What’s Happening Chicago: 10 New Restaurants To Try

Mexican restaurant
CarinoChicago@KellySandos

Cariño, located at 4662 N. Broadway, is an immersive culinary journey offering a Latin-inspired tasting menu and taco Omakase by Chef Norman Fenton. Each dish has been meticulously crafted to highlight the rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients found across Latin America. (Neighborhood: Uptown) 

Farm Bar Ravenswood, Farmheads Hospitality’s newest concept in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, opened in the former Land & Lake restaurant space at 1970 W Montrose Avenue in November. Farm Bar brings approachable Midwestern fare straight from the farm, with an extensive menu of fresh salads and handhelds, craft cocktails, and a carefully crafted wine list.

Under the helm of Executive Chef David Wakefield, chef at Farm Bar Lakeview and Ravenswood concepts, the Ravenswood location will include the same approachable Midwestern bites while introducing new and innovative twists. (Neighborhood: Ravenswood)

Feverdream, the second concept from Chicago’s Milkhorse Hospitality (after Common Decency, opening next door this Winter 2024),will be made up of a team of industry veterans including Mark Steuer, Felipe Hernandez, Kelsey Kasper, and Jason Turley. Taking over the “Thank You” space that provided the food for Logan Square’s iconic Lost Lake (3154 W Diversey Ave), like the team’s first concept (Common Decency), Feverdream is built on the foundation of ensuring hospitality employees have a sustainable work/life balance with health insurance, access to an employee loyalty program, and other benefits. In line with Milkhorse Hospitality and Common Decency’s mission, Feverdream will incorporate dietary accessibility within its menus and ensure that everyone can have a great meal and killer cocktail in an intimate, cool, vibey setting and space. Expect familiar concepts, but turned on their heads.(Neighborhood: Logan Square)

After announcing early plans for a flagship restaurant in Chicago in early 2023, Hawksmoor, one of London’s best-loved restaurants that’s currently ranked Best Steakhouse in the World, is slated to open its location at 500 N. LaSalle Street (The LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse, a designated Chicago landmark) in spring 2024.

The award-winning restaurant serves steaks from ethically reared cattle and sustainably sourced seafood alongside a progressive cocktail program(Neighborhood: The Loop)

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is celebrating new openings in 2024:  

Chicago restaurant
  • Tre Dita, set to open this winter, is a collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and award-winning Los Angeles Chef Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf). The Tuscan steakhouse is the second of the two-restaurant project from Lettuce Entertain You in the St. Regis Chicago, following the opening of the lauded all-day Japanese restaurant Miru in May 2023. The space located at 401 E. Wacker Drive, which will feature a temperature-controlled pasta lab and a open-hearth wood-fired grill, is being designed by David Collins Studio. (Neighborhood: The Loop)
  • Sushi-san is slated to open a new location in Lincoln Park in early 2024, joining the River North and Willis Tower locations. Located on Halsted just north of Armitage, the new location will serve Sushi-san’s beloved sushi, maki, nigiri/sashimi, and other signature dishes, along with a few exclusive new items. (Neighborhood: Lincoln Park)

Maxwells Trading is the brainchild of Underscore Hospitality partners Josh Tilden and Erling Wu-Bower. Josh and Erling opened Maxwells to have their ideal place to unwind, eat, drink, and listen to music with their family and friends.

The 1516 W. Carroll Avenue location offers an eclectic menu with soul-satisfying food, crisp cocktails, and engaging wines. (Neighborhood: West Loop)

Signature, the upscale sports bar and restaurant bar co-owned by Chicago chef and restaurateur Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y, Valhalla, Apolonia) and his business partner, former Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije (2003-2012; 2014), opened this January not far from Soldier’s Field (1312 S. Wabash Avenue). It will replace Great Lakes-themed restaurant Harbor and the owners hope to draw sports fans and players with their sophisticated take on sports bar favorites. (Neighborhood: South Loop)

The Dearborn, Chicago’s iconic Loop destination spot known for its world-class culinary program and exceptional hospitality, will open its second location at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 in 2024. (Neighborhood: The Loop)

Chicago is about to experience a sensational burst of razzle-dazzle as Broadway Diner, a thrilling Broadway-themed pop-up, arrives at The Tin Lizzie at 2483 North Clark Street on Sunday, February 18 and 25. Residents and visitors can immerse themselves in an extraordinary dining experience combining captivating performances, delectable diner classics, and an unforgettable atmosphere. (Neighborhood: Lincoln Park)