Upcoming Chicago-Area Restaurants & Bars To Know, Winter 2016

For a list of winter 2017 updates, go here.

December 30

SOUTH LOOP— It's been more than two years since a massive fire ironically struck the Chicago Firehouse restaurant at 1401 S. Michigan Ave. But ownership announced they'll return in January with an updated decor and chef John Caputo (Bin 36, Labiriola) at the helm. Chicago has all the details.

NORTH CENTER— Fire damage crews were on the scene Thursday, as they waded through water damage at Diner Grill. A Christmas Eve fire forced the 24-hour diner to close, as the owner says it will take about two months to reopen. Signage at the restaurant promised a return at 1635 W. Irving Park Road. The surrounding area still smells like smoke, and it's not from The Piggery, the neighboring barbecue spot.

LOGAN SQUARE— The dining area won't be 100 percent finished when Quiote welcomes the general public for the first time during their New Year's Eve party. Owner Dan Salls is working hard to make sure folks can party hard at his ambitious Mexican project and mezcal bar 2456 N. California Ave. Expect an official opening soon after.

Ashok Selvam

LAKEVIEW— If you thought 2016 would be end of the poke trends, think again. A new Hawaiian-influenced fish bowl spot is opening at the former Burger Boss, 3208 N. Southport Ave. It's called F.I.S.H. Poke Bar, and Southport Corridor News first reported the location. They'll also make sushi burritos. However, it's unclear if this is an actual restaurant. The name attached to the license is Silver Cipher, which is a company that's linked to Green Summit, one of the companies responsible for so-called virtual restaurants. That's where food is prepared exclusively for delivery services; there's no physical restaurant where diners can eat. That would explain why F.I.S.H.'s menu is already on Postmates.

BUCKTOWN— A new coffee shop is coming to Milwaukee Avenue, just northwest of the Milwaukee/Damen/North intersection. It's called Fairgrounds, and the 40-seat cafe is gearing for a spring opening at 1620 N. Milwaukee Ave., according to DNAinfo.

WEST LOOP— Yes, there's a bit of news about The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet. Owner Tom Powers is waiting for a liquor license. He said he's hesitant—and who could blame him—in announcing an opening date for his two-floor wine bar at 736 W. Randolph St. The good news? They've got a business license.

NORTH CENTER— A pasta maker who is a regular fixture at city farmer's markets is getting ready to open her own cafe/store. Tuscan Hen Market recently passed its health inspection and is gearing up to open soon at 4019 N. Damen Ave.

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LINCOLN PARK— There's a new pizzeria shaping up near Weed Street in Lincoln Park. It's called Pizzeria Bebu and it's slated for 1521 Fremont St. Looks like it could open soon, so stay tuned for more info.

LINCOLNWOOD— The success of Gina Stefani's MAD Social in the West Loop has made an impression on her father, the famed restaurateur Phil Stefani. They're going to work together again, as they've taken over Kow Kow, the suburban Lincolnwood Chinese-American landmark that closed in 2015 after 65 years. The Tribune reports the Stefanis will open an Italian steak and seafood spot. They haven't shared a name for the new restaurant.

MORTON GROVE— Burt's Pizza is now scheduled to soft open at the end of January, according to the Tribune. The iconic pizzeria at 8541 Ferris Ave. in Morton Grove is being revived by new ownership after founder Burt Katz died in May.

December 21

HYDE PARK— Nella Grassano is at it again. The proprietor behind Pizzeria Da Nella in Lincoln Park is opening a new restaurant. It's simply called Nella and a news release reads it should open over the summer at 1125 E. 55th St. in Hyde Park. They'll serve Neapolitan pies, pastas and seafood. Grassano, a native of Naples, Italy, had stints at Spacca Napoli in Lincoln Square, and a short-lived one working with Scott Harris at Nella Pizzeria Napoletana in Lincoln Park.

WEST LOOP— Management hasn't confirmed it, but the folks behind Grange Hall Burger Bar at 844 W. Randolph St. are planning something on the second floor. It appears it's called Backdoor Saloon. The designers posted some teaser photos on Facebook.

