The Bristol Chef Chris Pandel does things with animal parts most others wouldn't dare and the experience is heightened because of it.

Rick Bayless' mexican haven is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end.

Before Logan Square had Longman & Eagle, it had Lula Café. More than a decade on, it's easy to see why people flock for its locally sourced menu, Sunday brunch and Monday night farm dinners.

Even though chef Koren Grieveson left and Erling Wu-Bower moved to Nico Osteria, avec and chef Perry Hendrix remains one of the most consistent—and packed—spots in town.

Charlie Trotter's vet Matthias Merges took a massive departure from fine dining and opened this yakitori-inspired Japanese street food spot. Whether you go for dinner (get the crispy chicken skin, quail eggs and sweetbreads) or for the $20 three-course Sunday noodles, you'll wonder why Merges didn't do this sooner.

If you can stand your big, fat gourmet burger with headbanging pulsating metal music, go get in line now. There aren't many better burgers in Chicago.

The crown jewel in Tony Hu's ever-growing empire, the focus here is on Szechwan dishes, ranging from the basic to the downright adventurous.

If it were just fish and chips and chowdah, we'd still be won over. But everything—the hamachi crudo, lobster roll, the ponzu mignonette for the oysters, plump mussels in a steaming red sauce, brandade croquettes—is so incredibly fresh, you'd think you're on one of the coasts.

In a neighborhood filled with big splashy openings, it's nice to know there's a cute spot where you can go for a quick glass of Sherry or wine at the bar or have a romantic dinner over Spanish small plates.

With two smokers to prep meaty St. Louis-style ribs, tender brisket, apple-and-oak-smoked pulled pork and more, this 'cue joint ain't no joke.

Normally we'd pass on a tiny, no reservations spot, but when there's a BYO policy and a chef who cooked under Thomas Keller preparing a globally influenced menu, we'll gladly make the exception.

Even if you can't sit on the city's best patio all year, chef Tony Priolo's pizzas, housemade pastas and grilled meats make a trip worth it even in the dead of winter.

Pat Sheerin has outdone himself with a polarizing menu of upscale charcuterie. Everyone has an opinion on this spot.

When you want more than spanikopita and gyros, David Schneider's authentic regional Greek fare (and amazing Greek wine list) beckon you to this beautiful dining room in Wicker Park.

Uptown's Argyle Street is also known as Little Saigon and Tank Noodle is the crown jewel for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially the various steaming bowls of pho.

Coalfire changed the way we think about thin crust. If you like it super crispy with a little bit of char, this is your new haunt.

There's little doubt that Hot Doug's is the preeminent hot dog and "sausage superstore" in Chicago, perhaps even the country and world. The release of the Hot Doug's book, not to mention the seemingly neverending lines, only cement that.

Where else can you get Brit-style flaky, buttery crust pies filled with beef, chicken or mushrooms and kale? BYO or better yet, order it to be delivered to Maria's next door and get a drink at the bar. Oh yeah, fish & chips Fridays start at 5:30.

Matt Troost's refined bar menu in a rock 'n' roll-vibed neighborhood spot with a killer beer list and fantastic parking lot patio is a great reason to hit Taylor Street.

Former underground chef Abraham Conlon has reached the big time with his creative take on Macau cuisine. Try the pickle assortments and namesake "fat rice."

As Americanized Japanese restaurants continue to come and go, Katsu continues to churn out uncompromising sushi in an unassuming building on the Far North Side for a quarter-century and counting.

Authentic Indian south of Devon can be tough to find. Throw in Nepalese, an array of curries, platters, and cocktails and you might not go back up north.

Throughout chef changes and evolving menus, Sepia continues to be one of the most consistent restaurants in Chicago. Andrew Zimmerman's menus paired with a cutting-edge beverage program makes it a complete experience.

Curtis Duffy's inventive fine dining has been wowing diners, and media, from its inception. A glass-enclosed kitchen, spot-on wine pairings, and fascinating backstory only add to the draw.

Whether tackling one of the best burgers in town at the bar, embarking on a journey through a decadent eight-course menu, or satisfying a sweets craving with a creative dessert tasting menu, chef Ryan McCaskey and team is doing it all at Acadia.

While a second location is open in Lincoln Park, the first in Evanston remains a cult destination and the gold standard for griddled, no-frills burgers.

Chef/owner John Manion continues to crank out empanadas and other chef-driven Latin fare among the big boys on Fulton Market. A fresh remodeling and inventive cocktails, even without opening beverage director Just Anderson, completes the experience.

Chicago deep dish gets a twist and a cult-following at Pequod's that even out-of-town deep dish haters can love.