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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.


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

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

Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or the tipline.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Matthias Merges has brought a new level of dining to a hungry south side academic neighborhood that has welcomed it with open arms.

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.

The Dawson

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Billy Lawless' massive historically-themed drinking restaurant has hit the scene with a bang. While chef Rene DeLeon has left, an eclectic menu of comfort food twists combined with a vast innovative beverage program and a large layout remains.

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.

Step away from the masses at Eataly and sit down for a fine-dining excursion at Mario Batali's Baffo. Just remember to book your table far in advance.

Coppervine

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Don Sritong is attempting to change the way Chicagoans dine by pairing three types of beverages with every one of chef Michael Taus' dishes. Diners and drinkers alike are embracing the concept.

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 will also house a ramen bar and juice bar.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

A10

Matthias Merges has brought a new level of dining to a hungry south side academic neighborhood that has welcomed it with open arms.

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.

The Dawson

Billy Lawless' massive historically-themed drinking restaurant has hit the scene with a bang. While chef Rene DeLeon has left, an eclectic menu of comfort food twists combined with a vast innovative beverage program and a large layout remains.

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.

Baffo

Step away from the masses at Eataly and sit down for a fine-dining excursion at Mario Batali's Baffo. Just remember to book your table far in advance.

Coppervine

Don Sritong is attempting to change the way Chicagoans dine by pairing three types of beverages with every one of chef Michael Taus' dishes. Diners and drinkers alike are embracing the concept.

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 will also house a ramen bar and juice bar.

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.

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