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The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Oct '11

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It's time to update the Eater 38, your answer and ours to any question that begins, “Can you recommend a restaurant?” This highly elite group covers the entire city, spans myriad cuisines and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs, save for those occasions when you absolutely must spend half a paycheck. Every couple of months, we'll add pertinent restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months) or have stepped up their game. And keep in mind, this list is presented in no particular order.

This month, we're only making a couple of changes. First off, Jam is coming off the list. The acclaimed Ukrainian Village breakfast/lunch spot will soon be closing, only to open in a new location in Logan Square. And Xoco is unquestionably fantastic, but it seems to be on every list written about Chicago's food scene from a national perspective. We thought we'd take it off to spread the love. That said, two other spots we're adding include Vincent, which is making the jump from the Heat Map to the 38, and Chicago Cut. In a city full of steakhouses, this one has so much going for it, not to mention its killer location on the river.

For those of you readying the pitchforks because your favorite restaurant isn't on the list, wouldn't it just be more productive to nominate it for inclusion? State your cases for (or against) restaurants in the comments or in the tipline.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Anteprima

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Urban Belly

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Hot Doug's

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Kuma's Corner

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The Bristol

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Lao Sze Chuan

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Purple Pig

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Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

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Smoque BBQ

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Ceres' Table

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HB Home Bistro

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DMK Burger Bar

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Longman and Eagle

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Bonsoiree

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Nightwood Restaurant

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Girl & The Goat

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Piccolo Sogno

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Hemas Kitchen

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Demera Ethiopian

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Sun Wah Bar-B-Que

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Pho Xe Tang/Tank Noodle

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Lula Cafe

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De Cero Restaurant

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Glenn's Diner

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Coalfire

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Big Star

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Tac Quick

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Davanti Enoteca

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Chizakaya

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The Publican

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Lillie's Q

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Maude's Liquor Bar

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Vincent

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Chicago Cut Steakhouse

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Anteprima

avec

Urban Belly

Hot Doug's

Kuma's Corner

Irazu

The Bristol

Lao Sze Chuan

Purple Pig

Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

Smoque BBQ