Updates On Upcoming Chicago-Area Restaurants & Bars, Spring 2017

June 15

FULTON MARKET— Chef Grant Achatz shared a few more details of what he and the Alinea Group are planning for the Moto space at 945 W. Fulton Market next to Roister:

"We have so many irons in the fire that they don’t go as rapidly as we hope but we have a space next door to Roister that we’re working on a concept. But it’s a long ways out. We haven’t started construction. We had a couple design meetings but we haven’t broken ground yet. So that’s quite a ways out; at least a year until opening. A year to build these things."

BUCKTOWN— The team from Maple & Ash have shared a few details on their second restaurant. Crews recently demolished The Southern, 1840 W. North Ave., and a rep says they’ll open a new (still not named) restaurant in January or February in its place. It will be a two-floor, 8,000-square-foot space with a rooftop deck.

BEVERLY/MORGAN PARK— Open Outcry Brewing Co. has its signage up. The brewpub should open soon at 10934 S. Western Ave.

Courtest of Open Outcry

HYDE PARK— Vanille is opening another bakery, this time on the South Side. DNAinfo reported that they’ll open in August at 5229 S. Harper Court.

LAKEVIEW— A Milwaukee import, Stone Creek Coffee, is opening its first Chicago location near the CTA Red Line Belmont stop. It should open in spring 2018 at 945 W. Belmont Ave., according to its website. It continues a trend of Milwaukee businesses expanding to Chicago, including Colectivo Coffee, a trend covered by Milwaukee Magazine.

LINCOLN PARK— Crain’s snagged renderings and tons of detail on the restaurant coming to Theater on the Lake. That’s the park district facility at the Fullerton Avenue exit on Lake Shore Drive. Cleetus Friedman will be the chef.

LINCOLN PARK— Unless it’s another mirage, Blue Door Farm Stand actually has an opening date. The Tribune reported that it will open on Wednesday with a new bar at 2010 N. Halsted St.

RIVER NORTH— Chicago has a breakdown of the city’s newest steakhouse, Steak 48. It’ll open in July at 615 N. Wabash Ave. It’s a two-story, 12,000-square-foot space and the dry- and wet-aged steaks will be served from a 500-degree plate.

ROGERS PARK— XO Marshmallow Cafe has an opening date. The city’s first dedicated cafe to the marshmallow should open on Tuesday, June 20 at 6977 N. Sheridan Road, according to a rep.

WEST LOOP— The folks behind Nosh & Booze are going forward with their plans to build a new restaurant on Randolph Row. Steve Tsonis of AMK Restaurant Group confirmed that will happen soon, but wasn’t ready to share details. Nosh & Booze was supposed to only last a few month at 838 W. Randolph St., the former Vivo space. The owners have a fairly significant building permit to transform the space. They haven’t set a closing date yet.

SOUTH LOOP— Roti Modern Mediterranean has a building permit for 55 E. Jackson Blvd. The chain recently rebranded.

EVANSTON— There’s a new poke shop coming to Evanston, Pono Ono Poke. A Facebook page doesn’t reveal an opening date for 1630 Chicago Ave.

June 8

AUSTIN— Brown Sugar Bakery is gearing up to open its third location. It’ll be located at 4800 W. Chicago Ave. They also plan to work with locals and train them.

BUCKTOWN— The former home of Honey 1 BBQ has life. An LTHForum member spotted signage for Whistle Pig. Speculation is that it will be a barbecue spot at 2241 N. Western Ave, but that’s not confirmed.

BUCKTOWN— A new apartment building new the CTA’s Blue Line Western stop will include a Starbucks. DNAinfo has the scoop on The Western, 1920 N. Milwaukee Ave.

CHINATOWN— Fans of Asian-style wings rejoice. Bonchon, the chain that specializes in Korean fried chicken will open two weeks from June 6, according to a Facebook post. That’s June 20 at 2169 S. China Place.

GOLD COAST— Boka’s new Gold Coast restaurant should open soon inside the Viceroy Hotel, 1118 N. State St. Curbed Chicago has an update on the hotel that will house Somerset this fall.

LAKEVIEW— Ownership isn’t sure of the exact date, but Sal’s Trattoria should open sometime next week at 2834 N. Southport Ave.

