Lincoln Park Cupcake Bakery Opens New Sweet Spot in Streeterville

March 13

AROUND TOWN — Delivery-only restaurant Sam’s Crispy Chicken debuts in Chicago on Friday, according to a news release. Offerings include both Buffalo and Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches, chicken and Belgian Liege-style waffles, and sauces like kimchi mayo. The company has partnered with third-party delivery companies such as Doordash, GrubHub, and Postmates. It’s from Los Angeles-based hospitality company SBE Entertainment Group, which is also launching the brand in its home city, San Francisco, and New York City. Status: Certified Open, Ordering is available online.

LINCOLN PARK — Texas-based chain Velvet Taco has opened its second Chicago location, the Tribune reported. It’s in the massive Lincoln Common development south of the Lincoln/Halsted/Fullerton intersection. The chain opened its first Chicago spot in February 2015 in Gold Coast. Status: Certified Open, 2309 N. Lincoln Avenue.

RIVER NORTH — Dishes from Lincolnshire Indian restaurant Marigold Maison are now available in Chicago thanks to Enolo Wine Cafe. The River North wine spot is hosting virtual takeout spot Marigold To-Go, according to the Tribune. The restaurant’s Indian classics are available for delivery through third-party delivery services Postmates and Uber Eats. Status: Certified Open, Ordering is available online.

ROGERS PARK — Pan Asian restaurant Asian Station debuted in January, reps wrote on Facebook. Menu offerings range from samosas and crab rangoon to bahn mi, pad thai, and more. Status: Certified Open, 1343 W. Morse Avenue.

ROGERS PARK — Neighborhood brunch spot Honeybear Cafe opened in February, according to a Facebook post. Fans of morning fare can choose from a long and comprehensive menu of egg dishes, waffles, French toast, crepes, and more. Status: Certified Open, 7036 N. Clark Street.

SOUTH LOOP — New sports bar All Star Seafood & Sports opens Friday, an employee confirmed in a phone call. Featuring a robust drink list and seafood by the pound, the restaurant is in a long-vacant space that formerly housed craft beer pub Villains. Status: Certified Open, 730 S. Clark Street.

STREETERVILLE — Lincoln Park bakeshop Sweet Mandy B’s opened a new location attached to Northwestern Hospital, according to a news release. The new space seats 25 and will offer a menu similar to that of the original shop, featuring treats like cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and more. Status: Certified Open, 254 E. Ontario Street.

WEST LOOP — Suburban family-owned Cuban spot Cubano Bros. opened its first Chicago location Wednesday inside the Chicago French Market, reps wrote in a Facebook post. Menu items include breakfast options, a selection of meaty sandwiches, and bowls with a protein, white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. The original restaurant is in suburban Elk Grove Village. Status: Certified Open, 131 N. Clinton Street.

March 6

AVALON PARK — Vegan fast-food spot Plant Based Junkie opened in February featuring healthier, animal-free versions of junk food classics like nachos, chili cheese fries, and burgers, according to Block Club Chicago. Ownership plans to add vegan desserts from Bronzeville’s Eméché Cakery and Cafe. Status: Certified Open, 1635 E. 87th Street.

AVONDALE — Healthy food spot Blue Food Company opened in January with breakfast and lunch options, according to a Facebook post. The restaurant’s name and menu items are inspired by geographical “blue zones,” or places where some researchers claim people live much longer than average, including Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan. Status: Certified Open, 3288 N. Elston Avenue.

LINCOLN PARK — Aptly named Chinese dumpling spot Mr. Dumpling opened this week, according to its Facebook page. It offers nine dumpling varieties, including cabbage pork and coriander lamb, as well as Sichuan dishes such as mapo tofu, and more. Status: Certified Open, 2485 N. Clark Street.

LOGAN SQUARE— Sushi Taku has opened a second location, a follow up to its Wicker Park location that opened in 2017. The restaurant is best known for its all-you-can-eat option. Status: Certified open, 2283 N. Milwaukee Ave.

NORTH CENTER — Combination cafe and plant store Botanical Cafe opened in December, according to a Facebook post. Offerings include coffee and tea, as well as pastries, quiche, and sandwiches. There is also a wide selection of house plants like succulents and air plants for sale. Status: Certified Open, 3740 N. Lincoln Avenue.

WEST TOWN — Essential deep-dish pizza spot Bartoli’s Pizzeria has opened its second location this week, which is now listed on the company website. Menu items include both deep-dish and thin-crust pies, along with a smattering of salads, sandwiches, and sides. It’s from owner Brian Tondryk, the grandson of one of the Gino’s East founders. He opened Bartoli’s first location in 2013. Status: Certified Open, 658 N. Ashland Avenue.

