March 16
LINCOLN PARK— Interurban Boathouse, a new location of the bakery that announced its move last summer, is back in action. It has a full dining room, a grab and go station and more. Status: Certified open, 1438 W. Cortland Avenue.
First day at our new location, 1438 W. Cortland, come on by and check it out. We have a grab and go cafe, full service dining room, a bar and a parking lot!
Posted by Interurban Boathouse on Monday, March 12, 2018
THE LOOP— Aloha Poke Co. has opened another Loop location. Find raw fish bowls in a spot other than Revival Food Hall. Status: Certified open, 303 W. Madison Avenue.
THE LOOP— Taco Madre, a new taqueria that former Lobo Rey chef Daniel Espinosa is involved in, is serving up Mexican food downtown. The chain is planning more locations. Status: Certified open, 823 S. State Street.
MOUNT GREENWOOD— The revamp of T.R.’s Pub is open. It’s called Firewater Saloon, the second location of the Edison Park bar on the Northwest Side. The Beverly Review has more details. Status: Certified open, 3908 W. 111th Street.
WICKER PARK— Bourbon on Division has unveiled its second floor lounge that hosts live music and DJs. It’s called The Bourbon Upstairs. Status: Certified open, 2050 W. Division Street.
SCHAUMBURG— PDQ, the fast-casual chicken chain from Tampa, is prepping to open its second Illinois location. It serves sandwiches, bowls, and more. The first Illinois location opened in Wheaton last year. Status: Opening on Sunday, 1320 Meacham Road, Schaumburg.
March 9
CHINATOWN— A new Sichuan restaurant has opened in Chinatown. Szechuan JMC has taken over the Claypot Noodle Shop. Check out the menu at the link. Status: Certified open, 243 W. Cermak Road.
EDGEWATER— Longacre Pizza Squared, which has been closed since February with owner concentrating on a new project remains shuttered, but a new dining room is open. The Longacre Dining Room is serving up breakfast, lunch, and brunch in the old Baker & Nosh space. Status: Certified open, 1303 W. Wilson Avenue.
GOLD COAST— Sunny Side Up Cafe has opened inside the former Vora in the Gold Coast. It joins a Streeterville location and serves breakfast and lunch. Status: Certified open, 1028 N. Clark Street.
GREEKTOWN— An affordable Chinese restaurant has opened in the former Happy Crab spot. WJ Noodles’ website isn’t active yet — even though it’s written on its awning. It also serves boba tea. Status: Certified open, 810 W. Jackson Boulevard.
JEFFERSON PARK— Los Encinos Restaurant is a new Mexican restaurant that serves breakfast items (pancakes), burritos, and tacos. Read the menu via Yelp. Status: Certified open, 4801 N. Austin Avenue.
LINCOLN PARK— A BYO Mediterranean spot is open in Lincoln Park. Cedar House is family owned and has all the familiar menu items. Check out its Yelp page. It’s the former Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs space. Status: Certified open, 655 W. Armitage Avenue.
LINCOLN PARK— 7 Plates Cafe is a casual European-style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant’s name represents the number of countries the owners gain inspiration from including Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Turkey. Status: Certified open, 2221 N. Lincoln Avenue.
THE LOOP— Poke Poke continues its Chicago expansion. Expect another opening soon inside the short-lived FireFin Poke Shop at the corner of Belmont and Halsted in Lakeview. Status: Certified open, 105 W. Madison Avenue.
RAVENSWOOD— A new neighborhood bar with food and drink is open in Ravenswood. It’s called the Wolcott Tap. Status: Certified open, 1834 W. Montrose Avenue.
WEST LOOP— Chicago’s French Market has a new spot for Italian sandwiches and salads. It’s called Firenze Italian Street Food. Status: Certified open, Chicago’s French Market, 131 N. Clinton Street.
WEST LOOP— The French Market has a second new spot called Tiger Cerviche. It’s a Peruvian food stand. Status: Certified open, Chicago’s French Market, 131 N. Clinton Street.
March 2
ANDERSONVILLE— A new Greek spot has taken over the former Sunshine Cafe. It’s called It’s Greek to You. Familiar favorties like gyros and more are available. Status: Certified open, 5449 N. Clark Street.
