Flatwater
321 N. Clark St., river level. 312-644-0283
“Seems like Flatwater opened a bit prematurely. The interior is incomplete; the food was average; we were served at least three incorrect entrees (out of 10 total); and the servers are inexperienced. Give this one some time!”–Kit
“If you like the unfinished, open plywood look, then this is your place. We think the construction should have been finished before considering this opening. . . . But it is a nice outdoor patio with an enjoyable view of the river.”–Rebecca and Lisa
Tokyo 21
901 W. Weed St. 312-337-2001
“Love the fact that it’s not another minimalist, try-hard, trendy sushi bar. The place isn’t afraid to use color and lights, and that’s awesome. And the sushi–you must try the Bi-crunch. Would go back and back and back.”–Steven T.
Cooper’s
1232 W. Belmont Ave. 773-929-2667
“Was a little nervous when they closed Menagerie, but … how could you not love a place that has over 65 beers and great food?”–Cameron
Cafe Bionda
1924 S. State St. 312-326-9800
“Excellent. Between the meatballs and Grandma’s Gravy, I don’t know which to choose, so I had both. That orange martini is unbelievable.”–Joey D.
“Love it. The food, the drinks, the people: Just loved it.”–Barbara
Veggie Bite
3031 W. 111th St.
773-239-4367
“I can’t say enough good things about this place. The food is excellent; the atmosphere is charming; the service is quick and friendly. What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, it’s organic, 100 percent vegan and healthy. Vegans and meat eaters will be stunned by how great everything is, from the ‘beef’ melts, to chili cheese fries, to ‘chicken’ nuggets.”–Christine
Hamburger Mary’s
5400 N. Clark St. 773-784-6969
“A new home for crowds of diversity–and not just LGBT, but everyone. Food, atmosphere and, most of all, people are what make this place fantastic!”–Kat
“I really wanted Hamburger Mary’s to live up to its San Diego sister, but it sadly does not. It’s a mediocre burger joint, at best.”–SR
Tamarind
614 S. Wabash Ave. 312-379-0970
“We have eaten here twice and ordered in. Service is kind and friendly. The food is delicious. The best outside of Chinatown and Argyle. A wonderful addition to the South Loop.”–Cathy
Mulan
2017 S. Wells St., Chinatown Square, East Gate. 312-842-8282
“I took my roommate here for her birthday, and we dug it for the temporary BYOB. She ordered the elk dish, and I got the sturgeon wrapped in prosciutto–very good. The food combinations (seafood and meat) were such odd fusions; it was a trip for our taste buds.”–Kerry K.
Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave. 312-440-8660
“Had a great first-time dining experience at Devon. The layout of the restaurant is a little funky, with all of the tables located downstairs instead of upstairs, but the design of the restaurant itself was very cool and chic. Try the crab cakes , and make sure to order from the selection of fresh fish they offer; the pan-seared Chilean sea bass was great!”–JP
Trattoria 31
605 W. 31st St. 312-326-3500
“I love the fact that I can walk to a BYOB restaurant in my neighborhood–although with their reasonable prices, I don’t think wine will be sky-high once they get their license. Prince Edward Island mussels app was excellent, but the mussels in the penne pasta could have been better. The fish was great, and the penne spicy sauce was delish. The service could not have been more friendly, and I liked the fact that we had a nice atmosphere that wasn’t snooty.”–Anne
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