We profiled the hottest restaurant openings of the year a few months back, but Chicago's restaurant scene is ever-changing and what was hot in July takes a back seat in December. We've combed the best of the best dining guides and did some taste testing of our own to come up with this list of new openings keeping the cold at bay.
1. Cantina 1910
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Location: 5025 N Clark
Open Since: September
Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican
Specialty: Any of the four ceviches on the menu.
This two-level, 6,700 SF restaurant from the folks behind Crew Bar + Grill features 180 seats, an open, calming rustic design and nary a burrito on its menu. Instead, the kitchen is turning out some of the best street-style tacos and ceviches in Chicago. The cocktail menu matches the food. Try the Chicago Manhattan, made with mostly local spirits.
2. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
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Location: 847 W Fulton Market
Open Since: November
Cuisine: Fried Chicken
Specialty: Fried Chicken, duh!
Fans of this Memphis dining staple swear by the spice and juiciness of the fried chicken. The franchise's first Chicago outpost chose wisely with its Fulton Market location, steps away from The Publican and on the same street as hot spots like Next, The Aviary and moto.
3. Latinicity
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Location: 108 N State
Open Since: November
Cuisine: Pan-Latin
Specialty: Arroz aeropuerto, a Peruvian take on paella with fried rice, crispy noodles, seafood and meat.
The Latin-focused answer to Eataly opened last month to large crowds swarming its dozen food stands, tapas bar, and Latin American-themed food retail outlet. Located in Block 37, it's ideally situated to attract maximum foot traffic.
4. Maple & Ash
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Location: 8 W Maple
Open Since: October
Cuisine: Steak
Specialty: The "I Don't Give a F---" chef's choice dinner.
Here's another steakhouse turning heads. This two-level, Gold Coast establishment is taking the stuffiness out of steakhouses with the aforementioned chef's choice menu item and one of the most accessible wine lists in Chicago, curated by sommelier Belinda Chang.
5. Swift & Sons
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Location: 1000 W Fulton Market
Open Since: October
Cuisine: Steak
Specialty: Rib cap steak, cooked medium rare
Google isn't the only high-profile tenant occupying 1K Fulton. The Boka Group's sprawling new restaurant in a former meat locker is one of the leaders of a steakhouse resurgence in Chicago.
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