February 28

ALBANY PARK — Mexican restaurant Campesino opened Thursday, Block Club Chicago reported, featuring a menu of familiar offerings such as tacos, tortas, and chilaquiles. A selection of agua frescas are also available, as are licuados, smoothie-esque Latin American drinks, in flavors like strawberry, banana, and chocolate. Status: Certified Open, 3207 W. Lawrence Avenue.

ALBANY PARK — El Fogón de Elen, a South American spot that also features some familiar North American dishes, opened last week, according to Block Club Chicago and a Facebook post. Menu items include breakfast options as well as sandwiches built on flattened, fried green plantain, five takes on arepas, and more. On weekends, customers can try specials such as Encocao de Bagre, an Ecuadorian fish dish with coconut sauce. Status: Certified Open, 3149 W. Lawrence Avenue.

ARCHER HEIGHTS — New BYOB Mexican restaurant El G-FE opened this month on the South Side with a selection dishes including ceviches, burgers, whole fish, and more, according to a Facebook post. Status: Certified Open, 4253 W. 47th Street.

LINCOLN PARK — Daebak Korean BBQ opened a new location this week, an employee confirmed in a phone call. An online menu isn’t yet available, but patrons can expect classics such as ribeye and a plethora of accouterment for grilling. Ownership also operates a location in Chinatown. The space was previously occupied by Korean barbecue-influenced Mexican restaurant Bistec Bar and Grill, operated by a Daebak co-owner, as well as breakfast destination Kingsbury Street Cafe and. Status: Certified Open, 1523 N. Kingsbury Street.

SOUTH LOOP — Previously popular Chinatown restaurant My Place reopens Friday in its new location, according to a rep. A full, lengthy menu features dishes ranging from congee and stir-fried noodles to ramen and baked rice or spaghetti. Ownership closed the original South Archer Avenue location last year after eight years. Photographs of the large space, which used to house Lobo Canteen (formerly known as Lobo Rey), are available on Facebook. Status: Opens Friday, 1307 S. Wabash Avenue.

NILES — Palestinian and Middle Eastern restaurant Al Bawadi Grill opened a second suburban location in early 2020, Journal & Topics reported. Menu offerings include an ample selection of kebabs, seafood, and vegetarian dishes as well as hot and cold appetizers such as hummus, tabouleh, and falafel. Ownership also operates a restaurant in suburban Bridgeview. Status: Certified Open, 8501 Dempster Street in Niles.

February 21

ALBANY PARK — Antepli Turkish Gourmet opened in January with sweet and savory options, according to a Facebook post. Patrons can try Mediterranean kebabs as well as desserts such baklava, kunefe, and kadayif. Status: Certified Open, 4849 N. Kedzie Avenue.

CHINATOWN — Prolific local restaurateur Tony Hu opened Mrs. Gu Skewers and Hot Pot, the first U.S. location for a Chinese chain first launched in 1987, ABC Chicago reported. Customers can choose one of five soup bases, a sauce, and fresh ingredients such as pork, spicy beef, napa cabbage, and more. Status: Certified Open, 2407 S. Wentworth Avenue.

EDGEWATER — Japanese restaurant Isshin Ramen House opened in late December, according to a Facebook post. It offers a tight selection of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen with a range of spice levels, as well as takoyaki. The restaurant is just off the Bryan Mawr Red Line CTA stop in a space that housed Pita Grill. Status: Certified Open, 1103 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue.

WEST LOOP — Healthy Brazilian spot Deep Purpl debuted in late January in the 500 West Madison building, according to a Facebook post and the Tribune. Menu options include acai bowls, smoothies, and empanadas (beef, ham and cheese, and vegetarian). Status: Certified Open, 500 W. Madison Street. edit

WICKER PARK — Yuzuya Asian Grill from the owners of West Town’s Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill opened this week, an employee confirmed in phone call. The assembly-line style Pan Asian restaurant features a customizable menu with proteins dubbed “Asian favorites” such as teriyaki chicken and sesame tofu, as well as a selection of vegetable-focused sides. Customers can also pick an Impossible meat substitute for their protein. Status: Certified Open, 1415 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

UPTOWN — Retro-style burger and essential fried chicken sandwich spot Lucy’s opened its second location Thursday, owners wrote in an email. Staff hope to launch bar service in May, should the licenses come through, with boozy milkshakes and more. The Humboldt Park original’s spicy chicken sandwiches and Juicy Lucy burgers have earned fans across the city since 2017. Status: Certified Open, 4570 N. Broadway Street.

