Chicago’s Restaurant and Bar Openings, Summer 2017

September 22

PORTAGE PARK— A new Mexican spot has opened at Six Corners. It’s called El Mariachi de Los Compadres, and it serves tacos, burgers, burritos, and breakfast, according to DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 4929 W. Irving Park Road.

RIVER NORTH— Luke’s Lobster continues its Chicago expansion by opening its second location in the city, this time in the Merchandise Mart. It’s a solid lunch option with shrimp and lobster rolls, plus chowder (chowdah?). Status: Certified open, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza

STREETERVILLE— Get extreme with boozy Mountain Dew slushies, as Taco Bell Cantina has opened downtown. The newish concept features an open kitchen and alcohol sales. The first Boozy Bell in America debuted in 2015 in Wicker Park. Status: Certified open, 205 E. Ohio St.

BERWYN— Legendary White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas is a spokesman for a pill that’s supposed to revitalize older men. Hopefully the former Big Hurt Brewhouse has also perked up, as new management has opened 35 Sports Bar and Grill after the Brewhouse closed last year. Status: Certified open, 6801 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn.

EVANSTON— Indo-Chinese food has arrived in Evanston. Red Hot Chili Pepper has taken over the Giordano’s space. Hakka noodles and Sichuan/Indian delights are on the menu. They appear to be related to a Kolkata, India-based group that has a San Francisco Bay Area restaurant. Check out the menu. Status: Certified open, 500 Davis St., Evanston.

EVANSTON— Here’s more Asian food news for Evanston: Shang Noodle & Chinese is open. They have lunch specials, and a variety of Chinese items from different regions. Status: Certified open, 608 Davis St., Evanston.

September 15

ANDERSONVILLE— The former Takos Koreanos is now a pizzeria. DNAinfo reported that Fat Chris’s Pizza and Such will debut over the weekend. Slices and a buffet are part of the options. Status: Certified open, 1706 W. Foster Ave.

LAKEVIEW— Gorilla Sushi has taken over the former Meatloaf Bakery/Tuesday spot. It’s the chain’s fifth location. Status: Certified open, 2464 N. Clark St.

LAKEVIEW— The former home of The Budlong and Bunny, The Microbakery has life. The Crepe Shop has opened. Check out the narrow space’s Facebook page. Status: Certified open, 2928 N. Broadway St.

LAKEVIEW— Vegans have a new place for thin-crust and Chicago-style stuffed pizza. The Chicago House of Za also serves vegan fried cheese sticks. Status: Certified open, 1416 Irving Park Road.

LINCOLN PARK— Philly Bros. has opened in Lincoln Park, serving cheesesteaks and more. It moved from Humboldt Park, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 734 W. Fullerton Ave.

MORGAN PARK— There’s a switcheroo in Morgan Park as Kelly's Tap has replaced Mrs. O'Leary's Dubliner, a bar that’s been closed for two years, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 10910 S. Western Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— After tearing down their location, White Castle has built a new slider spot with TVs and Wifi, according to DNAinfo. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day. Status: Certified open, 2140 S. Wabash Ave.

THE VILLA— Salsa Borracha Mexican Grill serves tacos, burritos, and more in a family-friendly environment. The space opened earlier this summer. Status: Certified open, 3336 N. Milwaukee Ave.

September 8

BUCKTOWN— Near The 606 elevated trail, there’s a new Asian tea spot, DNAinfo reported. It’s called Tea Bar. It’s a 19-seat bar with food. Status: Certified open, 1816 N. Milwaukee Ave.

DEPAUL— Aloha Poke Co. is open just in time for the school year for the Blue Demons. The chain has taken over the former Bee & Tea spot. Status: Certified open, 818 W. Fullerton Ave.

IRVING PARK— There’s a new spot at the former Cafe Versailles. It’s called The Picnic Basket. They’ll serve sandwiches using meat from Manny’s Deli and pizza from the Eastside Cafe. Status: Certified open, 4102 N. Pulaski Road.

LAKEVIEW— The space that once house Cooper’s Eatery is back in action. Kubo serves both American and Filipino dishes, and the owner wants to draw a big brunch crowd. Check out the menu below. Status: Certified open, 1232 W. Belmont Ave.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Goosefoot is going the dessert route, serving Homer’s Ice Cream at a new ice cream shop replacing the Goosefoot Food & Wine market. DNAinfo has the details. Status: Certified open, 2654 W. Lawrence Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— After a day’s delay, Dill Pickle Food Co-op has opened. The grocer also serves prepared food. Status: Certified open, 2746 N. Milwaukee Ave.

