December 8

GOLD COAST— Truluck’s, the Texas-bred steakhouse and seafood chain, is now open in Chicago. The restaurant, which exists at four Florida locations and one in California in addition to five in the Lone Star State, serves a selection of steak, fish, shellfish including stone crab, and more than 100 wines by the glass or bottle. The two-floor space seats more than 300 people, includes a private dining room, and offers live music nightly in its lounge. Status: Certified open, 41 E. Chestnut Street.

JEFFERSON PARK— Tipsy Cow Cantina, the reconcept of creative Italian beef restaurant BeefBelly, debuts tonight. Expect Tex-Mex food and drink as well as live music. Status: Opening tonight, 4800 N. Central Avenue.

JEFFERSON PARK— Weston’s Coffee & Tap opens Sunday, December 10, to serve uppers and downers (specialty coffee drinks, four taps of American craft beer, and wine) as well as pastries and deli sandwiches in the Jefferson Park corridor. A full menu wasn’t available at press time, but more information on the opening is here. Status: Opening Sunday, 4872 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

LAKEVIEW— Prolific local ramen chain Furious Spoon opened its sixth location on December 6 in the former Spin nightclub space on Belmont and Halsted. The space previously included a FireFin Poke Shop, but now it’s just a Furious Spoon after ownership pulled the plug on its Hawaiian raw fish bowl chain. Status: Certified open, 800 W. Belmont Avenue.

SOUTH LOOP— A new cookie spot — although its Not Just Cookies — is now open in the Sloop. Sloopin stopped into the shop, which is just getting its feet wet and plans to hold a grand opening on Saturday. Status: Certified open, 901 S. Plymouth Court.

SOUTH LOOP— Sloopin also noticed a new restaurant on South State Street, Pazzo’s, but reported next to nothing about it. The spot has virtually no online presence, but a Yelper posted a photo of its menu and some of the space and food. Expect basic Italian-American food, a bar, and some TVs. Status: Certified open, 825 S. State Street.

OAK BROOK— Cheesecake Factory’s Southeast Asian sibling Rocksugar Southeast Asian Kitchen entered Chicagoland on December 5, bringing quick Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Indonesian dishes next to Oakbrook Center. More information on the menu is available on the website. Status: Certified open, 2022 Spring Road, Oak Brook.

OAK LAWN— Italian beef purveyor Buona Beef opened its 21st location on December 6. The new spot offers its standard selection of beefs, other Chicago street food, and more. Status: Certified open, 6235 95^th Street, Oak Lawn.

OAK PARK— The Nature Yoga Sanctuary now has a cafe, serving vegan dishes including rice bowls, Belgian waffles, and a chickpea salad sandwich at the picturesque near west suburban hideaway. It also delivers via UberEats. Check out its menu and hours here. Status: Certified open, 146 Harrison Street, Oak Park.

December 1

HYDE PARK— Macaroons and other French pastries are available at another location of Vanille Pastisserie. It’s another eatery open inside the Harper Court development, a project that includes Ja Grill, Aloha Poke Co., and Jolly Pumpkin Brewing. This location is 900 square feet. Status: Certified open, 5229 S. Harper Court.

LAKEVIEW— Mizrahi Grill is a Kosher restaurant that’s been open for nearly a decade in suburban Highland Park. They’re serving shawarma and other Kosher meals at a second location, Mizrahi on Clark. Status: Certified open, 3037 N. Clark Street.

THE LOOP— Dia de los Tamales is bringing fresh tamales to Block 37. They’re located near the Pedway entrance. Ownership is slowly expanding the brand from Pilsen. They’re also involved with the new Forum 55 food hall. Status: Certified open, Block 37.

MAGNIFICENT MILE— Poke lives, long live poke inside the Shops at North Bridge center. Aloha Poke Co. debuted yet another location where customers can assemble their own raw fish bowls. Status: Certified open, 520 N. Michigan Avenue.

