either.
2. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf – Chicago River North
Bavette’s may not be exactly what you conjure when you think of a run-of-the-mill steakhouse, and that’s part of its charm. Instead of beige tones, white tablecloths, and stuffy service, this Hogsalt establishment ditches the formality for a playful, sultry atmosphere. Sparkling chandeliers and candlelight give way to velvet seating and jazzy music, so it feels more like a speakeasy than a steakhouse. Come for date night and celebrations with friends, and arrive hungry. Apps include seafood towers and housemade sourdough with cultured butter, before the main event: the meat. Get your filet, dry-aged bone-in ribeye, or American Wagyu porterhouse straight-up, or enhanced with roasted bone marrow or a peppercorn crust. You’re already here—might as well go for it.
3. S.K.Y. Pilsen
Tucked into an industrial building in Pilsen, S.K.Y. pairs a cool, modern atmosphere with the rich color and flavor of chef Stephen Gillanders’ global cuisine. From the open kitchen, dig into dishes like spicy tuna lumpia (a nod to the chef’s Filipino background) or a perfect bite of fried chicken served atop creamed corn and habanero butter. Cornbread madeleines, Maine lobster dumplings, and grilled duck confit round out the table. Opt for an à la carte meal or a tasting menu with desserts, like a banana budino with crunchy granola to finish. With it moving to a new (larger!) location in 2025, now is your time to soak in the moments in Pilsen, mini martini in hand.
4. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio West Loop
Beyond the Beard award and “Top Chef” exposure, Sarah Grueneberg’ West Loop restaurant Monteverde has racked up accolades every year since its 2015 debut. It’s no surprise why: Grueneberg continues to churn out gorgeous, rustic Italian dishes, like delicate ribbons of hand cut pappardelle with lamb sugo; roasted chicken and asparagus ravioli; and grilled shrimp spiedino with fava beans and artichokes. The space is open and bright, with high ceilings and long windows, and a convivial feel—perfect for group celebrations. If you’re in the market for dinner and a show, sit at the bar to see the pasta station in action.
5. Lula Café Logan Square
A neighborhood fixture since 1999, Lula Cafe has been doing farm-to-table cooking since long before it was a staple. The cafe itself is as charming as its sign, beckoning hungry diners with lots of outdoor seating and a long bar for solo guests and plenty of seats to post up within. With two James Beard nominations under his chef’s coat and a long history of delicious, cuisine-bending dishes, chef and owner Jason Hammel’s menu is packed with rotating hits, so order whatever sounds good, whether that’s glazed delicata squash with black rice, or Slagal Farm roast goat. One staple: pasta “Yia Yia,” an irresistible combination of feta, garlic, brown butter, and cinnamon (trust us—it works).
6. Eight Bar Chicago Gold Coast
This summer, the team behind Maple & Ash relaunched the menu at Eight Bar, the bar and restaurant on the ground floor of their steakhouse favorite. Visit now and you’ll find the living embodiment of decadence: a space where you can get mozzarella sticks covered in caviar, gold leaf atop your nigiri, and heaps of fresh lobster atop a bowl of buttery garganelli. But despite the luxuriousness of the food, Eight Bar still feels casual enough to drop by for happy hour with friends after work — its cushy leather banquettes and dim lighting beckon on cold winter nights, as do its cocktails, like the See Right Through You with vodka, bergamot, eucalyptus, citrus peel, and lime.
7. Superkhana International Logan Square
Superkhana International has long been one of our favorite spots — maybe it’s the excellent brunch, maybe it’s the charming outdoor space, or it’s the fact that it’s simply an always-reliable place for great food and drink. Founded by two buddies, Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, Superkhana specializes in what they call “Indian-ish” cuisine. A few perfect examples of what that means: chile cheese naan, butter chicken calzones, and beef brisket with basmati rice congee, garlic spinach, and chile oil. Whether you stop in to the inviting, sunlit space for brunch, dinner, or a snack between meals, you’ll feel the warmth the moment you arrive.