EDGEWATER— The former Apart Pizza Company has a new tenant. Edgewater Tacos. It serves tacos, burritos, and more. Status: Certified open, 5624 N. Broadway Street.
IRVING PARK— Tomatilla Taco-Ville is a new spot serving Mexican breakfast, tacos, tortas, and more. Status: Certified open, 2943 W. Irving Park Road.
LAKEVIEW— The second location of Kai Sushi has opened on the North Side. This restaurant is the sequel to the South Loop locations. Southport Corridor News’s Facebook page spotted the opening. Status: Certified open, 3819 N. Southport Avenue.
LAKEVIEW— Fusion 58 is an Indian/Mediterranean restaurant that’s opened in the Special Kudo space. Status: Certified open, 3933 N. Broadway Street.
THE LOOP— The Thompson Center’s food court has a new Korean option. City Rock is from two brothers with fine dining experience. It’s a fast-casual lunch option downtown. Status: Certified open, Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street.
NORTH CENTER— Spicy Mexican Grill is the creative name for the new restaurant in North Center. Find quesadillas, tacos, and more. Status: Certified open, 3925 N. Lincoln Avenue.
RIVER NORTH— The third location of Rocks has arrive in River North. This one won’t serve food, but will focus on a neighborhood vibe, a complement to locations in Lakeview and River North. Status: Certified open, 751 N. Clark Street.
ROGERS PARK— South African street food’s the name of the game at Bunny Chow. Find beef bilton and more. No word if they will serve springbok. Status: Certified open, 6979 N. Sheridan Road.
SOUTH LOOP— Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza has opened its 13th restaurant in the Chicago area. This location of the quick-fire pizza chain is 2,900 square feet and has seating for 76. Status: Certified open, 511 S. State Street.
WEST LOOP— Hero Coffee Bar has opened another location. It’s another option along Madison Avenue. Status: Certified open, 1100 Madison Street.
WEST RIDGE— Steak Out is a new Halal restaurant with burgers, wraps, and platters. Status: Certified open, 6237 N. Western Avenue.
February 23
ARCHER HEIGHTS— Red Barrel, a restaurant that was once popular in the 1970s on the Southwest Side, reopened decades after its shutter. The newest incarnation features a blend of Mexican dishes and American classics. There’s flatbreads, burgers, and more. Southwest Chicago Post had the details first. Status: Certified open, 5216 S. Archer Avenue.
GOLD COAST— Gold Coast has two new coffee shops. Big Shoulders Coffee, in the midst of an expansion plan, has opened a shop in a stretch of new retail space. It’s the local chain’s fourth location. Status: Certified open, 875 N. State Street.
GOLD COAST— La Colombe has opened a coffee shop near the corner of Rush and Elm. It’s the Philadelphia-based company’s fifth location, joining Lincoln Park, Andersonville, West Loop, and Logan Square. Status: Certified open, 4 E. Elm Street.
LAKEVIEW/RAVENSWOOD— Urban Vegan, the Thai spot that’s meat and dairy free, has moved next door into larger digs in the former Mixteco Grill space. For those who don’t like fish oil in their Thai food, it’s a great spot. Status: Certified open, 1601 W. Montrose Avenue.
NOBLE SQUARE— The owners of Mfk open their highly anticipated Spanish/French restaurant, Bar Biscay, tonight. Named after the Bay of Biscay, the restaurant hopes to bring some energy and a bar scene — they’ll have vermouth on tap — to West Town. They’ve remodeled the Unite Urban Grill space. Status: Certified open, 1450 W. Chicago Avenue.
NORTH PARK— Wok N Chop brings a combo of Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian food to North Park. Check out the menu. Status: Certified open, 3456 N. Foster Avenue.
SOUTH LOOP— Taco Bell Cantina is serving boozy slushies and gorditas in the South Loop. It follows the blueprint of the Taco Bell Cantina in Wicker Park, the nation’s first Taco Bell to sell alcohol. Status: Certified open, 407 S. Dearborn Street.
OAK LAWN— The Southwest Suburbs are prepping for spring with the arrival of La Michoacana, a Mexican-style ice cream parlor. Their motto is “if it’s not premium, it’s not Michoacana.” Status: Certified open, 5114 95th Street.
