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.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in Chicago: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Chicago Not to Miss This Month
- Red sauce times two: Ballyhoo Hospitality opened a second location of Lincoln Park favorite DeNucci’s in Highland Park at the end of last year. The spot is already making a splash, with diners tucking into Italian American classics — from super crisp eggplant Parm and sausage and peppers to hand-pulled mozzarella sticks — all to the tune of Frank Sinatra standards. What else? Check out all of Chicago’s latest openings on Resy.
- The ‘burbs are bustling: We’re excited about lots of Resy newcomers in the suburbs. Let’s start with Fire + Wine, a longtime Glen Ellyn staple for wood-fired pizza and craft beer. There’s also Hinsdale Prime Steak for steakhouse classics, and Topaz Cafe in Burr Ridge, a charming spot beloved for its seasonal cuisine and ultra-cool martini lounge. See who else has joined the ranks right here.
- On the calendar: Think the season of celebration has come to an end? Think again. From an evening of drag at Lou Lou and a Serbian New Years party at Apolonia to a special chef collab series at Diego featuring Hermosa’s culinary team, our events calendar is full of exciting food- and drink-filled activities to round out your January and beyond. Check them out and save the dates right this way.
- Better mornings start here: These icy winter mornings can feel a little blue now that the holidays are over, but we have a solution: an enormous, warming brunch. We’re thinking ricotta cream French toast from Lula Cafe, spicy chorizo chilaquiles from Cindy’s Rooftop, and rotisserie duck hash from The Duck Inn. If you, too, are craving hearty breakfast food and many drinks with your friends, here are our favorite spots to grab the best meal of the day.
New to the Hit List (Jan. 2025)
The Duck Inn, The Purple Pig, Bonyeon, Vajra, Big Jones, Maple & Ash, Sifr, Kasama, Shang Noodle, Bar Sótano.
1. 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.
2. The Purple Pig River North
Whether you’re parked at a communal table, dining solo at the chef’s counter, or at a two-top along the red banquette, The Purple Pig is always a good time. The bustling restaurant has long been a Chicago standby (since 2009!) for friendly service and exceptionally good food from James Beard award-winning Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. Given the name, you shouldn’t be surprised that the pork dishes here are standout, from the crispy pig’s ear to the milk-braised Berkshire pork shoulder. But pork isn’t all they’re doing well. In fact, the Mediterranean-inspired menu’s secret power may just be in its vegetables: salt-roasted beets with pistachio butter, roasted squash accented with figs and goat cheese, and carrots with carrot cake crumbles.
3. Vajra Wicker Park
After closing in 2022, moving to a new space in Wicker Park, then opening with just takeout and as a bar, Vajra’s serene dining room is finally open and serving the intricate Nepalese and Indian cuisine for which executive chef Min Thapa is known. Come for lunch or dinner to enjoy a colorful meal featuring both traditional and modern takes on iconic dishes. Think: an elegant samosa tart baked with Amul cheese and tangy harissa chutney, and a lobster momo with hog plum sauce and chili crunch oil. And while the restaurant is now full-service, don’t skip the happy hour, where you can enjoy $5 beers and $10 momos or $9 samosas.
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. Old Pueblo Lincoln Park
A neighborhood cantina at heart, Old Pueblo is built for a good time. From the festive Southwestern vibes to the daily drink specials and shareable plates (like a massive cheese crisp or freshly fried churros), this is a spot locals return to time and again. Whether you’re visiting for Taco Tuesday or date night, start with a refreshing margarita, then dig into crowd-pleasers like a sizzling chicken adobo skewer, blackened mahi mahi tacos, or cheesy blue corn enchiladas. Be sure to save room for dessert: Buck Russell’s famous tres leches cake is not to be missed.
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. Big Jones Andersonville
Big Jones has been an Andersonville staple for comfort food and Southern hospitality since 2008. And chef Paul Fehribach and partner Mark Armantrout aren’t just dedicated to good food and service —they also care deeply about sourcing, procuring ingredients from 40 local farms and farmers markets (you may recognize some like Fischer Farms and Hazard Free Farm) and specialty purveyors across the South. Pull up to the bar or tuck into a table for an assortment of rib-sticking dishes, from crispy fried chicken and hulking po’ boys to crawfish boudin and fluffy buttermilk biscuits. We recommend the bourbon bread pudding and sticky molasses cake if you have room by the end.
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. The Duck Inn Bridgeport
There’s a reason why The Duck Inn made it into our list of the best restaurants of 2024. The cozy spot has everything we want out of a neighborhood standby, starting with its warm, welcoming dining room. Then there’s chef Kevin Hickey’s menu — duck is the star, in rotisserie form served with duck fat fries, in a Chicago-style beef and duck dog, and in chile-braised duck sopes. But it’s not all duck, all the time: butternut squash agnolotti, monkfish with soft shell crab XO sauce, and barbecue braised short rib make The Duck Inn a perfect spot for all.
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. Maple & Ash Chicago Gold Coast
If you’re looking for a modern steakhouse that’s always buzzing, where the hearth-fired steaks are as considered as the party vibes, this is your place. Come here for everything from a date night tasting menu to a big night out with your crew, photobooth experience very much included. Start with a fire-roasted seafood tower with your favorite items bathed in garlic butter, then move on to a perfect filet or dry-aged New York strip with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. Of course, you could go for the “I don’t give a f***” menu, which allows the restaurant to pick the best items based on a certain budget.
17. Sifr River North
If you’re tired of winter’s bitter chill, head to Sifr for its new, all-season enclosed rooftop (the largest rooftop dining space in River North). You’ll get sprawling views of the city, while enjoying chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sahil Sethi’s stunning Middle Eastern cuisine, including all manner of colorful mezze, hearth-roasted meats and grilled kebabs, and homemade breads (be careful, that pita is hot!). Of course, if you can’t make it to the rooftop, Sifr is still a beautiful space to behold: a long, plant-covered bar, a sprawling green banquette, lots of natural light, and whitewashed brick walls make for a dining room fit for celebrations, date nights, and everything in between.
18. Kasama Ukrainian Village
Even with a James Beard Award and a Michelin star, Kasama is far from resting on its laurels, continuing to wow diners with its Filipino-style tasting menu in a casual yet energetic setting. For those lucky enough to get a coveted reservation expect a colorful and intriguing multi-course meal that changes with the seasons: there might be a : a buttery croissant laden with truffles, a mushroom adobo with mussel foam, and lamb belly kare-kare with a peanut puree. Can’t wait for dinner? Pop in for brunch at the cafe, which is first-come, first-served. The buzzy little space brighten your day with chicken adobo over garlic rice, and a breakfast sandwich that takes your classic egg and cheese up a notch with the addition of salty longanisa.
19. 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 this 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.
20. Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville Streeterville
Winter days call for housemade noodles all forms, and for that we look to Shang Noodle. While there are three locations, we’re calling out the Streeterville outpost for its soothing ambiance: neutral tones, comfy seating, and elegant overhead lighting make an ideal setting for slurping, whether on Taiwanese beef noodle soup or a zippy chow mein. If you visit with a group, go for the dim sum, too — soup dumplings and barbecue pork buns are shareable and craveable, as are a slew of other options, from dry hot pots to stir-fries. Need some extra heat? Go for any of the Sichuan dishes, like mapo tofu or the Sichuan casserole, for that spicy-tingly málà sensation.