8. La Josie West Loop
Chef-owner José Barajas named his restaurant for his late aunt Josefina Villegas, and he brings a true spirit of “Hoy por tí” to his modern Mexican spot. It’s paid off: Barajas has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2019, and is one of the tougher tables in town (fortunately, we can help). La Josie not only has one of the most exciting mezcal and agave spirits programs in the city (with over 100 different options), they also turn out a range of excellent Mexican dishes, with homemade tortillas, salsa, and more. Hang in the front for a family-style meal with friends, grab a drink in the back, or head up to the rooftop bar for a night out. Pro tip: stop by on taco Tuesday for an assortment of tortilla-wrapped specials from 6 p.m. until close.
9. Parachute HiFi Avondale
Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark closed their beloved Parachute after a decade, but we’re excited about their new iteration, which recently opened in Avondale. This version is more casual than the original, with a DJ booth, vintage speakers, and vinyl records featured as functional decor. But just because the spot feels more like a cool bar than a Michelin-starred restaurant doesn’t mean you won’t get delicious food. The menu has a rotating mix of Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese-inspired dishes: think tteokbokki pad Thai, a burger with Comté fondue, and on Wednesdays, a throwback to Parachute days of old, bing bread. All that’s left to do is grab a drink and see how the music moves you.
No reservations, more info here.
10. Mi Tocaya Antojería Logan Square
Diana Dávila’s spot in Logan Square has long been a Resy favorite for its vibrant, colorful decor, regional Mexican cuisine, and Midwestern hospitality. And yet, we were delighted to learn even more about the chef’s history and mission in her Corner Table interview. From its website to the space and the menu itself, Mi Tocaya is all about nostalgia, comfort, and breaking stereotypes. Visit any day of the week to satisfy your cravings with dishes like bay scallop aguachile with leche de tigre and spicy pequin chiles, or the crispy and endlessly craveable crab tetela. “I really feel that if you love what you’re doing and love what you’re putting in, the ingredients are going to absorb that, and give you the best of what they have,” says Dávila. We couldn’t agree more.
11. Sanders BBQ Supply Co Beverly
James Sanders only recently opened Sanders BBQ Supply Co in Beverly, but with regular movie nights, live music, and a constant stream of diners, the spot is already feeling like part of the community. Enjoy the end of the summer with an al fresco barbecue feast on one of two outdoor patios, or get your order to go. The menu doesn’t follow any strict barbecue dogma: There’s influence from all over the map. We suggest the beef ribs, pulled pork, some peach tea smoked wings, and anything else you can fit onto your tray (sauces are self-serve). With live wood fires and meats sliced to order, Sanders is doing everything right, so you really can’t go wrong.
No reservations; more info here.
12. Atelier Lincoln Square
With a Michelin star in its belt, Atelier is most certainly a fine dining destination. But fine dining here doesn’t mean uptight. In fact, chef Christian Hunter’s Atelier is as accessible as it is tuned up. The menu is driven by the season, but also inspired by the way people like to eat, taco joints and Asian takeout very much included. With dark walls and curtains and sparse wooden accents, the restaurant’s clear focus is the art on the plate, and the snippets of entertainment diners get looking into the open kitchen. Visit for a tasting dinner with wine (or spirit-free!) pairings and leave with a deeper understanding of what the team means when they say Atelier is all about “fine dining folk cuisine.”
13. Galit Lincoln Park
Food bringing people together is a sentiment that’s immensely true at Galit, where chef Zachary Engel and his business partner Andrés Clavero offer their Midwestern takes on Middle Eastern cuisine — Engel drawing from his Jewish heritage and Clavero from his Palestinian background. On particularly cold nights, there’s nothing better than visiting this Lincoln Park gem to dip a fresh-from-the-hearth pita into a slew of creamy dips or dig into a hefty mushroom tagine. It’s true that the four-course meal here can be a bit daunting, whether you’re sitting at the chef’s counter overlooking the bustling kitchen, or tucked away at a table in the back. But that’s only because the options—from the smoked turkey shawarma to the crisp falafel—are just too good to narrow down. The solution? Come hungry and with friends.
14. Armitage Alehouse Chicago
It is almost impossible to think about fall without immediately dreaming of the roaring fireplace, dim lanterns, cushy seating, and the seriously comforting food at Armitage. From the team behind Aster Hall, Au Cheval, and Trivoli Tavern, this perennial Lincoln Park hotspot was made for the season—it’s like slipping into an intimate 1920s-inspired dream. Sip your Vesper, Boulevardier, or a strong ale, then dig into something from the Anglo-Indian-inspired pub menu, like the steak and ale pie, pike fish and chips, or chickpea and potato tikka masala. Something sweet? The salted chocolate mousse is always a good idea, too.