February 14

AVONDALE — Cozy neighborhood spot Sipping Turtle Cafe is open and offering coffee, smoothies, bubble tea, croissant sandwiches, and more, Block Club Chicago reported. Its owned and run by a husband-and-wife team who hope to create a welcoming community atmosphere. Status: Certified Open, 2959 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

CHINATOWN — Customers can now watch rolls go round and round at Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi Bar, which opened last week, according to a Facebook post. The mini-chain also has locations in Boystown and Aurora. A location in Wicker Park is also on its way. Status: Certified Open, 2131 S. Archer Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE — The folks behind glossy sports bars the Vig and the Whale opened neighborhood watering hole Welcome Back Lounge at the end of January, reps wrote in a Facebook post. Designed to exude a late 1970s/early 1980s sensibility, the bar and restaurant offers creative ways to imbibe such as a selection “boozy jello” as well as brunch and dinner menus. The name comes from 70s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, which featured actor John Travolta. Status: Certified Open, 2423 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

MAG MILE — The South Side’s famous fried chicken chain Harold’s Chicken opened in early February in the Shops at North Bridge food court on the fourth floor, according to the franchisee. Status: Certified Open, 520 N. Michigan Avenue, Fourth Floor.

PILSEN — El Taco Azteca chef Carlos Garcia opened his new restaurant El Berrinches on February 1, according to Block Club Chicago. He’s offering his gourmet takes on Mexican dishes, such as grilled rib-eye tacos (smoked tomato sauce, cheese, avocado, habanero sauce) and pollito al pibil, Yucatan-style marinated chicken. The space formerly housed La Cebollita Grill. Status: Certified Open, 1807 S. Ashland Avenue.

PILSEN — Neighborhood coffee spot Khepri Cafe opened this week, ownership wrote in a Facebook post. Close to the Kedzie Brown Line stop, it offers coffee from local roaster Hexe Coffee Co. There’s a limited menu of healthy food options and some include CBD. Status: Certified Open, 4650 N. Kedzie Avenue

WHEELING — Movie theater and restaurant CMX Cinebistro opens its new suburban location Friday along with a CMX Stone Sports Bar. The chain currently runs a Skokie location, as well 14 more spots in various states. Status: Opens Today, 410 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling.

February 7

AROUND TOWN — Delivery-only company Wing Squad launched in Chicago this week, offering chicken wings in a variety of flavors (barbecue, honey garlic, Cajun, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, and Buffalo), plus sides such as salads or mac and cheese. After that healthy meal, the company also offers desserts like chocolate cake and chocolate chip brownies. Menu items are available through third-party deliverers including Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. Status: Certified Open

LAKEVIEW — Mediterranean and Italian-influenced wine bistro Black & Caspian is open, according to the Tribune. The dinner menu features an assortment of kebabs, steaks, chops, and seafood, as well as brunch options such as pancakes, Benedicts, and avocado toast. Status: Certified Open, 2908 N. Broadway Street.

LINCOLN PARK — Old-school diner Dash of Salt and Pepper opened this week, according to a Facebook post. Aiming to add a modern twist to “the diner of your childhood,” the restaurant menu features a large selection of breakfast and lunch classics like omelets, burgers, salads, and more. The space previously housed sandwich spot Snarf’s. Status: Certified Open, 2201 N. Lincoln Avenue.

WEST LOOP — Memorably-named “concept store” Eat Me Milk Me is open, according to early Yelp reviews, though a call to the location went unanswered. Staff serve organic milk tea topped with sea salt foam (sometimes called cheese tea) in flavors such as white peach oolong, jasmine, and rose black tea. There’s also Taiwanese bubble tea, George Howell coffee, and unlisted “healthy Asian snacks.” Status: Certified Open, 1111 W. Randolph Street.

HOMEWOOD — Essential suburban and Cajun restaurant Maple Tree Inn reopens today in the South Suburbs, a little more than five months after an early-morning fire damaged its original Blue Island location beyond repair. Ownership will hold a ribbon cutting on Wednesday with Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer, according to a news release. Status: Opens Today, 18849 Dixie Highway in Homewood.