NORTH CENTER— There’s a new coffee shop in North Center. Coffee Joint serves sandwiches and specialty drinks. Status: Certified open, 2059 W. Irving Park Road.

PILSEN—There’s a new farm to table Latin American spot with unique cocktails. Zebraz 18 opened in early August. Check out their Facebook page. Status: Certified open, 1104 W. 18th St.

ROSCOE VILLAGE— Assembly-line pizza fans — including vegans — will be happy about Mod Pizza’s expansion to Chicago. It draws comparisons to Blaze Pizza, thanks to the quick-fire ovens. DNAinfo stopped by. Status: Certified open, 3643 N. Western Ave.

STREETERVILLE— Dim sum kings Ming Hin Cuisine have expanded with their third city location. The esteemed Cantonese spot has locations in Chinatown, Lakeshore East, and in suburban Naperville. Status: Certified open, 215 E. Grand Ave.

ELGIN— The suburbs got a Thai-style rolled ice cream parlor. Fanny’s Thai Roll Ice Cream opened in downtown Elgin, and there’s 15 varieties of ice cream, reported The Daily Herald. Status: Certified open, 7 N. State St., Elgin

September 1

EDGEWATER— Apart Pizza Co. has moved and changed names. Welcome Veranda Restaurant & Coffee to its new digs, just down the street form the old Apart, reported Edgeville Buzz. Gourmet thin-crust pizza stars here. Status: Certified open, 1100 W. Thorndale Ave.

HYDE PARK— The owner of Hyde Park’s Shinju Sushi has expanded operations to open a Thai restaurant nearby. Eto’o Modern Asian Cuisine has taken over the former Litehouse Grill space (they moved, reported Hyde Park Herald). Status: Certified open, 1373 E. 53rd St.

LINCOLN PARK— Here’s the raw deal in Lincoln Park: The owners of Rice Cafe, which shares ownership with Shine Restaurant — another Chinese-American spot — have rebranded to add poke and more items. They’ve opened Raw II, right near Pequod’s Pizza. DNAinfo noted that there’s a Wrigelyville spot called Raw Bar. But both should be able exist...unless Houston chef John Tesar has a spot called Raw. Status: Certified open, 2203 N. Clybourn St.

LOGAN SQUARE/AROUND TOWN— L’Patron, which last year moved into a larger restaurant space a 3749 W. Fullerton Ave., is opening up a taco truck. It will be ducked in front of the restaurant, and they’ll be donating money to benefit victims of the Houston floods The truck will begin making its arounds on Sept. 11.. Status: Opening on Friday, 3749 W. Fullerton Ave.

THE LOOP— Kilwin’s, the fudge/ice cream chain that has a Hyde Park location, has opened downtown near the Art Institute. The line’s much shorter than at The Nutella Cafe. Status: Certified open, 310 S. Michigan Ave.

UPTOWN— The popularity of Asian/Cajun seafood boils continues to explode in Chicago. The latest is New Orleans Seafood, which joins the Vietnamese restaurants near Argyle Street. Uptown Update has a shot of the menu, which sells seafood by the pound. Status: Certified open, 1046 ¹⁄₂ W. Argyle St.

WEST LOOP— Commuters who missed Burrito Beach have good news as the chain’s Ogilvie Transportation Center location has reopened. It’s been closed as the 22-year-old chain is freshening up its brand. They’ve redesigned the counter, and checkout station, as well as the kitchen window. Consumers like open kitchens. Status: Certified open, 500 W. Madison St. at Ogilvie.

LINCOLNWOOD— There’s a new sushi spot in the suburbs. Mesaku Sushi has a wide selection of maki, and they’ve got a bunch of party tray options, too. Status: Certified open, 4718 W. Touhy Ave. in Lincolnwood.

SKOKIE—Shallots Bistro, a suburban Kosher restaurant, has reopened following an extensive remodel, reported Chicago. They’ll serve a limited menu for now. Status: Certified open, 7016 Carpenter Road in Skokie.

August 25

AVONDALE— The Beer Temple, one of Chicago’s most-impressive beer stores, has moved around the corner. Not only is there now a refrigerated room too keep retail purchases cold, but they’ve opened a taproom featuring some unique craft beer on tap. There’s a bar with 12 seats, and a room that can be closed off for private events. Status: Certified open, 3169-3175 N. Elston Ave.

