Chicago Restaurant Openings for Fall and Winter 2016

For a list of 2017 openings, go here.

December 30

LAKEVIEW— The second location of Zachi, the Middle Eastern restaurant that specializes in lentil soup, should open at 11 a.m. Saturday at the former Falafill spot. They're calling it an "express" location. Status: Opening on Saturday, 3202 N. Broadway St.

RIVER NORTH— Friends Ramen, after a year of being a quiet storefront, is opening on New Year's Day. Good thing ramen is a great cure for hangovers. Status: Opening on Sunday, 808 N. State St.

HERMOSA— It's not a tasting room, but Pipeworks Brewing Co. has opened a bottle shop at their brewing facility. No growlers just yet, but cans and bottles are available to go. Status: Certified open, 3219 W. McClean Ave.

PORTAGE PARK— There's a new place for tacos in Portage Park. It's called Simon's Tacos. Find burritos, tacos and tortas. DNAinfo spoke with the owner. Status: Certified open, 4263 N. Milwaukee Ave.

NORTH CENTER— It's not exactly a bakery, but Cookie Spin is here, the storefront of Innovative Indulgences. They specialize in cookies and ice cream with items like the rainbow brownie cookie bowl. Status: Certified open, 4350 N. Leavitt St.

WEST LOOP— Just Salad has opened their fourth Chicago location. The opening was a bit delayed, but they finally are serving lettuces, grain bowls and other health lunch options. Status: Certified open, 10 S. Riverside Plaza.

BUCKTOWN— A new juice bar is open in Bucktown. It's called JuiceRX, which sounds like a supplement.  Smoothies, bowls and more healthy choices could be the right prescription for those who made New Year's resolutions. It's their second location, a follow up to the original in Old Town. Status: Certified open, 1880 N. Damen Ave.

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December 22

WEST LOOP— Diners, drinkers and dancers have a new indulgent place in the West Loop, Ronero. The lively upscale Latin American restaurant and bar, now open on Randolph Restaurant Row, is a sprawling two-level space with a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and dance floor that features food from chef Corey Morris (Mercat a la Planxa, Rural Society) and a rum-heavy drink list from beverage director Allie Kim (Girl & the Goat). The entire space won’t be fully open until early next year, as work still needs to be done on the upstairs bar. When it’s finished management plans on hosting live music. Groups of four to six can reserve tables upstairs for $300 to $500, according to the Red Eye. Status: Certified open, 738 W. Randolph St.

WICKER PARK— DOX Quality Greek, the new street-food spot at the southwest corner of the Milwaukee/North/Damen, has opened. The spinoff from GRK Greek Kitchen is serving wraps, skewers and salads and will stay open late. Status: Certified open, 1566 N. Damen Ave.

Kailley Lindman

WICKER PARK— The third location of Sushi Burrito, formerly Sumo Restaurant, is now open off the Hipster Highway in Wicker Park. The mini-chain also has locations in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. DNAinfo spoke with the owner. Status: Certified open, 1238 N. Milwaukee Ave.

MCKINLEY PARK— Deep-dish and thin-crust slices are available at Pizzeria Brandi. They also served stuffed pies. DNAinfo has a breakdown of their menu. Status: Certified open, 3170 S. Ashland Ave.

WEST LOOP— The second location of Fruve Express Juicery has opened. The juice bar, which offers smoothies, cold-pressed juices and more, joins the original location in the South Loop. Status: Certified open, 1108 W. Madison St.

SOUTH LOOP— WingStop, the popular chicken wing chain, has opened a location inside the Roosevelt Collection development that counts the ShowPlace ICON movie theater. They threw an opening party on Tuesday. Former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman was an investor in the chain. Status: Certified open, 500 W. Roosevelt Road, at the Roosevelt Collection.

December 16

RIVER NORTH— They're calling it a soft open or dress rehearsal for Flamingo Rum Club. However they describe it, it's finally going to be open to the public after a variety of delays. The huge rum selection and cabaret dancers come courtesy of Phil Stefani and Adolfo Garcia. Status: Opening at 4 p.m. today, 601 N. Wells St.

ANDERSONVILLE— Bar Roma, the Italian meatball-focused spot in Andersonville, is scheduled to open this weekend. A rep said they're still working a few things out that could delay the opening, but owner Julia Zhu plans to go forward. They will debut as a BYO but add alcohol after opening. Status: Opening Saturday (tentatively), 5101 N. Clark St.