BUCKTOWN— The Sam's Red Hots property at 2345 W. Armitage Ave. has been sold to a familiar name. The owners behind Arturo's Tacos, the late-night Mexican spot on the corner of Armitage and Western have purchased the land with plans to expand, reported DNAinfo. What they plan is uncertain. Sam's closed in August after 70 or some years of operations. Arturo's brass hasn't said what they want to do with the land.

WRIGLEYVILLE— Bleacher creatures have another reason to cheer at Wrigley Field. When the season starts for the Cubs, their stadium will have a Pork & Mindy's concession stand at the bleacher's new Platform 14, according to a news release first reported by the Tribune. Favorites from the Food Network's Jeff Mauro's Bucktown shop will make it over for baseball fans, including Pig Candy and other sandwiches with smoked meats.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Fresh off opening The Budlong in Lincoln Park, Jared Leonard says the long-awaited Lincoln Square restaurant—originally intended to be the first Budlong to be open—is on its way. They recently received their fryers, a most-important piece of equipment for the Nashville-style fried chicken spot at 4619 N. Western Ave. It should open in January.

OLD IRVING PARK— The staff at Eris Brewery & Cider House continues to churn, hoping for an opening next year. Chicago's first cider House finally got their tanks installed as they take over the former church at 4240 W. Irving Park Ave. Check out the glorious photos.

PORTAGE PARK— The ownership behind Country Club in Wrigleyville, Waterhouse Tavern & Grill in Roscoe Village and Pitchfork Food & Saloon in Horner Park have purchased a restaurant space in Portage Park. Waterhouse Bar Group have taken over the K & H Lounge, 3750 N. Central Ave. The bar closed on Dec. 4. Waterhouse plans to open a new restaurant there in early spring, but they're not ready to share details.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS— Japanese favorite Shakou Sushi is adding a fifth suburban location, this time in Arlington Heights. They opened a location in Park Ridge earlier this year. They're coming to 70 N. Vail St., according to a post on the village's Facebook page.

MORTON GROVE— Savory Crust, the new suburban restaurant with customizable empanadas, should open on Jan. 14, according to Chicago. The magazine catches up with the owners who detailed a struggle with cancer and the recipes they'll use at their restaurant at 7180 Dempster Road in Morton Grove.

December 14

December 6

LINCOLN SQUARE— The Davis Theater will again show movies on Dec. 15 at 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. after months of renovations, which include a new restaurant and bar, according to NBC Chicago. The restaurant's called Carbon Arc, and it'll open the same day to serve contemporary American food as well as a "thoughtful" whiskey selection, cocktails, a large beer selection, and more, a rep says.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Iliana Regan's (Elizabeth) highly-anticipated Japanese restaurant, Kitsune, is now planned for an opening early next year at 4229 N. Lincoln Ave. DNAinfo has an update.

LAKEVIEW— The former Falafill spot has a new tenant at 3202 N. Broadway St. Zachi Express is heading to the space. Check out a photo below, as they'll continue to serve Mediterranean food.

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WEST TOWN— Temporis Restaurant, the creative fine-dining newcomer, has secured most of their permits, but there's no official opening date yet at 933 N. Ashland Ave. Stay tuned for that intel.

LOGAN SQUARE— Bixi, the Pan Asian brewpub from Bo Fowler, the owner of Owen & Engine and Fat Willy's Rib Shack, is coming in 2017. The long-awaited project, announced in 2015, continues to trudge along for 2515 N. Milwaukee Ave. There were delays in securing funding, but Fowler said that problem's been solved.

LOGAN SQUARE— Dill Pickle Food Co-op posted an update on their plans, writing that they're 95 percent funded after raising more than $900K for expansion and relocation. Ownership plans on opening in the spring at 2746 N. Milwaukee Ave. in a larger location that will include a deli and more. The grocery store debuted in 2005.

