Chicago's Restaurant and Bar Openings, Spring/Summer 2016

Sept. 2

ROLLING MEADOWS— After opening their Japanese-style burger joint inside the Mitsuwa Market Place in Arlington Heights, Gabutto Burger closed, vanishing as ownership looked for a standalone location. They launched a Kickstarter in the spring, and now they finally are ready to open. They'll have a larger menu with fried rice, wings, smoothies and shrimp, lobster and tofu burgers, too. Sunday is opening day, but you have to buy a ticket for all-you-can eat and drink. Status: Opening on Sunday, 1410 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows.

BRIDGEPORT— Sox fans have something to distract them from watching another disappointing season. It's called The BallPark Pub, and it's less than a mile south from the stadium where the White Sox play bad baseball in recent years. There's no menu listed, but there will be food and drink. Status: Certified open, 514 W. Pershing Road.

OLD TOWN— The Rabbit Hole has taken over the Old Town Burger Saloon space on Wells Street. It's the first Chicago project for an Arizona group and they'll serve elevated bar fare. Status: Certified open, 1208 N. Wells St.

LINCOLN PARK— HopCat will offer patrons more than 300 beers inside the Michigan chain's first Chicago location. They're also famous for their "crack fries." Status: Opening 11 a.m. on Saturday, 2577 N. Clark St.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

[Photo: Nick Fochtman]

FOREST PARK— Sieger Bayer, a 2014 Eater Young Gun semifinalist, has finally opened The Heritage, his new suburban restaurant. Crain's has details on the menu and house cocktails. Beyer has experience at Formento's, Nellcote and Leghorn Chicken. Status: Certified open, 7403 W. Madison St., Forest Park.

MORTON GROVE— Seven Brothers Pancake House has been purchased by the folks behind Gail's Carriage Inn in Des Plaines. They've renamed the restaurant Gail's Carriage Grove. Status: Certified open, 9300 Waukegan Road in Morton Grove.

BERWYN— Home Run Inn has opened another location. Expect the same Chicago-style thin-crust pizza that chain is known for, as they have nine locations, including three in Chicago. Status: Certified open, 6825 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn.

EVANSTON— First Slice Pie Cafe has expanded to the suburbs. After opening three in the city, First Slice is another one in Evanston. Status: Certified open, 1823 Church St., inside the Evanston Park District's Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center.

LAGRANGE— Fourteensixteen is the new 160-seat restaurant from the owners of Marion Street Market in Oak Park. It's a fine-dining menu, and the restaurant includes a wine cave and rooftop terrace. The wine cave opens later this year inside a 130-year-old building. Status: Certified open, 14 W. Calendar Ave., LaGrange.

August 26

WEST LOOP— Smyth, John and Karen Urie Shields' long-awaited tasting-menu restaurant finally opens on the second floor, above their casual bar/restaurant, The Loyalist. After leaving Chicago for the D.C. area, these restaurant veterans who have worked at Alinea and Charlie Trotter's, have finally returned in full. Status: Opening today, 177 N. Ada St.

PILSEN— A bit under the radar, the owner of Humboldt Park's Bullhead Cantina has brought a similar concept to Pilsen. It's called Twisted Bull, and it's owner Francisco "Paco" Ruiz's first restaurant since Ruiz shuttered Bullhead Cantina Rogers Park in 2014. Status: Certified open, 1640 Blue Island Ave.

THE LOOP— Blackwood BBQ continues to grow, as the fast-casual barbecue chain is about to open their fourth location, this time inside the Illinois Center. They're serving the same smoked meats as they do elsewhere inside a 14-seat space. Status: Opening Monday, Illinois Center, 233 N. Michigan Ave.

Blackwood BBQ

LAKEVIEW— Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese selections fill the menu at Min Min Asian Cafe. They offer carry-out, dine-in, delivery and catering services. Status: Certified open, 1465 W. Irving Park Ave.

ROGERS PARK— A new Pakistani restaurant has sprung up inside the Ali's BBQ Restaurant space. Meerath Kebob House Chicago is serving up similar fare, as well as their own grilled spicy chicken wings. For fans of food in karahis, the spicy dishes that come in pots, they've got you covered. Status: Certified open, 2657 W. Devon Ave.

CHINATOWN— A new bubble tea cafe has opened in Chinatown. It's called Tbaar and they also serve fresh juices and smoothies. Status: Certified open, 2234 S. Wentworth Ave.

HUMBOLDT PARK— The team behind El Tumi, a Peruvian cafe that just opened, is promising rich breakfasts, pastries and a buffet. The restaurant is also a place to watch South American soccer. Status: Certified open, 2727 W. Fullerton Ave.

