Wicker Park’s New Indian Restaurant and Four More Openings

Now that Chicago’s brightest, warmest season is truly in full swing, locals and visitors are hitting the streets (when the air quality allows it) to bask in the sunshine. It’s a vital time for local chefs and restaurateurs, who aim to entice Chicagoans and visitors with new establishments all over town. The following are just some of the restaurants that have opened — or reopened — their dining rooms, patios, and takeout windows. It will be updated periodically.

Know of a restaurant that’s opening? Email chicago@eater.com with details so they can be included when this post is next updated.

August 30

Austin: Black-owned cafe mini-chain Momentum Coffee opened a new location on Thursday, August 24 at 5100 W. Harrison Street inside the West Side headquarters of youth development nonprofit BUILD Inc., reps announced on Instagram. Momentum is picking up, well, momentum in the years since its 2019 founding in South Loop, expanding into Millennium Park, North Lawndale, and Englewood. Momentum serves coffee, espresso, and tea as well as light food like pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Momentum Coffee Austin, 5100 W. Harrison Street, Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Lakeview: Brothers and business partners Marius and Peter Toader opened their new sweets shop Brothers Creamery Frozen Custard in early August at 2928 N. Broadway, bestowing a new spot for the ultra-rich frozen treat (a particular favorite of Wisconsinites) upon the neighborhood. The brothers, who emigrated from Romania to Chicago with their family in 2000, also co-own six-year-old breakfast and brunch spot The Crepe Shop. Frozen custard is available in cups and cones, and there are also shakes, sundaes, and “concretes” (a la Culver’s) in flavors like Biscoff and berry cheesecake. Brothers Creamery Frozen Custard, 2928 N. Broadway, Open 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Portage Park: Murphy’s Sandwich Shop, a casual new spot from the team behind New Orleans-inspired Junebug Cafe, opened Monday, August 28 at 4944 W. Irving Park Road, according to the Old Irving Park Association. The location was previously home to Junebug, which has since relocated blocks away to 4042 N. Milwaukee Avenue, previously Frunchroom and Fannie’s Cafe. Co-owners Chris and Jacqueline Murphy tell reporters that they want to give locals a new lunch spot with paninis, deli subs, Reubens, and more, as well as coffee and tea. Murphy’s Sandwich Shop, 4944 W. Irving Park Road, Hours not yet available.

Wicker Park: Restaurateurs Vikram and Agnes Singh promise to feature “Indian-inspired Americana” when they unveil their new restaurant Kama on Saturday, September 2 at 1560 N. Milwaukee Avenue, a space that formerly housed Wynwood Kitchen & Spirits. The team will initially offer “90 percent” of their planned menu, which in its entirety will range from Northern Indian classics like rogan josh to tacos, ravioli with makhani (in lieu of marinara or meat sauce), and lobster bisque. The Singhs opened their original restaurant, Kama Bistro, in 2009 in suburban LaGrange. Kama, 1560 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Opens Saturday, September 2.

August 25

Andersonville: Nothing Bundt Cakes, a Las Vegas-based bakery chain that features, well, bundt cakes, opened a new location Wednesday, August 23 on the ground floor of a new apartment building at 4918 N. Clark Street, according to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. The team is serving 8-inch, 10-inch, and tiered bundt cakes, as well as personal-sized “bundtlets” and miniature “bundtinis” by the dozen. It’s the brand’s second Chicago outpost, joining a location in Lincoln Park. Nothing Bundt Cakes Andersonville, 4918 N. Clark Street, Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

West Loop: Prime Bar and the Lounge, a casual dining space and clubby nighttime spot respectively, are open inside Nisos Prime, the steakhouse revamp of shuttered Mediterranean restaurant Nisos at 802 W. Randolph Street. The launches are the first component of a two-phase opening for the group behind Hampton Social. Its final element, a main dining room on the second floor, is slated to debut in the fall. Prime Bar and the Lounge at Nisos Prime, 802 W. Randolph Street, Prime Bar is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the Lounge is open 6 p.m. to midnight Wednesday; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday; 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday.