Dill Pickle Coop

HYDE PARK— Nando's Peri-Peri is opening near the University of Chicago in January at 1447 E. 53rd St. South African street artist Kilmany-Jo Liversage was in town last week to paint the restaurant's mural.

WEST LOOP— Curbed Chicago has details on the Nobu Hotel securing its construction permit at 854 W. Randolph St. The hotel will feature a Nobu Restaurant, the popular Japanese celebrity draw from chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

WRIGLEYVILLE— Lucky Strike, the chain of bowling alley/bar/restaurants with a location in Streeterville, is headed toward Wrigley Field. Crain's reported that the 30,000-square-foot amusement center should open in fall 2018 at the Addison & Clark development.

RIVER WEST— Seafood lovers missing Cy's King Crab in River West should rejoice. A new restaurant, Cracked At 695, which appears to be yet another Cajun seafood boil concept, is on its way imminently to 695 N. Milwaukee Ave.

EDGEWATER— Early next year at 5600 N. Ridge Ave. is the opening timeframe given by the owners of Baker & Nosh. This will be the bakery/coffee shop's second location, and they're planning a third in Uptown. DNAinfo has details.

WEST LOOP— It's not a restaurant, but construction crews broke ground for the new Chicago headquarters for McDonald's Corp. last month yet is holding a ceremonial groundbreaking today. Build time will take about 18 months at 110 N. Carpenter St., according to Curbed Chicago.

HOMEWOOD— For those hankering for those wistful times of the early 2000s can head to suburban Homewood where they're opening a Krispy Kreme. The doughnut chain should open on Jan. 10 at 17815 S. Halsted St. in Homewood, according to a news release.

EVANSTON— Sushi Burrito continues to expand, as the former Sumo Restaurant has plans to open another location in Evanston at 1565 Sherman Ave.

LINCOLNSHIRE— There's a bit of a suburban switch for the owners of Marigold Maison, an Indian restaurant in Bannockburn. The Daily Herald reported that after nine years that they're moving to Lincolnshire at 900 Milwaukee Ave. They're targeting a February opening.

November 15

NORTH MAYFAIR— Jollibee is still coming to Chicago inside Seafood City. Reps say the Filipino fast-food spot that took Skokie by storm over the summer will open in December. Oh, and the same rep said they haven't spoken to Cubs star shortstop Addison Russell, a Filipino-American, about being a spokesman for the brand in Chicago. Red Ribbon, the bakeshop owned by the Jollibee group, should also open next month inside Seafood City.

RIVER NORTH— Rockit Ranch Productions is trying to breathe life into the Ay Chiwowa space at 311 W. Chicago Ave. Rockit was going to reconcept it, then put it up for sale, but now have a building permit there. A rep says she doesn't have any details about their plans yet.

LOGAN SQUARE— The Native, the new bar taking over the Bonnie's space at 2417 N. Milwaukee Ave., has a Nov. 23 opening date. Expect a 1970s-era decor, beer in mugs and free popcorn.

WEST LOOP— The Madison Bar + Kitchen, the new project from the Union Sushi/Franklin Room folks, is coming along. They're hiring for 1027 W. Madison St.

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LINCOLN PARK— Not to be lost in all the news about Replay Beer & Bourbon taking over the Headquarters space in Lakeview was LKH Management's announcement about Kings County Tap. They confirmed they're revamping the spot as a Mexican restaurant called Stone Rose Cantina at 2576 N. Lincoln Ave. They play on opening this winter and serving tacos and specialty cocktails.

LOGAN SQUARE— Dan Salls' (The Salsa Truck) new multi-tiered Mexican restaurant is getting closer to opening. He's hiring staff for Quiote, 2456 N. California Ave.

EDGEWATER— January is the new opening date targeted by the owners of popular brunch restaurant The Growling Rabbit. The move, from Rogers Park to Edgewater, has been delayed, but DNAinfo reports the new and improved restaurants will have new menu items at 5938-40 N. Broadway St.

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS— Krispy Krunchy Chicken, a fried chicken chain that debuted in 1989 in Louisiana, is opening its second Chicago location, joining another on the Northwest Side and three more in the 'burbs (and 2,100 nationwide, according to its website). This location is at 1049 W. 103rd St. They just passed their health inspection.

