The SOURCE: SCENE DINE & DRINK
the ultimate in classic cocktails—for round two. 955 W. Fulton Market; theaviary.com
ANTEPRIMA
BANGERS & LACE
A charming neighborhood vibe and home-style fare make this Italian spot an Andersonville favorite. Must-try signature plates include super-tender grilled octopus and orecchiette with house-made lamb sausage. INSIDER TIP: While not always on the menu, the knockout pasta dish cacio e pepe is always available. 5316 N. Clark St., 773-506-9990; anteprimachicago.net
It’s a sausage fest at this curated craft beer and encased-meats restaurant, whose recently opened Addison Street location gives Wrigleyvillers a dignified alternative to the sports bar madness. INSIDER TIP: Brunch is a real find; don’t miss the shakshouka, a spicy Moroccan tomato stew with eggs and lamb sausage. 1851 W. Addison St., 773-697-8667; 1670 W. Division St., 773-252-6499; 810 Grove St., Evanston, 847-905-0854; bangersandlace.com
THE AVIARY From world-famous Alinea chef Grant Achatz and partner Nick Kokonas, Fulton Market District’s The Aviary is the city’s premier destination for avant-garde cocktails. INSIDER TIP: After your first drink, ask your server if there’s room in the teensy downstairs speakeasy The Office—where bartenders shake up
NY strip—to pair with smart cocktails like the Southside Mule (local Koval bourbon, pineapple-rosemary shrub, and ginger). 101 E. Erie St., 20th Fl., 312-667-6793; baptisteandbottle.com
BAR LUPO Double whammy: Not only does this River North Italian pub boast an industry vet in owner Brian O’Connor (Maple & Ash, RIA, North Pond)—the beverage program is curated by star mixologist Liz Pearce. Chicken parm and an Aperol spritz? Count us in. INSIDER TIP: Dig into the killer late-night menu with meatball subs and $3 house shots. 217 W. Huron St., 312-643-3400; barlupochicago.com
BAR ROMA BAPTISTE & BOTTLE Bourbon is the keyword at this Conrad Hotel hot spot spearheaded by globe-trotting chef Richard Sandoval, who crafts inspired American plates—chicory and Gorgonzola salad, triple-seared prime
The meatball craze hits Andersonville with this buzzing new Italian destination, which tempts with five kinds of ’balls (lamb, pork belly, chicken, veal, and good old ground beef) plus house-made pastas, all whipped up by veteran chef Fred
Ramos. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-9427572; barromachicago.com
BODEGA As if the ACME Hotel weren’t already a hotbed of craft cocktails (Berkshire Room, anyone?), the surging Fifty/50 Restaurant Group has opened this upstairs sister venue serving “all things fizzy, frosty, and boozy.” 15 E. Ohio St., 312-8940945; acmehotelcompany.com
BOLEO One of the latest in Chicago’s string of hot-hot-hot hotel bars, this sexy rooftop lounge in the Kimpton Gray Hotel serves contemporary takes on South American street fare—think ceviche and empanadas—alongside pisco-centric cocktails and sultry live music. 122 W. Monroe St., 15th Fl., 312-750-9007; boleochicago.com
BROKEN ENGLISH TACO PUB Mexican street food gets the Technicolor treatment at this vibrant, whimsical new destination from Chicago restaurant legend Phil Stefani. Offerings include 12 kinds of tacos (shrimp, barbacoa, carne asada), plus snacks like achiote hummus and street corn hush puppies. 75 E. Lake St.,312-9293601; tacopub.com
Music fans should make tracks to Navy Pier for “Exhibitionism,” a state-of-theart 18,000-square-foot exhibit dedicated to the Rolling Stones and featuring 500 rare items that document the band’s influence on everything from fashion to design.
124 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM
Go old school at this clubby, masculine River North steakhouse, set in a lovingly restored brownstone, whose walls are lined with vintage Chicago images and whose menu is as comfortingly classic: baked oysters Rockefeller, wedge salads, and a stacked list of USDA prime steaks. INSIDER TIP: The voluminous (and award-winning) wine list is a must-read for oenophiles. 60 W. Ontario St., 312-787-7100; chicagochophouse.com
CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE Drawing a high-profile crowd ranging from government types to visiting celebs and local athletes, this sleek riverside destination from industry vets David Flom and Matt Moore has
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EXHIBITIONISM
CHICAGO CHOP HOUSE