Wicker Park: Izakaya Shinya, a new late-night bar and grill specializing in yakitori (or grilled skewers) and Japanese spirits, opened Tuesday, August 1 at 2255 W. North Avenue in the former home of Jay’s Beef, ownership announced on Instagram. Menu items include omurice (Japanese-style omelets), a smattering of donburi, tan-shichu (beef tongue stew) and more. It’s from owner Hugo Leung, also behind Shinya Ramen House in Bridgeport, who tells Block Club that he’s eager to show Chicagoans the diversity of Japanese cuisine. Izakaya Shinya, 2255 W. North Avenue, Open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Arlington Heights: Bird’s Nest, a longtime sports bar known for top-notch Buffalo wings in Lincoln Park, will open a new outpost on Monday, August 28 at 11 W. Davis Street in suburban Arlington Heights, according to the Daily Herald. Located in the former home of diner stalwart Dunton House, the new location will debut with a nearly identical menu to that of the original, including those well-regarded wings smothered in sauce. Bird’s Nest Arlington Heights, 11 W. Davis Street, Opens Monday, August 28.

Wilmette: Ichi by Tornio, a new Japanese sister restaurant to suburban ramen spot Torino, opened Saturday, July 29 at 3217 Lake Avenue in Wilmette, according to the Tribune. The casual women-owned spot offers ramen, a wide selection of donburi, bao, and boba with an emphasis on takeout and delivery. Ichi by Tornio, 3217 Lake Avenue in suburban Wilmette, Open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

August 11

Chinatown: Te’Amo Sweets, a cake and dessert shop from the owner of fast-growing bubble tea mini-chain Te’Amo Boba Bar, opened in early June at 2306 S. Archer Avenue, according to the Tribune. Founder Mia Wan and her team offer custom cakes as well as smoothies, strawberry yogurt cream cakes, miniature chocolate chiffon cakes, and several varieties of Basque cheesecake. Te’Amo Sweets, 2306 S. Archer Avenue, Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

Lincoln Park/Old Town: Chicago grocery mini-chain Dom’s Kitchen & Market in late July launched new prepared food outpost L’Osteria Bowls in both its Lincoln Park and Old Town locations, according to a rep. Options include a pulled rotisserie chicken bowl (lemon farro, roasted broccolini, cucumber salad) and a brisket with macaroni and cheese bowl (sweet chili Brussels sprouts, crispy shallots) with smoked prime brisket from Lillie’s Q. L’Osteria Bowls at Dom’s Kitchen & Market, 2730 N. Halsted Street; 1233 N. Wells Street; Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Streeterville: Madison, Wisconsin-based bagel mini-chain Gotham Bagels unveiled its fifth location on Wednesday, August 9 at 162 E. Superior Street alongside new outposts from The Original Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East, according to a rep. The 17-year-old company is offering a dozen bagel varieties and sandwiches like the Brighton Beach (lox, cream cheese, red onion, arugula, tomato, capers). Gotham Bagels Magnificent Mile, 162 E. Superior Street, Unit B, Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

South Loop: Local Black-owned cafe mini-chain Sip & Savor opened its fourth Chicago coffee shop in late June at 31 E. Roosevelt Road, according to the Tribune. Founder Trez Pugh also oversees locations in Hyde Park and Bronzeville. Sip & Savor South Loop, 31 E. Roosevelt Road, Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Uptown: Chef and owner Eric Roldan will unveil his new Puerto Rican restaurant Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar on Monday, August 14 at 4554 N. Magnolia Avenue, he announced on Instagram. Roldan founded the business in 2021 as Mariana’s Kitchen, a virtual restaurant in Avondale, and has since developed a group of loyalists even before opening a permanent location. Patrons can expect island staples like monfongo, ensalada de mariscos, and pollo al ajillo. Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar, 4554 N. Magnolia Avenue, Opens Monday, August 14.