EDGEWATER— A new 3,200-square-foot cafe should open by the end of the year at 6034 N. Broadway St. It's called Edge of Sweetness, and it's a venture between two friends, reported DNAinfo. There's also a shared kitchen component for cooking classes.

SOUTH LOOP— Work continues on World of Beer inside the Roosevelt Collection. Sloopin took some photos of signage on the window. The Florida-based chain should be a good place to grab a pint after a movie in the development.

LOGAN SQUARE— A Bolivian family is opening a coffee shop in Logan Square. It's called La Plaza 24 Cafe, and it should open later this month at 2867 N. Milwaukee Ave., reported DNAinfo. They'll also serve Bolivian pastries.

DEPAUL— Erik's Deli should be replacing the shuttered Uncle Sammy's at 1231 W. Fullerton Ave. The restaurant still needs to pass a health inspection. It's unclear of this deli is affiliated with another Erik's Deli, the 38-year-old restaurant in Oak Park.

UPTOWN— Eats & Sweets is opening a second cafe to complement its Ravenswood location. DNAinfo has the details as the new location at 942 W. Montrose Ave. will have a theme: Space. So set those phasers to stun, Trekkies.

October 31

MORTON GROVE— Patience, deep-dish fans, as work continues on the legendary Burt's Pizza. Co-owner Jerry Petrow said the restaurant still is a bit of a construction site. The crew hopes to host a few soft openings by the end of the year.

LAKEVIEW— Bow Truss founder Phil Tadros has a new idea for his Broadway Street space recently vacated by The Budlong and formerly home to Bunny, The Microbakery. Tadros wants to put in a doughnut shop, and this time he's not partnering with an outside party (Jared Leonard, Iliana Regan). He's already put up signs for Angry Donut. He said Jeff Merrick, his colleague at his web firm Doejo, came up with the idea in 2010. While his Bow Truss coffee shops sell Do-Rite doughnuts, the Angry Donuts' baked goods will be different, and Tadros said he'd like to open more than one. There's no timeline for an opening. Tadros has become a bit...agitated...in recent months after soured business deals. Hopefully the doughnut shop can last more than a few months and isn't just a vehicle to vent.

WEST LOOP— One of the year's most anticipated openings is getting close. Construction is winding down on Elske, the new fine-dining restaurant from David and Anna Posey at 1350 W. Randolph St., as David Posey says the major work should be finished by mid-November. That means the opening shouldn't be far behind.

LOGAN SQUARE— The Native is gunning for an early November opening at 2417 N. Milwaukee Ave. That's the old Bonnie's space. The project from Jared and Carly Savocchi has a bar with 17 seats and four booths. There's also a 50-seat patio, according to a news release.

THE LOOP/LAKEVIEW— Another healthy fast-casual chain has its sights on Chicago. Muscle Maker Grill has plans to open two locations in January, according to Crain's. They're coming to 111 W. Jackson Blvd. and 920 W. Belmont Ave. They're also looking to open more in the suburbs and Lincoln Park and Old Town. Salads, sandwiches and pastas are on their menu.

EDGEWATER— Diwali, a major holiday in India, just took place on Sunday, but it's still not time to celebrate an opening for Mango Pickle. They've done their first tasting, but still haven't announced a new opening date, which has slid from September at 5842 N. Broadway St.

EVERGREEN PARK— Don't blink, but the Potbelly Sandwiches at 9501 S. Western Ave. in Beverly is moving to the suburbs. It's not a long journey, only across the street to the Evergreen Plaza. They'll reopen late next year, according to DNAinfo.

EDGEWATER— Back in March, news spread that Income Tax, a neighborhood wine bar planned for 5959 N. Broadway St., was back on track from the husband of Divergent writer Veronica Roth. Fooditor has the details, and talked to owner Nelson Fitch and his colleagues. Executive chef Ryan Henderson has built quite a resume. He's worked with Wylie Dufresne (Alder, WD-50), Alex Stupak (Empellon Cocina), David Chang (Momofuku) and Danny Grant (Maple & Ash). They're shooting for a late November or early December opening.

