The Resy Hit List: Where In Chicago You’ll Want to Eat in May 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 newly expanded!) guide to the restaurants in that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Chicago Not to Miss This Month
- Celebrate Mom: Whether you’re looking to treat your spouse, parent, or yourself, check out the Mother’s Day brunch on May 12 at Paul Virant’s Vistro Prime. Expect classic brunch fare and all the Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Irish coffee she deserves. And check out more great Resy events here.
- Two tempting newcomers: Say hello to both Lady Dahlia Tequila Bar and EvaDean’s Bakery and Cafe. The former, in Mt. Prospect, has nearly 100 types of tequilas and mezcals for your perusal, complete with flights to help you find your favorite. EvaDean’s in Wilmette offers a similarly sprawling array of baked goods, including breads, perfectly glazed doughnuts, frosted cookies, and more. And track more new openings with New on Resy.
- It’s Kismet: On May 19, head to Lula Cafe to celebrate the launch of “Kismet,” the new cookbook by renowned L.A. chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson. Guests can enjoy a vegetable-forward four-course meal (taking a cue from their Mediterranean- and California-inspired restaurant of the same name). The Sara(h)s will also be on hand to chat and sign books, if you’d like to recreate their specialties at home.
- Get Out! With this glorious weather comes the arrival of our newly updated outdoor dining guide, with all our favorite spots to eat and drink while basking in the sunshine. From quaint patios to lush garden settings and rooms with a view of the lake, these spots will remind you why you live here (and put up with such a miserable winter).
New to the Hit List (May 2024)
Cindy’s Rooftop, Chef’s Special, The Duck Inn, Sando Street, Smoque BBQ.
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. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf – Chicago River North
There is no shortage of steakhouses in Chicago, but Bavette’s (from the Hogsalt team) stands out, starting with its sultry, speakeasy-style tone. No business lunches here: Bavette’s is here for date night and special occasions, with shimmering chandeliers and candlelight, plush velvet seating, and jazz standards to set the tone. There are two floors with varying energies, depending on whether you’re having a lively get-together or a more intimate meal. Then there’s the French-inflected menu, with steakhouse classics — a traditional wedge salad, massive porterhouse, and Bearnaise-drizzle filet — along with welcome surprises: freshly baked sourdough, buttery lobster frites, and spiced fried chicken.
3. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio West Loop
Perhaps you’re near the United Center or you’ve been shopping around the West Loop. Maybe you just have a hankering for a bowl of fresh pasta. Whatever the occasion, there’s no better spot for the moment than Monteverde, Sarah Gueneberg’s acclaimed Italian restaurant. The menu is full of hits: hand-cut tagliatelle bolognese, and more unique “Pasta Atipica,” like cacio whey pepe, which uses ricotta whey to create a particularly luxurious sauce (to which you can add freshly shaved white truffles, in season). Pro tip: Want to see Gueneberg’s team in action? Get a counter stool by the bar for a perfect view into the pastificio — a “pasta factory” where you can witness pasta hand-made to order.
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. Eleven City Diner South Loop
Open since 2006, Eleven City Diner is a neighborhood standby for classic delicatessen standards and hearty breakfasts. The bustling, family-friendly spot has a retro feel, with leather booths and neon signs boasting of hand-rolled matzo balls. We’re not sure what’s taller: the Junior’s cheesecakes, the corned beef sandwiches, or the stack of fluffy pancakes. It’s all there, along with challah French toast, knishes, and bubbe’s chicken soup. Do grab an egg cream or chocolate phosphate before you go–and do go early, since they close at 3 p.m. daily (4 p.m. on weekends).
7. Frontera Grill River North
Regional Mexican specialties, Midwestern sensibility, and carefully sourced ingredients meet at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill. Since opening in 1987, Frontera has been a pioneering force in terms of raising Mexican cuisine’s profile in Chicago, and though its success has not come without moments of controversy, many of the city’s exceptional new Mexican restaurants would not be here without it — which might be why the mayor declared Rick Bayless Day last month, to celebrate Frontera’s 37th anniversary. The vibe at Bayless’ original spot remains casual, the menu is sprawling (do try the shortrib mole negro), and there are five different margaritas to choose from, so if you haven’t been in a while, now is the time.
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. Sando Street Wicker Park
This new Wicker Park sandwich shop has been met with rave reviews, to the point that they occasionally run out of food mid-service. But long lines aren’t stopping hungry guests who are clamoring for Japanese-style, TikTok-approved creations served on fluffy white shokupan (milk bread) from Crescent Bakery. While there are many eye-catching fillings, popular ones include a kewpie egg salad with soft boiled eggs and specks of briny furikake; marinated bulgogi with mozzarella cheese; and a sweet option with lavender-hued ube cream and strawberries. While there are a few booths, the space is quite small, so your best bet is to order ahead and grab sandos to go. Find a sunny spot, snap a pic of that colorful cross-section, then dig in.