RIVER NORTH— Barrio, DineAmic and Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe’s new spot should open in July, according to a rep. The restaurant mixes Japanese and Mexican flavors at 65 W. Kinzie St.

UPTOWN— Do you believe in magic? You don’t have to to check out the renderings of Chicago Magic Lounge. The space should open in January 2018 at 5050 N. Clark St. DNAinfo has the renderings.

UPTOWN— Brick cheese is an important component to Detroit-style pan pizza. So it will be interesting to see if the owners of vegan restaurant Kal’ish can make their pizza work at Longacre Pizza Squared. Longacre, 1313 W. WIlson Ave., won’t be completely vegan, however, as it’ll also serve Halal meats, reported the Tribune. The owners, who are inspired by venerable Detroit chain Buddy’s Pizza, will open it on June 14.

WICKER PARK— Workers are already clearing out props at the former Saved by the Max to make room for The Riot Feast. The Max closed last week at 1941 W. North Ave.

HOMEWOOD— Vice District Brewing’s second facility should be open in mid-July, according to a rep. The South Loop brewer is expanding with a taproom and distribution facility at 18022 Dixie Highway.

LINCOLNSHIRE— The Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire Resort has released details of its new restaurants, part of a $25 million renovation. Three Embers—a fine-dining concept—and Wright’s Brew—a bistro-pub—replace King’s Wharf restaurant. They should both open this fall.

Courtesy of Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire Resort

OAK BROOK— Michael Jordan’s Restaurant in Oak Brook is almost ready for lift-off at an office tower near Oakbrook Center called Oak Brook 22, 1225 W. 22d St. This isn’t a restaurant from that other No. 23 in Cleveland, so patrons won’t choke on the delicious items from chef Craig Couper. Also, the restaurant will feature a large collection of MJ photos from Jordan’s photographer, Bill Smith.

OAK PARK— Altiro Latin Fusion should open this summer at 107 N. Oak Park Ave., reported Pioneer Press. The restaurant replaces Erik’s Deli.

June 1

ANDERSONVILLE— Work continues at the Dollop Diner, 5060 N. Clark St. Management has posted a video of the diner’s sign going up.

BUCKTOWN— The team from Maple & Ash has been quiet about their plans for The Southern space at 1840 W. North Ave. Whatever the plan is, it will involve new construction. Crews demolished The Southern last week and it’s now a fenced-off and vacant lot.

Daniel Gerzina

LAKEVIEW— Reps from Maison Marcel said they’re weeks from opening the French bakery at 3114 N. Broadway St. However, they’ve already put up the bakery’s signage.

LAKEVIEW— There are more details on the restaurant that’s replacing the Mirador, which closed in February 2016 at 2834 N. Southport Ave. Sal’s Trattoria will open later this month from chef Allen Sternwelier (Butcher & the Burger in Lincoln Park). The restaurant will focus on neighborhood Italian with pastas, house-made soups, and antipasti. Check out the menu below.

THE LOOP— A food truck based out of the suburbs is taking over a concessions stand at the LaSalle Street Metra Station. DNAinfo reported that Gobble Doggs will open later this month at the station, 414 S. LaSalle St. It will focus on turkey hot dogs.

OLD TOWN— Pop’s Italian Beef, a 14-store chain that started in southwest suburban Palos Heights, is coming to the city inside a building that has been home to My Fit Foods, a hair salon, and a Blockbuster Video. A rep said its targeting a mid-August opening at 157 W. North Ave. Ownership wants the opening to coincide with the Air & Water Show.

PILSEN— Brew Brew Coffee & Tea plans a second location to open soon on the near South Side. Ownership announced a new spot at 1641 W. 18th St. and is hoping to unveil it this summer. The first location is near Logan Square.

NAPERVILLE— A new sushi spot should open later this month near Naperville’s Riverwalk. Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a chain based out of Omaha, Neb. It’ll host happy hours and have more than 50 sushi items on the menu, according to a release. It’ll be on the southern end of downtown Naperville at 123 Water St.

WARRENVILLE— A Tex-Mex chain from Austin, Texas is coming to the Chicago market. Chuy’s Tex-Mex should debut in July at 28250 Dahl Road in Warrenville, according to a release. The more-than 35-year-old chain uses house-made tortillas and other fresh ingredients. The chain hopes to continue it suburban expansion in Schaumburg and Orland Park.