STREETERVILLE— There's a new option inside Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It's the sixth location of Burrito Beach. It's assembly-line, fast-casual Mexican food. But now they're offering smoothie bowls and homemade frozen custard. Status: Certified open, Feinberg Pavilion at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron St., second floor.

WICKER PARK— The third, and largest, iteration of Devil Dawgs is now open. The 66-seat fast-food spot will cater to the late-night crowd. DNAinfo has more details. Status: Certified open, 1431 N. Milwaukee Ave.

UPTOWN— It's been open a couple of weeks, but My Chocolate Soul is open. The retail location for the candy business that started in 2011 is a place for fresh-made confections and more. The owner, a former teacher, has been wanting to open a sweet shop for years. Status: Certified open, 4442 N. Broadway St.

December 9

OLD TOWN— The second iteration of Broken English Taco Pub soft opened on Thursday and welcomes the general public on Friday night. It's a collaboration between Phil Stefani, Adolfo Garcia and Carmen Rossi. Carmen Rossi owned the former concept, Pomp & Circumstance, and partnered with Stefani and Garcia so they could manage the space. The upstairs and patio area aren't ready, but check out the cool mural. Status: Opening tonight, 1400 N. Wells St.

Marc Much

BRIDGEPORT— A new BYO Korean spot with sizzling meats has opened on the South Side. DNAinfo has more on Do Eat Korean BBQ. Status: Certified open, 3141 S. Halsted St.

LINCOLN PARK— A new Japanese fast-casual spot has opened inside the former Meatloaf bakery. It's called Afternoon, and they're serving sushi burritos, katsu and more. Status: Certified open, 2464 N. Clark St.

LINCOLN PARK— The Budlong has opened, giving the Nashville-style chicken spottwo locations. They're offering new menu items and will serve booze. But for now they're BYO. Status: Certified open, 1008 W. Armitage Ave.

GOLD COAST— A new bar from the owner of Brando's Speakeasy quietly opened last month on top of the Tip Top Inn. It's called the Black Kat Club, and whoever is running their Facebook page has written quite a novela. Check it out. Status: Certified open, 1204 N. State St.

LAKEVIEW— Farewell, A Cupz, as the unfortunately-named Asian restaurant has already left our plane. In its place, there's a new sushi spot called Maki Masters. They also serve rice bowls. Status: Certified open, 604 W. Belmont Ave.

NORWOOD PARK— There's a new juice bar on the Northwest Side. Enjoy juices, soup and Dark Matter Coffee at Be Juice'd. DNAinfo squeezed the owner for an interview. Status: Certified open, 6046 N. Avondale Ave.

BUFFALO GROVE— Bowlero, a bowling alley with a 50-seat patio, has opened its second suburban location. The Daily Herald reported that they're going for a hipster vibe. There's a location in Naperville. Status: Certified open, 350 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove.

SCHAUMBURG— The Clubhouse has taken over the Grillhouse by David Burke space. They've already got a location in Oak Brook. The Daily Herald has the details. Business lunches happen in the suburbs, too, and a spot near Woodfield Mall is always needed. Status: Certified open, 1301 American Lane, Schaumburg.

WILLOW SPRINGS— An interesting new contemporary American spot has opened in the Southwest Suburbs. It's called Jen's Guesthouse. Take a look at the menu here. Status: Certified open, 8989 Archer Ave., Willow Springs.

December 2

PILSEN— Cafe Jumping Bean, the celebrated Pilsen coffee shop (Yo Yo Ma performed there this week), has opened a second location. The new cafe's called L' Cafecito Jumping Bean and it's at the Damen CTA Pink Line Stop (Get the name? It's near the L!). The original has been around for more than two decades and DNAinfo has the scoop. Status: Certified open, 2010 S. Damen Ave.

WEST LOOP— The folks behind Porkchop, the barbecue spot in the West Loop, have something new up their sleeves. It's called Meet & Whiskey and it's a 1920s-themed speakeasy underneath that requires a secret password (check their social media handles). They'll have a secret rotating menu and there's live music. The entrance is in the back alley. Status: Certified open, back alley of behind Porkchop, 941 W. Randolph St.

THE LOOP— Latinicity continues to tweak their food hall inside the Block 37 development. They've nixed their grab-and-go option, Loncheria and replaced it was something new on the pedway, the underground tunnel near the CTA's Red and Blue line stations. They've debuted Taqueria 2.0. The Tribune called it Chipotle-like. There are breakfast burritos, tortas, rice bowls and even tacos. Status: Certified open, underneath Block 37, 108 N. State St.