BELMONT CENTRAL— Shawarma, burgers, and more can be found at Jerusalem Grill. Their only online presence is a Yelp page. Status: Certified open, 3142 N. Narragansett Ave.

BRIDGEPORT— Min’s Noodle House is a new Chinese restaurant with baos, chungkind, and more. Status: Certified open, 3235 S. Halsted St.

IRVING PARK— A new restaurant that specializes in pizza baked in a hearth and other Italian-American entrees opened a few weeks ago. Check out Hearth & Crust’s menu below. DNAinfo chatted with the owners. Status: Certified open, 3608 W. Irving Park Road.

LAKEVIEW— There’s a new Indian restaurant in Lakeview. Mild 2 Spicy describes itself as a fusion spot, with dishes like kale and cheese samosas and an extensive vegan section where they swap paneer for tofu. The menu appears to feature more North Indian dishes. Status: Certified open, 714 W. Diversey Parkway.

PILSEN— There’s a new Italian-American spot in Pilsen. It’s been a wait, but Chato’s Pasta House is finally here. Status: Certified open, 1165 W. 18th St.

STREETERVILLE— Urban Crosta will try and see if the third time’s the charm for pizza at the same Streeterville address. They’re following Robert’s Pizza Co. and Flour & Stone. They’re also using Tock for reservations. Status: Certified open, 355 W. Ohio St.

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE— The Bracket Room, a new sports bar that’s had signage up for a year, has finally arrived near the UIC Forum. The bar is a mini chain that debuted in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. They promise fresh, never frozen food and are really into tater tots. Status: Certified open, 1315 S. Halsted St.

August 18

LAKEVIEW— What happens when cuddly cats, vintage video games, and sodas are combined? Enter CatCade, a non-profit cat shelter where visitors can play games, sip on coffee and other non-boozy and prepackaged drinks, while considering to adopt a cat. The shelter is making use of the city’s first-ever animal cafe permit, reported DNAinfo. Chicagoist has photos. Status: Opening on Saturday, 1235 W. Belmont Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— Good Fortune, the seafood-focused pop-up that took over the Sink|Swim space, debuts this weekend. Two folks involved at Honey’s in West Loop are on the team, and the pop-up will last through 2017. Status: Opening Friday night, 3213 W. Armitage Ave.

LOGAN SQUARE— Quiote, the Mexican restaurant in Logan Square, is getting back to its roots. Dan Salls, who operated The Salsa Truck — Chicago’s first food truck where workers were legally-allowed to prepare food — is launching a taco truck on the restaurant’s patio. It’s called Kwee and the steak, chicken, and pork tacos feature hand-made tortillas. It’s a way to continue to serve Quiote’s tacos (they were only available for lunch) through dinner service. Check out the menu below. The Tribune has more details. Status: Certified open, 2456 N. California Ave.

Paul Biasco

WEST LOOP— Chicago’s first contract brewer, Great Central Brewing, has opened a tasting room. It’s a 200-seat space at its production facility. There’s also 24 taps from brewers around the world. Status: Certified open, 221 N. Wood St.

BERWYN— A family-owned Cuban restaurant has opened in the burbs. Conga Cuban Cafe serves sandwiches and more. Status: Certified open, 6836 Windsor Ave., Berwyn.

OAK PARK— Wild Onion Tied House is a new brewpub open in the suburbs inside a century-old theatre. The owners also run The Onion Pub and Brewery in Lake Barrington. Status: Certified open, 1111 South Boulevard, Oak Park.

Courtesy of Wild Onion Tied House

SKOKIE— Roti Modern Mediterranean had opened its 30th restaurant. It’s inside Westfield Old Orchard Mall. Status: Certified open, Westfield Old Orchard Mall, 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie.

August 11

BUENA PARK— Siam Noodle & Rice, a Thai spot that spent 30 years at 4654 N. Sheridan Road, has moved to a new location. They’ve taken over the former Thai Aroma space, according to Uptown Update. Status: Certified open, 4142 N. Broadway St.

DUNNING— There’s a new diner open on the Northwest Side. Fizz Eatery and Soda Fountain is serving greasy spoon favorites in a family-friendly environment. DNAinfo reported that a couple hundred showed up to the opening. No, it has nothing to do with the bar with a similar name that closed earlier this year in West Lakeview. Status: Certified open, 7958 W. Belmont Ave.