Courtesy Chuy’s Tex-Mex

May 25

ANDERSONVILLE— A new venue with food, drink, and magic shows is opening on the North Side. It’s called Magic Lounge and the Tribune dives into magic’s history in Chicago. It should open in December at 5050 N. Clark St.

EAST VILLAGE— A California-based Mexican chain is coming to Chicago. Sabroso should open sometime this summer in the Cotton Duck space at 941 W. Damen Ave., reported DNAinfo.

LOGAN SQUARE— The folks behind Navigator Taproom, the pour-you-own-beer bar coming to 2211 N. Mlwaukee Ave. say they’re in the midst of their build out. They expect a mid-summer opening.

LOGAN SQUARE— There’s a new sandwich shop coming to 3703 W. Fullerton Ave. It’s called The Little Pickle. DNAinfo reported it will open mid- to late-summer.

LOGAN SQUARE— Bo Fowler’s Bixi is coming along. The Pan Asian spot that will serve house-made beer has applied for their liquor license. The restaurant at 2515 N. Milwaukee would be Fowler’s third (Owen & Engine, Fat Willy’s Rib Shack).

MOGAN PARK— Construction continues at Open Outcry Brewing Co., 10934 S. Western Ave. They won’ t quite hit their Memorial Day opening target, but they’ve completed their facade. Look for an opening in June.

FULTON MARKET— The 12-story Hoxton Hotel will include a rooftop deck. DNAinfo reported the project includes a 275-seat hotel, bar, and lounge for 832-850 W. Lake St. The hotel should open next year.

JACKSON PARK— Reggie’s Rock Club is partnering to open up a restaurant/bar inside the 63rd Street Beach House. DNAinfo reported that there will be space for concerts.

WICKER PARK— Felipe Caro has revealed the name for his hot dog stand replacing the former Picante (the taco spot has moved next door). It’s called Mutz and DNAinfo has photos for 2018 W. Division St.

OLD IRVING PARK— The vacated Bow Truss coffee location at 3982 N. Avondale Ave. has a new tenant. Backlot Coffee has moved in, and they hope to open this summer, according to a news release. Backlot opened a location last year in Evanston.

May 18

WICKER PARK— While friends and family gather this week at Clever Rabbit, the new veggie-centric restaurant with former Bom Bolla chef Matt Lair at the helm, the restaurant should open to everyone next week. A Facebook post revealed its opening date is Tuesday, May 23 inside the former 25 Degrees space, 2015 W. Division St.

THE LOOP— As widely reported, Gibsons Restaurant Group has a name and chef for its new retractable roof restaurant. The modern steakhouse will be called Coletta, named after its chef/partner John Coletta. Coletta has been with the group since 2004 and helped open Quartino. The restaurant, inside the River Point Building, should open this fall.

BEVERLY— B-Sides Coffee + Tea will replace a gift shop at 9907 S. Walden Parkway, reported DNAinfo. The coffee shop will serve Metropolis Coffee and Rishi Tea.

GOLD COAST— Benihana, which plans to bring teppanyaki to the John Hancock Center this fall, has applied for its liquor license.

FULTON MARKET— Bummed that Pat Sheerin took that executive chef job you wanted at the Ace Hotel? Don’t fret, there’s other job openings available. Check out the Facebook post.

CHINATOWN— Rabid fans can almost taste the wings as Bonchon has started hiring for its first Chicago location, 2163 S. China Place. Hopefully it delivers. Check out a phtoo above.

FULTON MARKET— BLVD is coming along, giving the area a hotly-anticipated spot from another husband-and-wife team in the West Loop/Fulton Market. The Tribune scored more details on the bi-level “Hollywood glam” restaurant and lounge at 817 W. Lake St.

HUMBOLDT PARK— Lucy’s is graduating from food truck to brick and mortar. Jessica and Damian Warzecha (Pierogi Wagon, Flying Tacos & Lucy’s) plan on opening a new restaurant over the summer in the former home of one of their other trucks, Pierogi Street, at 1043 N. California Ave. They’ll pour beer from local breweries and their menu will include double-patty burgers, spicy fried chicken and hand-cut fries. Check out their Kickstarter.

WEST LAKEVIEW— Italian food is soon coming to the Mirador space thanks to Sal’s Trattoria. Ownership posted on Instagram saying it will open next month at 2834 N. Southport Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— Poke and Roll is...shuffling down to the South Loop. Expect fish bowls and more, as Sloopin got the scoop for the new restaurant at 555 S. Dearborn St.

