New On Resy: Chicago’s Newest Restaurant Openings

Between the picnic tables, smoked brisket, and mac ‘n’ cheese, eating at Briny Swine feels like having a cookout, in the best way. We bet your childhood cookouts didn’t have strawberry basil margaritas, though.

Modern Indian cuisine is the main event at this West Loop restaurant. Menus focus on regional dishes, while also reflecting a global approach. Try the tacos with curry lamb and crumbled paneer, crispy potatoes with harissa soy tomato glaze, or tamarind barbecue-glazed short rib. Cocktails are just as exciting, with several incorporating Indian spices or chutneys.

A stunning space that’s always buzzing with energy, chef Carlos Gaytán and his team delight diners with his highly personal take on Mexican cuisine. Think heirloom tomatoes with huitlacoche fondue and pickled peaches, chile relleno served with couscous salad, and tacos filled with everything from roasted octopus to creamy lobster. Pro Tip: Book a seat at the kitchen counter if you can.

Watch whatever game happens to be on while you enjoy Rounders’ Juicy Lucy. We can’t promise you won’t miss most (or all) of the game once you start savoring, but it’s worth the risk.

Who could resist the beautifully aesthetic bento boxes of sushi at Zenzi Den? Not us, that’s for sure. Throw on some crab yakisoba and miso black cod and we’re happier than a clam.

It’s a speakeasy-esque spot with craft cocktails worthy of a trip (or two). The bites are elevated past your typical bar fare, as well. Here, fries get melted leek aioli and burgers are topped with onion jam.

Feast on freshly prepared fare like zucchini fries, fig and prosciutto pizzas, and nine (count ’em) different salads. Did we mention the wine?

What happens when you fuse the cuisines of the American south and southeast Asia? At DixiePura, you get black-eyed pea hummus, five-spice pork belly ends, and charred whole catfish with ponzu.

Take in the rooftop views at Ambassador Terrace, made better only when you get that espresso martini flight you ordered to your table around the fire pit.

Casual, family-friendly Mexican is the way at Americano’s. Do know that the nachos, queso fundido, and flautas are sure to please whatever crowd you come with (even if it’s a crowd of one).

It’s a reincarnation (and reinvention) of two prior restaurants, one French and one Italian. Dining options abound, from their market to takeout, but we’d recommend snagging a table at their cafe, where you can enjoy both French onion soup and spaghetti pomodoro.

It’s no wonder the crowds still flock to Soul & Smoke. Between the award-winning slow-smoked meats sold by the pound, Cajun dirty rice, and prickly pear margaritas, we’re just surprised anyone ever leaves.

It’s all right there in the name — here you’ll enjoy homemade Italian food done exceptionally well.