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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.


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

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

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.

Dusek's

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

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.

Eataly Chicago

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It doesn't get much hotter than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's land of magic and pasta. With eight restaurants and a world of retail, Chicago's food scene has been greatly expanded.

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.

The Radler

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Now open, former Vie standouts Nathan Sears and Adam Hebert are hoping to raise the level of Bavarian dining and beer in Logan Square.

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 will also house a ramen bar and juice bar.

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.

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.

Kinmont

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Element Collective (Nellcote, Old Town Social) has done it again with their latest, Kinmont. Dubbed the "first entirely sustainable seafood restaurant in Chicago," expect a mix of classic seafood dishes and a vibrant social scene.

Cocello

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Brendan Sodikoff's Italian makeover of Dillman's is already buzzing. Try the apertif cocktails, pastas, and steak.

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.

Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor

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Downtown Chicago diners finally have a serious option for dim sum. Now fully open, including a liquor license, don't miss the selection of tea cocktails.

Dusek's

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

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.

Eataly Chicago

It doesn't get much hotter than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's land of magic and pasta. With eight restaurants and a world of retail, Chicago's food scene has been greatly expanded.

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.

The Radler

Now open, former Vie standouts Nathan Sears and Adam Hebert are hoping to raise the level of Bavarian dining and beer in Logan Square.

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 will also house a ramen bar and juice bar.

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.

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.

Kinmont

Element Collective (Nellcote, Old Town Social) has done it again with their latest, Kinmont. Dubbed the "first entirely sustainable seafood restaurant in Chicago," expect a mix of classic seafood dishes and a vibrant social scene.

Cocello

Brendan Sodikoff's Italian makeover of Dillman's is already buzzing. Try the apertif cocktails, pastas, and steak.

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.

Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor

Downtown Chicago diners finally have a serious option for dim sum. Now fully open, including a liquor license, don't miss the selection of tea cocktails.

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