BUCKTOWN— Xuan Tea is a 30-seat cafe coming to 1816 N. Milwaukee Ave. DNAinfo reports it’ll open in early July offering a variety of loose-leaf teas of Chinese origin.

BUCKTOWN— Former two-story late-night bar Shambles, 2050 W. Division St., should be reborn next month as Bourbon on Division. There’s allegedly more of a focus on food with a Southern menu, reported DNAinfo., although it’ll still stay open late.

ANDERSONVILLE— Octavio Cantina is the new restaurant replacing Ombra at 5310 N. Clark St. DNAinfo first noticed the signage, although there are no details yet about who’s behind it or anything else.

Daniel Gerzina

EVANSTON— Pardon the pun, but the new fast-casual Vietnamese-inspired spot, Viet Nom Nom, is coming along in the suburbs. It should open early next month at 618 ½ Church St. in Evanston, according to a spokesman. It has a Kickstarter to raise money.

OAK PARK— A massive new Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant will open on July 17 at 950 Lake St. in suburban Oak Park. A spokeswoman said it’ll have room for more than 300 people and they’ll have a 529-square-foot patio. Check out the rendering below.

Courtesy of Cooper’s Hawk

May 10

RIVER NORTH— The highly-anticipated Japanese-inspired rooftop bar at the Conrad Hotel has an opening date. Richard Sandoval’s Noyane, up on the hotel’s 21st floor, plans to open on May 22 at 101 E. Erie St. DNAinfo has some photos.

RIVER NORTH— Marriott stealthily-announced plans for a new bar off the lobby at its SpringHill Suites location at 410 N. Dearborn St. It’s going to be called Holloway's — “paying homage to Chicago’s confectionary influence, and named after Milton J. Holloway – creator of the ‘Milk Dud,’” according to its website — and a place to “enjoy craft cocktails and a small plates menu sitting in one of our many tech-enabled furniture pieces or near the cozy fireplace.” It’s also hiring.

Craigslist

WEST LOOP— Sepia’s sister restaurant, Proxi, at 565 W. Randolph St., is still on target for a June opening. They really, really need to hire a staff, so check out the listing. Heck, management asked media if they were interested in jobs during a sneak peek through the space.

WEST LOOP— America’s first pizzeria from acclaimed Italian pizza-maker Gabrielle Bonci should open soon at 161 N. Sangamon St. After all, the plumbing’s done and construction is coming along:

FULTON MARKET— Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise’s first foray into the West Loop/Fulton Market — the third Beatrix — is almost ready. The Neighbors of West Loop say LEYE just received its business license for 834 W. Fulton Market.

THE LOOP— For those who miss Elephant & Castle, take a deep breath. The kind-of British-inspired pub should reopen later this month at 111 W. Adams St. It has gone through renovations and is looking to hire workers.

THE LOOP— CTA riders are getting close to poke time as High Tide Poke should open soon in the indoor mall/pedway outside the Clark and Lake Blue Line station. It didn’t make its April target date at 203 N. LaSalle St. but its Facebook page states that its almost time.

GOLD COAST— The forthcoming Viceroy Hotel, which will house Boka Restaurant Group’s new restaurant Somerset helmed by chef Lee Wolen, is slated to open in September at the former Cedar Hotel site at 1112 N. State St., according to a Business Traveller report. Reservations are available for October but earlier dates may eventually be released.

LOGAN SQUARE— While Scofflaw Group officials don’t have anything official to share about the new space at 3200 W. Armitage Ave., they have applied for a liquor license, including a permit for an outdoor patio. They have yet to reveal a name or any details whatsoever for the project.

LOGAN SQUARE— Chicago’s second pour-your-own beer bar, Navigator Taproom, 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave., is making progress, but it’s unclear if it’ll hit the expected June opening on the ground floor of a new condo building near the California Blue Line stop. It follows Tapster in Wicker Park and Red Arrow Tap Room in suburban Elmhurst in the self-serve beer game. Check out some construction photos:

WICKER PARK— Signage is up for The Delta, 1745 W. North Ave. That’s the new Mississippi Delta-themed bar and restaurant replacing The Monarch. It’s slated for a June opening.

