7 New Chicago-Area Restaurants That Just Opened

RIVER NORTH— Seoul Taco is serving Korean tacos and kimchi fried rice in River North. The St. Louis-based food truck-gone-restaurant continues to expand their footprint in the former Mercadito Counter space. Status: Certified open, 738 N. Clark St.

LINCOLN PARK— Harry's Velvet Lounge has been reborn into a cocktail lounge with bar food. Distilled Chicago has taken over the spot near the Webster movie theaters. Status: Certified open, 1480 W. Webster Ave.

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE— A Ukrainian restaurant serving more modern takes on food from the homeland is open. Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen has opened, serving pork burgers, pierogis and schnitzel, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 2201 W. Chicago Ave.

UPTOWN— The Cajun crab clones continue, this time in Uptown as Crazy Crab is offering their own bagged seafood fare. Multiple outlets, including Uptown Update, reported the opening. The menu include fried shrimp and blue and Dungeness crab. Oh, it's not related to the suburban spot. Status: Certified open, 4650 N. Clark St.

ROGERS PARK— Despite closing in Lincoln Park and Lakeview, Clarke's diner has opened a location near Loyola University. They're offering a healthier menu and while offering many of the favorites that loyal customers remember. Status: Certified open, 6431 N. Sheridan Road.

EVANSTON— A new suburban restaurant serving shawarma is open. Pita 1 is serving Middle Eastern fare. Status: Certified open, 1926 Central St. Evanston

WEST LOOP— Expat, the sidewalk cafe from the owners of Nellcote and Old Town Social, is open for the season. Patrons can enter through the RM Champagne alleyway. Status: Certified open, 116 N. Green St.