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The Eater Chicago Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort.

And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change on a regular basis to always highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment. And keep in mind, this list is presented in no particular order.


03/07/13 Added: Found, Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed, Oiistar

04/04/13 Added: Takito Kitchen, Rickshaw Republic, Earth + Ocean

05/02/13 Added: Brindille, Kabocha

06/06/13 Added: Parson's Chicken and Fish, Juno Restaurant, endgrain

07/11/13 Added: Lao 18, Mott Street, Homestead on the Roof, OON

08/01/13 Added: County Barbecue, Restaurant Beatrix

09/05/13 Added: Tanta, Dillman's, Burke's Bacon Bar

10/03/13 Added: Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Dusek's Board & Beer, Four Belly Asian Street Food

11/07/13 Added: The Dawson, Chop Shop, Smalls, Gogi

Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or 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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Since opening in mid-August, Gaston Acurio's first foray into the Midwest has drawn rave reviews and buzz from diners and media. It's no wonder he's one of the most renowned chefs in the world.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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Diners are flocking to Honey Butter Fried Chicken, finally feasting on Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp's cultish preparation in a restaurant setting. Although the chicken is the star, the side dishes are also making waves.

Juno Restaurant

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Jason Chan and B.K. Park had abrupt endings with their former restaurants and joined forces to open Juno. The "contemporary Japanese" cuisine is delicately plated inside the former Merlo space that's made over with Japanese pop art.

Parson's Chicken & Fish

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The latest Land and Sea Dept. project was kept quiet for months and opened unannounced. Now that it's open, however, diners are flocking for the fried chicken, fish, Negroni slushies, and the '77 El Camino.

Brindille

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Carrie Nahabedian's second restaurant is finally here. The concept has all the grace and taste of her first, Naha, but with a slightly more approachable vibe and a Parisian-centric theme.

Homestead on the Roof

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Homestead on the Roof reopened for the summer with beefed-up staff. New executive chef Chris Curren (Blue 13) and beverage director Ben Schiller (BOKA) have the people talking about the food, cocktails, and rooftop garden at the "literal farm-to-table restaurant."

Dusek's

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The Longman & Eagle team has done it again, opening a the beer-themed Dusek's and subterranean Punch House in Pilsen. Residents from the neighborhood and whole city are already packing the place.

Mott Street

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The heralded team behind Ruxbin Kitchen has expanded north to that red building on Ashland. The night market-themed menu features "everything wings," crab brain fried rice, and kimchi and Oaxaca spring rolls with chimichurri creme fraiche.

Dillman's

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Despite early hiccups with the "delicatessan" name and expectations of food offerings, most diners have agreed that the food is delicious and the decor is stunning at Brendan Sodikoff's latest.

Burke's Bacon Bar

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Renowned chefs David Burke and Rick Gresh are supplying an array of bacon-themed "handwiches," bacon desserts, and bacon retail items inside a tiny storefront next to David Burke's Primehouse. Grab a seat if you can or take them to go for a downtown jaunt.

The Dawson

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Billy Lawless' massive historically-themed drinking restaurant has hit the scene with a bang. Chef Rene DeLeon's eclectic menu of comfort food twists combined with a vast innovative beverage program and a large layout is bringing patrons in.

Smalls.

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While the space is certainly small, the taste is large. Adventurous diners are making the trek more and more to Irving Park to see for themselves.

Chop Shop

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It's a butcher shop. It's a restaurant. It's a bar. It's an event hall. It's all of these things, it's finally open, and it's huge.

Korean coal-fire barbeque is igniting on the Far North Side, bringing attention from critics and eaters alike.

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Tanta

Since opening in mid-August, Gaston Acurio's first foray into the Midwest has drawn rave reviews and buzz from diners and media. It's no wonder he's one of the most renowned chefs in the world.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Diners are flocking to Honey Butter Fried Chicken, finally feasting on Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp's cultish preparation in a restaurant setting. Although the chicken is the star, the side dishes are also making waves.

Juno Restaurant

Jason Chan and B.K. Park had abrupt endings with their former restaurants and joined forces to open Juno. The "contemporary Japanese" cuisine is delicately plated inside the former Merlo space that's made over with Japanese pop art.

Parson's Chicken & Fish

The latest Land and Sea Dept. project was kept quiet for months and opened unannounced. Now that it's open, however, diners are flocking for the fried chicken, fish, Negroni slushies, and the '77 El Camino.

Brindille

Carrie Nahabedian's second restaurant is finally here. The concept has all the grace and taste of her first, Naha, but with a slightly more approachable vibe and a Parisian-centric theme.

Homestead on the Roof

Homestead on the Roof reopened for the summer with beefed-up staff. New executive chef Chris Curren (Blue 13) and beverage director Ben Schiller (BOKA) have the people talking about the food, cocktails, and rooftop garden at the "literal farm-to-table restaurant."

Dusek's

The Longman & Eagle team has done it again, opening a the beer-themed Dusek's and subterranean Punch House in Pilsen. Residents from the neighborhood and whole city are already packing the place.

Mott Street

The heralded team behind Ruxbin Kitchen has expanded north to that red building on Ashland. The night market-themed menu features "everything wings," crab brain fried rice, and kimchi and Oaxaca spring rolls with chimichurri creme fraiche.

Dillman's

Despite early hiccups with the "delicatessan" name and expectations of food offerings, most diners have agreed that the food is delicious and the decor is stunning at Brendan Sodikoff's latest.

Burke's Bacon Bar

Renowned chefs David Burke and Rick Gresh are supplying an array of bacon-themed "handwiches," bacon desserts, and bacon retail items inside a tiny storefront next to David Burke's Primehouse. Grab a seat if you can or take them to go for a downtown jaunt.

The Dawson

Billy Lawless' massive historically-themed drinking restaurant has hit the scene with a bang. Chef Rene DeLeon's eclectic menu of comfort food twists combined with a vast innovative beverage program and a large layout is bringing patrons in.

Smalls.

While the space is certainly small, the taste is large. Adventurous diners are making the trek more and more to Irving Park to see for themselves.

Chop Shop

It's a butcher shop. It's a restaurant. It's a bar. It's an event hall. It's all of these things, it's finally open, and it's huge.

Gogi

Korean coal-fire barbeque is igniting on the Far North Side, bringing attention from critics and eaters alike.

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