ORLAND PARK— Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has opened its seventh location in Illinois. The Orland Park location is the Wichita, Kansas chain’s closest to Chicago. Status: Certified open, 7402 W. 159th Street.
February 16
LAKEVIEW— The Gyros on the Spit space was taken over by a Mexican restaurant. El Tequilas Bar and Grill serves mezcal cocktails, tacos, fajitas, and more. Status: Certified open, 2826 N. Lincoln Avenue.
LAWNDALE— It’s been open for some time, but Sora Temakeria is serving up sushi, ramen, and more Japanese food on the South Side. Status: Certified open, 3508 W. 26th Street.
LINCOLN PARK— MOD Pizza has opened inside the strip mall that houses Pottery Barn and Best Buy at the corner of Sheffield and North Avenue. Status: Certified open, 1000 W. North Avenue.
EVANSTON— A second iteration of Patisserie Coralie has opened in the suburbs, according to The Daily Northwestern. The first cafe is right down the street. It’s a bigger location, but the overall concept of the French bakery remains. Status: Certified open, 633 Davis Street.
NAPERVILLE— Olive Mediterranean Grill has a new suburban outpost, according to the Naperville Sun. The assembly line chain serves salads, wraps, and more. Status: Certified open, 1659 N. Route 59, Naperville.
NAPERVILLE— The Sun also reported that Black Rock Bar & Grill has debuted. The Michigan-based steakhouse has 10 locations. Status: Certified open, 2740 W. 75th Street, Naperville.
GLENVIEW— The second Chicago-area location of Bonchon has opened, following last year’s debut in Chinatown. The Korean restaurant specializes in fried chicken wings and drew long lines for opening week in Chicago. A third location of the chain is planned for Wicker Park. Status: Certified open, 1615 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview.
February 9
THE LOOP— The Roost Carolina Kitchen has brought its brand of spicy fried chicken and biscuits to the Loop. This is its third location, following restaurants in Lakeview and River West. Office and corporate events stand to benefit as the Roost also caters. Status: Certified open, 400 S. Financial Place, Unit C.
THE LOOP— A food truck has opened a brick and mortar along the same strip where The Roost opened. Chicago Lunchbox had been roving the streets for four years. The owners are Vietnamese-Americans, and uses a variety of Asian flavors. Find egg rolls, banh mi, tacos, rice bowls, and more. Status: Certified open, 400 S. Financial Place.
UKRAINIAN VILLAGE— Mexican seafood lovers have yet another spot along Ashland Avenue to visit. The owners of Mariscos La Costa have open their second location inside the former Kate’s Thai Kitchen. La Costa open its first restaurant in 2014 in Cragin. Status: Certified open, 1132 N Ashland Avenue.
EVANSTON— A new cafe brings together French and Armenian food in the suburbs. French Kiss Cafe is hopefully the first of multiple locations the owners tell The Daily Northwestern. Status: Certified open, 517 Dempster Street, Evanston.
PALATINE— Fried, smothered, and broasted chicken are among the menu items at Mother Cluckers Kitchen in the Northwest Suburbs, reported The Daily Herald. The first location opened in 2014 on the North Side in Sauganash. Status: Certified open, 220 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine.
February 1
FULTON MARKET— Capriotti’s has opened a second Chicago location. The sandwich chain has been around for more than 40 years. The Vegas chain has big plans for Chicago. Status: Certified open, 171 N. Aberdeen Street.
LAKEVIEW—The Original Yak-Zie’s may be closed, but the owners of Beer on Clark have taken over the bar. Derno’s on Diversey is open in the same space in a really quick turnaround. Status: Certified open, 506 W. Diversey Parkway.
NORTH CENTER— Braciole Station offers a taste of Sicily for customers. Status: Certified open, 2205 W. Montrose.
Everyone is talking about our amazing fork tender braciole, but we have even more BIG NEWS! We’ve added Pepper & Eggs to...
