Been dying to eat at that ‘it’ spot but want to sit down now and not in two hours? Try these new places and skip the lengthy waits.
Instead of: Avec
Rustic Mediterranean-inflected food and an off-the-beaten path international wine list from the folks behind Blackbird, with 2004 James Beard winner Paul Kahan overseeing the kitchen. 615 W. Randolph St. 312-377-2002.
Why not: Joie de Vine
This wine bar is on a sleepy residential stretch, making the sidewalk cafe a rare traffic-free summertime hang. The international wine list highlights smaller producers, and the by-the-glass selections are priced between $6 and $13. Like Avec, it offers charcuterie ($14) and cheese flights ($12) with wine pairing suggestions. Or build your own flights with choices including manchego ($5) and country pate ($7). 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. 773-989-6846.
Instead of: Japonais
Strapless and stilettoed revelers and the guys hoping to meet them crowd this pricey, trendy sushi and French-tinged Japanese cuisine spot. 600 W. Randolph St. 312-822-9600.
Why not: Tsuki
This Lincoln Park newbie may not have Japonais’ world-class rep–but that means you’re not paying world-class prices either. It’s still BYOB, so play bartender and save some cash. The sharable menu offers hot dishes including honey-miso strip steak ($10.95) and pistachio salmon teriyaki ($8.95). Nigiri, sashimi and rolls are by the piece and include marinated albacore tuna ($2.50) and smoked salmon ($3.25). The sashimi platter includes assorted salmon, tuna and chef’s picks ($17.95). 1441 W. Fullerton St. 773-883-8722.
Instead of: Gibsons Steakhouse
Chicago’s perennial celeb hangout features mammoth portions of beef and maximum people-watching, with a mix of the pretty and the powerful. 1028 N. Rush St. 312-266-8999.
Why not: Drake Bros.’
The eye candy will be a little different than Rush Street: stunning views of Lake Michigan and The Mag Mile are the stars here. The Drake Hotel recently revamped the matronly Oak Terrace into an upscale steakhouse featuring starters including steak tartare ($9) and crab cakes ($14). The legendary snapper-stuffed Bookbinder’s soup remains by popular demand ($5), or try the meaty lobster bisque ($9). The beef cuts include a two-pound, dry-aged, bone-in porterhouse ($64) and a bone-in K.C. strip ($39). 140 E. Walton Pl. 312-932-4626.
Instead of: Carmine’s
Monster portions and the see-and-be-seen alfresco cafe make this place a perpetual hot spot. 1043 N. Rush St. 312-988-7676.
Why not: Amore Ristorante
Try this West Loop newcomer now; it’ll be jumping once the Bulls and Blackhawks bring the crowds to United Center. The place is chock-full of Italian fare such as the cappellini pomodoro, with plum tomatoes, sweet basil and garlic ($9.95), and the penne abruzzesse with Italian sausage, pancetta and garlic in a spicy tomato sauce ($13.95). Reasonably priced entrees include tilapia and asparagus in a light brandy sauce ($16.95). Frugal foodies will appreciate the temporary BYOB. 1330 W. Madison St. 312-829-3333.
Instead of: Cafe Iberico
This tapas joint is still wall-to-wall well into the late hours most nights, but the reasonably priced tapas and heady sangria keep loyal fans coming back. 739 N. LaSalle St. 312-573-1510.
Why not: Sangria
Guys take note: On recent visits, the male-to-female ratio is in your favor, so get the boys together and head over for some tapas and ogling. Sangria recently rolled out a new menu with several low-carb and low-fat choices (perhaps explaining the bevy of babes). Tapas include cumin- and lime-marinated pork chop ($5.95) and seared scallops with mojo verde ($5.95). Paellas include shrimp, chicken and seafood versions ($8.95-$13.95). The tasting menu lets you choose three tapas, plus a paella for $26.95. The scene has been heating up (although nothing like the hordes at Iberico); so avoid peak times, especially on weekends. 901 W. Weed St. 312-266-1200.