January 31

BOYSTOWN — Lakeview coffee shop Two Hearted Queen opened a new location in late December, according to a social media post. Customers can snag coffee and tea drinks, espresso, scones, and bagel sandwiches. Ownership will hold a grand opening party over Valentine’s Day weekend with giveaways and more. Status: Certified Open, 3500 N. Halsted Street.

BRIDGEPORT — South Side legend Bridgeport Bakery reopened yesterday under new ownership a few months after longtime owner Ron Pavelka closed it in October, Block Club reported. Fans have already descended in droves, snapping up bacon buns, sweet rolls, kolaczkis, and more. Status: Certified Open, 2907 S. Archer Avenue.

MCKINLEY PARK — The chef behind popular Pilsen restaurant 5 Rabanitos opens new co-owned spot Chile Toreado today, according to a Facebook post. He’ll draw on the menu from his Pilsen eatery, with offerings such as crepes, al pastor, and vegetarian Oaxacan tlayudas, as well as a full bar with select tequilas and mezcals. Status: Opens Today, 2022 W. 35th Street.

NEAR NORTH SIDE — The Farehouse Market, a new multi-faceted dining and to-go spot for office workers, opened Wednesday inside the Sterling Bay-owned Montgomery Ward catalogue building, according to a rep. Patrons can try dishes that range from Pan Asian fare to pizzas at three restaurants, single-origin coffee and espresso, plus beer, wine, and cocktails at a full service bar. Block Club has more on this opening. Status: Certified Open, 600 W. Chicago Avenue.

NORTH CENTER — A former suburban pastor opened new beer spot Burning Bush Brewery and taproom yesterday, he wrote in a Facebook post. Named for his favorite biblical story, the brewery features six draft beers, including an oatmeal stout, a Mexican-style lager, and a Belgian Dubbel, Block Club reported. Status: Certified Open, 4014 N. Rockwell Street.

PULLMAN — Dominque Leach, formerly of lauded Italian restaurant Spiaggia, will open smoked meat spot Lexington Betty Smoke House inside the South Side’s One Eleven Food Hall tomorrow, according to a Facebook post. She also operates a food truck and suburban Oak Park restaurant of the same name. Menu items include meaty hits such as rib tips, smoked chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. Status: Opens Tomorrow, 756 E. 111th Street.

WEST LOOP — Family-owned Italian mini-chain and retailer Cafe L’Appetito opened its new cafe yesterday, owners wrote in a Facebook post. The space previously housed Ella’s Corner and Tikkawala. Ownership closed the Lakeview location in January, but spots in Gold Coast, River North, Midway International Airport, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital are still open and serving. Patrons can expect paninis, coffee, made-to-order sandwiches, and more. Status: Certified Open, 1258 W. Jackson Boulevard.

WRIGLEYVILLE — Michigan-based confectionary chain Kilwins opened a new franchise location Tuesday, an employee confirmed in a phone call. The essential ice cream purveyor also offers fudge and chocolates. It’s the chain’s third Chicago location, with spots downtown and in Hyde Park. A new Navy Pier location is listed as “coming soon” on the Kilwins website. Ownership will hold a grand opening on Monday. Status: Certified Open, 3519 N. Clark Street.

January 24

LAKEVIEW — Aptly named restaurant I’m Vegan & Vegetarian is open and offering a large menu of animal-free dishes with a Pan Asian bent such as crispy spring rolls, laksa, and pad Thai, an employee confirmed in a phone call. Desserts are also available, including shaved ice. Status: Certified Open, 2907 N. Lincoln Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE — Chicago-based cookie company Sweet Shot Cookies will open its first shop tomorrow, according to a Facebook post. Ownership will throw a grand opening celebration featuring infused and filled cookies in flavors such as Mexican hot chocolate and butter sprinkle funfetti. Status: Opens Tomorrow, 3211 W. Armitage Avenue.

RIVER NORTH — New agave bar Encanto opened this week, reps wrote on Instagram and in a news release, aiming to celebrate the “distinctive and eclectic” diversity of mezcals. It’s inside popular drinking spot Moe’s Cantina River North, and is designed to help patrons learn in a non-intimidating environment. Status: Certified Open, 155 W. Kinzie Street.

RIVER WEST — Whiskey bar Rebel & Rye opens today and kicks off a grand opening weekend, according to a Facebook post. It’ll feature more than 200 bottles of American whiskey from 28 states and aims to achieve a “sneakers or suits” vibe. Status: Opens Today, 726 W. Grand Avenue.

