New on the Scene: September

Late Night Thai, where Lakeview goes for a pad Thai fix at 4 a.m.

Chelsea Grill
Robert Butterfield shuttered Erba, gave the space a quickie refresh and opened Chelsea Grill in the same Lincoln Square address. Gone are Erba's Italian eats; a budget-friendly American lineup takes its place.

Wingstop
This Texas-based made-to-order chicken wing chain has landed in Bucktown. Look for an aviation-themed interior (circa World War II) and a menu sporting nine sauce flavors, from habanero-laced Atomic to sweet Teriyaki, plus sides such as fresh-cut fries and bourbon-baked beans.

The Bristol 
Expect a Midwestern menu with Mediterranean roots at this seasonally inspired Bucktown restaurant. The menu features snacks such as duck fat fries and steamed mussels, plus chalkboard specials—including a nose-to-tail/charcuterie section with options like smoked pork trotter terrine and grilled sweetbreads. Read our First Look.

The India Grill
South Loopers can finally get a vindaloo fix close to home with the opening of this new Northern Indian-focused spot. Look for a broad menu featuring vegetarian fare, rice dishes, tandoori oven-roasted meats and breads, curry dishes and more.

Boston Blackie's
The menu at this days-old Lincoln Park spot is similar to the menu at other Blackie’s locations. The signature burgers, which weigh in at more than a half-pound, get ample play; look for about 15 versions, including the Greek Boy, with feta cheese and onions, and the Fire Alarm, with melted cheddar, chili and giardiniera.

John's Place Roscoe Village
Devotees of Lincoln Park's John’s Place have another spot to congregate now that John Manilow, the man behind the original, has opened this sibling spot. Look for an eclectic menu of comfort food faves with a healthy twist. The core will be customer favorites from the original location.

Late Night Thai
It's Thai. It's open late. Really late.

Cafe con Leche Bucktown
This tiny Bucktown spot, now open in the former Lobos Al Fresco Tacos space, is a spinoff of the Logan Square Cafe con Leche. Look for Latin American and American fare for breakfast and lunch--everything from eggs and hash browns to chilaquiles--and a mostly Mexican dinner menu. Some faves from the Logan Square location make the lineup (including the namesake coffee) and it’s BYOB.

More 
This highly anticipated carryout-focused Gold Coast cupcake spot opened Sept. 12, 2008. Award-winning pastry chef Gale Gand (Tru) created recipes for some of the sweet cupcakes, including options such as creme brulee and salted caramel. The savory lineup includes offbeat choices such as olive oil and buttermilk with caramelized onion frosting and toasted pine nuts.

The Counter
This California-based chain offers more than 312,000 possible burger combos. (Yes, 312,000!) You get to fully customize your burger, choosing from three sizes of beef, chicken, turkey and veggie patties, plus 10 cheeses, 26 toppings, 17 sauces and three types of buns—there’s even a burger in a bowl, served on greens, sans bun.

RoPa Restaurant & Wine Bar
This Mediterranean-influenced contemporary American spot is now open in Rogers Park (a.k.a. RoPa, apparently). Look for a broad menu covering everything from appetizers, salads and sandwiches, to pasta, seafood, steak and chops.

Berry Chill
This is the second location of Chicago’s answer to Pinkberry, offering 100-percent fat-free frozen yogurt made with lactose-free milk. 

Flaco's Tacos
The folks behind Hackney’s Printer’s Row are behind this just-opened Mexican spot with a menu that includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tamales.

Check out the city's most recent openings here.

Got a tip on a new or soon-to-open restaurant? E-mail us: kpratt@tribune.com