Chicago’s dining scene is currently undergoing a vibrant transformation, with numerous new establishments making their mark across the city. Bob Glaze, a local foodie, has sampled various exciting new spots and is eager to share his recommendations.
One standout is the Fireside Restaurant & Lounge located at 5739 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Edgewater. Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2024, this charming bar and restaurant is one of Chicago’s oldest. With a cozy dining room featuring a fireplace, a sports-friendly bar with numerous TVs, and a heated outdoor patio, it provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxed dining experience. Glaze enjoyed a delicious eggs benedict there during a Saturday brunch, along with an extensive menu encompassing salads, burgers, and even pizza. The convenience of on-site parking and nearby street parking adds to its appeal.
Another notable discovery is BiXi Beer, found at 2515 N. Milwaukee. This modern brewpub offers a unique fusion of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine, coupled with house-brewed beers that are infused with Asian flavors. Housed in a two-level space, BiXi Beer opens for dinner and features a dim sum brunch on weekends. According to Glaze, the Char Siu Burger and the egg and pepper Bahn Mi Sandwich are must-tries. The buzz around BiXi Beer intensifies with chef Bo Fowler’s recent nomination as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Midwest.
In Logan Square, Superkahna International is making waves with its modern Indian cuisine at 3059 W. Diversey Ave. After learning that chefs Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada were named James Beard Semifinalists for Best Chef – Great Lakes, Glaze made it a point to visit in February 2025. The shareable menu includes dishes like achari pork bao, slow-cooked lamb, and pork chop vindaloo, alongside a drink called the Superkhana old fashioned, which is crafted with house-made chai bitters. An intriguing highlight during Glaze’s visit was the filming of a CBS Mornings segment showcasing the restaurant’s unique take on pizza and naan using Indian ingredients, following its feature in Bon Appétit Magazine.
TRUCE Coffee + Cocktails, located at 1935 N. Damen Ave., opened in May 2024 and quickly won praise for its creative offerings. This neighborhood bar caters to coffee enthusiasts by day with delightful coffee and tea drinks, alongside pastries and bites. By evening, it transitions into a cocktail bar with unique concoctions. Glaze particularly enjoyed a latte and a bagel sandwich during his February 2025 visit and is eager to return for the bar’s inventive cocktails.
In Pilsen, the recently opened Mariscos San Pedro, located in the former Dusek’s space at Thalia Hall, is gaining acclaim. Glaze visited after Chef Marcos Ascenio received a James Beard Semifinalist nod. The restaurant serves a delightful brunch menu featuring seafood, tacos, and pastries, with Glaze recommending the Baja fish taco and flan with guava sauce.
For those seeking a cozy cafe experience, Katherine Anne’s Confections at 2745 W. Armitage offers a delightful escape. Known for its exquisite handmade candies and hot chocolate, this locally owned cafe opened in 2012. Glaze enjoyed a roasted turkey sandwich paired with a flight of hot chocolate during his December 2024 visit. He emphasized the quality of their offerings, which are complemented by locally sourced ingredients.
Taureaux Tavern, a contemporary French bistro situated downtown at 155 W. Van Buren, is another must-visit. Glaze enjoyed his lunch on the charming outdoor patio, where he savored French onion soup and pommes frites accompanied by garlic aioli. Having opened in 2018, this spot seamlessly blends a casual bistro vibe with classic French cuisine.
Petit Pomeroy, which opened in September 2024 as a sibling to Pomeroy in Winnetka, captures the essence of traditional French dining. Located at 748 N. State St., the bistro’s inviting atmosphere and classic menu impressed Glaze, especially the French onion soup gratinée and mussels marinière, topped off with a delectable apple tart.
In the Andersonville neighborhood, Glaze found Hopleaf Bar, a local gastro pub celebrated for its Belgian-inspired beer and food menu. Since 1992, it has garnered attention, earning praise from The New York Times as one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Glaze relished the mussels cooked in wit beer, recommending the establishment for its spacious outdoor patio, perfect for warmer months.
Not too far away, Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant is also noteworthy. This gastro pub specializes in food and whiskey, becoming a favorite among locals. Glaze sampled their fish and chips on his visit in February 2025, and he was impressed by the warm atmosphere and excellent service.
Cadinho Bakery & Café, located at 3483 S. Archer Ave., is a delightful Portuguese café known for its coffee drinks and pastries. Opened by Alejandra Rivera and Eric Carlson after their time in Portugal, it serves famed Pastéis de Nata, or flaky egg custard tarts. Glaze enjoyed these pastries, reminiscing on his own experiences in Portugal, which added to his enjoyment of the visit.
Located in Bridgeport, the historic Ramova Theater at 3520 S. Halsted has been reborn as a restaurant and brewery after a significant renovation. Glaze visited the Grill & Taproom in October 2024, where he savored shrimp and grits, alongside a locally brewed Bridgeport Ale from Other Half Brewing. The Ramova promises a variety of special events and entertainment beyond its dining offerings.
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, located at 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., is another recommendation from Glaze. Known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, the pizzeria offers a rustic atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Glaze particularly enjoyed the fig pizza with prosciutto, making it a perfect choice for pizza lovers.
In Albany Park, Antepeli Mediterranean Grill specializes in Turkish cuisine at 4849 N. Kedzie. Glaze visited for lunch with a friend and relished the experience, noting the authenticity of the dishes from their Turkish staff. He had a wonderful meal featuring babaganoush and kabobs, topped off with traditional baklava.
Le Petit Marcel, a French-inspired fine dining restaurant opened in May 2024, adds a new layer of sophistication to the Chicago dining scene. Located at 2914 N. Broadway, Glaze praised the menu for its offerings of French classics. A Sunday brunch visit secured him a delicious French omelette and rich chocolate mousse, as well as a delightful French onion grilled cheese sandwich.
Finally, Dawn A.M. Eatery offers Southern cuisine at 1642 E. 56 St., making it another exemplary addition to Chicago’s culinary landscape. Opened in early 2024, the restaurant features a local vibe that Glaze found appealing. During his February 2025 visit, he enjoyed shrimp and grits, as well as fried catfish, both of which showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
With each visit, Glaze discovers new culinary delights to recommend. He has compiled a growing list of new places to explore and is excited to continue sharing his experiences in the Windy City.
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