The Resy Hit List: Where In Chicago You’ll Want to Eat in Aug. 2024
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 now 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
- 16 Courses, Six Seats: Space is very limited at Sangtae Park’s Omakase Yume. There are just six seats and three seatings a night, meaning a whopping 18 people get to experience his pristine fish selections each day. As expected, the competition for a reservation is fierce, but there are ways, which involve hopping on Resy at the first of each month. Here are the rest of our insider tips, along with more advice on getting into some of the city’s hottest tables.
- Hey, We’re 10! It’s a landmark birthday for Resy, and we’re celebrating by rounding up the 10 moments that have defined dining in Chicago over the last decade, from the James Beard Awards coming to town to the spotlight “The Bear” has brought our fair city. Check ‘em all out here, and read through other cities while you’re at it.
- All-You-Can-Eat Cotton Candy: Most meals that take place in nice restaurants don’t end with all-you-can-eat cotton candy. But that’s what’s for dessert at Niche, a longstanding American favorite in Geneva that just joined Resy. And if cotton candy isn’t your thing, check out their 200-plus types of whiskey, and check out other new arrivals here.
- Come Thirsty: Lots of upcoming events bring together some of the city’s best bites and drink pairings, from an Uncle Nearest Whiskey Book Club Brunch to a four-course Half Acre Beer Dinner with plenty of the brewery’s popular ales. If you’re in the market to splurge, splash out on a 14-course wagyu omakase happening at Bonyeon in partnership with IWA sake. Check out what else is on tap.
New to the Hit List (August 2024)
Bar Parisette, Bar Sótano, Kinzie Chophouse, Mariscos San Pedro, Sushi | Bar.
1. Maxwells Trading West Loop
Photo by Sandy Noto, courtesy of Maxwells Trading
There’s much to love about Erling Wu-Bower’s new endeavor, from the soothing monochrome of the whitewashed walls and wooden tables to the top-notch playlist and, most importantly, the wholly original food. Inspired by the immigrant communities that shaped his childhood, and amplified by ingredients from the rooftop garden, Wu-Bower’s menu is fresh and fresh and eclectic. There’s a “griddle breads and dunks” section with creamy Japanese eggplant and tomato confit; a bright and refreshing avocado and winter chicory salad; and a showstopping grilled steak with miso bagna cauda and lettuce wraps. Park at the long wooden bar or tuck in to a banquette along the restaurant’s many unobscured windows for one of the most exciting newcomers in town.
Photo by Sandy Noto, courtesy of Maxwells Trading
2. Kinzie Chophouse River North
Woman-owned Kinzie Chophouse has been a River North standby for over 32 years, offering everything you’d expect from a classic steakhouse — from the white tablecloths to the wedge salad and dry-aged Delmonico — with a little something extra. Current owners Nicole Flevaris and her husband Andreas Tsakonas, who took over in 2019, bring a Greek inflection to the menu, so you’ll also find a moussaka-style pasta alongside those wagyu sliders and lobster tail risotto. Whether you’re sitting at the long bar, in the dining room, or on the sprawling patio, savor a martini and some jazz throwbacks while you learn firsthand why Kinzie has been beloved for over three decades.
3. Gemini Grill River North/Gold Coast
Gemini Grill, a spin-off of Lincoln Park’s Gemini, is the latest bustling spot from Ballyhoo Hospitality. At the bottom of luxury tower One Chicago, the space is massive: the patio alone seats 100, and there’s a 26-seat wrap-around bar, tons of cozy booths, high-tops, and spots for groups (not to mention two private dining rooms). And while Gemini Grill certainly looks big, it somehow hasn’t lost the neighborhood-y feel that makes Ballyhoo restaurants so charming. Service is personable and speedy, there are daily specials (from lobster risotto to a burger and a beer for $21), and a pretty solid happy hour, too. As for what to order: anything from the live-fire grill is a safe bet. And don’t skip the onion rings. Just…don’t.
4. Bonyeon West Loop Gate
Bonyeon, from Omakase Yume’s Sangtae and Kate Park, puts a spin on Chicago’s steakhouse scene by offering, instead, a unique beef omakase. There are only 12 seats at this intimate Korean-and Japanese-influenced spot, and a dozen or so carefully constructed courses, all using ultra-premium beef culled from a variety of suppliers. The space itself is as artful as the food: dark, moody walls envelop a spotlit bar with elegant velvet chairs in a deep sea blue. Each seat has prime views of chef Park at work, preparing dishes that highlight interesting cuts, like ribeye cap and outside skirt steak. There are two seatings each night (at 5 and 8 p.m.), with each prix-fixe meal taking about two-and-a-half hours from start to finish.
