Want the intel on Chicago's most happening local spots?
We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to analyze which eateries have been getting a noteworthy increase in attention this month.
To find out who made the list, we looked at Chicago businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month, and tracked businesses that consistently increased their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance.
Read on to see which spots are extra cool this summer.
Offshore
Open since June, this cocktail bar and New American spot is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "American (New)" on Yelp.
Citywide, New American spots saw a median 2.6% increase in new reviews over the past month, but Offshore saw a notable 150% increase, with a slight downward trend from a four-star rating a month ago to 3.5 stars today.
Located at 1000 E. Grand Ave. (between Streeter Drive) in Streeterville, Offshore offers oyster shooters, lamb meatballs and chicken wings on the menu.
Wow Bao
Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about the Loop's Wow Bao, the Chinese, fast food and Asian fusion spot is a hot topic according to Yelp review data.
While businesses categorized as "Asian Fusion" on Yelp saw a median 1.7% increase in new reviews over the past month, Wow Bao bagged a 20.8% increase in new reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a solid four-star rating. It significantly outperformed the previous month by gaining 2 times more reviews than expected based on its past performance.
Open at 200 N. Michigan Ave. (between Wacker Place and Lake Street) since July 2018, Wow Bao offers dumplings, potstickers and rice bowls on the menu.
BomboBar Old Town
Old Town's BomboBar Old Town is also making waves. Open since April at 1529 N. Wells St., the spot to score pizza, coffee and tea and desserts has seen a 32.3% bump in new reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 1.5% for all businesses tagged "Desserts" on Yelp.
BomboBar Old Town offers sandwiches, gelato and pizza on the menu. Over the past month, it's maintained a healthy four-star rating among Yelpers.
Bistec Bar and Grill
Goose Island's Bistec Bar and Grill is the city's buzziest Mexican spot by the numbers.
The Mexican spot, which opened at 1523 N. Kingsbury St. on , increased its new review count by 18% over the past month, an outlier when compared to the median new review count of 2.1% for the Yelp category "Mexican."
It's not the only trending outlier in the Mexican category: XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant has seen a 16.1% increase in reviews.
Bistec Bar and Grill offers salads, pancakes and omelets on the menu.
Smoke Daddy
Wrigleyville's Smoke Daddy is currently on the upswing in the barbecue category on Yelp.
While businesses categorized as "Barbeque" on Yelp saw a median 1.6% increase in new reviews over the past month, this barbecue spot increased its new reviews by 8% — and kept its rating consistent at 3.5 stars. Review counts increased by more than 140% on a month-to-month basis.
Open for business at 3636 N. Clark St. (between Patterson Avenue) since April 2018, the business offers ribs, sandwiches and salads on the menu.
The Darling
Open since November 2018, this is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "Cocktail Bars" on Yelp.
Citywide, businesses tagged "Cocktail Bars" saw a median 3.9% increase in new reviews over the past month, but The Darling saw a 21.4% increase, maintaining a solid four-star rating throughout. It gained 2 times more reviews than expected based on past performance, significantly outperforming the previous month.
Located at 905 W. Randolph St. (between Sangamon and Peoria streets) in West Town, The Darling offers craft cocktails and bites.
Parson's Chicken & Fish
Is Parson's Chicken & Fish on your radar? According to Yelp review data, the bar and New American spot is seeing plenty of action.
While businesses categorized as "Bars" on Yelp increased their median new review count by 2.1% over the past month, Parson's Chicken & Fish nabbed a 20.9% increase in reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a mixed 3.5-star rating.
Located at 2439 N. Halsted St. (between Lincoln and Fullerton avenues.), Parson's Chicken & Fish offers chicken wings, oyster and hush puppies.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