PILSEN— They don't have a date, but this bit of a news from Low Rez Brewing bodes well to when they'll open their tap room at 2101 S. Carpenter St. They've kegged their first beer, a pale ale. H/T to Guys Drinking Beer.

BUCKTOWN— Red & White, the wine shop at 1861 N. Milwaukee Ave., is expanding. The Tribune reported that they're working on a wine bar and want to open it up in December. They will also serve charcuterie, cheese and raw seafood.

DEERFIELD— Portillo's is bringing their Chicago hot dogs and other fare to Deerfield. They've announced a Nov. 15 opening for their new suburban location at 700 W. Lake Cook Road.

RAVENSWOOD— A Kickstarter for Sweet Virginia's Kitchen has raised more than $34,000. The owners want to open up next month at 5131 N. Damen Ave. They're going for a family feel with a tagline "neighborhood joint, global comfort." The menu will include chilaquiles, spicy Asian meatballs and signature smoked meats, according to a news release.

OAK BROOK— Oakbrook Center is dialing it up, announcing the addition of a glut of new restaurants coming to the suburban shopping center. Ready? DMK Burger Bar, Nando's Peri-Peri, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Greek Kitchen, Stan's Donuts, Porkchop, Pie Five Pizza Co., Cilantro Taco Grill, Freshii and David's Tea are all coming at staggered dates through April, according to The Daily Herald.

October 21

LINCOLN PARK— Theater on the Lake, the vacant Chicago Park District venue along Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Avenue exit, is getting a revamp. The revamp, according to Curbed Chicago, will include a restaurant. Lakefront Hospitality Group will run the space, but it's unclear what they will provide. No, they're not affiliated with Billy Lawless and The Gage and The Dawson.

LINCOLN PARK— A fast-casual Peruvian restaurant is coming to Lincoln Park. It's called Chopo, and they've got signage out at 2460 N. Clark St.

Ashok Selvam

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE— Felipe Caro said his plans to transform Authentaco, 1141 W. Ashland Ave., to a burger spot our coming along slowly. He's put up signs for Flip, and even brought over the vintage diner sign that once hung outside his Delish Diner.

LINCOLN PARK— Construction has started at a former bank at Armitage and Fremont where Four Corners Tavern Group appears building a bar/restaurant. Four Corners (Benchmark, Ranalli's) hasn't commented officially on the project, but DNAinfo did a little digging at the space at 900 W. Armitage Ave.

BEVERLY— Come December, the second location of Ain't She Sweet Cafe should open at 9920 S. Western Ave., reported DNAinfo. The mother-daughter team opened the first location back in 2006 in Bronzeville and have been featured on Chicago's Best.

WICKER PARK— There's a new tenant inside the former Columbus' Curry spot in Wicker Park. Ong Satangmonkol, the chef and owner behind Silom12, Tsukiji Fish Market and Mad Boiler, will open his fifth restaurant inside the space at 1359 N. Milwaukee Ave. It's called The Walking Duck, according to a news release from Jameson Commercial Real Estate, the agents who brokered the deal.

LOGAN SQUARE— Land & Sea Dept. has plans for a laundromat at 3656 W. Wrightwood Ave. The group told DNAinfo that the site will be for private use. Perhaps its another space for Land & Sea pop-ups?

WEST LOOP— 2Fun Chinese has passed inspections, but it's still unclear when Austin Baker (Bar Marta) will open his new Chinese restaurant at 905 W. Randolph St. The crew did post a Facebook video featuring the restaurant's entrance.

MCKINLEY PARK— Brandi Pizza, a South Loop favorite, has found a new address. They're moving to 3170 S. Ashland Ave., according to DNAinfo. They serving deep dish, pizza puffs, thin crust and more. They're gunning to open by the end of October.