West Town: Korean street food spot Seoul Stick opened in late July at 1571 N Milwaukee Avenue, which previously housed an outpost of ramen restaurant Furious Spoon, owners announced on Facebook. True to its name, the restaurant features Korean-style corn dogs on skewers along with spicy and savory “stick-bokki,” or pan-fried tteokbokki, and “cup-bokki,” naturally served in a cup. Seoul Stick, 1571 N Milwaukee Avenue, Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Wicker Park: Asian American noodle shop and corner store Phodega opens Friday, August 11 at 1924 W. Division Street in the former home of MAK, or Modern Asian Kitchen. Co-owners Nate Hoops and Anthony Ngo launched Phodega in 2019 on Ashland before expanding into a second location in Pilsen. The duo closed both prior locations ahead of their debut in the much larger space on Division, where they’ll sling pho, habit-forming Viet dip sandwiches, Hainanese chicken rice, and more. Phodega, 1924 W. Division Street, Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

July 21

Dunning: Tacos Buscados, a new Mexican-Venezuelan restaurant that serves arepas, empanadas, tacos, and more, is open at 7955 W. Addison Avenue in the long-vacant former home of Chucho’s on Addison, according to its owner. Patrons can also expect burritos, quesadillas, and carne asada fries. Tacos Buscados, 7955 W. Addison Avenue, Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Jefferson Park: The Brigadoon, a South Side bar named for a fictional Scottish hamlet that only appears for one day every 100 years, reopened in July under the new name The Brig after a comparatively brief 10-month closure at 5748 W. Lawrence Avenue, according to Block Club. Co-owners and hospitality veterans Mike Shamoun and Eric Mills, who took over the business after its previous owner died, have remodeled the space with a rock ‘n roll theme and added new floors, bar equipment, and seats. The dog-friendly spot will hopefully add an outdoor patio with a beer garden, should the city approve the zoning. The Brig, 5748 W. Lawrence Avenue, Open 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lakeview: Vegan hot spot Fancy Plants Kitchen, chef Kevin Schuder’s three-year-old bar and restaurant in Lincoln Park opened for cafe daytime service on Saturday, July 15 with an all-day menu, lunch specials, coffee, and tea. It’s a major expansion for the indie business, which is featuring “lox” and bagels (cashew cream cheese, carrot “lox”), croissant sandwiches with seitan sausage, and oyster mushroom po’boys. There’s even a meat-free Italian beef inspired by mega-hit The Bear. Fancy Plants Kitchen, 1443 W. Fullerton Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Fancy Plants Cafe

Ravenswood: New restaurant Rice & Noodles Thai Food is open at 1522 W. Montrose Avenue in the former home of Bliss Resto, another Thai spot that closed in 2021. The menu includes familiar staples including chicken satay, pad see ew, and lard na. Rice & Noodles Thai Food, 1522 W. Montrose Avenue, Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Rogers Park: Nigerian restaurant Mrs. Kay’s Kitchen opened Sunday, July 9 in a new city location at 1534 W. Jarvis Avenue after relocating from suburban Skokie, ownership announced on Instagram. Originally founded in 2021, the restaurant features hits like abula, pounded yam, and sausage shawarma. Mrs. Kay’s Kitchen, 1534 W. Jarvis Avenue, Open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

West Town: Booze-free bar and bottle shop In Good Spirits opened Saturday, July 15 at 858 N. Ashland Avenue, co-owners Adriana Gaspar and Hector Diaz announced on Instagram. The couple held a number of local pop-ups and events through 2022, garnering a fanbase they hope will turn into regulars at the new permanent space. “We started In Good Spirits a little over a year ago, with a focus on creating space for social gatherings that decenter alcohol, while retaining all the fun,” they write. “Our journey has brought us here, and we’re overjoyed to bring a non-alcoholic bottle shop and bar experience to our hometown, Chicago.” In Good Spirits, 858 N. Ashland Avenue, Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