O'HARE— United Airlines is stepping up their game for business travelers. They debuted the Polaris Club this week, a spruced-up lounge for travelers with premium cabin tickets. The first one is open at O'Hare International Airport and features a buffet from celebrity chef Art Smith (Blue Door) and drinks developed by famed Chicago bartender Adam Seger. Crain's has more details on how United wants to give travelers a 4-star hotel experience. Status: Certified open, O'Hare, Terminal 1, Concourse B.

NAPERVILLE— Naperville's got a bevy of new/upcoming dining options, as reported by the Naperville Sun. Check out their round up, which includes Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co. Their sandwiches include The Usual Suspect (bacon, tomato, three types of cheeses on Texas Toast). Status: Certified open, 24 W. Jefferson St.

November 23

LINCOLN PARK— If anyone needs some caffeine after the tryptophan, La Colombe will be opening their 1,360-foot cafe on Friday. It's the acclaimed Philadelphia-based coffee chain's fourth location in Chicago. Status: Opening on Friday, 858 W. Armitage Ave.

Ashok Selvam

LINCOLN PARK— U Rice, the new Pan Asian restaurant from the owners of Lan's Old Town, is ready for karaoke and kimchi cheddar dogs in the former Strings 2 space. Status: Certified open, 1629 N. Halsted St.

EDGEWATER— Cozy Corner has taken over the former Deluxe Diner in Edgewater. The location joins Cozy Corners in Hermosa and Logan Square. DNAinfo has the details about the pancakes and more. Status: Certified open, 6349 N. Clark St.

LOGAN SQUARE— Dive bar fans rejoice as The Native is open inside the former Bonny's space just in time for Black Wednesday. Expect a low-key spot to hang, and there's even shuffle bowling. Status: Certified open, 2417 N. Milwaukee Ave.

THE LOOP— Olive Mediterranean Grill has opened its fourth location. Expect the same assembly line falafel plates and other treats the have made the chain popular in Chicago. Status: Certified open, 23 E. Adams St.

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November 18

ENGLEWOOD— Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened a new location in Englewood. It's in the same shopping center the houses Whole Foods and Starbucks. It's the first location in that neighborhood for the fast-food chain, as the development hopes to invigorate the mostly African-American area that's often stereotyped and ignored. DNAinfo has more details. Status: Certified open, 806 W. 63rd St.

STREETERVILLE— Chicago has a new jazz spot, as Winter's Jazz Club opens this weekend. It may have actually been warm enough on Thursday to use that outdoor patio. Status: Opening tonight (Friday), 411 E. Illinois St.

ST. BEN'S— Black Rock Pub & Kitchen is no more. At the end of October, they renamed the place and re-concepted to The Rugby Club. They're showing rugby matches, of course. Their website isn't up yet, but there's scant more info on Facebook. Status: Certified open, 3614 N. Damen Ave.

UPTOWN— The owner of a shuttered ramen shop in the San Francisco Bay Area has decided to open up shop in Chicago. Futatsuki Ramen opened in October, and the owner tells the Tribune how he prefers tonkatsu ramen over miso. Status: Certified open, 4621 N. Broadway St.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Tiba Restaurant has been open for a few weeks. It's a Halal restaurant serving Mediterranean food. Check out the menu here. Status: Certified open, 2721 W. Lawrence Ave.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Groundswell Coffee has expanded with its third location since debuting last year in Ravenswood. The coffee shop joins location in the West Loop. DNAinfo caught up with the owners. Status: Certified open, 5008 N. Lincoln Ave.

RIVERSIDE— Rich Labriola quietly changed the name of his pizza spot, Pizza Barra, in Oak Brook to La Barra. Now he's opened a second La Barra in south suburban Riverside. That pizza is criminally underrated. Status: Certified open, 2 E. Burlington St., Riverside.

OAK BROOK— After opening last week in Skokie, Nando's Peri-Peri will open another suburban restaurant. It's the tenth Nando's in the Chicago area, as the South African chain continues its expansion efforts. Status: Opening on Sunday, Oakbrook Center shopping mall, 523 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

WHEELING— South Indian food is mostly vegetarian and presented in the same way on Devon Avenue. But they're aiming to do something a different at Siri Indian Restaurant. They're serving a mix of items, including dosas and idlis (fermented rice cakes), but also a full line of non-veg items (chicken tikka, etc.). They took over the Deka space, so it's more upscale compared to many Indian restaurants. Status: Certified open, 401 E. Dundee Road, Wheeling.