Posted by Braciole Station on Wednesday, January 31, 2018
RAVENSWOOD MANOR— The second iteration of Steingold’s of Chicago, the popular Jewish deli that opened last year in North Center, is now open. The opening was delayed as ownership wanted to focus on the original. Steingold’s Station, at the Francisco Brown Line CTA stop, is grab and go, with only four seats. It has bagels, lox, breakfast sandwiches with house-made sausage, salads, and rotating soups. Status: Certified open, 4642 N. Francisco Avenue.
STREETERVILLE— Café L’Appetito has opened the second floor of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Feinberg Pavilion. The Italian restaurant had a location at the John Hancock Center, but was forced out. It serves pastries, sandwiches, coffees, and more. The chain now has four locations. Status: Certified open, 251 E. Huron Street.
TRI-TAYLOR— A former inmate has opened a restaurant and catering business inside an abandoned space on the West Side. A news release shares the story of Nichelle Benford, who served time in prison, and has found redemption in the restaurant world. Before prison, she had started the Model Chef food truck serving healthy comfort food. Her new restaurant’s called Dream Chef Kitchen and Restaurant. Status: Certified open, 611 S. California Avenue.
BLUE ISLAND— Chef Derek Rylon, known for his former restaurant Batter & Berries in Lincoln Park, has opened a suburban restaurant. Love on the Blu serves much of the menu from his old restaurant. Status: Certified open, 12454 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island.
NAPERVILLE— Pita Inn, Chicagoland’s long-time favorite for Middle Eastern food, has opened a DuPage County location. Status: Certified open, 1835 Arbiter Circle, Naperville.
Grand Opening for Pita Inn Naperville.
Posted by Pita Inn on Thursday, February 1, 2018
January 26
CHINATOWN— Meet Fresh is a new dessert shop in Chinatown. It’s a chain with Chinese teas, taro balls, tofu pudding, and more. Status: Certified open, 2026 S. Clark Street.
GREEKTOWN— The owners of Square Roots Kitchen ran a catering/delivery business before opening his fast-casual restaurant. They’ve taken over the Topper’s Pizza space and are serving healthy meals in a modern setting. Status: Certified open, 120 S. Halsted Street.
LINCOLN PARK— Roti Modern Mediterranean has a new standalone restaurant in a space that was recently built out at a strip mall’s parking lot at North and Sheffield. It’s the fast-casual chain’s 33rd location. It serves beer and wine, plus a new wrinkle: flatbread pizzas. Status: Certified open, 1000 W. North Avenue.
LOGAN SQUARE— Detroit-style Sicilian-square pizza continues to invade Chicago. Jet’s Pizza is serving its version of the pan pizza in Logan Square. Status: Certified open, 3510 W. Armitage Avenue.
PORTAGE PARK— Chicago’s second Culver’s is almost here. The Wisconsin fast-food chain serves burgers and frozen custard. The first city Culver’s opened earlier this week in Bronzeville. Status: Opening on Monday, 4939 W. Irving Park Road.
WEST LOOP— Lito’s Empanadas has taken over the Aviato Eats spot at Chicago’s French Market. Lito’s has been a Lincoln Park fixture for years. Aviato Eats was from a group of owners including some involved with Aloha Poke Co. Status: Certified open, 131 N. Clinton Street.
WICKER PARK— Shata Mediterranean is the new name for the fast-casual restaurant that once had signage for “Pita Cafe” at the strip mall at Division and Damen. They’ve got shawarma, gyros, bowls, and more. Try the spicy Shata sauce. Status: Certified open, 2015 W. Division Street.
WICKER PARK— The return of Wicker Basket Cafe is here. The deli closed in January 2017 after six years of operation. They’ve moved into a new location with salads and sandwiches. Status: Certified open, 2113 W. Division Street.
BOLINGBROOK— Snow Factory is serving liquid nitrogen ice cream in the suburbs. Status: Certified open, 751 E. Broughton Road, Bolingbrook.
ELMWOOD PARK— A family-friendly spot with burgers, flatbreads, and more is open in the suburbs. The Tribune first reported that 18 West Food & Drink is open. It has TVs for sports and live music. Certified open, 18 W. Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park.
NAPERVILLE— Sparrow Coffee has debuted its first stand-alone coffee shop in the burbs. The industry darling is served in some of Chicago’s best restaurants. The Naperville Sun has more details. Status: Certified open, 120 Water Street, Naperville.