WEST LOOP — Family-owned Caribbean vendor J. Spice debuts today inside Politan Row food hall, according to a rep. Customers can try the owner’s signature jerk blend on chicken, beef, and jackfruit, or dig into Caribbean favorites such as meat patties, rice and peas, and plantains. It’ll also feature tropical desserts. Status: Opens Today, 111 N. Aberdeen Street.

DES PLAINES — Suburban spot Chicago Ramen opens today offering tsukemen, or dipping ramen, along with both red and white miso ramen made by acclaimed Japanese chef Kenta Ikehata (Tsujita), according to a news release. The noodles are from popular purveyor Sun Noodles. Status: Opens Today, 578 E. Oakton in Des Plaines.

SCHAUMBURG — Vegan baked goods company Cinnaholic opens a new Chicago-area location today, according to a news release. The brand appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank and already operates a Naperville shop, along with nearly 40 other spots in North America. It features “plant-based” cinnamon rolls, which are available for $1 today only. Status: Opens Today, 1404 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg.

WINNETKA — Spirit Elephant, the first entirely vegan restaurant on the North Shore, opens tomorrow, according to owner C.D. Young. Patrons can expect a menu that draws on global flavors, such as animal-free versions of French favorites like vegan bourguignon and “cheese” fondue, along with a robust cocktail and drink selection. Status: Opens Tomorrow, 924 Green Bay Road in Winnetka.

January 17

AROUND TOWN — Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Chicago’s largest restaurant group, and third party delivery service GrubHub this week launched virtual restaurant Padma’s Curry Leaf, according to a rep. The delivery-only spot aims to offer “authentic” Indian dishes for lunch and dinner, such as samosas, dal makhani, butter chicken, and saag paneer. A portion of proceeds from each order will go to nonprofit Step Up Women’s Network. Status: Certified Open, 325 W. Huron Street.

AVONDALE — Retro bowling alley and bar Avondale Bowl opened Monday, according to a Facebook post. Former Longman & Eagle bar manager Tony Correale is offering a drink menu that celebrates alleys of the ‘70s- and ‘80s with cocktails like “the Approach” (Monarch amaretto, Plantation OFTD rum, lemon, egg white) as well as rotating draft beers. Status: Certified Open, 3118 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

BRIDGEPORT — Mexican restaurant Mariscos Blue Marlin opens tomorrow on the South Side, according to a Facebook post. The menu features a substantial selection of seafood dishes such as ceviche and tostadas, as well as “Mexican favorites” like chiles rellenos, tortas, and burritos. The building has housed multiple Mexican restaurants over the years, including Tacos Erendira and Jackies Mexican Cuisine. Status: Opens Tomorrow, 3207 S. Halsted Street.

GARFIELD PARK — Chicagoans can get back in line for tacos, burritos, and more when Jerk Taco Man reopens in its original West Side location on Monday. Owner Julius Thomas is back in Garfield Park after a four-year run from 2014 to 2018, and hopes to open a suburban location and eventually plans to expand the business through franchisees. Status: Opens Monday, 4001 W. Jackson Boulevard.

ROSCOE VILLAGE — Same Same Thai Bar and Kitchen is open and serving, reps wrote in an Instagram post. An online menu isn’t yet available, but photos of Gaeng Hung Lay and Hat Yai fried chicken are visible on social media. Pan-Asian restaurant Thai Linda Cafe previously occupied the space. Status: Certified Open, 2022 W. Roscoe Street.

SOUTH LOOP — Detroit-style pizza chain Jet’s Pizza will debut its 20th Chicago area location on Monday, according to a rep. Additional city restaurants are situated in Galewood, Irving Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, River North, West Loop, Uptown, and Wicker Park/Bucktown. Status: Opens Monday, 1144 S. Wabash Avenue.

THE LOOP — The team behind Lincoln Park sausage spot Chicago’s Dog House will open Cabos Tacos, a series of Baja-themed pop-ups, starting in Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower on Monday through Friday, according to an Instagram post and ownership. It’ll feature a tight menu of shrimp, lobster, beef picadillo, and Beyond Beef tacos and rice bowls with plenty of toppings. Future pop up locations also include Northwestern University Chicago (February 3-7), the 353 North Clark building (February 19-21), and the University of Chicago Medical Center (February 24-29). It’s coordinated through Compass Hospitality Group’s Foodworks program. Status: Opens Monday, 300 E. Randolph Street.

NAPERVILLE — Australia-based Mexican-style chain Guzman y Gomez opened its first U.S. location yesterday in the Chicago suburbs, reps wrote in a Facebook post. Patrons can expect familiar menu items including burritos, tacos, and churros. The chain also runs restaurants in Japan and Singapore. A full menu is available below. Status: Certified Open, 1519 N. Naper Road in Naperville.