November 11

LINCOLN PARK— J9 Wine Bar has opened its doors. It's neighborhood wine bar with charcuterie from the butchers across the street at the delectable Gepperth's Meat Market. Take a look at the interiors over at UrbanDaddy. Status: Certified open, 1961 N. Halsted St.

NAVY PIER— Brown Sugar Bakery, a South Side favorite, has opened a location at Navy Pier. Don't forget to try laser pie. Status: Certified open, Navy Pier.

RIVER NORTH— The cafe space over in the Studio 3 space in River North has undergone a change. Real Good Juice Co. vacated the space last month, and they've renamed it S3 Cafe serving Limitless Coffee. Status: Certified open, 648 N. Clark St.

STREETERVILLE— The Arts Club of Chicago has a new members-only bar with drinks from Hogsalt (Au Cheval, High Five Ramen, etc.). Curbed Chicago has the scoop on The Drawing Room at the Arts Club of Chicago. The galleries are open to the public, but you'll have to know a member to drink at the bar. Status: Certified open, 201 E. Ontario St.

NORTH CENTER— There's a new coffee shop using beans from Chicago Coffee Roastery. It's called Tall Tale Coffee. They've taken over the ServYoSelf frozen yogurt spot, reported DNAinfo. They're also serving doughnuts from Glazed & Infused. Status: Certified open, 2024 W. Montrose Ave.

GOLD COAST— Cafecito, the Cuban coffee shop, has opened another location. Expect the same sandwiches and coffee drinks that made location in the South Loop and Loop popular. Status: Certified open, 215 E. Chestnut St.

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UPTOWN— The first Bambu Desserts & Drinks in Illinois is open. They serve chè, a Vietnamese drink based with coconut milk or coconut water. The chain has locations across the country, with a heavy concentration in California. Status: Certified open, 5010 N. Broadway St.

NORTH CENTER— Cookies, ice cream, coffees and shakes are on the menu at Cookie Spin. The owner was inspired by his grandmother, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 4350 N. Leavitt St.

SKOKIE— Nando's Peri-Peri keeps on opening restaurants in the Chicago market. The grilled chicken is now in suburban Skokie. Status: Opening on Sunday, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie.

HOFFMAN ESTATES— The long-awaited Culver's off Rt. 59 in Northwest Suburban Hoffman Estates is open. Enjoy their butter burgers and custards. Status: Certified open, 4635 Hoffman Blvd.

PALATINE— Even more Northwest Suburban news with Chicago Culinary Kitchen opening in Palatine. It's a barbecue spot from Greg and Kristina Gaardbo. Greg's a Marine who planned opening his restaurant on Veteran's Day. Status: Opening at  6 p.m. today (Friday).

Chicago Culinary Kitchen

November 4

BACK OF THE YARDS— Whiner Beer has finally opened their taproom inside The Plant. Fans of barrel-aged beer will have plenty to drink inside. Status: Certified open inside The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St.

ALBANY PARK— Cult fave Noon-O-Kabab has pulled a La Pasadita. They opened a smaller, fast-casual spot right next to door to their original location. Fries and falafel are some of the new items, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 4705 N. Kedzie Ave.

UPTOWN— There's a new family-run vegan spot with meat-free burgers and brunch. It's called Kal'ish, and they plan on expanding to the neighboring Baker and Nosh space, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 1313 W. Wilson Ave.

DEPAUL— A new Halal restaurant serving hummus, kebobs and other Mediterranean and Egyptian food is open on Fullerton. Cairo Kebob has taken over the Kiwi space. Status: Certified open, 1524 W. Fullerton Ave.

WEST RIDGE— Wendy's has been rolling out restaurants using a new design. The latest is in West Ridge, as the new restaurant has flat screens and a fireplace, reported DNAInfo. Status: Certified open, 6324 N. Western Ave.

ENGLEWOOD— Chicago Wings Around The World has spawned another location. Besides an extensive selection of wings, they have fried fish, daily dinner specials and more. That includes apple nachos. Of course, the chain is sometimes known as Wingz Around The World. Status: Certified open, 748 W. 61st St.

