ChiVibe Compa Chicago is aimed at early October at 1424 W Chicago Ave in West Town: chef Horacio Fonseca’s regional Mexican shared plates, Adrian Gaytan’s agave bar, and Markus Chwajol’s Six Point hospitality. Here’s what to know before reservations go live.
The Lair Chicago (dragon-themed basement speakeasy under Stardust at 710 N Clark) is open Thu–Sat 5 PM–3 AM in River North. Karaoke upstairs, cocktail den down.
Sushi by Scratch Chicago hides a 10-seat omakase counter inside NADC on Milwaukee Avenue: sweet corn hamachi, house soy, welcome cocktail, and the kind of night you plan for.
Taan Chicago (Chanita Chayaluk’s Humboldt Park Thai wine bar at 2759 W Augusta) opened this month with shareable seasonal plates, a rotating wine list, and OpenTable live.
Osteria Gilberto Chicago soft-opens at 1224 W Webster in Lincoln Park: handmade pasta, sixteen-layer lasagna, a warm amber dining room, and Resy live from Sergio Barbone.
Little Betty Smokehouse (Chef Dominique Leach’s Lexington Betty campus outpost) opens Monday, September 28, 2026 at UChicago Hutchinson Commons. Public BBQ lunch: wagyu dogs, Betty Beef, loaded mac, and smoke you can taste between classes.
Bahama Shack Chicago (Chef Courtney Neil’s Bahamian food truck) grand-opens Monday, September 21, 2026 at UChicago Woodlawn Dining Commons, then rolls Hyde Park street service Sep 22–24. Track the Shack for smash burgers, conch fritters, peas & rice, and island energy.
Chicago fall nights worth dressing for: Kermess Spiegeltent Soft Open Oct 15, Carlyle Club, Sacred Threads and MS Strength & Style fashion nights, MCA and Field galas, plus Halloween’s Death By Disco / House Calls / Hallo-Queen weekend.
Trattoria Lo So Chicago (Monteverde’s Sarah Grueneberg and chef Bailey Sullivan) is aimed at early/winter 2027 at 2044–2048 W Armitage in Bucktown: Central Italy, dried Mancini pasta, robata charcoal, and a quieter Karen Herold room than the West Loop pastificio.
Ela Chicago (Ela Modern Greek Taverna) opens Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 1551 N Wells in Old Town: gyros, grilled meats, beef-tallow fries, and Greek yogurt soft serve from Love Is Blind’s Shaina Hurley and chef Daniel Garabajiu.