July 7

Noble Square: New indie ramen shop Rudy’s Ramen is open at 1146 N. Milwaukee Avenue, ownership announced on Instagram. An online menu isn’t yet available but social media posts indicate that patrons can expect black truffle ramen and tonkotsu with steak. Rudy’s Ramen, 1146 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Streeterville: Monarch & Lion, a hotly anticipated British-Indian pub from the owners of Indian restaurant Rooh and cocktail spot Bar Goa, launched Thursday, June 29 at 302 E. Illinois Street inside the former Bellwether, according to a rep. Co-owners Rina and Manish Mallick tapped consulting chef Jitin Joshi (who’s worked for Gordon Ramsay in London, as well as powerhouse English Indian restaurant Gymkhana) to create a menu that ranges from venison scotch eggs and steak-and-ale pie to artichoke bhaji and lamb shank rogan josh. Stay tuned for more on this opening. Monarch & Lion, 302 E. Illinois Street, Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Streeterville: The Original Rainbow Cone, a nearly century-old Chicago favorite, unveiled a new kiosk location on Thursday, June 29 in partnership with deep-dish chain Gino’s East’s at 162 E. Superior Street, according to Crain’s. Founded in 1926, Original Rainbow Cone has recently pursued city and suburban expansion in collaboration with local chain Buona Beef. The Original Rainbow Cone Magnificent Mile, 162 E. Superior Street, Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

West Loop: A Taste of the Philippines, a Filipino food stall from a Manila native inside the Chicago French Market, reopened Thursday, June 22 at 131 N. Clinton Street after a short stint in stasis, owner Kathy Vega Hardy announced on Facebook. Hardy founded the business in 2012 in Denver before relocating to Chicago and launching in 2020 in the Downtown food hall. She’s earned a following with hits including tocino drumsticks, ube doughnuts, and lumpia. A Taste of the Philippines, 131 N. Clinton Street, Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Wrigleyville: New tiki bar Bamboo Club opened in June at 3505 N. Clark Street in the former home of 12-year-old watering hole Deuce’s Major League Bar, according to Block Club Chicago. Awash in familiar tiki decor like rattan furniture, fishing nets, and leafy potted plants, Bamboo Club features a large cocktail selection that includes Singapore Sling and Painkillers, as well as group-sized drinks and frozen concoctions. The food menu extends the theme with appetizers such as coconut shrimp and teriyaki skewers, but veers outside the lines with an entree lineup of pizzas. Tiki bars in general have undergone significant scrutiny in recent years, but if Bamboo Club and new spot Tiki Tiki at the Silver Palm are any indication, the style is rapidly coming back into fashion. Bamboo Club, 3505 N. Clark Street, Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

Skokie: Monkey King Jianbing, a new Chinese street food spot, is open at 3411 Dempster Street in suburban Skokie just blocks away from adored bakery New York Bagel & Bialy, according to its website. A staple breakfast dish with many regional varieties, the crisp pan-fried crepes are stuffed with sauces, spices, eggs, and meats. Monkey King Jianbing also serves both sweet and savory egg waffles, wontons, and spring rolls. Monkey King Jianbing, 3411 Dempster Street in Skokie, Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

Wheaton: Maypole, a new Filipino-American restaurant helmed by chef Bridget Vanaman (Ruxbin, Mott St), opened on Thursday, June 22 at 121 W. Front Street in far suburban Wheaton, about 25 miles west of Chicago, according to the Tribune. Vanaman’s menu draws on her Filipino roots with options such as toyomansi-marinated fried chicken thighs, available in several forms: on a rice bowl, in a bao, atop an ube waffle, or in a sandwich with slaw and spicy pickles — the latter being an homage to Filipino fast-food icon Jollibee. Maypole, 121 W. Front Street in Wheaton, Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 pm. Sunday.