Chicago-Area Upcoming Restaurants and Bars to Know, Spring 2018

June 20

ANDERSONVILLE— The owners of Fat Cat and Five Star are quiet about what they have planned inside the former Pork Shoppe spot at 5721 N. Clark Street. But a job description for an executive chef reveals a few details. Expect a globally inspired menu executed using a wood-fired grill and oven for a restaurant serving dinner seven days a week with weekend brunch and lunch.

BRIDGEPORT— The Stockyard Coffeehouse will pour Big Shoulders Coffee late this summer at 558 W. 37th Street, according to the Tribune. It’s a neighborhood spot for parents to grab a cup after dropping off the kids at school.

GOLD COAST— Construction on Walton Street Kitchen + Bar, the new restaurant from the owners of Gemini in Lincoln Park is coming along at 9 W. Walton Street. Check out the photos of the interiors.

GOOSE ISLAND— It’s hard to spare people the jokes about Goose Island Brewing, but a new brewery, Crossroad Brewing Company, has plans to build a 19,000-square-foot brewery and distillery on the actual Goose Island, reported the Tribune. The plans come from Paul Hletko of Few Spirits in Evanston and brewer Phil Wymore. It’s planned for the Goose Island Boat Yard along the North Branch of the Chicago River.

ROGERS PARK— Here’s a little update on the new North Side restaurant from the owner of Grace. Onward Chicago is to be part sports bar, fine dining, and outdoor patio, reported the Loyola Phoenix. It could open in late August near Albion and Sheridan in Rogers Park. The opening should happen before Loyola University starts its school year, but if its anything like Grace, college students won’t be its focused demographic. Save the cash for beer or books.

HUMBOLDT PARK— A new $10.5 million concert hall with a supper club is planned for 2435 W. Division Street, according to Block Club Chicago. Radio Rumba will focus on Latinos over two floors, roughly 12,000 square feet each. Ownership hopes to start construction this summer and open in spring 2019.

LINCOLN PARK— A new America restaurant from the owners of a pair of suburban spots (Bobby’s Deerfield and Cafe Lucci in Glenview) are opening another Bobby’s at the new Elevate building this fall at 2518 N. Lincoln Avenue, according to a news release. They’ll serve cocktails, barrel-aged whiskey, and more. Check out Bobby’s website for more info.

OLD TOWN— There’s a permit for a new all-day breakfast restaurant going in at 1261 N. Clybourn Avenue, according to Chicago Cityscape.

UPTOWN– Brass Heart, the new restaurant from former Longman & Eagle chef Matt Kearney in the ex-42 Grams space, will feature tasting menus for $175 with a $110 beverage pairing, according to the Tribune. Kearney will also serve a riff on rice and beans in every meal. He told the paper that it’s the most important food in the world.

WRIGLEYVILLE— The Hotel Zachary was just the start for the redevelopment surrounding Wrigley Field. Addison & Clark is another project that’s coming along, and it includes a new Shake Shack. Check out the renderings, complete with TVs showing the Cubs celebrating.

EVANSTON— A new restaurant with kebab, soups, vegetables, pies, and dumplings is on its way to Evanston courtesy of Lenny & Lambs. The building, 1829 Simpson Street, was badly damaged in February from heavy storm winds, reported Patch.

OAK PARK— The owners of the former Taste of Brasil have a new restaurant at 136 N. Oak Park Avenue. It’s called Mulata Kitchen and Coffee, according to Oak Park Leaves. It should open later this month or in July. They will bring back some of the old restaurant’s classic items.

June 5

AROUND TOWN— It’s unclear where, but Chicagoans should expect to see more Jersey Mike’s in the area. Chicago is one of three markets (St. Louis, Kansas City) where the chain is pursuing an “aggressive expansion,” according to a news release. The chain has 1,500 locations, including five Chicago stores.

BUCKTOWN— The new restaurant from the Maple & Ash team, Etta, should open sometime in July at 1840 W. North Avenue. The major construction is completed and major kitchen equipment is installed, including a wood-fired oven that will be extensively used. Expect two floors of all-day elevated neighborhood dining from chef Danny Grant, including plenty of wine, pastas, and an expansive upstairs terrace.

EDGEWATER— The owners of Little Bad Wolf hope that by mid-June they’ll unleash a new expansion inside the former Subway that neighbors their restaurant at 5554 N. Clark Street. Edgeville Buzz has the details.

