While a younger crowd fills this Element Collective space on weekend nights with music pulsing and a make-shift dance floor emerging, Old Town Social has one of the best beer and cocktail lists in the neighborhood. The charcuterie is made in the kitchen, and the burger (get it with an egg) is a force. The front room feels like a fancy den and provides a refined spot to hang out with friends. It’s also good for sports fans who want more than typical pub fare.

A newcomer to the area, Forastero is a fast-casual spot along North Avenue that mixes Mexican food with Korean flavors. The chef-owner worked at Jane’s in Bucktown, and the BYO spot features tacos, rice dishes, and spicy “Kung Fu Wings” with habanero and apricot.

This historic restaurant was one of filming locations for Batman Begins, and it gives off a bit of a gangster vibe. Twin Anchors is known for its ribs. While they are broiled — not smoked — the pork is tender and the zesty sauce has built quite a loyalty. The bar also sports one of the better beer lists for the area.

Fire may have burned down the location on Wells, but Adobo has returned. The new spot around the corner features a large patio and outdoor bar. Far before Rick Bayless, Adobo was known for table-side guacamole, and some of the most-inventive Mexican dishes in Chicago.

Old Town can be homogenous at times thanks to a stretch of sports bars packed with recent college graduates. SteakBar carries some of those traits (they serve a Fireball Old Fashioned for the refined bros), but inside a gorgeous multi-level space with huge windows on the second floor that overlook Wells Street. Brendan Sodikoff’s team developed the menu for the space, which is run by Four Corners Tavern Group. The company also owns neighboring Benchmark.

Nookies has locations in Edgewater, Lincoln Park, and Boystown. It’s a great morning spot for breakfast and brunch. While Old Town doesn’t have an abundance of quality diners, Nookies fills the void.

For more than 30 years, this Old Town landmark has graced Wells and served Italian-American cuisine. The waitstaff is friendly and they’re pros at dealing with large crowds, private events, and customers just grabbing a drink on the patio. Kick back with a plate of pasta with a glass of red and people watch.

This affordable Middle Eastern spot has been serving shawarma far before Tony Stark had ever heard of the meaty dish. The falafels are crispy, and there’s a nice selection of salads, wraps, and entrees. It’s great for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner. The hummus with chicken shawarma — add some hot sauce — is a winner.

This space was once the tasting room for The House of Glunz, the historic wine store located next door. It’s a neighborhood wine bar with rare spirits and a Bavarian-inspired menu that’s runs laps around the boring sports bar fare offered at most of the other restaurants on Wells. The Bavarian food is tasty, but the burger is a guilty pleasure.

Old Town is home to one of four Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, the chain with a cult following out of Ohio. Jeni Britton Bauer is a Beard Award winner, and her creative ice cream flavors are served in fresh waffle cones. Chicago’s newest location is a big hit in Old Town.

This restaurant may be the epitome of the neighborhood, with Italian-American classics and a nice patio tucked in behind Wells Street. Find old-school items like clams casino, an underrated Italian beef, and more.