MILLENNIUM PARK— Goodbye, Gloria Jean’s Coffees. Say hello to sushi bowls near The Bean. Pokeworks is a newcomer to Chicago with locations in 17 states and Canada. It’s a N.Y.-based chain that comes to challenge local fish bowlers in a market where FireFin Poke failed. Status: Certified open, 79 E. Madison Street.

NORTH CENTER— The former home of Pockets now has a new wrap concept. Poke Burrito is serving up over-grown sushi rolls. They’ve got bowls and customizable wraps. Status: Certified open, 4301 N. Lincoln Avenue.

MORTON GROVE— A fast-casual Pakistani restaurant specializing in kebobs and biryani rice dishes is open in the suburbs. It’s called Kabajees, and it looks like they’ve got a fierce lunch special for under $7. Status: Certified open, 6037 Dempster Street, Morton Grove.

November 17

ARMOUR SQUARE— Stix n Brix, a wood-fired pizzeria, and its companion coffeeshop, Red Line Cafe, debuted earlier in the month around the corner from Sox Park. Look for pizza, sandwiches, and desserts. They’re BYO. Status: Certified open, 220 W. 33rd Street.

DOUGLAS PARK— Aloha Wagon is a brick and mortar restaurant from a family who ran a food truck in Hawaii. Expect plate lunches and more. The Tribune spoke with the owners who also mention Mexican and Filipino influences. Status: Certified open, 1247 S. Western Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE/AVONDALE/THE LOOP— Bring on the holidays. There are now three holiday pop-up bars that launch on Friday. Miracle will now appear at Brando’s Speakeasy in the Loop, and it’s tiki-themed offspring, Sippin’ Santa Surf Shack is at Logan Square’s Lost Lake. Meanwhile, The Orbit Room (which is closing at the end of the year) is breaking out on its own. They’ve got a new name for their pop-up, Believe. Status: Opening on Friday, Brando’s Speakeasy, 343 S. Dearborn Street; Lost Lake, 3154 W. Diversey Avenue; The Orbit Room, 2959 N. California Avenue.

SOUTH LOOP— A second outpost of Asian Cajun, a Cajun/Asian seafood boil that debuted in Lincoln Park has opened on the South Side. The chain refers to it as its Chinatown location. Status: Certified open, 2115 S. State Street.

SOUTH LOOP— The former Ameritalia spot as a new tenant. Sloopin’ reported that Kome Japanese Eatery is open. It’s from the same owners of Kai Sushi. Status: Certified open, 1303 S. Michigan Avenue.

UPTOWN— While Uptown has its share of Vietnamese cafes, First Sip Cafe hopes to give the neighborhood something different. Sisters Erin and Gigi Hoang grew up in the restaurant business, as their parents run Cafe Hoang. They’ll serve more European-style coffees and snacks. The Tribune talked with the owners. Status: Certified open, 1057 W. Argyle Street.

BURR RIDGE— Hampton Social has expanded to the suburbs. Parker Restaurant Group, which includes Mahalo in Wicker Park and Bassment in River North, debuted a new 9,000-square-foot location at Burr Ridge Village Center. Status: Certified open, 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge.

November 10

ALBANY PARK— Albany Park, one of the most-diverse neighborhoods in the city, is getting a seafood-focused Mexican restaurant. Mariscos Sirena replaces chef Ambrosio Mancines’s former restaurant, T&B Grill. Mancines is a Mexican immigrant who has worked his way up through the restaurant ranks from washing dishes to working as a sous chef at Bistro Chez Joel in Little Italy. He also helped open Folklore, the Argentinian steakhouse in Wicker Park, and worked at David Burke’s Steakhouse in suburban Schaumburg. Check out the menu below. Status: Certified open, 3658 W. Lawrence Avenue.

DEPAUL— It’s not in Printer’s Row, but Printer’s Row Coffee Co. has opened a coffee shop serving small-batch coffees near DePaul University in Lincoln Park. Status: Certified open, 2482 N. Lincoln Avenue.