TINLEY PARK — New cafe Pekoe & Bean Tea Room & Coffee Bar opened last week in the south suburbs, the Tribune reported. Menu items, inspired by English high tea treats, include scones, sweet rolls, finger sandwiches, and clotted cream, served on fine china. Status: Certified Open, 17028 S. Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park.

January 10

CHINATOWN — Japanese street food and bubble tea spot Chi Yatai opened inside Chinatown’s Richland Food Court, an employee confirmed in a phone call. Savory snack selections include three takes on takoyaki, or fried balls of batter filled with pieces of octopus and covered in a special sauce and bonito flakes, as well as chicken and pork katsu sandos, and karaage, or Japanese-style fried chicken. Customers can also order customizable bubble and cheese tea drinks, as well as tea lattes. Status: Certified Open, 2002 S. Wentworth Avenue B11.

LINCOLN PARK — Popular salad chain Sweetgreen has opened the doors of its new location just beside West North Avenue’s Crate & Barrel. Originally founded in Washington D.C. and later moved to Los Angeles, the company has carved out a sizable niche in the lunch market with seasonal salads, warm bowls, and customizable dishes. Other city locations can be found in Millennium Park, Fulton Market, and River North. Status: Certified Open, 900 W, North Avenue.

LINCOLN PARK — Takito Street, the casual Mexican restaurant taking over the space that formerly housed neighborhood icon Fiesta Mexicana, opened yesterday, according to a Facebook post. It’s from the team behind the West Loop’s Bar Takito and Wicker Park’s Takito Kitchen, and offers 10 taco varieties, booze, and vintage films played on a loop. Status: Certified Open, 2423 N. Lincoln Avenue.

UPTOWN — New sandwich, chicken, and burger spot Urban Grill opened this week, according to Uptown Update. The menu includes chicken wings and tenders in bucket or dinner form, shrimp, catfish, Polish sausages, and more. Status: Certified Open, 1132 W. Wilson Avenue.

WICKER PARK — Middle Eastern fast-casual chain I Dream of Falafel opened its latest location in late December just east of Wicker Park’s six corners, reps wrote in a Facebook post. Known for quick and easy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, the chain runs nine additional locations in the Chicago area. Status: Certified Open, 1920 W. North Avenue.

January 3

LINCOLN SQUARE — Menya Goku, a new ramen spot from the team behind ever-popular Wasabi and Ramen Takeya, is open on the edge of Lincoln Square and ownership is holding a grand opening today, according to an Instagram post. The restaurant specializes in tantanmen, a spicy ramen variety inspired by traditional Sichuan dandan, as well as shoyu ramen. Other offerings include kakuni buns filled with braised Berkshire pork belly, pork and shrimp shumai, and “Nagoya pirikara” wings. Status: Certified Open, 2207 W. Montrose Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE — Popular Puerto Rican restaurant Jibaritos y Mas opens a new dine-in space today beside its corner spot on West Fullerton Avenue, ownership wrote on Facebook. They also reassured fans, writing that the new space is designed to provide better, faster service and the original location will remain unchanged. It’s best known for mofongo, a Puerto Rican staple, and juicy jibaritos. Status: Opens Today, 3404 W. Fullerton Avenue.

STREETERVILLE — Rapidly expanding Turkish purveyor Turkitch opened a third location in late November, the Tribune reported, just on the heels of its new stall in the Chicago French Market. It’s inside the Raffaello Hotel, and menu offerings include Turkish coffees and teas, baklava, and bosnak boregi. Status: Certified Open, 201 E. Delaware Place.

THE LOOP — Superfood spot City Press Juice & Bottle opens Monday inside Revival Food Hall, according to the Tribune and a news release. Customers can expect vegan, soy-free and gluten-free offerings including cold-pressed juice, nut or seed-based “mylk” drinks, raw snacks, acai bowls, and more. The mini-chain operates additional locations in Wicker Park, Ravenswood, and Lakeview. Status: Opens Monday, 125 S. Clark Street.

WEST LOOP — Loud Mouth Lobster, a new stall sporting lobster rolls, crab sliders, and more is open inside Politan Row food hall. It’s a new take from the folks at sausage slinger Loud Mouth, and also features a lobster bacon panini and lobster bisque. Status: Certified Open, 111 N. Aberdeen Street.

For a list of the 2019 fall openings, click here.