SCHILLER PARK— A new sports bar has opened in the Northwest Suburbs. Chasers Sports Bar & Grill has the essentials: beer, jumbo wings, and more. Status: Certified open, 4225 Old River Road, Schiller Park.
January 19
HERMOSA— Venezuelan food has arrived in Hermosa with Rica Arepa. Traditional arepas, vegan options, and more are served. Status: Certified open, 4253 W. Armitage Avenue.
HYDE PARK— The University of Chicago continues to revamp the area near its campus. Te’Amo is a new bubble tea bar that also serves fruit freezes and iced teas, according to The Chicago Maroon. Status: Certified open, 5500 S. University Avenue.
LAKEVIEW— All-you-can-eat sushi is gone in favor of Korean food at Moccozy. Familiar favorites are served including fried rice, mandoo, and bulgolgi. Their only online presence is a Yelp page. Status: Certified open, 3333 N. Broadway Avenue.
PRINTER’S ROW— A new casual Indian/Pakistani restaurant is serving up a traditional Punjabi menu. It’s called 5 Star Indian Cuisine. Check out its Facebook page for more details. Status: Certified open, 420 S. Clark Street.
SOUTH LOOP— Bar22 on Motor Row opened earlier this month. They’re promising a relaxed vibe and TVs to watch sports. Take a look at the photos here. Status: Certified open, 2244 S. Michigan Avenue.
GRAND OPENING!! Please join us as we officially open our doors one week from today on January 20, 2018 from 2:00 pm -...
Posted by Bar22 On Motor Row on Saturday, January 13, 2018
UKRAINIAN VILLAGE— It’s been a few months, but there’s a unique assembly-line style restaurant open off Western. It’s called Rice Bowl Latin Cuisine. They’ve got bowls, soups, empanadas, and more. Status: Certified open, 1021 N. Western Avenue.
January 12
AVONDALE— There’s a new Mexican restaurant inside the original L’Patron space. Chikis ‘N Grill has coffee and tamales in the mornings followed by tacos, burritos, and tortas in the afternoons and evenings. Status: Certified open, 2815 W. Diversey Avenue.
CHINATOWN— There’s a new Chinese restaurant that recently opened called Wentworth Seafood House. There’s not much info to scrape off the Internet. Status: Certified open, 2229 S. Wentworth Avenue.
Posted by Chicago Chinatown on Thursday, January 11, 2018
FULTON MARKET— The second location of Pokeworks, the New York-based chain, has arrived in Chicago. Poke bowls and more are available. Status: Certified open, 1017 W. Lake Street.
THE LOOP— Saigon Sisters and Bang Chop, which share the same owners, have opened new locations at 300 N. LaSalle Street. Find Thai and Vietnamese dishes from Mary Nguyen Aregoni. She’s been running restaurants in Chicago for nearly a decade. Status: Certified open, 300 N. LaSalle Street.
Day 2 of our Grand Opening at #300nlasalle #vietnamesefood #thaifood so proud of our team! @bangchopthaikitchen @saigonsisters @ 300 North LaSalle
Posted by Saigon Sisters on Tuesday, January 9, 2018
THE LOOP— A new Vietnamese spot has popped up downtown called Lotus Bahn Mi. Check out the fast-casual menu here. Certified open, 166 W. Washington Street.
OLD TOWN— There’s a new casual restaurant in Old Town. Ahwaz Taste of Persia is taking over a space that’s been a revolving door in the neighborhood for years. Status: Certified open, 1143 N. Wells Street.
WEST LOOP— The second location of Chicago Waffles has opened. The original is in the South Loop. All kinds of waffles, biscuits, and other breakfast items are on the menu. It’s in the former Vicenzo’s spot. Status: Certified open, 1104 W. Madison Street.
EVANSTON— Pick among eight different combos at Pono Ono Poke. The fish is marinated, such as poke life on the islands. There’s also cold-presssed juice. Status: Certified open, 1630 Chicago Avenue.
PALOS PARK— The second location of Sal’s Philly has arrived. The first opened in Homer Glen over the summer, according to The Daily Southtown. Status: Certified open, 13000 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park
January 5
LAKEVIEW— Lago Wine Bar serves small plates, pastas, and more. Check out the menu over here. It aims to be a cozy neighborhood spot near the Southport Corridor. Status: Certified open, 3207 N. Sheffield Avenue.