CHINATOWN— Phoenix Restaurant in Chinatown has opened a new restaurant. It's called Seafood Harbor, and it's right next door. It's been quietly open for a few weeks. Status: Certified open, 2131 S. Archer St..

OAK PARK— Spilt Milk Pastry, again not to be confused with the bar with the similar named the recently opened in Logan Square, has opened a suburban location. Expect similar menus, reported Chicago. Status: Certified open, 103 S. Oak Park.

October 28

AROUND TOWN— Stan's Donuts has a new food truck serving a rotating selection of doughnuts. Follow them on Twitter to find out where the truck is parked. Status: Certified open, See Twitter for location updates

THE LOOP— Las Vegas-based sandwich makers Capriotti's has opened its first Chicago restaurant. There plan on opening two more, and have a Thankgiving-inspired sandwich that's popular. Status: Certified open, 180 N. Wabash Ave.

AVONDALE— Cafe Tola has opened its second location, inside the fabled former Hot Doug's space on California and Roscoe. Outside the building, passers-by can see a bright-colored mural full of nostalgic cartoon characters (Voltron, etc.) from the 1980s. Inside find empanadas and other tasty Mexican and South America treats. Status: Certified open, 3324 N. California Ave.

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ALBANY PARK— A new French chocolate shop is in town. They're called Maison de Castelnau. Find baked goods, hot chocolates, teas and more inside. Status: Certified open, 3352 N. Bryn Mawr Ave.

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SCHAUMBURG— It's a family affair in Northwest Suburban Schaumburg, as Kouzina Kitchen & Bar has opened. Heidi Revelis has opened up the restaurant at the site of Greek Village Tavern, which was owned by her father. Daughter has modernized the dining room and menu, giving it a refresh. Don't worry, classic dishes remain. Status: Certified open, 795 E. Golf Road

OAK PARK— A Cajun bagged seafood restaurant is opening in the suburbs. We're running out of adjectives, but here comes The Messy Crab. Instead of Asian, this restaurant seems to be going with Latin flavors. Status: Certified open, 722 Lake St.

LITTLE VILLAGE— A new Mexican spot with gorgeous-looking nachos, burritos and quesadillas is open. Gordillas is now open bringing with it a family-friendly atmosphere. Status: Certified open, 3759 W. 26th St.

LINCOLN PARK— Though it's been open for college football fans for months, Tobacco Road Taproom, is making a new push to lure sports fans inside the O'Malley's West space. They're pushing sports from the Atlantic Coast Conference. And it seems like blind ACC refs, they favor the teams from North Carolina (hence the name, "Tobacco Road"). Lots of TVs and bar food. Status: Certified open, 2249 N. Lincoln Ave.

October 21

AROUND TOWN— Carnivale has finally unveiled their new food truck, serving up ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches and burgers. Here's the full menu. The truck even has a cotton candy machine. Status: Certified open, follow Twitter for location updates.

MIDWAY— There's a new restaurant inside the Midway Hotel Center. Copper Fox, a gastropub with locations in Chicago and elsewhere, has opened. They've converted the former Dempsey's inside the hotel. Status: Certified open, 6520 S. Cicero Ave.

FLOSSMOOR— Lou Malnati's has opened another location, this time inside the Flossmoor Commons. Folks know the drill. It's not casserole. Status: Certified open, 3315 Vollmer Road.

SOUTH LOOP— Rylon's Smokehouse, the brainchild of Derek Rylon (Batter & Berries) is focusing on the meat, rather than the smoke. He's take on barbecue, coupled with a whiskey bar, should make for a good time. Status: Certified open, 67 E. Cermak Road.

THE LOOP— Roti Modern Mediterranean is bringing their assembly-line concept to another downtown location. Lamb meatballs and cauliflower tabbouleh round out new menu additions. Status: Certified open, 80 E. Lake St.

AVONDALE— That late-night veggie- and vegan-friendly cafe from the former owner of Atomix Cafe is now here. Moonlight Vulture isn't 100-percent veggie, they'll serve a little seafood, but they're here to satisfy folks of different dietary preferences and don't care about scenesters. Status: Certified open, 2889 N. Milwaukee Ave.

October 14

RIVER NORTH— Griddle 24, the new diner from the owners of White Palace Grill and Hollywood Grill, is open. They're serving American comfort foods and also spike milkshakes. Status: Certified open, 334 W. Chicago Ave.