LAKEVIEW— Though it’s not fully operational, customers can grab a coffee (and a leather jacket) at the new Alley 1776. That’s the new location of the punk/goth store that closed last year. The owners promise they will start food service later this year, but need the proper permits. Status: Certified open, 3221 N. Clark St.

LINCOLN PARK— North Avenue Beach’s new seasonal outdoor restaurant and lounge debuts this weekend. Shore Club, which includes three venues under one umbrella is getting ready for the crowds that will fill the beach on Aug. 19 for Chicago Air & Water Show. Reservations for brunch can be made here. Status: Opening on Saturday, 1603 N. Lakeshore Dr. at North Avenue Beach.

ROSCOE VILLAGE— MOD Pizza is alive and well. The fast-casual chain debuted in 2008 in Seattle. Now they’re returning to Chicago. Status: Certified open, 3643 N. Western Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— There’s a new fast-casual Nepalese spot on the South Side. It’s called Himalayan Express. They also have sit-down service, just like they’ve had at their Gurnee and Niles locations. Status: Certified open, 606 S. Wabash Ave.

DEERFIELD— Naf Naf Grill, the fast-casual chain of Mediterranean restaurant, has expanded to the North Shore. Expect the same fresh pitas, fries, and other items. Status: Certified open, 636 Deerfield Road, Deerfield.

August 4

CHINATOWN— There’s a new restaurant in Chinatown Square that’s serving those trendy Cajun/Asian seafood boils. It’s called Mr. Wang. They’re specializing in , a type of hot pot that’s popular in Beijing. Mr. Wang replaces Premium Seafood Hot Pot. Status: Certified open, 2171 S. China Place.

Ashok Selvam

DEPAUL— The former Beer Bistro North space has a new tenant. It’s a Chinese restaurant called One Four One Five. The restaurant concentrates on food from the Northeast regions of China. Check out the menu here. It’s BYO. Status: Certified open, 1415 W. Fullerton Ave.

LINCOLN PARK— There are even more poke bowls coming to town. Wiki Wiki Poke Co. has taken over the space that once housed the oddly-named 40sTF Mediterranean restaurant. The restaurant doesn’t have an Internet presence, but they are serving. Status: Certified open, 2665 N. Clark St.

Ashok Selvam

NORTH CENTER— The Via Lima reboot, Nazka Wok opened earlier last week. The owners struggled attracting a steady crowd with its previous effort. Nazka is to be more affordable and casual for the neighborhood. Though Via Lima earned Michelin Bib Gourmand honors, it never entirely meshed with North Center. There’s rice and pasta dishes with the priciest costing $14. Find the menu here. Status: Certified open, 4024 N. Lincoln Ave.

SOUTH SHORE— Vegans should get over to the South Side where the vegan dining community continues to grow. The latest entry is Betty Bot Bakery, DNAinfo reported. Baked goods without dairy and eggs are Bot’s specialty and they’re pouring Build Coffee. Status: Certified open, 7100 South Shore Dr.

WEST TOWN— A new bar and restaurant that is banking on teachers for its business is open off Division. The Chicago Teachers Lounge & Eatery looks to be a place where teachers can blow off steam about difficult students or the state’s budget problems. The restaurant’s owners have said all are welcome and they’re going to give back to area schools. Check out the American menu with “Latin flair” over here. Status: Certified open, 2525 W. Division St.

July 28

BRIDGEPORT/CANARYVILLE— It’s father versus son on the South Side as Peter Soluri has reopened Nonna Soluri's Italian Deli while his son, Giovanni Soluri has opened Soluri Brothers Sandwich Shop. The two had a falling out, DNAinfo reported, and have opened dueling shops within 2 miles from each other. Status: Certified open, Nonna Soluri's Italian Deli, 3142 S. Morgan St.; Soluri Brothers Sandwich Shop, 601 W. 43rd St.

LOGAN SQUARE— The Whistle Pig is bringing back barbecue to the restaurant space that Honey 1 BBQ once called home. Ownership mixes Texas-style barbecue with Creole, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 2241 N. Western Ave.

NOBLE SQUARE— Now that Felipe Caro has opened Flip, he needed something to fill the backyard area. Enter Conniption, the name of the trailer docked behind Caro’s restaurant. Caro’s nephew, Aaron Feinhandler, makes hand-dipped shakes and homemade ice cream sandwiches. Feinhandler was also involved in The Doorstep, the food trailer that was docked in the Polish Triangle. Yep, it’s the same trailer. Status: Certified open, in Flip’s backyard, 1141 N. Ashland Ave.