August 19

THE LOOP— The Goddess & The Baker is opening their third location on Monday morning. They'll have gelato if any Gold Coast residents want to travel and sample it, as well as the gourmet sandwiches, coffees and prepared foods that customers have come to expect. There's seating for 40 inside, and another 40 on a patio. Status: Opening 11 a.m. Monday, 225 N. LaSalle St.

EVANSTON— A new European-style cafe is open in the former Keg of Evanston space, according to The Daily Northwestern. It's called Cupitol Coffee & Eatery. They're serving omelettes, pancakes and sandwiches. Status: Certified open, 812 Grove St., Evanston.

ROSEMONT— Gino's East has moved their suburban pizzeria in Rosemont. The new Gino's O'Hare will feature a sports wall of fame. There's also private party rooms and they offer delivery to several hotels in the area. Status: Certified open, 9501 W. Devon Ave., Rosemont.

OAK BROOK— A second restaurant has opened inside the Oak Brook Hills Resort Hilton. It's just called B. The Daily Herald reported that the chef originally wanted to call the restaurant "Butcher, Baker and Beekeeper." It's a 167-seat restaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine. They'll also have a bourbon-focused lounge and an on-site honey-harvesting program. Status: Certified open, Oak Brook Hills Resort, 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook.

August 12

LOGAN SQUARE— Bagged cajun seafood with Southeast Asian flavor has arrived in Logan Square. The latest to join the craze is The Crab Pad, DNAinfo reported. This one has a direct connection to The Angry Crab. One of The Crab Pad's co-owners is related to a co-owner at The Angry Crab. Status: Certified open, 2529 N. Milwaukee Ave.

LAKEVIEW— There's a new Chinese/Japanese restaurant in Lakeview. It's called Little Wok. Their menu includes Chinese-American favorites, Thai noodles and sushi rolls. Status: Certified open, 3144 N. Broadway St.

RIVER NORTH— There's something cooking on the third floor of River North restaurant/club Celeste. Breakout those bellbottoms, because Celeste, along with Bonhomme Hospitality Group —the folks behind Fulton Market Kitchen— are opening Disco. RedEye has the first details. The 70s-style dance club is open Friday and Saturday. Status: Opening Friday, 111 W. Hubbard St.

LAKE ZURICH— A new craft beer-centric bar/restaurant is coming to the suburbs. It's called Consume. The Tribune has a few details. They'll have a bottle shop, and The Daily Herald had more details, including 23 beers on tap and 50 to 60 beers in bottles/cans. Status: Opening this weekend, 569 W. Route 22, Lake Zurich.

August 5

STREETERVILLE— Nando's Peri-Peri is opening another Chicago location, bringing the South African chain to Streeterville. On opening day, they'll donate all sales renovate nearby Seneca Park and the Eli M. Schulman Playground.
 Status: Opening Sunday, 227 E. Ontario St.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Try the healthy pastries and craft lattes over at Oromo Cafe. They're taking a fresh approach to coffee shops, and keeping most of the items made in house. Status: Certified open, 4703 N. Lincoln Ave.

ROGERS PARK— A blend of Latin American and Italian dishes are what's served up at Rogue Fusion. DNAinfo spoke with the chef who told them he worked for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and wants to keep prices affordable. Status: Certified open, 7027 N. Clark St.

WEST LOOP— Freshii has opened a shop that's open weekdays inside the Madison at Racine apartment complex. It seats 35, and expect the usual salad and Intelligentsia coffee inside. Status: Certified open, 1165 W. Madison St.

THE 606— The StopAlong, that nostalgic pizza spot along The 606 trail, is open. Find arcade games, thin-crust pizza and burgers inside. Status: Certified open, 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave.

THE 606— Mindy Segal hasn't said if she'll be pushing those pedals, but the acclaimed chef's IceTrike is in motion on The 606 trail. She's peddling frozen treats. Status: Certified pedaling, The 606.

UPTOWN— Add an all-you-can-eat option to Argyle, as Seafood Hotpot is bringing Chinese food to Uptown. The restaurant also has karaoke, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 1130 W. Argyle St.

OLD IRVING PARK— Bow Truss Coffee Roasters will open another coffee shop next week. The chain will now have 11 locations. Status: Opening on Monday, 4185 W. Irving Park Road.

Phil Tadros

LINCOLN PARK— Popular hipster juicer Owen + Alchemy are giving trixies those cleanses they so badly need with a location inside Elu, a clothes' boutique. It's only fair if bros and their Jettas are heading west to Wicker Park and Logan Square that O + A gives something back to Lincoln Park. Status: Certified open, 1211 W. Webster Ave.

