Best Restaurants In Chicago That Opened In 2015
Every neighborhood in Chicago has something culinary to offer. In turn, the Windy City has a wonderful array of dining options for any taste -- which is why we never run out of Best Of lists! What makes this culinary scene so vibrant is the fact that new restaurants are being opened all the time, and they still manage to add something new and tasty to the city. 2015 has been a busy year for new restaurants, and these are just five of the many that we're the most excited about.
Dos Urban Cantina
2829 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-6452
www.dosurbancantina.com
Chef Brian Enyart is back in Chicago -- after a brief time in Louisville -- and he's back with a Mexican restaurant that he's put his own stamp on (after more than a decade working with Chef Rick Bayless). In fact, the Logan Square restaurant is anything but traditional. Opened just recently, on Nov. 17, the dinner-only (for now) restaurant plays off traditional flavors to create dishes that you won't find anywhere else — like a sea urchin dish made with tomatillo and chicharron cream. Desserts too are similarly made, at the hands of Enyart's wife Jennifer Jones, and the unique creations are a perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Monteverde
1020 W. Madison St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 888-3041
www.monteverdechicago.com
Chef Sarah Grueneberg's restaurant in the West Loop is more than a casual Italian place. With a wonderful history in Chicago -- including time spent in the kitchen of Spiaggia -- Chef Grueneberg may be best known as the runner-up on Bravo's Top Chef: Texas. But now she'll be known for this fabulous restaurant. Behind the bar, handmade pastas are being made, and out at the tables, she's serving classic Italian dishes with her own little spin, like the cacio whey pepe, made with ricotta whey.
Swift & Sons
1000 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9420
www.swiftandsonschicago.com
In Chicago, there's no such thing as too much steak. And with Boka Restaurant Group pairing up and working with B. Hospitality, this is a steak restaurant of epic proportions in more ways than one. Don't be surprised if Chef Chris Pandel is the one carving your meat tableside. Also, while the space of the restaurant is large, it still manages to have an intimate and luxurious air. Whether you have a hankering for a thick juicy steak, or fresh seafood wonderfully prepared, this is the steakhouse for you.
Related: Best Italian Restaurants In Chicago
Ixcateco Grill
3402 W. Montrose Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 539-5887
www.ixcatecogrill.com
Albany Park may already be awash in Mexican restaurants, but Ixcateco Grill impresses in a number of ways. For one, the chef at its helm is another chef who previously worked with Bayless' Anselmo Ramirez. But even more so, it's the food. Inspired by the food of the central and southwestern parts of Mexico, the menu is small but flavorful, especially the mole over the chicken. The dishes here are inspired by the seasons too, making this a restaurant worth visiting again and again -- and still trying something new.
Small Cheval
1732 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
www.smallcheval.com
This Bucktown restaurant may share part of its name with its sister restaurant in the West Loop, but it stands all on its own with its tasty and delicious offerings. As restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff says, Small Cheval is "inspired by Au Cheval." That means that while they have a burger, it's a bit different than Au Cheval's, mainly in regards to the toppings -- including a different (but no less delicious) slice of bacon. This is also quick service food; either grab it to go, or hang around either inside or out on their patio. You can also pair that delicious burger with a shake, as well as fries, and in terms of food, that's about it. After all, this is "small" Cheval, and that reflects both the size of the menu, as well as the cozy interior.
Related: Best Mexican Restaurants In Chicago
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.