PILSEN— Brew Brew Coffee & Tea has opened its second location, a follow-up to its original near Avondale. Breakfast sandwiches, doughnuts, and pastries will complement the Passion House coffee. Status: Certified open, 1641 W. 18th St.

SOUTH LOOP— Bulldog Ale House has opened another location. The chain brings pub food together with craft beer. They already have a location on the North Side near Loyola University. Status: Certified open, 901 S. State St.

WARRENVILLE— Chuy’s, an Austin, Texas-based chain with 85 locations across the country, has opened its first in Illinois. They’re bringing a love for Tex-Mex and Hatch chiles to suburban Warrenville. They’ve been around for more than 35 years and have plans for Schaumburg and Orland Park, according to a news release. Status: Certified open, 28250 Diehl Road, Warrenville.

Courtesy of Chuy’s

July 21

ANDERSONVILLE— Jet’s Pizza, which offers its brand of Detroit-style, square-cut pizza, will open a location next week in Andersonville. DNAinfo had the first slice. Status: Opening on Monday, 5058 N. Clark St.

CHINATOWN— Thai-rolled ice cream, crepes, and milkshakes are in Chinatown thanks to Ice Max. Check out the menu. Status: Certified open, 2227 S. Wentworth Ave.

PRINTER’S ROW—The second Gordo’s Homemade Ice Cream Bars, the sibling to the reconcepted Hackney’s (now Hax) is now open in the South Loop. Sloopin’ has the details. The first Gordo’s opened in Edgewater in late May. Status: Certified open, 733 S. Dearborn Ave.

RIVER NORTH— After opening in Lakeview, Left Coast Food+Juice (with food developed by Paul Kahan) has a another location. Status: Certified open, 717 N. Wells St.

EVANSTON— There’s a new cafe in suburbs. Ovo Frito Café serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Status: Certified open, 1936 Maple Ave., Evanston

SKOKIE— Bubble tea, crepes, and Thai-rolled iced cream are in the suburbs thanks to the painfully punned named Touhy Fruity. That’s just east of Jollibee’s. Status: Certified open, 3308 W. Touhy.

July 14

ANDERSONVILLE— Dan Weiss has welcomed the 10th member of his Dollop family. Dollop Diner, with drinks from former Boltwood beverage director Keith Kreuser and Metropolis Coffee, is ready for customers. Dishes include chicken & waffles and an Asian pork Sloppy Joe, according to a news release. Status: Certified open, 5060 N. Clark St.

IRVING PARK— The former Mojo Bar & Grill has a new tenant. Raisu Japanese Fine Dining has taken over the space. There’s ton of sushi items and so far, folks seem to be enjoying the food. Status: Certified open, 2958 W. Irving Park Road.

LAKEVIEW— Brown Bag Seafood Co. has expanded to the North Side. It’s the third location, following a stand-alone location in The Loop and another inside Revival Food Hall. DNAinfo spoke with the owner who said she plans on opening a fourth in River North. Status: Certified open, 3400 N. Lincoln Ave.

LAKEVIEW— Maison Marcel, the new French restaurant/bakery/market that took over Melanthios Char House, is opening in time for Bastille Day. The menu includes salads, soups, healthy plates and tartines. Pastries include éclairs, Mille Feuille, Paris Brest, St. Honore, Cannelé de Bordeaux. Status: Opening at 5 p.m. on Friday, 3114 N. Broadway St.

LINCOLN PARK— Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises is still figuring out what to do with the Intro Chicago space, so why not open another virtual restaurant? Enter ASAP Poke, the delivery-only restaurant that serves cheffy poke bowls. Order via GrubHub. Status: Certified open.

WEST LOOP— There’s a new coffee shop with doughnuts, English muffins, and sandwiches in the West Loop. It’s a family-owned spot called Ground Up Cafe. Status: Certified open, 910 W. Van Buren St.

SOUTH LOOP— A new entry to the poke wars in Chicago promises Japanese-focused dishes. Poke Poke offers salads, sushi burritos, and more. There’s even different proteins including octopus. Status: Certified open, 118 S. Wabash Ave.

