Culver's has leased the former Aurelio's space at 1212 S. Michigan in the South Loop — a 5,200‑sq‑ft unit with a patio and roof deck. The chain did not list an opening date.

A Hyderabadi-focused restaurant called Biryani Baithak is coming to Salem Plaza in Schaumburg. The owner has teased dishes on social media but hasn't set an opening date.

Five Chicago restaurants — Ever, Smyth, Alinea, Oriole and Boka — landed on La Liste’s 2026 Top 1,000. The recognition highlights Chicago’s mix of theatrical tasting rooms and farm‑forward kitchens.

Yolk will move into the former Edzo’s spot at 1571 Sherman Ave in downtown Evanston; the build‑out is under way but no opening date has been set.

Ithaki Estiatorio has opened on Halsted, bringing a seafood-forward Greek menu, wood-fired cooking and an expansive Greek wine list to Greektown.

A new sports bar, Dany Sports Bar, has filed for a liquor license at 5650 W Diversey and will open drinks-first next year. It will attach to Golden Tuzo and start with cocktails and beer.

Portillo’s is building a roughly 6,250‑sq‑ft restaurant at FM 423 and Gordon Heights Lane in Frisco; construction is underway and an early‑January wrap was projected.

Snowed Inn has taken over the Time Out Market rooftop in the West Loop, serving festive cocktails and a boozy hot‑cocoa flight through Dec. 30.

Susu, a 'mediterrasian' concept, is eyeing the West Loop space that once housed three‑Michelin‑starred Grace. The menu and leadership are starting to surface while the opening timeline remains unclear.

Asador Bastian was named North America’s top steak restaurant in a new ranking, lifting River North and several Chicago steakhouses onto the continental map.

Residents in Chicago struggle with sharp property tax increases, with some on South and West sides facing nearly doubled bills and seeking appeals for relief.

After 13 years on Milwaukee Avenue, the Logan Square outpost of The Chicago Diner will close on Dec. 12. The Lakeview original will remain open while the Logan Square space winds down.

Atelier has moved into a larger Lincoln Square space and serves a Meso‑American‑leaning tasting menu from chef Bradyn Kawcak, with curated pairings by Ali Martin. The new 36‑seat room adds a bar and an expanded program.