#FOOD
7 SOUTH SIDE RESTAURANTS WORTH THE DRIVE Northsiders, Chicago doesn’t stop at Madison Street! There are some great new restaurants in the South Loop and beyond that you really need to know about. It’s high time to head south. Go now and thank me later. ACADIA
This is serious food, prepared beautifully by Chef Ryan McCaskey and served in a sophisticated space. You can opt for the five- or 10-course tasting menu and have the full two-Michelinstar experience, or belly up to the bar and enjoy the city’s most inventive (Gin and Tonic) Lime ($14) with a Maine Lobster Roll ($18) or a kick-ass Patty Melt ($16). 1639 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-360-9500, acadiachicago.com
COUNTY BBQ
A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient once again this year (that means great food at good value), this joint is presided over by chefs Michael Kornick and Erick Williams, who share a love for all things brined, smoked and spice-rubbed. Bourbon lovers will find much to admire, with more than three-dozen labels on hand. Go for the Meat & Three ($16), a plate with your choice of ribs, rib tips, brisket or chicken and three sides (don’t miss the Blackened Cauliflower with Parmesan and the Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Aioli). 1352 W. Taylor St., Chicago, 312-9292528, dmkcountybarbeque.com
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DUSEK’S
In the heart of Pilsen, you’ll find this dimly lit but charming restaurant, along with the subterranean Punch House and the always swingin’ Thalia Hall. Michelin just bestowed a star on Chef Jared Wentworth and this hip resto, where you’ll find the bar food of the gods: Wood-Roasted Olives ($6), Beef Fat Frites with Harissa Ketchup ($6), Wood-Roasted Blue Crab Dip with Artichoke Relish ($16) and their famous Juicy Lucy burger ($15). There’s also a killer Choucroute ($28), a fabulous craft beer selection and a deep cocktail program. Hipster never felt so good. 1227 W. 18th St., Chicago, 312-526-3851, dusekschicago.com
A10
Über-cool and talented Chef Matthias Merges (a Trotter protégé) was the first celebrity chef to venture down to Hyde Park and set up shop. His handmade pasta is well worth the trek — the Bucatini Carbonara ($20) with a 60-minute egg is perfection. But the man is equally adept with seafood, meat and game. It’s hard to go wrong at this Bib Gourmand winner. 1462 East 53rd St., Chicago, 773-288-1010, a10hydepark.com
ACADIA PHOTO BY ANTHONY TAHLIER; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUSEK’S
BY JULIE CHERNOFF