WEST GARFIELD PARK— Caribbean Jerk Chicken Palace has a second location. Turkey tips, pizza, jerk nachos and more is available at the new spot. Status: Certified open, 282 N. Pulaski Road.

BERWYN— More like “Beerwyn,” right? Flapjack Brewery is serving thin-crust pizza and fresh beer in Berwyn’s Historical Depot District. Status: Certified open, 6833 Stanley Ave., Berwyn.

LONG GROVE— There’s a new brewery in the suburbs. Check out Buffalo Creek Brewing. It specializes in German and Belgian beer. It will have an opening celebration with music on Saturday. Status: Opening on Saturday, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove.

NAPERVILLE— The suburbs now have another one of those fancy Starbucks Reserves, according to the Naperville Sun. It moved from Jefferson and Main. Status: Certified open, 203 S. Main St.

NAPERVILLE— That same Naperville Sun report mentioned a new spot, SixtyFour-A Wine Bar. There are 64 glasses of wine available, and food from Patrick McLaughlin, formerly of Parkers' Restaurant and Bar in Downers Grove. Status: Certified open, 123 Water St.

June 30

ALBANY PARK— There’s a new restaurant inside the former VIP Restaurant. It’s out with Chinese and in with Am Thai. The restaurant’s menu features a familiar lineup of favorites. Status: Certified open, 3254 W. Montrose Ave.

AVALON PARK— After demolishing the old restaurant, White Castle has opened a new restaurant that features WiFi, flat screens, and other modern amenities. The Tribune had details of this rebirth. Status: Certified open, 1550 E. 79th St.

LAKEVIEW— Rewired Cafe has taken over for Wired Coffee House on a construction-ravaged stretch of Broadway. Daniel Barat and Jimmie Swaggerty are pouring Metropolis coffee and serving pastries from Velvet Desserts —which are made just south of the cafe at Lakeview Kitchen & Market. Swaggerty has some pull at Graham Crackers Comics down the street. That enables Rewired to host a weekly comic book pop-up. Status: Certified open, 3508 N. Broadway St.

LAKEVIEW— While the restaurant isn’t full operational, Kitchen 17 has quietly opened the new location. The old one around the corner is still open, at least temporarily, as the larger digs still needs to secure a liquor license. Kitchen 17 is a favorite among vegan, and serves a dairy-free and meatless version of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Status: Certified open, 3132 N. Broadway St.

Ashok Selvam

LOGAN SQUARE— Crews have been working long hours to prepare for the opening of Chicago’s second pour-your-own-beer bar. Navigator Taproom has passed inspections and should be open in time for the holiday. Status: Opening on Monday, 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave.

NOBLE SQUARE— Korean curries and soups are on the menu at Kimchi Pop. There’s even a Korean breakfast burrito. Status: Opening on Saturday, 939 N. Ashland Ave.

NORTH CENTER— Anna’s Asian Bistro has been replaced by Ruyi Sushi. Ruyi is gaining steam for a $20 all-you-can-eat special. It was introduced as monthly promotion, but perhaps management will extend the offer. Status: Certified open, 1804 W. Irving Park Road.

PORTAGE PARK— Ice cream, popsicles, and snacks are sold at Chelita’s Homemade Ice Cream. The ice creams are made on premises. Status: Certified open, 4442 N. Milwaukee Ave.

WEST LOOP— A cafe that serves small plates, cocktails, and pastries has opened in the West Loop. It’s called Taste222. Status: Certified open, 222 N. Canal St.

WEST TOWN— City Epicurean Events, a caterer and event planner, has opened a cafe. City Epicurean Cafe offers fresh doughnuts, muffins, cake, and alfajores. Status: Certified open, 2258 W. Grand Ave.

PARK RIDGE— A new fast-casual spot is open in Hillary Clinton’s hometown: Urban India Grill. Status: Certified open, 116 Main St., Park Ridge.

SKOKIE— Another location of Real Urban Barbecue has sprouted up. After opening in Highland Park and Oak Brook, the chain expanded to Skokie where it serves breakfast tacos on the weekends. Breakfast is new for the chain. Status: Certified open, 5238 W. Touhy Ave.

June 23

BRONZEVILLE— Green City Market has expanded to the South Side. But get this—it’s inside a mall made out of shipping containers. The Tribune has the story of Boxville, a street food market that includes a french fry stand. Check out the website for more details. Status: Certified open, at CTA’s Green Line 51st Street stop.