GRAND BOULEVARD— A former sports bar has been transformed into the Windy City Cigar Lounge at 4310 S. Prairie. The new business should open on June 15, according to a Facebook post. Expect food, cocktails and coffee in addition to the aforementioned cigars.

LAKEVIEW— Breakfast House, a West Town favorite, is opening a second location. Ownership announced intentions to open in Lakeview this summer, but the Facebook post didn’t mention an address.

MAG MILE/WEST LOOP— Here is an update on two new Starbucks projects. A spokesperson writes that the world’s-largest Starbucks, taking over the former Crate & Barrel space at 646 N. Michigan Avenue, should open next year. A West Loop location, a collaboration with Italian baker Princi, should open this fall.

SOUTH LOOP— There’s a business license for Tea Pot Brew Bakery at 1802 S. Wabash Avenue. The Prairie District Alliance Facebook page noticed the news. There’s no more info available at the moment.

UPTOWN— Here are a few more nuggets about Brass Heart Restaurant, the replacement for 42 Grams at 4662 N. Broadway. Former Longman & Eagle chef Matt Kearney is hiring and it’ll feature “progressive fine dining.”

WICKER PARK— The restaurant that’s replacing the Beachwood — the venerable dive bar at 1415 N. Wood Street — is coming along. Block Club Chicago reported that Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier, Lottie’s Pub) is getting closer to opening Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods.

EVANSTON— Later this fall, Gotta B Crepes will reopen at a new location at 2901 Central Street in Evanston. Ownership closed the location at 1601 Simpson Street.

May 17

ALBANY PARK— Gorilla Sushi has announced a new location at 3407 W. Lawrence Avenue.

ANDERSONVILLE— The neighborhood finally knows what’s going inside the vacant space left by Cantina 1910, the upscale Mexican restaurant that epically fizzled at 5025 N. Clark Street. Earlier this year, Hutch took over a portion of the space. Cantina’s owners are going to open Meeting House Tavern, according to Uptown Update. More details are in Windy City Times which reports Mark Robertson and Mike Sullivan will open an LGBT-focused bar. The duo ran Crew in Uptown.

GREATER GRAND CROSSING— Mabe’s Deli has put up signs for this new community beacon at 312 E. 75th Street. A former police officer is the owner.

LOGAN SQUARE— As first reported back in April, the team from Mott St is opening another restaurant that centers around its acclaimed burger in the former Jam space at 3057 W. Logan Boulevard. The Tribune cornered chef Edward Kim who spilled more details about Mini Mott. They’re gunning for a summer opening.

LOGAN SQUARE— Bixi, the Chinese brewpub from Owen & Engine’s Bo Fowler is getting closer. It’s been three years since she announced the project, but they’re hiring staff for 2515 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

MAGNIFICENT MILE— Here’s more news on the new restaurant going inside the former Hard Rock Hotel, now called the St. Jane Chicago at 230 N. Michigan Avenue. It’s going to be called Free Rein, according to the Tribune.

NOBLE SQUARE— There’s a new tenant for the long-vacant Shaman by Chilam Balam space. There’s a liquor license for La Calavara for 1438 W. Chicago Avenue.

HYDE PARK— The 98-room Sophy Hotel should open this summer at 53rd Street and Dorchester Avenue, according to Curbed Chicago. The space will include a “literary-focused restaurant” and a corner bar themed after famed physicist Enrico Fermi. Hotel spokespersons declined to reveal any more food and beverage details to Eater Chicago.

PORTAGE PARK— For fans of slashies or packed good stores, here’s good news: Fischman Public House is close to reopening at its new location. The bottle shop has been open for months at 4050 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

PORTAGE PARK— A new Starbucks is under construction at Cicero and Berteau, as photos posted by Alderman (45th Ward) John Arena’s office show.

RIVER WEST— San Soo Korean BBQ, the modernization of the classic Chicago Korean spot on the North Side is getting close to opening at 401 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Ownership put up signs and applied for a liquor license.

WEST TOWN— Funkenhausen, the German restaurant from chef Mark Steuer, has been delayed. The opening is now scheduled for the end of June at 1709 W. Chicago Avenue, according to a spokesperson.

EVANSTON— More than two years since iconic Dave’s Italian Kitchen closed near Northwestern University, a new tenant has started construction. Prairie Moon, which was forced to close to make way for new construction, is going to take over the space at 1635 Chicago Avenue, reported The Daily Northwestern. They’re targeting a late May/early June opening.

