Listen up, Chicago, ’cause this can get confusing: Two restaurants opened in January with May Street in their name. No, they’re not part of a chain. The first, May St. Cafe in Pilsen (1146 W. Cermak Rd., 312-421-4442), isn’t technically new; it reopened after a six-month renovation with a new look and expanded seating, while keeping chef/owner Mario Santiago’s Latin-flair cuisine that made it a hit with bargain-loving foodies. (Cinnamon-chipotle chicken fajitas, anyone? $14.95.) Further north, in West Town, May Street Market–which, to add to the confusion, isn’t a market at all–also opened (1132 W. Grand Ave., 312-421-5547). Chef/owner Alex Cheswick’s menu is more expensive than Santiago’s and features an American bent with global influences. We loved the roasted venison medallions with chive spaetzle and lingonberry sauce ($26). The good news? If you show up at one and your date shows up at the other, you may not dine together but you’ll both have a great meal.
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