LAKEVIEW— Schubas Tavern, the bar/music venue in Lakeview, has started serving food again. The new neighboring restaurant, Tied House (the two-floor replacement for Schubas old restaurant, Harmony Grill), isn’t open yet, but the kitchen is warming up by serving a new menu. Take a look at the menu below. Status: Certified open, 3159 N. Southport Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE— Buzz Killer Espresso, a longtime Bucktown coffeeshop, has reopened in a new neighborhood. Now known as Buzz: Coffee Roaster and Baker, the coffeeshop has started a new era in Logan Square. Status: Certified open, 2779 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

STREETERVILLE— Buona Beef, the Chicago street food chain that focuses on the suburbs, has opened a standalone restaurant with room for 75 seats. Find hot dogs, Italian beefs, and more. Status: Certified open, 613 N. McClurg Court

Courtesy of Buona Beef

WEST TOWN— There’s a new spot for Persian food on Ashland. It’s called Caspian Fine Persian Cuisine. They serve kebobs, sandwiches, and salads. Check out the menu at the website. Status: Certified open, 1413 N. Ashland Avenue.

WICKER PARK— Former DNAinfo reporter and former Chicago Pipeline publisher Alisa Hauser has the scoop on Blue Line, the bar/restaurant underneath the CTA’s Damen Blue Line Stop. After renovations, the bar should open Friday night, Hauser reported. Status: Opening Friday night, 1548 N. Damen Avenue.

ELMHURST— The owners of Armand’s Victory Tap in the South Loop have opened a second restaurant in the suburbs. Built from the ground up, Victory Meat and Seafood features a menu from chef Joe Farina with drinks and a wine list curated by his wife, Yvonne. Check out the menu below — it’s a departure from the red sauce Italian in the South Loop. Farina said to try the oysters. Status: Certified open, 116 N. York Street, Elmhurst.

NAPERVILLE— Pete Miller’s Steak and Seafood has expanded in suburban empire. They’ll have the same steaks at other locations, plus jazz music every night. Status: Certified open, 3032 English Rows, Naperville.

OAK LAWN— Nashville hot chicken has arrived in the South Suburbs. Chef Francisco Morales, formerly from Four Corners Tavern Group and Antique Taco, is in charge of the kitchen at Fry The Coop. The Daily Southtown spoke with owner Joe Fontana. Status: Certified open, 5128 W. 95th Street.

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November 3

AVONDALE/PILSEN— The owners of Aberdeen Tap and G&O in West Town have opened two new bars. The Avondale Tap offers brunch, while The Green Room Tap aims to be place hang out before or after a show a Thalia Hall. Status: Certified open, Avondale Tap, 3634 W. Belmont Avenue; The Green Room Tap, 1801 S. Allport.

Provided

BEVERLY— B-Sides Coffee + Tea has opened near the 99th Street Metra depot. They serve Metropolis coffee and Rishi teas. Status: Certified open, 9907 S. Walden Parkway

LAKEVIEW— There’s no more baseball at Wrigley Field this season, but nearby Milt’s Extra Innings, a baseball-themed Kosher deli from the owner of Milt’s BBQ For the Perplexed is open. Status: Certified open, 3409 N. Broadway Street.

LINCOLN PARK — Just at Lake Shore Drive’s Fullerton Avenue exit, the Theater on The Lake restaurant is taking reservations via Reserve. Former Fountainhead chef Cleetus Friedman is in charge of the kitchen as the Chicago Park District continues to make new uses of its spaces. There’s seating for 125 inside and outdoor patio seating for 80. They’re only open for dinner, but lunch and brunch service are forthcoming. Status: Certified open, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive (LSD Fullerton Exit).

LINCOLN SQUARE— Nick’s Pizza Pub, a suburban favorite in Crystal Lake and Elgin that dates back to 1995, has opened its first location in the city. Find square-cut, tavern-style pizzas at this family-friendly spot. Status: Certified open, 2434 W. Montrose Avenue.