15. Mariscos San Pedro Pilsen
From the chefs behind Taqueria Chingon and Obelix comes Mariscos San Pedro, a bright new seafood spot on the ground floor of Thalia Hall. Signs for micheladas and cervezas beckon you in to a front room with a long wooden bar for grabbing a pre-concert snack, or a back area with tables for larger groups. While the vibe is decidedly casual, the food that arrives is thoughtful and pristine. There are beautiful layered seafood platters, black garlic-topped tuna tostadas, and wood-fired scallops with funky ‘nduja. From red wine cocktails to a seasonal ranch water, drinks are just as interesting, so get yourself to Mariscos San Pedro before everyone does.
16. Mei’s South Loop/Chicago
In Mandarin, Mei means beautiful, and that’s exactly the experience you’ll have at this new South Loop spot. The space is bright and modern with white marble tables, vase-bedecked shelving, and globe pendant lights. Most of the dishes here are served family-style, and are intended to be shared. Expect an assortment of dumplings, including xiao long bao, steamed beef, and Kurobuta pork potstickers. along with noodle soups and Sichuan classics like mapo tofu. Don’t miss the dim sum for breakfast, either, during which the baos, spare ribs, and pancakes are plentiful. Or stop by for their version of happy hour, dubbed Evening Social (Monday through Friday 4-5:30 p.m.), with discounts on wine, beer, sake, and snacks.
17. Bar Roma Andersonville
Julia Zhu moved to Chicago from Shanghai in 1983 with $50 in her pocket, but today, she’s the proud owner of Bar Roma, an iconic Andersonville restaurant that’s been delighting diners with comforting Roman specialties since 2016. In the kitchen is her chef and business partner Alfredo Ramos, who turns out handmade lasagna, gnocchi, and the ever-popular braised beef cheek meatballs for a bustling dining room. The space is casual, so feel free to pop by for a snack and a drink in the tavern area, which also hosts trivia twice a month, drink specials included.
18. Omakase Yume West Loop
Michelin-starred, destination-worthy Omakase Yume is a jewel box of a space, with just six seats and three seatings per night, where chef-owner Sangtae Park can focus on his 16-course, traditional Edomae-style sushi. Park’s wife and co-owner Kate runs the front of house, so that the chef can focus on his impeccably crafted sushi, sometimes showcasing as many as 20 different types of fish in a single meal. The space itself is, accordingly, on the quiet and serene end of the spectrum, with wooden walls, gray chairs, and simple overhead lighting. The focus is on the food, as it should be.
19. Warlord Avondale
Even though it’s already been open for a year, the buzz is still big for chef trio Emily Kraszyk (Farmhouse), John Lupton (Kasama), and Trevor Fleming (Rootstock)’s Warlord, and getting a table generally requires waiting in a very long line. But the wait is worth it, provided you’re prepared for the bumping music and a sceney crowd. That’s because the food at Warlord continues to be remarkable, with a rotating menu of exciting hearth-cooked items, which, if you’re lucky, you can catch from the coveted chef’s counter seats. One menu constant: the burger, dressed with charred onions and mayo. Otherwise, you’re in for the unexpected, so go in with an open mind (and maybe a snack or two while you wait).
No reservations; more info here.
20. Milk Room The Loop
Many bars these days describe themselves as “speakeasys,” but not all are created equal. Looking for a truly exclusive atmosphere, with a dark, moody vibe, cabinets full of rare vintage liquors, and a highly trained staff ready to mix you something bespoke? Head to this eight-seat spot from the team behind Cherry Circle Room and Drawing Room. Tucked inside the Chicago Athletic Association, Milk Room continues to be a favorite for romantic date nights, where you, as an added bonus, may even learn a thing or two about what you like to drink. Plus, there are a few N/A options based on interesting teas, shrubs, and vinegars. Would this be frowned upon at a traditional speakeasy? Perhaps. But we’re here for it.