LAKEVIEW— Entente, the new restaurant from the owner of Arami and chef Brian Fisher (Schwa) is ready in Lakeview in the former Ani space. They've got a few different menus to support casual and fine-dining tastes. Status: Certified open, 3056 N. Lincoln Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— Another post of Sip & Savor, the popular coffee shop with locations in Bronzeville and Hyde Park, is about to open. They've been around since 2005. Status: Opening on Saturday, 2239 S. Michigan Ave.

UPTOWN— They've swapped pad Thai for ramen in Uptown, as Futatski Ramen has replaced Thai Uptown. DNAinfo has the details has earlier this month Japanese food replaced Thai food. Status: Certified open, 4621 N. Broadway St.

NORTHBROOK— Granite City Brewing has opened its sixth location in Illinois. They have 34 restaurants in 14 states, originating out of St. Cloud, Minn. They feature six regular beers brewed on site and a variety of seasonals. Status: Certified open, 992 Willow Road, Northbrook.

October 7

LINCOLN PARK— There's a new spot for drinking, eating, and.....reading. Kibbitznest Books, Brews and Blarney is now open, serving hot dogs, cheeses, alcohol, sweets, coffee, tea and snacks in a no-wi-fi bookstore environment. Check out the full menu here. Status: Certified open, 2212 N. Clybourn Ave.

WEST ROGERS PARK— South Loop stalwart Nepal House opened its second location, giving Devon Avenue another standout South Asian option. Nepalese momo dumplings and North and South Indian fare is on the menu. Status: Certified open, 2601 W. Devon Ave.

EVANSTON— Eaters near Northwestern have a new Thai option in NaKorn Kitchen. It's currently serving an abbreviated menu that includes roasted duck breast slow-cooked in clear broth with shiitake mushrooms, coconut, confit daikon and cilantro; a whole branzino; and tapioca pearl crackers. Expect a larger menu when it hopefully grand opens in November, the Tribune reports. Status: Certified open, 1622 Orrington Ave., Evanston.

BRIDGEPORT— Southsiders also have a new Indian option in Oberoi's Indian Food and Grocery, DNAinfo reports. It's the brand's second location, serving North Indian standards including samosas and biryani. But unlike the original it also houses a grocery section, hence the name. Status: Certified open, 255 W. 31st St.

GENEVA— The folks behind popular suburban spot The Finery & Blacksmith Bar opened a new "globally-influenced gastropub" named The Grandstander. It has a large beer menu, cocktails, upscale bar food, and plenty of TVs. Status: Certified open, 507 S. Third St., Geneva.

September 30

EVANSTON— Alpana Singh is now the owner of three restaurants, as her Italian/Mediterranean and wine-focused restaurant is serving the suburbs. Terra & Vine features food prepared on a wood-fire grill Status: Certified open, 1701 Maple Ave.

THE LOOP— Boar's Head Cafe soft opened last week, giving The Loop a place for stacked deli sandwiches. They're hoping to do great business with office catering. Status: Certified open, 210 W. Lake St.

THE LOOP— 2Twenty2 has begun pouring beer and bourbon while hosting live music. Their website still isn't up and there's no information on their food menus. News surfaced about the project back in August. Status: Certified open, 222 S. Wabash Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— Akrihah's Praline Candy, Beignets and Coffee, a New Orleans-style coffee shop is open, according to Sloopin. There's not much other info available, as they're not listed anywhere on the Internet. Status: Certified open, 1845 S. State St.

UPTOWN— A new Mexican restaurant focusing on the Oaxacan region has come to Uptown. Kie-Gol-Lanee is BYOB, but the owners want to add mezcal, according to DNAinfo. Status: Opening today (Friday), 5004 N. Sheridan Road.

LAKEVIEW— Clarke's diner has returned to Lakeview, as they've re-taken the space they ceded to the Belmont Cafe. They don't have a liquor license yet, but they're working on it. Status: Certified open, 930 W. Belmont Ave.

ROLLING MEADOWS— The Northwest Suburbs is the next expansion port for Dallas-based Pie Five Pizza. It's the same concept that the chain has popularized with a choice of 28 toppings. They're about 10 minutes from Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Status: Certified open, 1219 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows

September 23

WRIGLEYVILLE— A new French restaurant is trying to class up Wrigleyville before the huge developments open. Maison Parisienne features counter service with a sit-down brunch on the weekend, according to Chicago. Baked goods, sandwiches and more are available. Status: Certified open, 3307 N. Clark St.