VERNON HILLS— Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is coming to the suburbs, reported The Daily Herald. It’s a dog-friendly chain and should open sometime this year at 1111 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

WHEELING— Boston Fish Market will soon open a second suburban location in Wheeling. The original, in Des Plaines, is a prime spot for fish and chips and more. The owners hope to open this summer at Wheeling Restaurant Row inside the former Pete Miller’s, according to The Daily Herald.

April 4

ANDERSONVILLE— Shin Thompson’s Furious Spoon should open by the end of April at 5406 N. Clark Street, according to Edgeville Buzz and Furious’ newsletter.

AROUND TOWN— They’re still not revealing a location, but one of N.Y.’s favorite falafel slingers, Mahmoun’s, will opening its Chicago restaurant by the end of the year, according to a news release. It’s part of a nationwide expansion.

BUCKTOWN— More details are trickling out about Etta, the new project from the Maple & Ash team at the former Southern location. M&A chef Danny Grant told the Tribune that unlike the rigid conditions of running a pricey Gold Coast steakhouse, the Bucktown restaurant will be more of a neighborhood joint. He claims they’ll have a “serious” salad program and pizza. Just what an area with Piece, Stop Along, Lou Malnati’s, Dimo’s — and upcoming projects from Bonci and Happy Camper — need. They’re targeting a mid-June opening for 1840 W. North Avenue.

HUMBOLDT PARK— Lucy’s Food Truck is taking over the former Pierogi Street/Polak Eatery brick-and-mortar space at 1042 N. California Avenue. An opening is planned for April 20.

LAKEVIEW— Cheesie’s Pub & Grub is hiring for its Lakeview expansion, Slice of Cheesies, at 964 W. Belmont Avenue. There’s also a new mural for this pizzeria.

THE LOOP— A second location of Bienmesabe is pegged to open soon at 29 E. Adams Street.

NORTH CENTER— Square Biscuits is taking over the Mr. BBQ spot at 4160 N. Lincoln Avenue. They’re opening on Sunday, according to a Facebook post.

OLD TOWN— Optima, the new spot from the owners of The Rabbit Hole, have put up signage at the old Salpicón spot at 1252 W. Wells Street. There’s also a Facebook page that announces that they’re hiring. It will be American food with shared plates.

RIVER NORTH— A new Dollop Coffee Co. is on its way to 637 N. Wells Street, according to a news release.

RIVER NORTH— While founder Jared Leonard is busy on projects in Denver, The Budlong has passed city inspections and should soon open another location inside the Merchandise Mart.

RIVER WEST— Stax Cafe, a breakfast spot enjoyed by humans including LeBron James, is opening near Grand, Milwaukee, and Halsted. There’s signage out at the new development at the intersection.

Ashok Selvam

SOUTH LOOP— Shark’s Fish & Chicken, a South Side chain that serves fried food, is opening a location near Cermak and State, according to Sloopin’.

SOUTH LOOP— Mikkey’s Retro Grill, home of one of Chicago’s most underrated burgers, is opening a second location. A social media post reveals a location, with a sick Michael Jordan mural, coming to 2026 S. Clark Street.

WEST LOOP— McDonald’s is opening a ground-floor restaurant at their new headquarters at 1025 W. Randolph Street. The company’s spokespeople don’t have any info to share, but there are a few rumors flying about the menu.

WRIGLEYVILLE— Boka Restaurant Group’s Hotel Zachary project should open during the spring portion of Cubs season, right across from Wrigley Field. Dutch & Doc’s is also hiring. Check the links for details.

WRIGLEYVILLE— Aurelio’s Pizza aims to teach Cubs fans what really pies tastes like when the South Side pizzeria opens in around a couple weeks at 3801 N. Clark Street. Check out the photos.

OAK PARK— Poke Burrito, the third location for the raw fish bowl/giant sushi roll specialists, is opening in either May or June at 1025 Lake Street in Oak Park, according to OakPark.com.

OAK PARK— The Felony Franks space, a place where convicts received second chances through employment, will go from hot dogs to soul food and seafood. The third location of Surf’s Up will open soon at 6427 W. North Avenue. It’s new ownership, according to OakPark.com.

ORLAND PARK— City Barbecue is planing to open an Orland Park location this spring at 14301 S. LaGrange Road.

For a list of the 2018 winter updates, click here.