1. Chez Poulet
WHATt: A rotisserie chicken spot from Le Bouchon’s Oliver Poilevey.
WHY: Served with bread from Mindy’s Bakery and bottles of wine, this is a dream French meal.
WHERE: 2234 N. Western Ave., Logan Square Website
2. Juniper
WHAT: A buzzy North Shore newcomer that marries American dishes with sushi.
WHAT: You’ve always wanted to start with nigiri and move on to spinach dip and short ribs.
WHERE: 200 Green Bay Rd., Highwood Website
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3. Taan
WHAT: Seasonal Thai dishes from first-time restaurateur Chanita Chayaluk.
WHY: Dig into dry red curry pork and herby lamb sausage in the cozy environs.
WHERE: 2759 W. Augusta Blvd., Humboldt Park Website
4. Soul & Smoke
WHAT: A new flagship for the popular barbecue purveyor.
WHY: D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick push it further with table service and evening fine-dining dishes.
WHERE: 1601 Payne St., Evanston Website
5. Tarra
WHAT: Another Thai newbie: a contemporary spot from Kyuramen’s team.
WHY: Nosh on shrimp salad and skewers upstairs, then finish with a nightcap in Sura, the lounge downstairs.
WHERE: 121 W. Hubbard St., River North Website
6. Café Kumiko
WHAT: The lauded cocktail bar brings back its weekend daytime menu.
WHY: Head in for tea, coffee, and one of the best breakfast sandwiches in town (see page 55).
WHERE: 630 W. Lake St., West Loop Website
7. Gingie
WHAT: After a fire shut it three days after opening, Gingie returns.
WHY: Brian Lockwood (Midōsuji) offers creative contemporary American fare, including a raw bar and hand rolls.
WHERE: 707 N. Wells St., River North Website
8. Bucktown Pizza
WHAT: Crispy Jersey-style slices served underneath the Western Blue Line stop.
WHY: With a simple approach, like a garlicky white pie with ricotta, this is pizza for purists.
WHERE: 1912 N. Western Ave., Logan Square
9. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
WHAT: An outpost of a New York Chinese eatery.
WHY: More soup dumplings, please.
WHERE: 35 W. Ontario St., River North Website
10. Uncle John’s BBQ
WHAT: The South Side ’cue joint heads north.
WHY: Grab rib tips before a Cubs game.
WHERE: 947 W. Addison St., Wrigleyville Website