HUMBOLDT PARK— Texas Tacos is serving chilaquilles, tacos, and more for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also deliver. Status: Certified open, 2624 W. North Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE— There’s a new deli in Logan Square called LIttle Pickle. They’ve got weekly specials and want to be the neighborhood’s potential lunch provider. Status: Certified open, 3703 W. Fullerton Avenue.

SOUTH LOOP— There’s a new restaurant inside the Marriott Marquis Chicago. It’s called Woven & Bound. It’s a 350-seat American brasseries. Chicago has more details. Status: Certified open, 2121 S. Prairie Avenue.

WEST TOWN— Soulé is serving a mix of soul and creole food in a 33-seat space. DNAinfo spoke with the owner. Items include shrimp and grits, New Orleans barbecue shrimp, and fried catfish. And it’s pronounced “SOUL-ay.” Status: Certified open, 1931 W. Chicago Avenue.

WICKER PARK— A new smoothie cafe with bubble teas is open near Milwaukee and Ashland. It’s called Hot Shots Cafe. DNAinfo reported the cafe has free WiFi and Metropolis coffee. Status: Certified open, 1242 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

DES PLAINES— The Beacon Tap, a restaurant that dates back to 1955, is back open in the Northwest Suburbs. Look for brisket sandwiches, fish frys, and beer. Status: Certified open, 1374 Lee Street, Des Plaines.

October 20

AROUND TOWN— There’s a new delivery-only virtual restaurant that stuffs tortillas with Indian flavors. Bombay Tacos serves chicken tikka, chana (chickpea), lamb curry, and more wrapped as tacos. It uses Uber Eats. Status: Certified open, Uber Eats.

BEVERLY— There’s a new South Side music-themed coffeeshop. B-Sides Coffee + Tea serves Metropolis Coffee near Metra’s 99th Street stop, reported DNAinfo. It also has grab-and-go food. Status: Certified open, 9907 S. Walden Parkway.

BUCKTOWN— There’s a replacement for Jane’s, the 23-year-old brunch specialist that closed in July. Mable’s Table serves weekend brunches and dinners. Chef Anthony Reyes said his mother inspired the cooking. Check out the website for more details. Status: Certified open, 1655 W. Cortland Street.

LAKEVIEW— Learn all about Capital One’s services at another Capital One Cafe. The 7,500-square-foot cafe just opened, reported Southport Corridor News. Status: Certified open, 3435 N. Southport Avenue.

LITTLE ITALY— Breakfast chain Eggsperience has opened its seventh location in the Chicago area, reported DNAinfo. It’s another morning option off Taylor Street. Status: Certified open, 1230 W. Taylor Street.

THE LOOP— Honeygrow has opened its second Chicago location. The stir-fry chain, which debuted in the West Loop, offers seasonal veggies and allows customers to craft their own stir-fries. Status: Certified open, 70 E. Lake Street.

SOUTH LOOP— Steve’s Bite is a new fast-food spot with burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and Philly cheesesteaks. Sloopin’ first noticed the opening. Status: Certified open, 67 E. Cermak Road.

WEST LOOP— Venerable fried chicken chain, Harold’s Chicken Shack has opened another location near the United Center. This is a more modern space compared to the ones most envision. Status: Certified open, 1501 W. Madison Street.

WEST LOOP— Stan’s Donuts already had a West Loop presence, thanks to its commissary on Lake Street. Now the chain opened a full-blown location. It’s the seventh Chicago location, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 1301 W. Lake Street.

WEST TOWN— The owners of Lincoln Park’s Halligan and Hook & Ladder move out west to open Damen Tavern. They’ve taken over the former Bar Deville space. Ownership said they’ve remodeled the back room, but the front bar area sure looks the same. Status: Certified open, 701 N. Damen Avenue.

WICKER PARK— Division Street has another breakfast/brunch option. Yolk continues its large-scale expansion plans with the opening of a Wicker Park location. It’ll also offer delivery, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 1767 W. Division Street.

