Chicago’s culinary scene is thriving. Fortunately, there’s no time like the present to explore the latest and greatest fare throughout the city.

Whether you prefer to dine patio style on a balmy evening or cozy up to an indoor booth, these seven innovative restaurants in Chicago are worth your time.

Elske – West Loop

Eater Magazine recently launched its list of the Best New Restaurants in America with just 12 coveted spots compared to last year’s 21. Listed first among the desired dozen is Elske, which opened in early December by David and Anna Posey. Elske means “love” in Danish and this romantic hideaway certainly lives up to its own name.  Although one of many top-rated food spots along Restaurant Row in the white-hot West Loop, Elske offers a mid-century modern aesthetic that emanates through both the posh décor and New American cuisine. Diners can choose from a tasting menu or à la carte options. For added ambiance, snag a spot on the fireplace-clad outdoor patio while weather permits.

Hours: Wed – Sun 6pm to close || Closed Mon & Tues

Reservations: (312) 733-1314 or info@elskerestaurant.com

Quiote – Logan Square

After the success of his taco-focused food truck, Dan Salls and his partner, Paul Biasco, launched a new full-service Mexican restaurant this past February. Quiote serves coffee in the morning and casual counter service during lunchtime. But at night, the space flips the switch into a sit-down restaurant and later, a trendy cocktail bar that caters to the “going out” crowd. After the kitchen closes, the chefs serve a small batch of specially-made tacos at 11:30 p.m. that tend to sell out quickly. If it’s authenticity and attention to detail you seek, try the Tamal Oaxaqueño, a dish that takes a full three days to prepare.

Hours: Wed – Sun 11am to 10:30pm (11pm Fri, Sat) || Cafe opens at 9am || Mezcal Bar Hours: 5pm to 2am (3am Sat) || Closed Tuesday

Reservations: (312) 878-8571

Kitsune – North Center

Despite Kitsune’s Japanese-inspired menu, the meals are created with local Midwest ingredients like soft-boiled eggs, homemade chili sauce, and scallions. The chef, Michelin-rated Iliana Regan, focuses on local ingredients alongside fun aesthetic details in plating and silverware. One of the Kitsune’s famed dishes is the Tonkotsu Ramen, complete with rich caramelized pork belly that’s been filling up countless Chicagoans after the restaurant’s anticipated launch in January.

Hours: Tues – Thurs 5pm to 10pm || Fri & Sat 5pm to 11pm || Sunday 5pm to 9pm || Saturday Lunch 11am to 5pm || Sunday Brunch 11am to 2pm

Reservations: (773) 687-9179 or thekitsunerestaurant@gmail.com

Roister – Fulton Market

The creators of Alinea, a multi-course immersive dining experience named the best restaurant in the nation by Business Insider, took their talents to the West Loop with Roister. Roister maintains a similar but downplayed sense of swank compared to its allies Alinea and Next. Even so, the foie gras candy bar and the prix fixe menu starting at $85 per person on weekdays ($95 on weekends) do not make for a casual Tuesday night bite. Reservations require tickets with a $10 to $20 deposit that is credited toward your à la carte bill while the fixed course menu must be prepaid. But, an open kitchen and rustic aesthetic allow for a more laid-back experience with similar creative dishes meant to enliven your taste buds.

Hours: Mon – Sun Lunch 11:45am to 2pm || Dinner begins at 5pm

Tickets: roister.tocktix.com

BLVD – Fulton Market

Although it just opened in late June, BLVD is already a must-visit for anyone dazzled by old Hollywood glamor straight out of the Sunset Strip days. Much like the interior style, BLVD’s menu takes diners back a few decades. Head chef Ross Mendoza was inspired by the post-World War II food trends when American soldiers came home with an appetite for international flavors and spices. He even serves four types of sourdough toast, a standard dish among servicemen in the 1940s and 1950s. Most dishes are considered contemporary American with an emphasis on seafood, but comforting homegrown options like burgers and patty melts are available as well.

Hours: Sun – Thurs 5 to 11pm || Sat & Sun 5pm to 1am

Reservations: (312) 526-3116

Barrio – River North

DineAmic restaurant group (Siena Tavern, Bar Siena, Prime & Provisions) launched its Latin-like River North restaurant, Barrio, less than two weeks ago. Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe was raised in Mexico, but his Japanese heritage shines through with “robata,” an Asian technique for slow-grilling over charcoal. Barrio’s tortillas are purchased directly from Oaxacan farmers for cultural authenticity. Meanwhile, the vegetables are sourced from Wisconsin and Minnesota to mingle in a Midwestern farm-to-table vibe. Rumor has it, Barrio has plans to open a side store specifically devoted to treats like Nutella-dipped churros.

Hours: Mon – Fri 11:30am to 2am || Saturday 11:30am to 3am || Sunday 11:30am to close

Reservations: (312) 940-9900

Bad Hunter – West Loop

Au Cheval has a new neighbor. Located on one of the busiest blocks along Restaurant Row, Bad Hunter goes heavy on the greens with its vegetarian-friendly menu introduced last October. Instead of blandly steamed sides, chef Dan Snowden offers an exciting twist on getting your daily dose of vitamins. Think fried sunchoke, wood-grilled carrots with pistachio-chile pesto, maitake mushrooms with lavender-parsnip puree and meat-free Bolognese over bow-tie pasta. There’s also the savory butter dumplings and plenty of possibilities for meat lovers, including various skewers, sirloin, salmon, pork tenderloin and a bacon-topped veggie burger. The dessert menu is small (but mighty) and adult beverages range from modest wines to about a dozen cocktails.

Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am to 12am || Friday 11am to 1am || Saturday 10am to 1am || Sunday 10am to 12am

Reservations: (312) 265-1745

 

Featured image: Heisler Hospitality / Bad Hunter