3720 N. Clark St., Wrigleyville
Contrary to its name, the only thing served raw at this Wrigleyville spot are oysters. In fact, the place prides itself on its unusual meat and seafood dishes: Where else are you going to find ostrich, shellfish and alligator on one menu? Raw Bar is divided into two different spaces: There's a sometimes raucus bar and a more subdued room called the Ivory Lounge. The latter also has piano; jazz artists often play on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd ranges from young to middle-aged, depending on what's going on at nearby Wrigley Field or at nearby Metro/Smart Bar. Daiquiris--using fresh seasonal fruits--are a bar specialty. READ MORE
520 N. Dearborn St., Near North
This upcoming River North outpost of the glitzy Mastro's chain, which has locations in Arizona, California and Nevada, offers a meaty menu of bone-in filets and New York strips paired with sides such as lobster mashed potatoes and fresh-cut fries. You'll also be able to indulge in an ever-changing lineup of seafood options, including swordfish, salmon and a chilled seafood tower, a customizable mix that might include shrimp, oysters and other oceanic options. The menu also offers several signature desserts, including Mastro's butter cake, cheesecake and pecan pie. And of course, no steakhouse is complete without an extensive wine list. This one will feature upward of 500 bottles. The prime downtown space, which formerly housed Blue Water Grill, stretches out over 20,000 square feet and seats more than 300. READ MORE
3755 E. Main St., St. Charles
The St. Charles location of this Greek restaurant is unique for its raw bar and oyster bar. Open every day but Monday, the raw bar serves up whatever is fresh from the coast, from blue point oysters to jumbo shrimp. It also offers an "express" lunch menu weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.READ MORE
837 N. Main St., Schererville
As the sibling restaurant to the original Capri's Pizza in South Chicago, this pizzeria, which opened in November 2011, welcomes guests to its cozy dining room to enjoy a Chicago sports game on two televisions during their meal. From stuffed pizzas to "south side"-style with a secret family recipe sauce and a wide selection of toppings including homemade sausage available, Italian beef sandwiches, broasted chicken, pastas, ribs, seafood and endless appetizers, there is no shortage of menu options here. Catering for large or small parties is available, and new menu items like the buffalo chicken and barbecue chicken pizza with grilled onions are popular additions.READ MORE
2835 N. Broadway , Lake View
This Lakeview fine dining spot (aiming to open in March 2012) is named for its massive raised fireplace, which can be seen from the street and from every seat in the warm, homey dining room. Red brick walls and white tablecloths serve as the backdrop for American bistro fare with holiday, global and seasonal influences. On the menu, expect to find surf and turf combos, steaks, chicken, pork, ribs and fish, with starches and vegetables on the side, of course. READ MORE
25 E. Delaware Place, Gold Coast
Owner Debbie Sharpe first opened Cru Cafe in the early 2000s and then transitioned it to Feast to mirror its Bucktown counterpart. In June 2012, she brought Cru back to its original Gold Coast spot, serving wine and desserts in a comfortable setting.READ MORE
6922 N. Clark St., Rogers Park
This BYOB seafood spot in Rogers Park is known for its fresh Campechana cocktail (shimp, crab, octopus and oysters in a tomato-based sauce), fish and shrimp tacos, and hearty sopa de siete mares, teeming with shellfish, octopus and catfish. READ MORE
3361 N. Elston Ave., Avondale
This quaint, family-owned Mexican spot in Avondale is about as authentic as it gets. "Most of our customers are referrals," says Joel Iniquez, whose parents, Elisa and Roman, have been the owners and chefs since 1991. "We are always busy." The menu's traditional, but not boring. Carnivores can't say no to the Parilla al Patron, a two-person portion of short ribs, steak, chicken, and chorizo served on a tabletop grill that continues to sizzle while you eat. Service can be a bit slow, but no worries: Sip a made-to-order cazuela while you wait. This freshly squeezed citrus-and-tequila cocktail even comes in its own clay bowl. READ MORE
1 S. Wacker Drive, The Loop
Despite its move from its old location in 2005, Lloyd's new dining room still features a strong Frank Lloyd Wright influence. Rich wood, stained glass and comfortable seating prevail. Located in the city's bustling Financial District and conveniently adjacent to the Theater District, Lloyd's menu is eclectic American food with an Asian flair, emphasizing seafood, such as crab cakes, but also offers pastas, stir fry, steaks and chops--many of which are cooked over a charcoal grill. It's still a favorite for the pre-opera crowd, but the menu after 3 p.m. is mainly just a lighter bar menu. READ MORE
1941 W. North Ave., Wicker Park
The folks behind Debonair Social Club opened this neighborhood spot in early December 2011, focusing on modern farm cuisine. They brought on chef Bryan Moscatello, who hails most recently from Washington, D.C. and Colorado (and was named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine) to helm their kitchen in the historic Flat Iron Bulding in Wicker Park. On the menu, you'll find ingredient-driven entrees and shareable plates such as quail with pistachio, sausage, polenta and blood orange, or black cod with short rib fried rice, tamago, scallion and coriander in a pomegranate glaze. There are communal tables, personal booths and a chef's tasting table specializing in personalized four-course menus. At the bar, get classic cocktails such as martinis along with wines and craft beer. READ MORE
2656 W. Lawrence Ave., Lincoln Square
This Lincoln Square BYOB restaurant from former Les Nomades chef Chris Nugent offers two seasonally-inspired tasting menus with refined service in a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. Named for a plant family with varieties of leaves that resemble the foot of a goose (including beets, swiss chard and quinoa), the name underscores a commitment to high-quality, seasonal ingredients sourced from family farms. On the eight-course menu, you'll find dishes such as roasted quail with spiced beluga lentils, ginger and compressed apple or chestnut soup with pancetta, root vegetables, white alba mushrooms and truffle essence. There's also angus beef from local farms, seared with thyme and rosemary and served alongside heirloom carrots presented in different textures. If you want to splurge and bring a nicer bottle of wine, as all the appropriate stemware and decanters are on hand. READ MORE
840 W. Randolph St., West Town
Brendan Sodikoff (Gilt Bar, Curio) describes this two-story West Loop bar and eatery as a "rustic, rough, Frenchy divey bar." The ground floor feels more like a restaurant, serving up snacks both raw (oysters, crudos, tartares) and cooked (escargots, chicken in a pot). Cocktails here will be simpler -- think drinks served in Mason jars with the ice they're shaken with -- than upstairs in the bar, where more labor-intensive libations are served. Expect an eclectic soundtrack of jazz, pop and punk from years past. READ MORE