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. Bar Parisette Palmer Square
The space that was once Attagirl has been reimagined as this charming French-ish bistro, now open in Palmer Square. Bar Parisette is bright, colorful, and eclectic: think lots of jewel tones and exotic wallpaper, with plenty of foliage and brass accent lighting for good measure. Chef Madalyn Durrant is at the helm, offering vegetable-forward French cuisine (many dishes are vegetarian and vegan), though you’ll still find bistro favorites like steamed mussels and steak frites. Wines are accessible and affordable and the cocktails are creative, as are the spirit-free options. Pro tip: visit for happy hour (5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and all night Monday) for $8 French wines and $2 oysters.
7. Pompette Bucktown
Head to this charming all-day cafe in Bucktown to enjoy cocktails, wine, and shareable plates from a star-studded team who have put in stints at some of Chicago’s finest kitchens. The vibe is inviting, with plenty of natural light, a bustling bar, low-key decor, and friendly service for brunch, happy hour, and dinner. Dig into sticky confit duck wings or a composed plate of burrata with bright green ramp pesto, then move on to squash agnolotti or a hanger steak with duck fat potatoes. Colorful, seasonal, thoughtful–and, of of course, delicious–this is the kind of food you can eat daily, and the type of ambiance that encourages the habit.
8. Obélix River North
It hasn’t been open for all that long, but Obélix feels like it’s been around for forever, in the best possible way. Brothers Nicolas and Oliver Poilevey (whose family is behind the iconic Le Bouchon) have racked up plenty of accolades for their modern French charmer, with good reason. While the white tablecloths and wooden chairs lend a traditional brasserie feel, the menu gets playful: Those sweet-looking macarons are filled with foie gras, the duck sausage is spiked with lemongrass, the beef Wellington has an al pastor Hollandaise. You can even get a Foie McGriddle with steamed egg, pancakes, and maple mustard at brunch. The kitchen is having a good time here, and it shows.
9. Dawn Hyde Park
What was once Piccolo Mondo is now Dawn, a charming Southern-style breakfast and lunch spot from 14 Parish’s Racquel Fields. The space is bright and colorful, with a retro-yet-modern feel thanks to vibrant pink and gold bar stools; Tiffany blue and pink accent walls; and funky light fixtures that resemble a string of pearls. The menu goes heavy on down-home comfort fare: think chicken and waffle bites, a fresh buttermilk biscuit basket, banana pudding pancakes, and pot roast with jalapeno grits. Pop in for a quick coffee and a morning treat, or sit down and stay a while, ideally with a jambalaya skillet for the table.
No reservations; more info here.
10. Kasama Ukrainian Village
Photo by Kristin Mendiola, courtesy of Kasama
Tim Flores and Genie Kwon’s Kasama has continued to earn accolades since it opened in 2020. And for good reason: The Filipino-style tasting menu is pure excitement from start to finish. While the food is thoughtful and endlessly creative—hamachi and golden kaluga caviar get a dollop of caviar cream in the kinilaw—the vibe is decidedly down to earth. (All those awards haven’t made Kasama the least bit stuffy.) While the 13-course meal takes some time, you can always get a taste of Kasama’s genius by visiting the cafe, for breakfast sandwiches amped up with savory longanisa sausage and punchy giardiniera, comforting chicken or mushroom adobo with fragrant garlic rice, and a truffle-laden croissant or two.
Photo by Kristin Mendiola, courtesy of Kasama
11. Smoque Old Irving Park
Since opening in 2006, Smoque has become a quintessential Chicago spot that brings together the best of Kansas City-, Memphis-, and Texas-style barbecues. The menu is written on a big black chalkboard that overlooks the casual dining space, so you’ll order at the front, then grab a table inside or out. Here, the focus is all on the meat: brisket gets a double-coating of spices and 12 hours in the smoker to achieve that perfect black bark; ribs are rubbed in a Memphis-style dry rub before being cooked over oak and sweet applewood. While everything takes time to prepare here, chowing down—off a heaving sheet tray filled with rich meat, vinegary slaw, and tender cornbread—occurs in mere minutes.
No reservations; more info here.
12. Sushi | Bar Chicago River North
Chicago’s omakase moment shows no signs of slowing, and River North is now welcoming national contender Sushi | Bar, which specializes in intimate, speakeasy-style omakase meals, to the floor. Behind an unmarked door inside of Lady May, you’ll find a 12-seat sushi counter with chefs at work preparing whatever fish is freshest that day. This isn’t a hushed, traditional affair like you might find at other temples to sushi. Instead, Sushi | Bar attaches a bit of whimsy to each of their 17 courses, from everything bagel spice sprinkled atop aged bluefin akami to uni nigiri with Japanese whisky soy, shiso cream, and shaved miso-cured egg yolk.