SOUTH LOOP— There’s a name for the new Mexican/Japanese restaurant coming to the former Zapatista space at 1307 S. Wabash Ave. According to a city liquor license application, the crew behind The Scout will call their new space Lobo Bravo.

SOUTH LOOP— Fast-casual Nepalese food could be on its way to 606 S. Wabash Ave. Himalayan Express has put up signage at the former Wingers USA, reported Sloopin’.

SOUTH LOOP— The improvements to the White Castle at 2140 S. Wabash Ave. will turn the site into a palace. Management will tear down the restaurant later this month, reported DNAinfo, in order to open a new crave spot in August or September with flatscreens, Wi-Fi, and a new dining room. The drive-thru will be open 24/7.

UPTOWN— A former 7-Eleven space at 4155 N. Broadway St. has permits for Klein’s Bakery & Cafe. It has a website. Uptown Update reported that visitors can look forward to omelettes, croissants, puff pastries, cupcakes, and brownies.

May 3

RIVER NORTH— Fat Baby Tacos has set a Monday, May 8 opening for the new Mexican fast-casual spot at 109 W. Hubbard St. It’s from the same group who own Boss Bar, the dive around the corner.

RIVER NORTH— Apogee, the rebranded and renovated rooftop bar on top of the Dana Hotel & Spa has begun using Tock for reservations. The roof opens on Friday with serious drinks from Ben Schiller.

WEST TOWN— Looks like Mariscos La Costa will soon open its second restaurant on Thursday. The Mexican-style seafood spot is taking over the space at 1132 N. Ashland Ave. that once housed Kate’s Thai Kitchen and one of the three La Pasadita locations on the block.

WEST TOWN— Beatnik, the new project from the Celeste/Fulton Market Kitchen teams, is coming along at 1604 W. Chicago Ave. They’ve applied for their liquor license.

THE LOOP— Bibibop Asian Grill has posted signs at the former ShopHouse Asian Kitchen at 24 E. Jackson Blvd., according to a tipster. Check out their website as it hopes to replace Chiptole’s pan-Asian concept before a late-summer target date.

FULTON MARKET— Kuma’s Corner continues its mission to bring metal and beef to the West Loop/Fulton Market. Ownership is now hiring for the forthcoming 852 W. Fulton Market location.

HUMBOLDT PARK— The former Pierogi Street at 1043 N. California Ave. will soon change over to Lucy’s Burger Joint. The same husband-and-wife team are running the new spot. Despite the juicy scoop, there’s no word from DNAinfo if they will sell the Juicy Lucy, the stuffed cheeseburger with Minnesota roots.

GOOSE ISLAND— Veruca Chocolates has almost reached its $25,000 fundraiser goal to move to a bigger location at the Halsted Triangle, near Goose Island. It has outgrown the current location, 2409 N. Western Ave., which opened in 2011.

BUCKTOWN— This might be controversial: the owners behind Arturo’s Tacos are taking over the Sam’s Red Hots stand at 2345 W. Armitage Ave. Arturo Torres Jr. is going to call it Jr.’s Red Hots, according to DNAinfo. This will no doubt cause confusion, as there’s a long-running and tasty southwest suburban hot dog chain called Jr.’s Hot Dogs. He wants to open it next weekend.

BURR RIDGE—A second Hampton Social, the preppy restaurant/bar in River North from the Parker Restaurant Group (Mahalo), is coming to the burbs. A news release touts a location at Burr Ridge Village Center. It should open in late summer at 701 Burr Ridge Pkwy.

LIBERTYVILLE— Lake County’s getting a new Greek restaurant, according to The Daily Herald. Greek Feast is opening at 1124 N. Milwaukee Ave. It’s replacing Slott’s Red Hots which closed in 2015 after a 30-year run.

April 25

AROUND TOWN— Within Chicago’s profile of Chris Chacko of Sparrow Coffee Roastery, the magazine mentions Chacko plans to open a coffee shop in the city, but more info is not yet available. He’s already planning to open his first shop in Naperville.

WEST TOWN— It’s been about a year since Crazy Bird Chicken closed in Lawndale, and now the owners plan to reopen at 1160 W. Grand Ave., according to DNAinfo.

WEST LAKEVIEW— There’s still not much info on Sal’s Trattoria, the restaurant taking over the Mirador space at 2834 N. Southport Ave. However, they have applied for their liquor license.

