The Resy Hit List: Where In Chicago You’ll Want to Eat in Sept. 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 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
- Snag a hot seat for date night. There’s a reason Milk Room is Chicago’s favorite speakeasy. A few, actually. Maybe it’s the intimate, candlelit space. Maybe it’s the extensive selection of rare spirits, or the delicately composed cocktail bites that go alongside them. Of course, a bar this beloved can be hard to get into. Learn how to score a spot from the bar manager himself, and check out more One Who Keeps the Books while you’re at it, too.
- Grab a meal near the United Center. Whether you’re catching a game or a concert, there is truly so much good food near the United Center. Want wings and a beer? Head to Guinness Open Gate Brewery. A refined Italian meal? Gioia. Bocaditos is your stop for happy hour margaritas, oysters, and tacos, while Bonyeon offers a refined all-beef omakase from famed chef Sangtae Park. For more inspiration, our guide to eating near the United Center, along with plenty of others.
- 72 Delicious Hours: Got three days in Chicago? We’ve got your food and drink itinerary ready to go. In between your architecture tour, museums, and perhaps a jaunt to the gorgeous Chicago Botanic Garden, we suggest you hit some of the city’s most exciting restaurants, from Omakase Yume to Lula Cafe, with cocktails from Milk Room and a duck dog at The Duck Inn. Here’s your guide to three excellent days of eating. And check out our guides for other cities, too.
- Go behind-the-scenes: If you’re a fan of the Logan Square trio Lardon, Union, and The Meadowlark, check out this inside look with founder Steve Lewis at how they all came to be. Which one will you visit (or revisit) first? It’s a tough call between steak frites (Lardon), a burger with Wisconsin cheddar and bone marrow aioli (Union), and broccoli-cheddar arancini (The Meadowlark). When you’re full, catch the rest of our Resy features here.
New to the Hit List (September 2024)
Monteverde, La Josie, Mano a Mano, Sanders BBQ Supply Co., Mei’s, The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen, Indus Progressive Indian Cuisine.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen Lakeview / Lincoln Park
As the first Kurdish restaurant in Chicago, The Gundis is responsible for introducing the flavors and indigenous cooking traditions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean to Lakeview. Run by chef Juan Gonzalez and his son-in-law, Mehmet Yavuz, this ever-bustling spot is filled with guests sipping Kurdish tea and digging into grilled halloumi or sac tawa (a Kurdish stir-fry) with chicken and bulgur. Brunch here has become especially popular, thanks to a stunning full spread of Kurdish cheeses, jams, sesame butter, and more (plus lots of bread)–perfect for sharing with a group.
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. 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. Mano a Mano Logan Square
From chef Doug Psaltis and pastry chef Hsing Chen (the team behind Asador Bastian and Andros Taverna) comes this newly opened trattoria, which brings seasonal Italian fare to Logan Square. The space itself feels a bit like an Italian-inspired diner: small and friendly, with leather booths and two communal dining tables. Focus in on regional Italian specialties like a Ligurian focaccia di Recco, filled with stracchino cheese; an assortment of housemade pastas (including spaghetti pomodoro and pappardelle with braised rabbit); and a terrazzo-esque mascarpone cheesecake with an amaretti crust.
Call (773) 819-7970 for reservations.
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. Indus Progressive Indian Cuisine Highland Park
We don’t often tell you to head to the ‘burbs on the Hit List, but Indus is worth it. Newly opened in downtown Highland Park, Indus feels both opulent and intimate, with jewel-toned velvet seats, an elegant little bar, and colorful murals on the walls. You may recognize the owners as the team behind the Bhoomi stall in the former Urban Space food hall. And you’ll see co-owner Sukhu Kalra chatting with guests, ensuring that their chicken biryani is up to snuff. From the 18-hour house-smoked masala brisket to Kalra’s mother’s brown chickpeas, there’s simply too much to order in one go, so bring a group or prepare to visit a few times to enjoy everything on offer.
Call 847-208-4691 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
Where to Dine with a Group in Chicago
Chicago’s Essential Cozy Locales
The Chicago Restaurants For a Celebration Dinner
Everything You Need to Know About Mariscos San Pedro, Now Serving Seafood in Pilsen
As Lula Cafe Hits 25 Years, Jason Hammel Celebrates Hospitality and the Power of Community
Now on Resy: Hinsdale Prime Steaks, Big Jones, Table, Donkey and Stick, and More Local Favorites
Chicago’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy
Bungalow by Middle Brow Is an Ode to the Art of Fermentation
The Chicago Restaurants We Loved in September
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