IRVING PARK— Pressure Billiards, an Edgewater mainstay, is opening a second location over in Irving Park at 3241 W. Montrose Ave., according to DNAinfo. They're taking over Marie's Golden Cue and the owners want to open early next year.

WHEELING— Suburban Wheeling is making news, as a second Boston Fish Market is coming inside the former Pete Miller's Steakhouse at 412 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling. The Daily Herald reported that the restaurant, the second iteration of the popular fish and chips spot in Des Plaines, could open in March. And they'll serve booze.

WHEELING— Deka Restaurant, which featured food from chef Michael Richie, who worked with Jean Banchet over at Le Francais, appears going through a reconcept. Their website takes users to Siri Indian reading they'll open in November at 401 E. Dundee Road in suburban Wheeling.

October 12

RIVER NORTH— The next incarnation of River North's Taco and Burrito King has an address. The 24-hour Mexican spot closed in November, but owners promised a new concept would pop up and fill the void. Big Wig Tacos is slated for a spring opening at 770 N. LaSalle St. Sorry, that quick-fire pizza concept, Zazza, never got past putting signs up in the window.

BRIDGEPORT— Tria, a new restaurant from Fred and Denise Bertucci (Fabulous Freddie's Italian Eatery) is on its way to 3300 S. Halsted St., according to DNAinfo. They'll serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

GOLD COAST— Cuban food fans have good news because Cafecito has announced another location. The news comes from a Facebook post revealing a new location at 215 E. Chestnut St.

LAKEVIEW— The Original Pancake House chain is coming to Lakeview. DNAinfo reported that they've signed a lease for the former Panera Cares space at 616 W. Diversey Parkway.

LOGAN SQUARE— A second location of Dominican favorite Punta Cana is heading to 3122 W. Fullerton Ave. Take a look at the signage below.

Daniel Gerzina

WICKER PARK— Tapster, the self-serve pour-your-own beer bar, has secured a building permit, according to a Facebook post. They've also started construction at 2027 W. North Ave.

HYDE PARK/SKOKIE/OAK BROOK— Nando's Peri-Peri is opening three new restaurants. A Hyde Park location should open in early January at 1147 E. 53rd St., according to a news release. The spicy chicken chain is opening two more in the suburbs. A Skokie location inside the Westfield Old Orchard mall should open on Nov. 13. An Oak Brook spot should open on Nov. 20 at Oakbrook Center, 523 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

OAK PARK— A new coffee shop is heading to suburban Oak Park at 163 S. Oak Park Ave. OakPark.com has the details about L!VE Cafe, an event space slinging coffee from I Have a Bean and River City Roasters. They're slated for a November opening.

EVANSTON— There's no controversy in how to pronounce it. Yeero Revolution is coming to suburban Evanston at 1009 Davis St. Greek street food including gyros and souvlaki are planned.

October 4

STREETERVILLE— Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, which opened in August in suburban Evanston, is planning a second location in Streererville. They haven't disclosed an address, but aim to open soon, according to a news release.

WICKER PARK— The former Beachwood Inn has been gutted, as crews work on the replace concept inside the space at the corner of Beach and Wood. It will be called Mae Bell Tavern and Grocery, and run by the folks behind Pioneer Tavern Group, according to DNAinfo. Frontier chef Brian Jupiter is involved.

WICKER PARK— DOX Quality Greek, the new restaurant from GRK Greek Kitchen coming to 1566 N. Damen Ave., is coming along. They've applied for their liquor license.

WICKER PARK— A sushi restaurant is coming to Damen and Division. It's called Sushi Taku, and it's part of a larger development at 1904 W. Division St. It has no connection to Toyko's Michelin-starred restaurant, according to DNAinfo. Instead, it's run by the same folks behind a trio of suburban restaurants: Sake Sushi and Grill in Schaumburg, Yucca in Orland Park and Sushi Grove in Buffalo Grove.

BUCKTOWN— Looks like the site of Sam's Red Hots will one again sell hot dogs, even though the more than 70-year-old stand called it quits in August. DNAinfo reported that the space was sold and the buyer wants a hot dog stand at 2345 W. Armitage Ave.