OLD TOWN— The owners of Wilde in Lakeview are now hiring for the second iteration of Lady Gregory’s. They took over a former Citibank at 1525 N. Wells St.

EAST LAKEVIEW— It doesn’t appear Angry Donut is going to be a thing for Phil Tadros at 2928 N. Broadway St. The space, formerly occupied by Bunny, the Microbakery and The Budlong, now has signage for The Crepe Shop. Here’s the Facebook page. Meanwhile, a few doors down, Bow Truss’ original store appears barren.

LAKEVIEW— The Lure Izakaya space is close to getting a new tenant with Saigon Lotus nearly ready to open at 2925 N. Halsted St. The Vietnamese spot has a Facebook page.

BUCKTOWN— Red Door, the neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar that closed in December at 2118 N. Damen Ave., has a new tenant. DNAinfo was the first to notice that Royal Grocer & Co. has applied for a liquor license.

PILSEN— Somewhat lost in Furious Spoon’s expansion announcements is their Pilsen location is getting close to opening at 1316 W. 18th St. A Facebook post claims that will open in May, and there’s a sneak peek at a brick wall. Oh, the suspense.

BOWMANVILLE— Half Acre Brewery’s plans that include a full-service restaurant at 2050 W. Balmoral St. are finally going forward. DNAinfo reported that the brew crew finally has secured building permits.

THE LOOP— Time Out Chicago has more info on Four Corners Tavern Group’s new project at the new 150 North Riverside skyscraper. Porter Kitchen & Deck will take up 8,800 square feet. Brendan Sodikoff’s Hogsalt Hospitality is involved, but it’s unclear if it’s as a consultant (as it is at 20 East) or a joint venture (as it is at Federales and SteakBar).

IRVING PARK— There’s been some turnover in the space at 4009 N. Elston Ave. Now it appears a taqueria called Taco Max will open, according to an LTHforum poster.

LINCOLN PARK— Milwaukee darling Colectivo Coffee continues work on its first Chicago location at the corner of Clark Street and Deming Place. The patio should come in handy this spring/summer.

UPTOWN— A new pizza spot, Longacre Pizza Box, 1309 W. Wilson Ave., should open soon. Uptown Update got the scoop, and there’s a website for the restaurant.

FULTON MARKET— While Amazon Books in Lakeview is the first coffee shop in Chicago to enjoy Stumptown Coffee, progress continues on the Ace Hotel which will house the Midwest’s first Stumptown cafe. Curbed Chicago has an update on the project at 311 N. Morgan St.

WEST LOOP— There’s a new spot for Chinese soup dumplings on its way to Chicago’s French Market. STREET smoke & steam will also serve baos inside a vendor station at 131 N. Clinton St.

WOODLAWN— Ain’t She Sweet Cafe plans on opening its third location. Thanks to an influx of government money, next year is the opening target at the Woodlawn Station development at 6253 S. Cottage Grove Ave. DNAinfo has details.

GENEVA— The suburbs will call Craft Urban Grill its home when the restaurant opens on Aug. 1 at 211 James St. in Geneva, reported Chicago. The chef is Bernie Laskowski who worked at the Park Grill Kitchen.

April 18

AVONDALE— Beer Temple owner Chris Quinn finally dished about his plans for a new bar and retail space. He spoke with Guys Drinking Beer and dished about his 20-tap bar, which will have the option to pour on cask at room temperature (that benefits some beer). Check out the construction photos at the relocation at 3169-3175 N. Elston Ave.

HUMBOLDT PARK— A new restaurant focusing on accommodating teachers is headed to the former La Havana Cafe site at 2425 W. Division St. DNAinfo reported that The Chicago Teachers Lounge and Eatery should open next month. They’ve snagged the menu which consists of sandwiches and comfort food.

RIVER NORTH— The Budlong is prepping to open another Nashville hot chicken restaurant. After opening locations in Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, and in Revival Food Hall in The Loop, owner Jared Leonard—via Facebook—posted that he’s opening a spot in the new Merchandise Mart food court.

LINCOLN PARK— Ignoble Wine Bar is growing closer to an opening. The space passed inspections and will soon open at 2417 N. Clybourn Ave.

