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Touring Chicago's Hottest Tables

David Nicolas Diners at Quartino, in Chicago, awaiting chef John Coletta's casual fare.

Photo: David Nicolas

Though chefs like Charlie Trotter and Rick Bayless long ago helped Chicago shed its "Hog Butcher for the World" image, the city hasn't quite been able to edge past the dining capitals on the coasts. But that's all changing. This city in America's heartland is peppered with young chefs who are blending straight-from-the-farm food with inventive technique. The culinary scene in the Second City is anything but second best. Read the article

Our Picks

7 Restaurants

Destinations: Western Springs · Lincoln Park · River North · South Loop · Wicker Park/Bucktown · West Loop

Themes: Food + Drink

Inspired by: Chicago Heats Up — by Janet Franz, Published Jun. 2006

Restaurants (7)

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    Quartino

    River North | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago

    Designed to share, the small plates at Quartino are reasonably priced (around $10 each), making it a popular spot for group dinners. Although the i

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    Carnivale

    West Loop | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago

    A vision of restaurateur Jerry Kleiner, this Near West Side favorite aims to provide a carnival experience. From the restaurant’s high ceiling, a l

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    Butter, Chicago

    West Loop | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago

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    Custom House

    South Loop | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago

    Right off Dearborn St and acting restaurant of the Blake Hotel, the Custom House is focused on using farm fresh, seasonal ingredients for its New A

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    Schwa

    Wicker Park/Bucktown | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago

    Opened in 2005, this small, 26-seat restaurant sits on the edge of the Wicker Park neighborhood. Redesigned in 2010, the interior now features chro

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    Alinea

    Lincoln Park | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago

    At the forefront of the groundbreaking molecular gastronomy movement, Alinea offers meals that are quite simply unlike any others. Dedicated follow

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    Vie

    Western Springs | U.S. + Canada | U.S. | Illinois | Chicago | The Chicago Area

    This two-story, red brick eatery offers a contemporary take on American cuisine, while focusing on local ingredients infused with global tastes. Li

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