Publisher’s Pick
Deep-Dish Confessions
EDUARDO’S ENOTECA Fresh light Italian and small plates. Delivery and catering available. Call for hours. All major cards. $$ 1212 N. Dearborn, 312/337-4490, www.eduardosenoteca.com. (I-23) LA CANTINA ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE Located on the lower level of the Italian Village Restaurants, La Cantina’s traits of distinction include amazing steak and seafood served from all regions of Italy. Celebrated wine list! Gluten-free options available. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: Tue-Fri 5pm-10pm and Sat 5pm-11pm. All major cards. $$$ 71 W. Monroe, 312/332-7005, www.italianvillage-chicago.com. (H-36)
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Dining Highlight
It’s common knowledge that, if looking for a good restaurant, visitors should eat where the cabbies eat—bonus points for a restaurant founded by cab drivers. In 1966, legend has it, two taxi drivers tired of rush-hour traffic decided to open a pizzeria, which grew into GINO’S EAST, one of Chicago’s most well known deep-dish spots. With good reason: each pie is loaded with gooey mozzarella and a chunky, sweet tomato sauce. Gino’s also offers a thin-crust pie (including a gluten-free version) and salads with farm-fresh ingredients. Two downtown locations, 633 N. Wells (312/988-4200) and 162 E. Superior (312/266-3337) Leave your mark by signing the wood and stucco walls before you leave. See pg 69 for special coupon offer.
VIVO Celebrating 20 years of vivacious service in the Randolph Street Market District, Vivo offers honest-to-goodness Italian food from Executive Chef, Vicente Duran, in a chic setting. When it comes to true Italian cuisine, few rival this rustic and stylish veteran. Mon-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu 11am-11pm, Fri 11am-midnight, and Sat 5pm-midnight. 838 West Randolph. 312/733-3379. www.vivo-chicago.com. (West of D-33)
THE VILLAGE (Italian Village Restaurants) The Village features Northern Italian cuisine in an intimate setting complete with cozy nooks and murals that evoke the feeling of dining in a small “Italian village.” Celebrated wine list! Gluten-free options available. Mon-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun noon-midnight. All major cards. $$$ 71 W. Monroe, 312/332-7005, www.italianvillage-chicago.com. (H-36)
MEXICAN
VIVERE (Italian Village Restaurants) This contemporary Italian restaurant features modern flavors as well as décor and has received accolades from both Esquire and the Wine Spectator. Celebrated wine list! Gluten-free options available. Lunch: Weekdays 11am-2:30pm. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. All major cards. $$$ 71 W. Monroe, 312/332-7005, www.italianvillage-chicago.com. (H-36)
PATRON’S HACIENDA An authentic Mexican restaurant and sports cantina located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood serving authentic Mexican cuisine including fresh ceviche, fajitas, tilapia, and some of the best fresh juice margaritas in town. Mon-Thu 5pm-10mp, FriSat 5pm-midnight, Sun 3pm-10pm. All major cards. $$ 316 W. Erie. 312/642-2400, www.patronschicago.com. (G-29)
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