Ever feel like you need a GPS just to leave the house for dinner? That’s how we’ve been feeling recently, thanks to a slew of new and soon-to-open spots with mind-bendingly similar names. Before you head out for the evening, reference this quick breakdown — or risk walking to Wicker Park while your crew cabs it to Lakeview.
Mana Food Bar
1742 W. Division St.
773-342-1742
Wicker Park vegetarian spot from Susan Thompson (De Cero and Sushi Wabi co-owner) and Jill Barron (De Cero executive chef), set to open in mid-July. The menu will feature globally inspired fare such as soba noodles with peanut sauce and Asian veggies.
A Mano
335 N. Dearborn St.
312-629-3500
Contemporary River North trattoria from the folks behind Bin 36. It opened in the fall, but outdoor seating debuted June 20 — so now you can enjoy your pizza and pasta alfresco (look for seasonal eats such as ricotta and summer greens ravioli, $17).
Su-Ra
2257 W. North Ave.
773-276-9450
Cozy Wicker Park BYOB sporting a super-secluded, zen garden-inspired back patio and a compact menu of above-average Korean fare. Try the brown rice Bibimbap.
Sura
3124 N. Broadway. 773-248-7872
Lakeview Thai-fusion spot that opened last spring as a BYOB and has since added a liquor license. Good news if you prefer toro to tom yum: Sushi was just added to the menu.
Table Fifty-Two
52 W. Elm St. 312-573-4000
Oprah-anointed chef Art Smith’s Southern-styled Gold Coast restaurant, featuring upscale takes on down-home faves, such as pan-seared catfish with cheese grits and bacon-braised collard greens ($26). If you couldn’t score a reservation when this spot launched last summer, try again: A second dining room opened in early 2008, and Sunday brunch debuted in May.
Park 52
5201 S. Harper Ave. 773-241-5200
This highly anticipated Hyde Park spot from Jerry Kleiner (Room 21, Carnivale) finally debuted this spring. Throngs of restaurant-starved folks from the neighborhood now descend nightly to gaze at the tricked-out decor and graze on American eats such barbecue-braised short ribs ($24).
Angels & Mariachis
1721 W. Division St. 773-227-7772
New East Village taco bar and rock cantina, the latest venture from the group behind English and The Grand Central. The bi-level space is chock full of Mexican artifacts, including, of course, a bevy of angels and mariachis.
Angels & Kings
710 N. Clark St. 312-482-8600
New River North rock ‘n’ roll bar from Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentzand locals Matt Eisler (Empire Liquors) and Stephen Westman (Lakeview Broadcasting Co.). The edgy decor includes lots of celeb mug shots — including a couple of Wentz and wife Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.
Hub 51
51 W. Hubbard St. 312-828-0051
Just-opened River North spot from R.J. and Jerrod Melman, the sons of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises head honcho Rich Melman. The menu covers everything from sushi ($9-$13) to dry-rubbed ribs ($12) to tacos ($14-$18). The River North tourists should be lining up in no time.
Zed 451
739 N. Clark St. 312-266-6691
Globally inspired all-you-can-eat concept featuring roving waiters who serve carved meat and more tableside. If you opt to skip the $49 prix-fixe option and head to the rooftop deck for the light a la carte menu (and we suggest you do), bring your patience: Lines are not uncommon.
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metromix@metromix.com