EDGEWATER— Bibim Town is a new fast-casual Korean restaurant in Edgewater. It offers complimentary tea to customers. Status: Certified open, 5357 N. Broadway St.

GOLD COAST— The first of Michael Mina’s two restaurants has opened inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Petit Margeaux has room for 46 inside with 44 on the patio. The menu includes tartines, sandwiches, salads, a quiche of the day, and signature Mina coffee from LA’s LAMILL. There’s also beer and wine. Check out a photo and the menu below. Status: Certified open, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 11 E. Walton Place.

Galdones Photography

GOLD COAST— Whispers Cafe’s comeback is almost complete. The outdoor cafe, nestled inside Mariano Park, closed after the Chicago Park District brought in Bow Truss Coffee as the new tenant. But after the coffee shop’s well-documented problems, Whispers was given the chance to return. The grand opening happens on Saturday. Status: Opening Saturday, 1031 N. State St.

HYDE PARK/WOODLAWN— A new coffee shop at the South Side’s Experimental Station is working to host events with a variety of community groups. BUILD Coffee is serving drinks made from Halfwit Coffee and they’re also selling books. The shop is building a rapport with 61st St Farmers Market, which operate out of the same building, to use their produce. Ownership hopes to expand the food offerings, but for now it serves quiche and pie from Justice of the Pies. Status: Certified open, Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave.

Alex Jung

LAKEVIEW— Bistro Dre has given way to yet another bagged seafood restaurant. It’s simply called Seafood on the Tables. Chicagoans know the drill: Pick a protein, sauces, and heat level. Servers bring the food to customers in plastic bags. Status: Certified open, 2965 N. Lincoln Ave.

LOYOLA— A new Jamaican restaurant has replaced a shuttered one near Loyola’s Rogers Park campus. Goat soup and jerk chicken are on the menu at Auntie Joy’s Jamaican Kitchen. The restaurant replaces Jerky Jerk. Status: Certified open, 1217 W. Devon Ave.

PRINTER’S ROW— Venerable Hackney’s has rebranded with a focus on craft beer and burgers. Hax: Hops & Hamburgers has arrived. Hopefully the WWE’s Triple H is a fan. Status: Certified open, 733 S. Dearborn St.

RAVENSWOOD— Ravenswood Q is closed and a new Colombian restaurant has taken over. Jirafa Restaurant caters to soccer fans and they’ve got quite a peculiarly-decorated beer tower. Status: Certified open, 1800 W. Irving Park Road.

RIVER NORTH— Southern Cut Barbecue Cafe offers a truncated menu from pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen and the Chicago Cut guys’ Hilton Chicago Mag Mile Hotel restaurant by a similar name, according to the Tribune. It’s next to Ocean Cut and will offer office catering. Status: Certified open, 20 E. Kinzie St.

WEST LOOP— There’s a new sushi spot near Greektown in the West Loop. SuChi Sushi is a casual spot with a sushi bar that serves sushi burritos. Status: Certified open, 651 W. Washington Blvd.

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE— Looks like the original owners of Rangoli, who also own Humboldt Park’s Spice Room, have a new Indian restaurant on Taylor Street. It’s called Curry on Fire, and even though it sounds like a phrase from NBA Jam, the restaurant features a similar menu for North Indian classics. Status: Certified open, 1030 W. Taylor St.

MELROSE PARK— La Tequileria Premium Tequila Lounge has taken over El Estadio, a billiards club in the suburbs. It’s under the same family ownership and it’s been open since April. Status: Certified open, 2118 W. Lake St., Melrose Park.

OAK PARK— Salads, sandwiches, and tartines are on the menu at Léa French Street Food in the suburbs. The laminated pastries also look tasty. Status: Certified open, 106 N. Marion St., Oak Park.

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For a list of the 2017 spring openings, click here.

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Green City Market

1790 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614 Visit Website

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Bistro Dre

2965 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 697-9067 Visit Website

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Bow Truss Coffee

406 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 222-1306 Visit Website

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Ravenswood Q

1800 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 472-1800 Visit Website

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Two

1132 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 (312) 624-8363 Visit Website

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Jerky Jerk

1217 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

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Southern Cut Barbecue

198 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611 312-280-8887 Visit Website

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Mariano Park

1031 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 742-7891 Visit Website

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Ocean Cut

20 West Kinsey, Chicago, IL 60654

BLVD

817 West Lake Street, , IL 60607 (312) 526-3116 Visit Website