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Here Is What's Heating Up Chicago's Food Scene This Month

Curious where Chicago's insiders are eating and drinking? It's easy to spot lines out the door, but some underlying trends are harder to see.

We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to uncover which eateries have been getting a notable uptick 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 increase their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance.

Read on to see which spots are extra cool, right now.

#Trending: What's heating up Chicago's food scene this month by Hoodline on YouTube

Shore Club

Photo: Shore Club/Yelp

Open since 2017, this brunch spot is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "Breakfast & Brunch" on Yelp.

Citywide, breakfast and brunch spots saw review counts increase by a median of 1.8 percent over the past month, but Shore Club saw a 13.8 percent increase, maintaining a mixed three-star rating throughout. Moreover, on a month-to-month basis review counts increased by more than 190 percent.

It's not the only trending outlier in the breakfast and brunch category: 7 Plates Cafe has seen a 27.3 percent increase in reviews, and Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe has seen a 11.3 percent bump.

Located at 1603 N. Lakeshore Drive, this restaurant offers beach views and brunch on weekends from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Choose from items like the lobster Benedict, the country fried chicken and waffle sandwich and a Mediterranean-inspired avocado toast with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled goat cheese and a poached egg. If you're craving something sweet, try the jumbo gooey cinnamon rolls. (View the full brunch menu here.)

Radio Anago

Photo: TARA W./Yelp

Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about River North's Radio Anago, the sushi bar and Japanese spot is a hot topic according to Yelp review data.

While businesses categorized as "Sushi Bars" on Yelp increased their review count by a median of 2.6 percent over the past month, Radio Anago bagged a 15.9 percent increase in reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a superior four-star rating. It significantly outperformed the previous month by gaining 3.3 times more reviews than expected based on its past performance.

Open at 226 W. Kinzie St. since 2013, Radio Anago, from the owners of Au Cheval and Bavette's, has some hits on its menu, including the wagyu tartare, pork buns with a hoisin sauce or the tuna poke with avocado and wasabi dressing. Don't forget the sushi rolls, such as the salmon deluxe with avocado and crunchy tempura bits inside, or the warm miso scallop roll topped with spicy mayo. (Check out its menu here.)

Carson's

Photo: KOTA O./Yelp

Streeterville's Carson's is also making waves. Open since July at 465 E. Illinois St. (between McClurg and Peshtigo courts), the steakhouse and traditional American spot, which offers barbecue and more, has seen a 22.7 percent bump in reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 2.2 percent for all businesses tagged "American (Traditional)" on Yelp.

On Carson's menu, you'll see favorites such as barbecue baby back ribs, roasted Greek chicken and chopped spare rib ends, all served with coleslaw and a choice of sides like roasted Greek potatoes, fries or fresh vegetables. There's a good selection of sandwiches too, like brisket, pulled pork and crispy chicken. Check out the menu for a full list of choices.

Over the past month, it's maintained a convincing four-star rating among Yelpers.

Cairo Kebab

Photo: REAM M./Yelp

West DePaul's Cairo Kebab is currently on the upswing in the Mediterranean category on Yelp.

While businesses categorized as "Mediterranean" on Yelp increased review counts by a median of 2.3 percent over the past month, this Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and halal spot increased its by 29.6 percent—and kept its rating consistent at 4.5 stars. Review counts increased by more than 190 percent on a month-to-month basis.

Open for business at 1524 W. Fullerton Ave. (between Bosworth and Greenview avenues) since 2016, Cairo Kebab offers Mediterranean favorites like hummus, fresh pita bread, falafel, tabbouleh and lentil soup, plus a signature koshary dish (rice, lentils and macaroni topped with a tomato sauce and crispy fried onions). You'll also find shawarma (choose from chicken or beef and lamb) and the kofta kebab (fresh ground beef with parsley and onions). For dessert, try Turkish coffee with baklava or date cookies. Check out the menu here.

Sabroso! Mexican Grill

Photo: Tim M./Yelp

Is East Ukrainian Village's Sabroso! Mexican Grill on your radar? According to Yelp review data, the Mexican spot is getting plenty of attention.

While businesses categorized as "Mexican" on Yelp increased their review count by a median of 2.4 percent over the past month, Sabroso! Mexican Grill nabbed a 20.1 percent increase in reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a strong 4.5-star rating.

Located at 941 N. Damen Ave. (between Walton and Iowa streets.), Sabroso! Mexican Grill offers fresh-squeezed cocktails and family recipes, such as chicken in red mole sauce and slow-cooked beef in chili, plus breakfast items like guava-stuffed French toast. Check out this spot's full offerings here.

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