July 29

O'HARE— Airport travelers are used to waiting, but this wait's over for Publican Tavern, the spinoff of the popular Fulton Market restaurant at O'Hare International Airport. Burgers, grab and go and more are available. Status: Certified open, Terminal 3, O'Hare.

WEST LOOP— The Loyalist, the first of two restaurants from John and Karen Shields, is opening this weekend. The casual spot serves burgers, chops and a smattering of cocktails. Smyth, its upstairs fine-dining companion, will open later this fall. Status: Opening Saturday, 177 N. Ada St.

ALBANY PARK— The long-awaited Nighthawk Coffee Bar & Tavern is finally open after three years of gridlock. The all-day bar will serve La Colombe coffee, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 4744 N. Kimball Ave.

WICKER PARK— The Fifty/50 has revealed its renovations. Take a look at the new spot at Urban Daddy. There's a revamped cocktail program and decor. Status: Certified open, 2047 W. Division St.

LOGAN SQUARE— Damn Fine Coffee Bar is serving Halfwit Coffee Roasters, according to DNAinfo. They may add charcuterie and will serve pastries from Pleasant House. Status: Certified open, 3317 W. Armitage Ave.

RAVENSWOOD— La Boulangerie is open. The French bakery serves crepes, macaroons and sandwiches, as well as La Colombe coffee. It joins its Lakeview sibling, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 1945 W. Wilson Ave.

NAPERVILLE— Old Town Pour House continues to open locations in places other than Old Town, according to the Tribune. They've hit the suburbs in Naperville, offering large TVs, pub food and and a large beer list. It joins locations in Old Town and suburban Oak Brook, as well as in Gaithersburg, Md. Status: Certified open, 1703 Freedom Road, Naperville.

July 22

LINCOLN SQUARE— Savanna Restaurant has opened inside the former Browntrout spot. Look for breakfast items, as well as sandwiches. Here's the menu. Status: Certified open, 4111 N. Lincoln Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— Nando's Peri-Peri continues their Chicago expansion, this time in the South Loop, at the Roosevelt Collection development. They'll once more have members of the Chicago Fire soccer team on hand on Saturday, July 30, and 100 percent of the day's sales will go to the team's charity foundation. Status: Opening Sunday, 1005 S. Delano Court.

THE LOOP— There's a new coffee shop by day, lounge by night inside the Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel. It's called The Living Room. Find cocktails and small bites from the team behind the hotel's Stetson's restaurant inside. Status: Certified open, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr.

LOGAN SQUARE— A new lounge inside Red Star Liquor is open in Logan Square. It's called The Walk-In, and DNAinfo has the details on the owner's quest for expansion. No TVs, Fireball or top 40 music. Status: Certified open, 2715 N. Milwaukee Ave.

EVANSTON— A new suburban shop is pouring up java from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Backlot Coffee serves up a variety of snacks and coffee and tea drinks. Status: Certified open, 2012 Central St., Evanston

LOGAN SQUARE— The Crab Pad is serving bagged seafood in Logan Square. They're also serving garlic noodles. Status: Certified open, 2529 N. Milwaukee Ave.

JEFFERSON PARK— Cuban joint Señor Pan has opened a new location. Tapas and wine are their game. Status: Certified open, 4821 N. Elston Ave.

DOUGLAS PARK— Curried beef with gravy and red bean and rice are among the items available at Jamaican Jerk King. Status: Certified open, 206 E. 35th St.

WEST LOOP— Roti Modern Mediterranean is happy about their rebranding, and they've opened a new restaurant inside the MetraMarket. They redesign is so unlike other Rotis that there's even some wild decor in the bathrooms. Status: Certified open, 121 N. Clinton St.

[Photo: Roti Modern Mediterranean]

July 8

LOGAN SQUARE— The second location of L'Patron Tacos enjoyed a soft opening on Thursday. The new space is larger with an expanded menu. It might eventually end up as the only location, as the owners continue to negotiate a new lease with their landlord at the Diversey Avenue location. Owners said that the landlord wants to almost double their rent. Status: Opening on Saturday, 3749 W. Fullerton Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— While they're still working on opening the second patio space, Son of a Butch By WHISK is ready for Logan Square with new barbecue items, burgers and wings. The menu differs from WHISK over in West Town, and the interiors appear to be similar to the former occupant, as Adolfo Garcia closed his spot this spring. Status: Certified open, 2934 W. Diversey Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— It's a busy time in Logan Square as Paulie Gee's, the iconic Brooklyn pizzeria with creative toppings, has finally opened a Chicago location. They're even adding a bit of Midwest flair with some Detroit-style pizza touches. Status: Certified open, 2451 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Marc Much

LOWER WEST SIDE— A new club that's hosting a variety of Spanish-language musicians is open. It's called Club Kaliente and they're open until 3 a.m. most nights. Status: Grand opening on Saturday, 2300 S. Blue Island Ave.