THE LOOP— BopNGrill has taken over the Graze Kitchenette stall at Revival Food Hall. They’re serving Korean-inspired burgers and more. Meanwhile, Graze is now sharing a location with Harvest Juicery. Status: Certified open, Revival Food Hall, 125 S. Clark Street.
THE LOOP— High Tide Poke is making salads a permanent part of their offerings, as their pop-up, Salad Daze, is now a fixture. Customers can build their own salad or pick from 12 combos. Status: Certified open, 203 N. LaSalle Street.
BUCKTOWN— Red & White Wine Shop has finally opened its doors to its bar. They’re only open Thursday through Saturday for January, according to a newsletter that went out this week. They’ll also serve food. Status: Certified open, 1861 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
COUNTRY CLUB HILLS— Avalon Park’s Nita’s Gumbo now has a sit-down restaurant in the near suburbs. They’re also promising live music and other entertainment. Status: Certified open, 4153 W. 183rd Street.
EVANSTON— They planned to open in the fall, but there was a delay. But now Beer on Central is open. They’re a craft beer bar and bottle shop in the suburbs. Status: Certified open, 1930 Central Street.
GLENVIEW— Joong Boo Market, a pan-Asian grocery store with a Korean focus, has opened its second location, this time in the suburbs. The Chicago location opened in 1992 in Avondale. Besides groceries, customers can find chicken wings, dumplings, kimchee, sushi, and more in the market’s snack corner. Status: Certified open, 600 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview.
December 22
ANDERSONVILLE— There’s new place to pick up snacks and bottles of wine. Zak’s Clark Haus has opened. Status: Certified open, 5059 N. Clark Street.
BELMONT GARDENS— Crawford Food & Spirits, a neighborhood spot near Avondale and The Villa, is now open. Expect pub food like chicken fingers and burgers. Check out the menu below. Status: Certified open, 3942 W. School Street.
Crawford's Food & Spirits is open. This is a soft opening. Their full open will be Thursday 12/21/17.
Posted by Avondale Neighborhood Association on Friday, December 15, 2017
BRIDGEPORT— Connie’s Pizza, a South Side favorite, has expanded its Archer Avenue location by adding a brewpub element. There’s room for 45 customers to watch seven big-screen TVs. Status: Certified open, 2373 S. Archer Avenue.
OLD IRVING PARK— Chicago Taco Authority is selling steak, shrimp, and chicken tacos inside the former Berrista space. The Sun-Times caught up with the owners of the “other CTA.” Status: Certified open, 4219 W. Irving Park Road.
SOUTH LOOP— Half Sour is bucking the trend that Jewish delis aren’t sustainable in Chicago. They serve sandwiches, bagels, cured fish, and even avocado toast. Status: Certified open, 755 S. Clark Street.
HIGHWOOD— Slyce Coal Fired Pizza, which opened seven years ago in Wauconda, has debuted a second location in Highwood, according to a news release. It’s a 200-seat restaurant with lemon basil chicken wings, sandwiches, and pizza. Varieties include dried fig with Gorgonzola balsamic glaze and prosciutto and another with burrata and pistachios. Status: Certified open, 254 Green Bay Road in Highwood.
LAGRANGE— Family-owned Fasano Pies has opened a brick-and-mortar location in the suburbs. The company dates back to 1946. It’s mostly take out, but there’s plans for a few drinks and seating, according to Patch. Status: Certified open, 74 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange.
LOMBARD— The ever-expanding Los Comales Mexican chain has added another location. The chain’s tacos, burritos, and more now come to DuPage County. They’ve been around for 44 years. Status: Certified open, 719 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard.
Now Open in Lombard!
Posted by Los Comales Little Village on Thursday, December 21, 2017
OAK BROOK— The sixth Roka Akor opens on Friday in the suburbs. There’s already a location in Streeterville serving sushi and Japanese steak. It’s a 5,400-square-foot space with three private rooms, according to a news release. Status: Certified open, 166 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.
For a list of the 2017 fall openings, click here.