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The Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right Now, January 2015

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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.

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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.

Bohemian House

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Downtown now has a beautiful and creative Eastern European restaurant with no TVs amidst the River North nightlife.

Momotaro

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The latest project from the Boka Group may just be their crown jewel. Three floors beckon in the West Loop, full of different styles of Japanese cuisine, bars, and an eye-popping design.

Dove's Luncheonette

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The latest from Paul Kahan and One Off Hospitality is predictably drawing eaters from around the city. Head to the Tex-Mex diner next to Big Star for interesting twists on Mexican and Texan classics and a wide selection of tequila and mezcal.

RPM Steak

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A glitzy see-and-be-seen spot with some culinary cred, RPM Steak looks like an exclusive 50's steakhouse but has a diverse and current menu.

The team behind Lakeview's Wood have brought cuisine from the Basque region of Spain to a minimalist candlelit space on Randolph Row.

Baker Miller

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The new bakery and cafe from the former Bang Bang Pie Shop owners was so busy in the early going that they had to cut back on hours. Try sweet and savory baked goods made with flours milled in-house and composed dishes at all three meals.

Umami Burger

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Diners are flocking to Wicker Park to taste the forward-thinking burgers, cocktails, and sides at Umami Burger's first location off the coasts.

Shake Shack

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Years in the making, Chicago finally has a location of Danny Meyer's worldwide burger sensation. Be prepared for lines and delicious, affordable food.

Charlatan

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The new restaurant from the Three Aces guys brings an edgy vibe, an array of pastas, and creative dishes like the pig's head for two to the former West Town Tavern space.

The Kitchen

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The Colorado philanthropic import brought former Telegraph chef Johnny Anderes into a gorgeous buildout overlooking the Chicago River.

Oak + Char

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There's plenty of heat at Oak + Char, the former Untitled guys' new restaurant with wood-burning cuisine and chic wood-themed remodeling of Graham Elliot's former stomping grounds.

The Duck Inn

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Former Allium chef Kevin Hickey's homecoming brings cheffy takes on Chicago street food, a more elaborate dining room menu, and a fun-yet-thoughtful beverage program to working class Bridgeport.

Berrista

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Molecular maestro Homaro Cantu's dream of making healthy sugar-free doughnuts, sweets, and drinks is now a reality at this modernist and playful coffee shop.

White Oak Tavern & Inn

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After a remodeling and reconcepting, John's Place Lincoln Park is now White Oak Tavern & Inn, with Alinea vet John Asbaty, most recently of the closed and lamented Panozzo's, cooking American farm-to-table fare.

Bohemian House

Downtown now has a beautiful and creative Eastern European restaurant with no TVs amidst the River North nightlife.

Momotaro

The latest project from the Boka Group may just be their crown jewel. Three floors beckon in the West Loop, full of different styles of Japanese cuisine, bars, and an eye-popping design.

Dove's Luncheonette

The latest from Paul Kahan and One Off Hospitality is predictably drawing eaters from around the city. Head to the Tex-Mex diner next to Big Star for interesting twists on Mexican and Texan classics and a wide selection of tequila and mezcal.

RPM Steak

A glitzy see-and-be-seen spot with some culinary cred, RPM Steak looks like an exclusive 50's steakhouse but has a diverse and current menu.

Salero

The team behind Lakeview's Wood have brought cuisine from the Basque region of Spain to a minimalist candlelit space on Randolph Row.

Baker Miller

The new bakery and cafe from the former Bang Bang Pie Shop owners was so busy in the early going that they had to cut back on hours. Try sweet and savory baked goods made with flours milled in-house and composed dishes at all three meals.

Umami Burger

Diners are flocking to Wicker Park to taste the forward-thinking burgers, cocktails, and sides at Umami Burger's first location off the coasts.

Shake Shack

Years in the making, Chicago finally has a location of Danny Meyer's worldwide burger sensation. Be prepared for lines and delicious, affordable food.

Charlatan

The new restaurant from the Three Aces guys brings an edgy vibe, an array of pastas, and creative dishes like the pig's head for two to the former West Town Tavern space.

The Kitchen

The Colorado philanthropic import brought former Telegraph chef Johnny Anderes into a gorgeous buildout overlooking the Chicago River.

Oak + Char

There's plenty of heat at Oak + Char, the former Untitled guys' new restaurant with wood-burning cuisine and chic wood-themed remodeling of Graham Elliot's former stomping grounds.

The Duck Inn

Former Allium chef Kevin Hickey's homecoming brings cheffy takes on Chicago street food, a more elaborate dining room menu, and a fun-yet-thoughtful beverage program to working class Bridgeport.

Berrista

Molecular maestro Homaro Cantu's dream of making healthy sugar-free doughnuts, sweets, and drinks is now a reality at this modernist and playful coffee shop.

White Oak Tavern & Inn

After a remodeling and reconcepting, John's Place Lincoln Park is now White Oak Tavern & Inn, with Alinea vet John Asbaty, most recently of the closed and lamented Panozzo's, cooking American farm-to-table fare.

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