The Eater Chicago Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

by Cristina Cerullo Nov 7, 2013, 6:13am CST

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by Cristina Cerullo Nov 7, 2013, 6:13am CST

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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.

Tanta

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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.

118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

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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.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

(773) 478-4000

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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.

2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

(872) 206-8662

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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.

2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL, US, IL 60647

(773) 384-3333

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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.

534 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 595-1616

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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."

1924 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 645-4949

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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.

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL

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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.

1401 N Ashland, Chicago, IL

(773) 687-9977

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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.

354 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 988-0078

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Where to Eat Brunch in Chicago Right Now

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.

610 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 660-6000

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The Eater Chicago Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

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.