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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.


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

12/05/13 Added: Eataly, Nico Osteria, A10, The Radler

01/02/14 Added: Cicchetti, Coppervine, Baffo

02/06/14 Added: 42 Grams, Green Street Smoked Meats, Kinmont

03/06/14 Added: Boka, Spritz Burger, Stella Barra Pizzeria

04/03/14 Added: Leghorn, Tete Charcuterie, Bottlefork

05/01/14 Added: Cocello, Japonais by Morimoto, Yum Cha

06/05/14 Added: Parachute, Laughing Bird, Ramen-San

07/03/14 Added: Knife & Tine, Masada, Boltwood

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.

Nico Osteria

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One Off Hospitality's latest project is drawing the bulk of the who's who of the dining scene back to the Gold Coast. Italian seafood dishes, sophisticated cocktails, and creative desserts make it more than just a big name.

Cicchetti

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Mike Sheerin's foray into Venetian small plates, with sous chefs Sarah Jordan and Phil Rubino, is intriguing diners in the early going. Don't miss the inventive desserts and house-made pastas either.

The Boka revamp is now open with acclaimed chef Lee Wolen launching a completely new menu. A new buildout, 180 degrees from the prior look, adds to the more approachable vibe.

42 grams

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42 Grams rose from underground club Sous Rising, serving chef Jake Bickelhaupt's intricate dishes in tasting menus inside an intimate space up north.

Green Street Smoked Meats

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Visionary restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff has finally unveiled a concept unlike any he's unleashed yet. Barbecue fare springs from smokers inside a raucous West Loop warehouse that also houses his recently-opened tiny ramen shop in the basement (High Five Ramen) and eventually a juice bar as well.

Tête Charcuterie

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Randolph Row has a new house of meats and cocktails. Delayed for many months, swing by Tete for its glass charcuterie bar and artisan dishes.

Japonais by Morimoto

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Although it's been open a couple of months, celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto's dishes at the revamped Japonais are building a big reputation among Chicago diners.

Parachute

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Top chef alum Beverly Kim and husband John Clark finally opened their first restaurant, and eaters around the city are flocking to check out the unpretentious and inventive Korean-American cuisine.

Leghorn Chicken

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The fried chicken boom has reached a new level of social consciousness and long lines with Leghorn. In the works for nearly two years, the public is wasting no time in snatching up the Old Town Social team's limited amount of chicken and birth control.

Laughing Bird

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The reconcept of Tank Sushi has brought former Bar Pastoral chef Chrissy Camba's Filipino food to an appreciative audience.

Ramen-San

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Lettuce Entertain You's foray into the trendy ramen scene is attracting a broad mix of intrigued eaters and River North revelers.

After a decade a preparation, the mysterious Middle Eastern palace in Logan Square is finally open. Come for exotic dishes and classic favorites, a tri-level patio space, and memorable decor.

Knife & Tine

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Former Moto and iNG chef Nate Park is cooking inventive takes on comfort food day and night in the former stomping grounds of Dale Levitski.

Boltwood

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Head north of the border to taste a Paul Kahan protege's menu of unpretentious market-driven food.

Nico Osteria

One Off Hospitality's latest project is drawing the bulk of the who's who of the dining scene back to the Gold Coast. Italian seafood dishes, sophisticated cocktails, and creative desserts make it more than just a big name.

Cicchetti

Mike Sheerin's foray into Venetian small plates, with sous chefs Sarah Jordan and Phil Rubino, is intriguing diners in the early going. Don't miss the inventive desserts and house-made pastas either.

Boka

The Boka revamp is now open with acclaimed chef Lee Wolen launching a completely new menu. A new buildout, 180 degrees from the prior look, adds to the more approachable vibe.

42 grams

42 Grams rose from underground club Sous Rising, serving chef Jake Bickelhaupt's intricate dishes in tasting menus inside an intimate space up north.

Green Street Smoked Meats

Visionary restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff has finally unveiled a concept unlike any he's unleashed yet. Barbecue fare springs from smokers inside a raucous West Loop warehouse that also houses his recently-opened tiny ramen shop in the basement (High Five Ramen) and eventually a juice bar as well.

Tête Charcuterie

Randolph Row has a new house of meats and cocktails. Delayed for many months, swing by Tete for its glass charcuterie bar and artisan dishes.

Japonais by Morimoto

Although it's been open a couple of months, celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto's dishes at the revamped Japonais are building a big reputation among Chicago diners.

Parachute

Top chef alum Beverly Kim and husband John Clark finally opened their first restaurant, and eaters around the city are flocking to check out the unpretentious and inventive Korean-American cuisine.

Leghorn Chicken

The fried chicken boom has reached a new level of social consciousness and long lines with Leghorn. In the works for nearly two years, the public is wasting no time in snatching up the Old Town Social team's limited amount of chicken and birth control.

Laughing Bird

The reconcept of Tank Sushi has brought former Bar Pastoral chef Chrissy Camba's Filipino food to an appreciative audience.

Ramen-San

Lettuce Entertain You's foray into the trendy ramen scene is attracting a broad mix of intrigued eaters and River North revelers.

Masada

After a decade a preparation, the mysterious Middle Eastern palace in Logan Square is finally open. Come for exotic dishes and classic favorites, a tri-level patio space, and memorable decor.

Knife & Tine

Former Moto and iNG chef Nate Park is cooking inventive takes on comfort food day and night in the former stomping grounds of Dale Levitski.

Boltwood

Head north of the border to taste a Paul Kahan protege's menu of unpretentious market-driven food.

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