Whether it’s a fresh lunch option or a place you've seen getting ready to open in your neighborhood, great new restaurants have been popping up all over the city. We took a closer look at five of the up-and-coming spots.
Margeaux Brasserie
Near North Side
For those that are looking for a new spot to impress their significant other or guests visiting from out of town, make your way over to Margeaux Brasserie, the newest French restaurant in town. Located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria. It's the latest project for Michael Mina, a James-Beard award-winning chef out of San Francisco. The space, which is decorated with dark colored furniture, plush seating and gold accents, will have you feeling like you're in a Parisian brasserie the moment you enter through the doors. You can expect to see a menu that includes onion soup gratinée, dry-aged Rohan duck breast, pommes purée, Dover sole meunière,' and other French dishes.
Pro Tip: The price range is pretty steep, so if you want to dine like royalty without breaking the bank, go during happy hour, which is offered daily from 4-6pm at the bar and lounge. You'll be able to eat and drink for $7-$12 a plate.
HaiSous
Pilsen
Chicagoans that were sad to see Embeya close after four years in business can now mend their broken hearts with a visit to Haisous, the newest Vietnamese eatery that opened in Pilsen. It's the latest business venture for Chef Thai Dang, and wife/business partner Danielle Dang. The menu at the "true Vietnamese Kitchen," boasts an optional $33 tasting menu for the whole table, or individual plates including Gọi Cuốn Tôm (summer rolls, crispy prawns, peanut-hoisin sauce, lettuce, lemon balm), Sơ Nấu Nước Dừa (mussels, cooked in coconut broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf), Gà Nướng Xả Ớt (grilled chicken marinated with lemongrass-chili paste) and many more. There are also ten different cocktails for $10-$12 each, as well as beer, wine and soft drinks for those 21 and up.
Somerset
Near North Side
Somerset Restaurant, which opened earlier this month adjacent to the new Viceroy Hotel, is the latest addition to the North Side neighborhood. The space is beautifully decorated with pastel colored walls, high top chairs, gold accents and French doors that stay open on warmer days. The upscale, Italian-influenced eatery offers all-day options, including breakfast pastries, pizza, pasta, burgers, salads and much more. Check out specialties like the squid ink pasta.
Barrio
Near North Side
Barrio opened merely a month and a half ago but its popularity continues to increase, thanks to the dynamite food that Top Chef contestant Katsuji Tanabe is churning out at his new establishment. The Mexican-Japanese chef's latest venture is housed in a 6,000-square-foot space across the Chicago Riverwalk, complete with dark colored furniture, brick walls, a huge circular bar and a disco ball in the women's bathroom. Currently, Barrio offers a variety of options on its lunch and dinner menu including tacos, tortas, seafood options, burgers, street style corn and many more. There will also be a brunch and gluten-free menu available in the future, so check back on its website to see when they'll be rolled out.
Coming Soon
Sushi-San
River North
The team behind Ramen-San, a popular ramen joint that opened at 59 W. Hubbard Street in 2014, has a new project up their sleeves that they'll be unveiling in the coming weeks. The new eatery's Instagram page doesn't offer much information besides that it'll be serving "hand rolls and hip-hop," but if it's anything like the ramen spot, you know it's going to be chill, welcoming and delicious. Customers can expect to find an assortment of hand rolls and maki rolls, in addition to grilled meats, nigiri bombs and grilled vegetables.