LINCOLN PARK— Whole Foods is taking a poke bowl concept to Lincoln Park. Poke Bowl Co. (which sounds nothing like Aloha Poke Co.) will offer grab-and-go options to patrons of Whole Foods at 1550 N. Kingsbury St. It’ll also serve poke tacos, poke nachos, and house edamame hummus.

LINCOLN PARK— Not many folks were surprised that Blue Door Farm Stand didn’t hit their goal of opening its new location in February at 2010 N. Halsted St. It’s still in its extended-pop-up phase around the corner at 711 W. Armitage Ave. Management has been silent, but a sign of movement is that it’s hiring. Check out the listing which is for Farm Stand, though the main header reads for Art Smith’s Gold Coast restaurant.

MORGAN PARK— Open Outcry Brewing is about three to four weeks away from an opening, said owner John Brand. A few more details need to be worked out, but he’s looking forward to opening at 10934 S. Western Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— The Dill Pickle Food Co-Op should move into its new digs in August at 2746 N. Milwaukee Ave., reported DNAinfo. The long-awaited store will also serve prepared foods.

PILSEN— Lo Rez Brewing is slated to join the neighborhood’s burgeoning brewing scene. Crain’s reported that it’ll open a taproom either the last week of April or first week of May. The bar will start with seven taps near 21st Street and Carpenter Avenue.

WICKER PARK— Signage has been up for months, but work is coming along at Vinny D’s, a new spot for Italian ice, hot dogs, and Italian sausages. Check out the photo from 1709 W. Division St.

EVANSTON— Although a new development with a new restaurant is planned for its current home at 1502 Sherman Road, the owner of Prairie Moon, an Evanston stalwart since 2002, is reassuring people that the restaurant isn’t leaving the suburb — or perhaps even that location. Owner Rob Strom issued a new release saying that he’s working with the developers of the Albion, a 16-story, 36,000 square-foot mixed-used building on the site. It would have to relocate during construction, but he’s trying to figure out how to be part of the construction. Strom also owns Moxee Barbecue and Mad Mouse Brewery in University Village, as well as Tommy Nevin’s in Evanston.

April 12

LINCOLN PARK— The paper is still up at Chopo, the upcoming Peruvian-style fast-casual restaurant coming to 2460 N. Clark St. But the interiors look almost finished with the fountain drink machine installed meaning an opening should be coming up soon.

HUMBOLDT PARK— There’s a new restaurant moving into the Grandma J’s Local Kitchen place, the infamous spot hit by anti-gentrification vandalism. It’s called Arepas Empanadas. DNAinfo first reported news of the spot at 1522 N. Kedzie Ave.

WICKER PARK— Cabana Club, the new poolside bar at The Robey hotel, has a May 5 grand opening. A spokeswoman details some changes. The pool will now be exclusively for guest use. But rooftop access and the bar will be open to the general public at 2018 W. North Ave.

WICKER PARK— Chicago has a rich history of residents settling from the Mississippi Delta region, owing much of its signature South Side-style barbecue (including rib tips) from the southern region. While it’s not focusing on barbecue, the region’s cooking is coming to Wicker Park at the former Monarch space at 1745 W. North Ave. It’s called The Delta, and the Tribune has details about the small plates they plan on serving.

WEST LOOP— It’s been a year since Saint’s Lou’s Assembly has opened, and 16” On Center continues to change things up inside the concept, originally a “meat and three” cafeteria-style restaurant at 664 W. Lake St. It neighbors MONEYGUN, the cocktail bar also owned by 16” On Center. It appears they’re now building a bar. A Facebook post provides a tease: “Hint: Bring Your Thirst.”

WEST TOWN— May will hopefully provide the opening for Zoë Schor’s (Ada Street) new restaurant. Split-Rail, one of the season’s most-anticipated restaurants, should open next month at 2500 W. Chicago Ave., according to DNAinfo.

LOGAN SQUARE— Join Dill Pickle Food Co-Op for their groundbreaking on Monday at 2746 N. Milwaukee Ave. The Co-Op’s owners have been patient as they planned to move to a new location.

lOGAN SQUARE— The Kombucha Room, and its 20 taps, should open this month at the former Owen + Alchemy/Limitless High Definition Coffee + Tea spot. They have new signage at 2355 N. Milwaukee Ave. Owner Mel Mohamednur said she’s planning open on April 29.

