Interested in getting intel on the newest businesses to open in Chicago? From a family-run Italian eatery to a Thai lunch and dinner spot, read on for a list of the newest businesses to open for business around town.
Buona Restaurant & Catering
804 W. Washington Blvd., West Loop
Buona Restaurant & Catering is an Italian spot, offering sandwiches and pizza.
Craving Italian beef with sweet peppers and hot giardiniera? This new spot is the place for you. It's the second Chicago location for Buona, a family business that operates 14 Italian beef restaurants. But the menu goes way beyond beef to include hand-rolled pizza, soups and salads, as well as other sandwiches like the chicken-artichoke panini. (View the full menu here.)
Yelpers are fans of Buona Restaurant & Catering: it's got five stars out of eight reviews, so far.
Yelper Nicole M., who reviewed it on Dec. 14, said, "Their customer service was top notch. The girl came around two times asking if we needed anything and again to collect our empty plates. It got quite busy as we left so they're obviously doing something right."
Anthony M. noted, "The location is fantastic and offers all of the amazing food choices that we expect from a Buona restaurant. The beef is always delicious and flavorful."
Hungry? It's open from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
ALTHEA
700 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 7, Near North Side
ALTHEA is a vegan spot.
On the menu, there's avocado tikki, kimchi dumplings made from coconut wrappers, spicy udon soup and pies, among other options. The new spot also boasts cocktails made with organic produce, plus beer and wine that’s vegan, organic and biodynamic, according to Eater Chicago.
With a 4.5-star rating out of 21 reviews on Yelp so far, ALTHEA has been warmly received by patrons.
Lance H., who reviewed it on Jan. 8, wrote, "Stunning Chicago views! The most amazing and the only strictly plant-based gourmet restaurant in Chicago. There are gourmet vegan options at other restaurants in the city, but none with an entire menu that is made just from delectable plants! The cuisine is really next level."
And Verna P. added, "Our experience was top notch from start to finish. Our server was very knowledgeable about all the dishes and was very attentive throughout the meal."
It's open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.
Nine One One BBQ Shack
2734 W. 111st St., West Morgan Park
Nine One One BBQ Shack is a traditional American spot, offering barbecue and more.
The barbecue joint offers smoked meats, sandwiches, salads and more. Choose between the smoked ribs, hot links or chicken. And consider adding one of the restaurant's "Comfort Sides," including macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, cornbread and more. (Check out the full menu here.)
With a 4.5-star rating out of 16 reviews on Yelp, the fresh addition seems to be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood.
Charlie P., who reviewed it on Jan. 12, wrote, "I'm a huge fan of the rib tips and I usually get the medium order. They're delicious and cooked perfectly. The barbecue sauce is unreal, which greatly enhances the tips along with their other entrees."
Isa C. noted, "Food is amazing! Had a small link with a side of greens and a piece of cornbread and I loved it all! The customer service is excellent. The food is so good they tend to run out."
Hungry? The barbecue joint is open from 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
The Priory Bar & Kitchen
5130 N. Western Ave., Lincoln Square
The Priory Bar & Kitchen is a traditional American and English spot, offering coffee, tea, soup and more.
The new restaurant serves classic American dishes. Start with the charcuterie board with sliced meats and cheeses, fruits and veggies, lager mustard and house gravy. Then treat yourself to Mum's Chicken Pot Roast with roasted chicken, veggies, house-made russet mashed potatoes and gravy. (View the full menu here.)
It's off to a solid start thus far, with a 3.5-star rating out of 11 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Julia S., who was among the first to review it on Nov. 29, said, "We stopped in at the Priory in their first week and had a great time! Sat at the bar with a very nice and knowledgeable bartender. We shared the charcuterie and a few beers. Charcuterie spread was good—loved the brie! However, the real diamond in the rough was the pasties! Please do yourself a favor and order those, but add a second side of the house gravy."
Bianca S. wrote, "I love the food and drinks here! The food is flavorful and filling and the drinks are made perfectly. I've been here a few times and the service has been awesome! I would also consider having an event here, as I love the ambiance."
Try it for yourself: the new eatery is open from 4–11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 3 p.m.–midnight on Friday, 10 a.m.–midnight on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–11 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.)
Lime Leaf
8 E. Van Buren St., The Loop
Lime Leaf is a Thai and Chinese spot with a buffet.
If you like your Thai food spicy, try this spot's Thai lunch buffet or stop by for dinner. Choose from soups, salads and appetizers like chicken satay and gyoza (crispy pork dumplings). Main dishes include ginger chicken, chicken pad thai and fried glass noodles with beef, plus five curries with your choice of protein as well as soups and salads. Look out for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. (Check out the full menu here.)
The new addition is getting solid feedback, with a 3.5-star rating out of 13 reviews on Yelp.
Steve R., who was among the first to review it on Oct. 19, wrote, "I came for the lunch buffet and really enjoyed it. The food was fresh and there was a great variety. Will definitely be back!"
Yelper Filip M. noted, "I liked this restaurant, but I did primarily on the basis of the quality of service and their staff. The food itself was okay, but no more than that. Although it was tasty and satisfying, I felt like I'm probably able to make better pad thai at home."
Stop in and check it out: Lime Leaf is open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekdays and noon–8 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