No reservations; more info here.
10. Kasama Ukrainian Village
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.
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. Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar Bucktown
The team behind perennial favorite Giant has also rallied with Chef’s Special, where the unlikely combination of Chinese-American dishes, tropical cocktails, and Midwestern vibes come together to great success. From the cushy stools along the U-shaped bar to the warm lighting, everything here has a delightfully pinkish hue and a vintage feel. It’s casual, bustling, and buzzing, as diners dig into crispy egg rolls, kung pao chicken, potstickers, and ChiChi coladas — old-school standbys just begging to be shared. Don’t leave without trying the souffle-like cloud cake with tangerine and rice crisps for dessert.
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. Cindy’s Rooftop The Loop
Celebrate the season here with a meal or colorful cocktail. On the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, any seat in this glorious glass atrium offers beautiful views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and the city skyline. Be sure to make a reservation in advance (or hope to get lucky as a walk-in): the idyllic setting, paired with Top Chef alum Kaleena Bliss’s menu, makes for a pretty serious waitlist. When you do get your seat, expect seasonal, family-style options, from a bright salmon carpaccio with pistachio salsa macha to pork collar in a broth rich with navy beans, tasso, and mustard greens. And do peruse the cocktail menu, which helpfully lists drinks (including several N/A options) by flavor profile.
15. Demera Ethiopian Restaurant Uptown
Sharing is the name of the game at Tigist Reda’s beloved Uptown standby for classic Ethiopian cuisine and hospitality. Simple, fuss-free tables make way for seriously colorful food, from crisp meat or veg-filled sambussas to a family-style messob with an array of stewed meats, misir wot (creamy, spicy split lentils), and collard greens with garlic and ginger. It’s a choose-your-own adventure meal that’s as exciting for omnivores as it is for vegans, with injera aplenty to soak up all the sauces and sides. The housemade honey wine is always flowing, so be sure to try a glass before you leave.
16. Sun Wah BBQ Chinatown
Sun Wah has been a must-stop in Chinatown for seriously good Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue since 1986. The space feels more like a food hall than a restaurant, with high ceilings, and simple overhead lighting. Groups small and large come here for warming congee, sweet and sour pork, lobster (from the live tank!) with black bean sauce, and spicy mapo tofu, sure, but the main event can be seen from the windows: the Beijing duck. Carved and served ready to tuck into steamed buns and dress with scallions and plum sauce, it’s succulent and special. Don’t miss it — in fact, call ahead to make sure they have enough before you head over. Then prepare yourself.
No reservations; more info here.
17. Superkhana International Logan Square
For “Indian-ish” cuisine — like a béchamel-laden pizza with chicken kabob, chopped dates, and pine nuts; and a zucchini masala fry with chewy rice cakes — there’s no better place than Superkhana International. Founded by friends Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, the restaurant is inviting and vibrant inside, with colorful curtains, whitewashed exposed brick, and lots of natural light. Visit with a group to catch up over chile cheese naan and ice-cold beers. And with options like dosa hash and savory griddle cakes with fresh Mick Klug Farm peas (they don’t skimp on local produce), don’t overlook Superkhana as a brunch destination, either.
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. Akahoshi Ramen Logan Square
If you’re a ramen fan in cooking or in eating, you likely know of Ramen Lord, aka Mike Satinover, a ramen obsessive (and Oak Park native) who made his name hosting ramen pop-ups all over the country and, well, talking about ramen on Reddit. His new 55-seat shop has lots of space for guests to watch the magic in the open kitchen, along with a long high-top for them to slurp communally. Satinover’s menu reveals his knowledge of ramen deep cuts — as with the tantanmen, inspired by Sichuan dan dan noodles. But for any ramen newbie, the place to start is his signature bowl and the shop’s namesake, which features a miso broth, homemade Sapporo-style noodles, and juicy pork chashu.
No reservations; more info here.
20. Milk Room The Loop
It doesn’t get much more exclusive than this sultry stalwart of the Chicago cocktail scene. The eight-seat speakeasy-inspired spot — from the team behind Cherry Circle Room and Drawing Room — is the perfect date night venue for those who want to discover rare spirits and ingredients amidst glowing candlelight and old-fashioned chandeliers. While there’s a list of special whiskeys and cabinets full of intriguing bottles, you can always ask the bartender to whip you up something to meet the mood. Hotel bars are often generic, over-crowded, and dull; Milk Room is anything but–which is why you definitely need to reserve your spot in advance.