IRVING PARK— Elly’s, the pancake house with locations across the city, has started demolition for a new location at 4925-27 W. Irving Park Road. Check out the photo from the Six Corners Facebook page.

CHINATOWN— Bonchon, the Korean chicken wing chain with a crazy following, as applied for a liquor license. The restaurant is taking over the Lao Shanghai space at 2163 S. China Place.

ANDERSONVILLE— The Dollop Diner, an expansion of the coffee shop chain’s offerings, is coming along at 5060 N. Clark St. Check out the signage.

MORGAN PARK— The Firewater Saloon in Edison Park want to open a second location. DNAinfo reported that they’re looking to move into the Leona’s at 11060 S. Western Ave. They would even add a stage of live country music.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Brown Bag Seafood Co. has applied for a liquor license for their upcoming location at 3400 N. Lincoln Ave. It would be the chain’s third location, and they’re still shooting for a summer opening.

SKOKIE— Real Urban BBQ is closed to opening its fourth suburban location to join its restaurants in Vernon Hills, Oak Brook, and Highland Park. They’re opening a RUB (not to a confused with Rub’s Backcountry Barbecue in Rogers Park, which rebranded in part due to that name) in early June at 5222 W. Touhy Ave.

April 4

THE LOOP— Here’s a little more info on the collaboration between Four Corners Tavern Group and Hogsalt Hospitality inside the under-construction 150 North Riverside building. The restaurant’s called Porter Kitchen & Deck, and there’s a website. Perhaps that deck refers to the one that’s above the planned Small Cheval.

LAKEVIEW— Rotary sushi is on its way to Lakeview. Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi Bar has applied for its liquor license at 3219 N. Broadway St.

LINCOLN SQUARE— If you didn’t make it for The Budlong’s “flash opening” on Friday at 4619 N. Western Ave., don’t fret. They start serving Nashville Hot chicken in earnest this week for a grand opening.

Nick Fochtman/Eater Chicago

PILSEN— As news trickles in on what’s happening at the former Embeya, Thai and Danielle Dang continue to work on their follow-up, HaiSous. Danielle Dang said they’re still sealing up walls, but hope to rock and roll in about six weeks at 1900 S. Carpenter St.

LOGAN SQUARE— Bow Truss isn’t reopening in Logan Square. Instead, Passion House Coffee Roasters, a popular roaster with a Fulton Market plant, is taking over for its first coffee shop at 2631 N. Kedzie Ave. It should open on May 1, according to DNAinfo.

LOGAN SQUARE— Here’s more info on the new restaurant replacing Cafeteria Mariano, from the owner of Griddle 24, Hollywood Grill, and White Palace Grill. It’s called Victory Grill, reported DNAinfo, at 2246-48 N. Milwaukee Ave. It could open later this year or in early 2018.

WEST LOOP— Could a wine bar be sprouting inside the former homebrewer supply store Brew & Grow at 19 S. Morgan St.? That’s what the Neighbors of West Loop Facebook page claimed. Apparently there’s an alcohol permit from the same ownership of Arista Foods, a shuttered grocer, just south of Randolph Restaurant Row.

WEST LOOP— Jet’s Pizza continues to expand. Eaters will soon be able to eat Detroit-style pizza at 1025 W. Madison Ave., as the city has issued a building permit.

IRVING PARK— A year after announcing the location, Miko’s Italian Ice appears to be on track for an April 15 opening date, according to DNAinfo. The shop at 4125 N. Kimball Ave. is the company’s third location.

STREETERVILLE— The Albert, the Einstein-inspired restaurant inside the Hotel EMC2, the new 21-story Marriott hotel at 228 E. Ontario St., should open soon. Curbed Chicago reported that the hotel should soon welcome its first guests.

PORTAGE PARK— They’ve been popular in the suburbs, but they’ve just caught popularity in the city. Starbucks continues to build drive-thru locations in Chicago. They’re planning one at the Six Corners Shopping District at 4151 N. Cicero Ave., according to DNAinfo. Another is planned just west at Central and Irving Park.

NAPERVILLE— The suburbs will actually make Chicagoans jealous when Sparrow Coffee Roastery opens in Naperville. It’s Sparrow’s first coffee shop, as they’ve already enjoy quite a reputation for quality among Chicago’s restaurant illuminati. Check out the photos of the barren space via Facebook. They just got their keys to the space.

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For a list of winter 2017’s updates, click here.