WEST LOOP— Will The Lunatic, Poet and Lover ever open? The long-awaited West Loop cocktail spot has finally applied for a liquor license, so they've got that going for themselves. They announced the project back in June 2015 at 736 W. Randolph St.

LOGAN SQUARE— November is now the target for The Native, the new bar opening in the former Bonnie's space at 2417 N. Milwaukee Ave. Bonnie's closed in 2012, the Tribune noted, and the Native's owners, a pair of bar newcomers want to make dive bars great again.

LAKEVIEW— Frio Gelato is expanding. The gelato shop, which has a location in suburban Evanston, is coming to 3721 N. Southport Ave, according to Southport Corridor News.

UPTOWN— Hopefully they won't run out of you at The Jerk Shop, a new Caribbean restaurant coming to 1132 N. Wilson Ave. Chicken, taco, plantains and more will be available, according to DNAinfo.

THE LOOP— After announcing their intentions to expand in Chicago back in March 2015, Las Vegas-based Capriotti's Sandwich Shop has an opening date for their first Chicago location. They're opening on Oct. 28 at 180 N. Wabash Ave., according to a news release. They're giving out free sandwiches to the first 100 in line on opening day.

LAKEVIEW— Real Good Juice Co. is looking to open their third Chicago location in December. DNAinfo reported they're taking over a former Banh Mi Ba Get over at 3548 N. Southport Ave. They'll feast upon the nearby SoulCycle and gym crowd who can't get enough of their $10 smoothies and juices.

LOGAN SQUARE— Griddle 24 is opening later this month in River North, and its owner—who also runs the White Palace Grill in the South Loop and Hollywood Grill in Wicker Park—has plans in Bucktown. George Liakopoulos has purchased the Cafe Marianao space at 2246 N. Milwaukee Ave., DNAinfo reported. Expect another diner to go up in the space.

SOUTH LOOP/BRONZEVILLE— Popular Hyde Park coffee shop Sip and Savor plans on opening a South Loop location at 2239 S. Michigan Ave. DNAinfo reported they will open on Oct. 15 and they're planning another location at 4600 S. Michigan Ave. in Bronzeville. Meanwhile, Black Chicago Eats reported that Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream will also be part of the same Rosenwald Courts development.

September 21

LINCOLN SQUARE— A delivery of damaged kitchen equipment has pushed back the opening date of Knife, the celebrated—and kind of controversial—steakhouse from the owners of Fork in Lincoln Square. Expect a mid-October opening at 4343 N. Lincoln Ave. Check out their cocktail list, which includes table-side drink service.

ANDERSONVILLE— There are more details on Bar Roma, the new Italian restaurant coming to 5101 N. Clark St. The Tribune reported that they're targeting an October opening date, and that the owner Julia Zhu has an impressive network of pals at the spot, including Howard Davis of Gioco.

LINCOLN PARK— After a significant expansion at Sheffield and Lincoln, Kings County Tap was a flop. A source says they are repurposing the space and plan to open a Mexican restaurant called Stone Rose Cantina. Attempts to reach ownership weren't successful. But a job listing reveals a bit more.

LINCOLN PARK— Chicago hot dogs, cheese, beer and wine will be available at a new bookstore/cafe. It's called Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney. Time Out Chicago reports they'll open on Oct. 6 at 2212 N. Clybourn Ave.

HYDE PARK— Fans of kebobs in Hyde Park will have a new outlet, thanks to the continued expansion of Roti Modern Mediterranean. The restaurant, which will serve beer and wine, should be open by the end of the year at 1526 E. 53rd St., according to a news release.

RIVER NORTH— Bar Lupo, the Italian restaurant opening in the former Oak+Char space, has revealed a peek inside. Check out the photo of the entrance.

WICKER PARK— Bow Truss Coffee should open in Wicker Park by mid-January, according to DNAinfo. Construction has already started at 1948 W. North Ave., a former dental office.