July 1

GOLD COAST— Art Smith's follow up to Table Fifty-Two is ready to go in the Gold Coast. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden sits in the same space, but they've renovated the dining room and developed a new, more approachable menu. Status: Certified open, 52 W. Elm St.

LAKEVIEW— Another Southeast Asian concept has opened near the corner of Belmont and Broadway. It's curiously called A-Cupz, which obviously leads to only one meaning: Asian cups filled with rice bowls. It's similar to the beef bowls sold in Lincoln Park at Cupbop Ramen+Noodles. Status: Certified open, 604 W. Belmont Ave.

MORGAN PARK— Laine's Bake Shop, which supplies baked goods to Whole Foods and Starbucks, is open on the South Side, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 11057 S. Homewood Ave.

THE LOOP— Another location of Dollop Coffee Co. is open, this time in The Loop. It's the company's ninth location and second in The Loop. Status: Certified open, 55 W. Monroe St.

[Photo: Facebook]

SOUTH LOOP— Mago Grill & Cantina has brought Mexican food to the Roosevelt Collection development. They're finally giving movie theater guests a food option in the South Loop. Status: Certified open, 1010 S. Delano Court.

HIGHLAND PARK— Nashville hot chicken is in the suburbs. Honey's Hot Chicken, owned by the group behind the three-suburban-location chain Real Urban Barbecue, also serves pies and shrimp. Status: Certified open, 1791 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park.

June 24

EVANSTON— Whiskey Thief, the restaurant from the owners of Pearl Tavern with food from Bar Marta's owner, is open in Evanston. Expect a large whiskey list with burgers and other fare. Status: Certified open, 616 Davis St., Evanston.

WICKER PARK— A new falafel spot has sprouted over in Wicker Park. It's called Rumi Middle Eastern Grill, and it's a 60-seat restaurant in a former toy store. Status: Opening on Saturday, 1534 N. Milwaukee Ave.

BELMONT-CRAGIN— A second iteration of Dudley Nieto's Mexican spot is open. Roja Gusano Express offers the same menu as the first location, as well as cocktails. They're open at 4 p.m. daily. Status: Certified open, 3131 N. Central Ave.

NOBLE SQUARE— A new coffee shop has replaced Ugly Mug Cafe. Standing Passengers Cafe has taken over the 2,400-square-foot space and is serving Metropolis Coffee and pastries, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 1458 W. Chicago Ave.

CRYSTAL LAKE— Retro Bistro, a Mount Prospect stalwart for 25 years, has opened a second location, according to the Tribune. This time they're taking their French cuisine over to McHenry County and Crystal Lake. Status: Certified open, 83 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake.

June 17

LOGAN SQUARE— Chiya Chai is serving Nepalese teas and food. It's a sibling spot to their original location in Minnesota. Find their menu here. Status: Certified open, 2770 N Milwaukee Ave.

NAVY PIER— An old-school Beverly favorite is now open in Navy Pier. The second Original Rainbow Cone has debuted, according to the Tribune. The original's been around since 1926. Status: Certified open, Navy Pier.

RIVER NORTH— Craft cocktails have arrived on the Chicago River, as the Riverwalk welcomes Tiny Hatt. It's the third iteration for the North Center cocktail spot Tiny Lounge, which also has a Navy Pier spot. Status: Certified open, Chicago Riverwalk.

RIVER NORTH— But visitors don't need to drink to have a good time on the Riverwalk. Frost Gelato has opened its first Chicago location (Highland Park, Naperville, 10 overall) on the river. They'll offer six flavors daily and announce them via Twitter. Status: Certified open, Chicago Riverwalk

SOUTH LOOP— Baderbrau, the long-awaited brewpub, is almost here. After previews and delays, they're opening over the weekend to the general public. Status: Opening Saturday, 2515 S. Wabash Ave.

UPTOWN— Heritage Outpost has opened another coffee shop. This time they're at the Lawrence House. Status: Certified open, 1020 W. Lawrence Ave.

EVANSTON— Hewn has unveiled it's 1,200-square-foot expansion in Evanston. The bakery debuted in 2013, but they've now doubled the space. They're promising funky salads, more drinks, sandwiches, and more. Status: Certified open, 810 Dempster St.

LAKE FOREST— "The Profit" host Marcus Lemonis is involved with the menu at MLG Chicago. The full-service restaurant and bar has a patio, according to the Tribune. Status: Certified open, 181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest.

TINLEY PARK— Blaze Pizza has opened another quick-fire pizza spot, this time in the suburbs. It's the 10th in the Chicagoland area, and they've got seats for 62. Status: Certified open, 15903 S. Harlem Ave, Tinley Park.