LINCOLN PARK— Sandwiched has taken over the Franks 'N' Dawg spot along Clybourn. The husband-and-wife ownership team are specializing in farm-to-table sandwiches. DNAinfo has more info. Status: Certified open, 1863 N. Clybourn Ave.

WEST LOOP— Groundswell Coffee has opened its second location. The coffee bar will feature two Japanese Kyoto-style slow-drip brewers. It's inside "The Madison" apartment building. Status: Certified open, 1169 W. Madison St.

HYDE PARK— Another branch of Insomnia Cookies has opened. Expect the same fresh-baked goods that they serve at other locations, but this time near the University of Chicago campus. Status: Certified open, 1105 E. 55th St.

ROLLING MEADOWS— Cantonese dim sum specialists MingHin Cuisine has opened a location in Rolling Meadows, joining a glut of great Chinese spots in the Northwest Suburbs inside a former Old Country Buffet, The Daily Herald reported. They already have locations in Chinatown and Lakeshore East. Status: Certified open, 1440 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows.

EVANSTON— The bagged seafood craze has made it to Evanston. Asian Cajun, which has a location in Lincoln Park, has added a suburban location. Find the same spicy crab and other foods at the new spot. Status: Certified open, 1322 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

OAK LAWN— Culver's may not be open in Chicago, but they've got the suburbs covered. They butter-burger specialists opened a new spot in the Southwest Suburbs. Status: Certified open, 10745 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn.

September 16

THE LOOP— Halal Guys has opened their second Chicago store (third if you count suburban Skokie). The New York-based restaurant chain that grew from a food cart can now easily serve gyros and white sauce to downtowners. Status: Certified open, 172 N. Wabash Ave.

THE LOOP— Not to be outdone, the franchise team behind Chicago's two Halal Guys locations have opened a cafe neighboring The Loop location. It's called Bean & Leaf. The cafe features drinks including mint leaf iced coffee. Status: Certified open, 172 N. Wabash Ave.

EDGEWATER— Flaco's Tacos has expanded to the North Side. DNAinfo reported that they'll serve margaritas and they have a sidewalk cafe. Status: Certified open, 1116 W. Granville Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— There's a new coffee shop in Logan Square. It's called Jimmy Beans Coffee, and they serve pastries from Baker Miller. They have WiFi and an assortment of coffee drinks. Status: Certified open, 2553 W. Fullerton Ave.

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RAVENSWOOD— Chef Dudley Nieto now has three Roja Gusanos. This new one in North Ravenswood has room for 80, plus a 30-seat sidewalk patio. They're offering free tacos today. Status: Certified open, 4217 N. Ravenswood Ave.

BOYSTOWN— Kaysang, which serves all-you-can-eat sushi, is open in Boystown. Children under 3 eat for free. Status: Certified open, 3333 N. Broadway St.

LINCOLNWOOD— Another Giordano's pizza has opened. This time they've opened in Lincolnwood, the home of rival Lou Malanti's. The gall! It's a carry out/delivery location, but there's a few stools for a quick bite or slice. Status: Certified open, 6485 N. Lincoln Ave.

September 9

WEST LOOP— Soho House Chicago has expanded The Allis, which will now spill into the Pizza East space. Soho shuttered earlier this year. It’s inside the upstairs mezzanine and they’ve also revamped the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. There’s a new open kitchen from where they’ll prepare an all-day menu including a variety of toasts (avocado & poached egg). They’ll also offer afternoon tea service and brunch. Status: Opening Monday, Soho House Chicago, 113 N. Green St.

SoHo House

CHINATOWN— Chiu Quon Bakery, which opened its first location in 1986, has now opened its third location. It’s right in time for the Autumn Moon Festival. Find the usual assortment of dim sum and other Chinese baked goods. Status: Certified open, 2253 W. Wentworth Ave.

THE LOOP— The Bagelers, the purveyors of boiled "Chicago-style" bagels, have a new location at the CTA’s Jackson Red Line stop. They’re affectionately calling the new location Bagelers Underground. Status: Certified open, Jackson CTA Red Line Stop.

HYDE PARK— University of Chicago students have a new space of caffeine, as Dollop Coffee has opened its biggest cafe. It’s 3,600-square-foot space with space for 100 inside and another 50 on the patio, DNAinfo reported. Status: Certified open, 5500 S. University Ave.

For a listing of 2016’s previous openings, go here.