13. Galit Lincoln Park
No matter the season, there’s nothing more comforting than tearing open an almost untouchably hot pita made in Galit’s wood-fired oven. Dunking it in all manner of dips, like hummus and masabacha? Even better. And that’s just the start of the four-course menu at Galit, which offers almost too much good food, whether you’re parked at the bar overlooking the kitchen or at a table in the lively dining room. Chef Zachary Engel utilizes the aforementioned hearth for more than just the pita—that fire kisses many of his Middle Eastern-inflected specialties, like turkey shawarma and harissa-spiked lamb. While the mains occasionally rotate, expect plenty of smoke and absolutely zero stomach space left by the end of your meal.
14. ERIS Brewery & Cider House Old Irving Park
Have you ever reclined in a cozy tufted leather booth and sipped a homemade cider inside a converted Masonic temple? Would you like to? It’s all possible at ERIS Brewery & Cider House, a woman-owned brewpub specializing in beer and hard cider, along with a crowd-pleasing full-service food menu. Amidst soaring ceilings and exposed brick, snack on crunchy fried pickle chips and salmon teriyaki bowls as you sip on an assortment of year-round or seasonal brews. Right now, keep an eye out for the Strawbarbarella, a strawberry-rhubarb hard cider that’s plenty punchy. Keep your eyes peeled for special limited-edition runs, too, like a dry cider aged in Malört barrels for 12 months.
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. Lao Peng You West Town
There will likely be a wait if you come to Lao Peng You, especially now that it’s had a cameo on “The Bear.” You should still visit: it’s got some of the finest handmade dumplings and noodles in the city. Opened by two brothers in 2019, LPY is about as no-frills as you can get. There are no reservations, it’s counter-service only, and BYO to boot. It can be a little chaotic, but once you get your food—whether it’s the cold chicken with chili oil and green peppercorns, dan dan noodles, a flaky xian bing, or perfectly pleated dumplings in a rich broth—you’ll get what the fuss is all about. Bonus: for those who can’t afford to wait, you can now buy frozen dumplings to cook at home.
No reservations; more info here.
17. 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.
18. The Duck Inn Bridgeport
Chef Kevin Hickey’s perfect neighborhood spot brings duck appreciation to new heights, with a signature rotisserie-roasted number (which must be ordered ahead), a duck-fat hot dog, and even a burger with a fried duck egg. (There are also, it bears mentioning, several excellent non-duck offerings as well.) And while it is a James Beard semifinalist for outstanding restaurant this year, Duck Inn remains true to its unpretentious roots, with an intimate, welcoming feel in this historic South Side neighborhood. Grab a bar seat for a romantic, dimly lit date night, head to the back room with a larger group, or sit outside in the sprawling garden space to welcome the arrival of warmer weather.
19. Thattu Avondale
What was once a popular pop-up has become a bustling brick-and-mortar spot in Avondale, where diners can’t get enough of Vinod Kalathil and Margaret Pak’s regional Indian cuisine. Their menu, inspired by street food of coastal Kerala, is full of warming spices, peppercorns, and coconut milk. There’s whitefish steamed in banana leaves with tomato basil gravy and turmeric lime rice, puffy fried yucca balls with punchy chutney, and a weekends-only short rib served with flaky flatbread. It’s all served in a bright and casual setting, with natural light and white-washed brick walls accented with vibrant art. Basket pendant lighting and a white canopy overhead give heavy vacation vibes, along with the food.
Call (773) 754-0199 for reservations.
20. Bar Sótano River North
Speakeasies are nothing new in Chicago’s cocktail scene, but there’s only one from Rick Bayless (and his daughter, Lanie). That would be Bar Sótano, a sophisticated subterranean spot under Frontera Grill, where you can dive into the world of agave spirits backed by Bayless’ knowledge of Mexican cuisine. Step into the freight elevator to take you one floor down, tuck into a plush banquette or pull up to the bar, and get ready for cocktails like Guacamole 3.0, made with avocado purée and jalapeño-infused tequila, or the Taco Al Pastor, a savory-sweet cocktail that combines chorizo fat-washed mezcal with achiote bitters, lime juice, and caramelized pineapple purée.
Discover More
The Chicago Restaurants We Loved in September
Chicago’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy
Everything You Need to Know About Bar Parisette, Logan Square’s Nouveau Bistro
How to Get Into Maxwells Trading, Chicago’s Boundary-Breaking Standout
Stephen Satterfield's Corner Table