DOUGLAS— It looks like a jazz club could be coming to 930 E. 43rd St. The liquor license application is under Haven, and the officer listed on the record, Norman Howard Bolden, also is involved with Norman's Bistro at 1001 E. 43rd St.

EDGEWATER— Mango Pickle, the new Indian restaurant that will also feature non-traditional desserts, should open in mid-October at 5842 N. Broadway St.

RAVENSWOOD— A Kickstarter campaign has launched for Sweet Virginia's Kitchen, a new restaurant focusing on comfort foods at 5131 N. Damen Ave. DNAinfo has more details on the family that would run the restaurant.

UPTOWN— A new Mexican restaurant is coming to Uptown. It's called Kie-Gol-Lanee, and DNAinfo reports it's opening by Sept. 25 at 5004 N. Sheridan Road. They'll focus on food from Mexico's Oaxaca region.

SKOKIE— The fourth location of Real Urban Barbecue is opening in Skokie, according to a Facebook post. They'll be next to the Holiday Inn on the 5300 block of West Touhy Avenue.

WARRENVILLE— Big plans from the owners of Two Brothers Brewing. According to Crain's, they're expanding down the road from their brewery, as they've bought a 20-acre piece of land. They plan a restaurant, coffee roasting facility, distillery and a private event space.

September 12

RIVER NORTH— Flamingo Rum Club, the new bar from Adolfo Garcia and Phil Stefani, should open to the public on Oct. 8 at 601 N. Wells St. The project was first announced in August 2015, and their website is touting what could be the city’s largest selection of rum.

RIVER NORTH— Lunch favorite Brown Bag Seafood Co., which just opened inside Revival Food Hall, has even more expansion planned. Their website has revealed a third location, slated to open next year at 412 N. Wells St.

RIVER NORTH— That all-breakfast spinoff, Hutch American Cafe is gunning to open around Sept. 26 at 416 W. Ontario St. They even posted an update on Facebook.

OLD IRVING PARK— Old Irving Brewing is gearing up for its opening at 4419 W. Montrose Ave. There’s no official opening date, but there’s rumblings that it could be as early as this week. The new collaboration which will feature food from Matthias Merges (Yusho) and beer from Trevor Rose-Hamblin (Moto, iNG) is almost here.

LINCOLN SQUARE— The Priory is heading to Lincoln Square at 5130 N. Western Ave. Their website isn’t up yet, so stay tuned for more details.

Daniel Gerzina

GOLD COAST— Little Beet Table, the "smart food" restaurant from New York City, is also coming close to an opening date at 845 N. State St. Their reps haven’t announced an opening date yet, but it will open soon.

ANDERSONVILLE— Bar Roma will try to provide stability to an Andersonville space at 5101 N. Clark St. It’s the former Tapas Ramblas/Atlantique address. Ownership hasn’t returned requests for comment, so stay tuned.

Ashok Selvam

LINCOLN PARK— DePaul students will have a new hot dog stand to replace Fat Sandwich Company down at 2273 N. Lincoln Ave. DNAinfo reported that Fat Sandwich ended a four-year run and Campus Dogs will open sometime next month.

LINCOLN PARK— The bar replacing Black Duck Tavern at 1800 N. Halsted St. has just passed city inspections. Willow RM. (which probably stands for "room") is what residents will get after failed attempts to develop that block.

LINCOLN PARK— It’s been three months since Franks ‘N’ Dawgs shuttered along Clybourn near Lincoln Park, but now there’s signs to what will replace the gourmet hot dog slinger. Sandwiched should open soon at 1863 N. Clybourn Ave. after passing city inspections last week. The restaurant’s website estimates they’ll open sometime in September.

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NAPERVILLE— Revered coffee makers, Sparrow Coffee, are opening their first cafe in January in suburban Naperville. They’ll seat 40 to 50 and Crain’s reported they plan on opening three Chicago cafes—two in the West Loop and one in the Loop. The first Chicago location should open around June.

OAK PARK— Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant plans on expanding to suburban Oak Park, reported Crain’s. They have eight locations in Illinois.

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