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Friends of Eater Pick Chicago's Best Dining Neighborhood of 2015

As 2015 fades into 2016, Eater surveyed a group of critics, writers, and all around experts for their take on the past year. We asked them eight questions: from Top Standbys to Top Newcomers, from Best Meals to Restaurants Broken Up With. All answers will be revealed—cut, pasted, unedited and unadulterated—by the time we pop the cork on 2016.

Monteverde, one of the many noteworthy openings in the West Loop/Fulton Market District in 2015
Monteverde, one of the many noteworthy openings in the West Loop/Fulton Market District in 2015
Marc Much

What was Chicago's best dining neighborhood in 2015?

Peter Frost, Crain's: West Loop. The center of gravity for the Chicago dining scene is here and it's only going to get more crowded.

Sarah Freeman, Zagat: Where did that strip of amazing restaurants in West Logan Square come from? The openings of Osteria Langhe, Sink|Swim, Best Intentions and Dos Urban Cantina created the most unexpectedly satisfying dining neighborhood of the year. I only wish it was easier to get to, so I can have a gin-cured salmon chased with a Wondermint Malted whenever I want.

Michael Nagrant, RedEye: West Loop (assuming that includes Fulton Market, Lake and Randolph).

Anthony Todd, Chicagoist: It's not entirely a fair fight, but I've gotta say that the West Loop had a surprisingly good year. It's packed with glittery, often-mediocre spots, but between Formento's, Monteverde, Expat, Swift & Sons and a few others, Restaurant Row is moving back to the top.

Sean Cooley, Thrillist: It's not always the case but The Loop saw an influx of noteworthy spots this year, from the gigantic meatballs at Cindy's to toasted marshmallow shakes at Good Stuff Eatery. Elbow tourists out of the way and head over to the CAA, Seven Lions, Prime & Provisions and Latinicity.

Chandra Ram, Plate: I have to give the nod to Fulton Market, but they lose points for that seriously tacky neighborhood sign. I know it was created by the city, but I can't believe Donnie Madia, Nick Kokonas and John Ross haven't teamed up to tear it down in the middle of the night (hint, hint).

Michael Gebert, Fooditor: I say Chinatown every year but it's true every year—there is more than ever to discover there and it gets more authentic and gritty-street foody all the time. Ignore the 1960s Suzie Wong places and dig deep into that neighborhood and you will always be rewarded.

Chris LaMorte, UrbanDaddy: Fulton Market District/West Loop.

Amy Cavanaugh, Time Out Chicago: Humboldt Park—between Boeufhaus, Haywood Tavern, Bar Marta, Spinning J, C.C. Ferns and more, I spent a lot of highly enjoyable time eating and drinking in the neighborhood.

Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune: West Loop/Fulton Market District.

Penny Pollack, Chicago Magazine: Logan Square.

Jeff Ruby, Chicago Magazine: Fulton River District.

Good Stuff Eatery

22 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 854-3027

Formento's

925 West Randolph Street, , IL 60607 (312) 690-7295 Visit Website

Osteria Langhe

2824 West Armitage Avenue, , IL 60647 (773) 661-1582 Visit Website

Boeufhaus

1012 North Western Avenue, , IL 60622 (773) 661-2116 Visit Website

The Shelby

8445 West 3rd Street, , CA 90048 (323) 424-3230

Bar Marta

2700 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Dos Urban Cantina

2829 West Armitage Avenue, , IL 60647 (773) 661-6452 Visit Website

Best Intentions

3281 West Armitage Avenue, , IL 60647 (312) 818-1254 Visit Website

Cindy's

1500 Colorado Boulevard, , CA 90041 (323) 257-7375 Visit Website

Latinicity

108 North State Street, , IL 60602 (312) 795-4444 Visit Website

Monteverde

1020 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 888-3041

Seven Lions

130 S Michigan Ave, , IL 60603 (312) 880-0130 Visit Website

Sink|Swim

3213 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 486-7465

Expat

118 North Green St, Chicago, IL (312) 432-0500