ROSEMONT— Miss BRGR Belly? The team just opened a suburban Rosemont location. The announcement comes as they rebrand Beefbelly into a Mexican restaurant. Status: Certified open, One O’Hare Center, 6250 N. River Road, Rosemont.

SCHAUMBURG— Chuy’s Tex-Mex has opened its second suburban Chicago location. The more than 35-year-old chain opened a Warrenville location earlier this year. A third location is scheduled to open in Orland Park in 2018. Status: Certified open, 1701 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg.

October 13

CHATHAM— Chipotle is expanding to the city’s South Side. The burrito chain has about 40 location in the city and has opened a restaurant in Chatham, reported DNAinfo. Status: Certified open, 41 W. 87th Street.

LINCOLN PARK— A dedicated Russian dumpling shop has opened near Clark and Fullerton. Hugo’s Pelmeni gives customers a choice of chicken, beef and pork, lamb, or potato dumplings. Diners can pick from a variety of dips. The restaurant also serves soup and more in a fast-casual setting. Check out the menu below. Status: Certified open, 2468 N. Clark St.

OLD TOWN— Hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage are available at Pop’s Italian Beef, near North Avenue and Clark Street. The chain debuted in Southwest Suburban Palos Heights and has grown outside of the city. This location is Pop’s second in the city proper. thier first city location was in Mount Greenwood. Status: Certified open, 157 W. North Avenue.

EVERGREEN PARK— Krispy Kreme continues its comeback. This one features a drive-thru, according to The Daily Southtown, so drivers can get those doughnuts without leave their car. Status: Certified open, 9150 S. Western Avenue, Evergreen Park.

NAPERVILLE— DuPage County’s shining jewel has a few new restaurants to report. Tango 2 is a comeback story. The restaurant replaces Delirio, a Latin fusion spot, reported The Naperville Sun. But before Delirio, the original Tango served Argentinian steaks and more. Status: Certified open, 5 Jackson Avenue, Naperville.

Le Chocolat de Bouchard has opened its second location in town, reported The Naperville Sun. Find traditional favorites including cookies and macaroons. Status: Certified open, 1807 S. Washington Street, Hawthorn Square Shopping Center, Naperville.

October 6

ANDERSONVILLE— A spot that was targeted for a Bow Truss is now an independent coffee shop. Ridman’s Coffee is also serving baked goods from Hewn in Evanston and gluten-free items from Defloured. Status: Certified open, 4658 N. Clark St.

CHINATOWN— There’s a new Chinatown spot that apparently serves skewered meats and more. There’s not much info on NO 1 BBQ other than it recently opened. Status: Certified open, 2358 S. Wentworth Ave.

CHINATOWN— Starbucks has invaded Chinatown. The coffee giant has opened up a shop on the South Side, it’s first in Chinatown. DNAinfo talked to personnel who feel that Starbucks is a status symbol and will better serve millennials. Hurrah. Status: Certified open, 261 W. Cermak Road.

IRVING PARK— Montrose Saloon, after a five-month hiatus, has returned to the corner of Montrose and Richmond. One of the owners, Aaron Zacharias, is a partner in Fountainhead/Northman/Bar on Buena, reported DNAinfo. There’s two bocce courts and more improvements. Status: Certified open, 2933 W. Montrose Ave.

HYDE PARK— The Aloha Poke Co. empire continues to expand by opening their first South Side location. The quick-serve restaurant will sport the same design and menu that’s made sushi fish bowls popular over the last couple years. Status: Now open, 5221 S. Harper Court.

RAVENSWOOD— City Press Juice & Bottle has opened another location, following spots in Wicker Park and Lakeview. Find cold-pressed juices, cleanses, and more. Status: Certified open, 1942 W. Montrose Ave.

SOUTH LOOP— While the neighborhood still recovers from Ma & I’s shutter, there’s a new pan-Asian spot in the South Loop. The Tribune reported that Mai Tai is open. Status: Certified open, 614 S. Wabash Ave.

UPTOWN— Trendy Thai rolled ice cream has made it to Argyle courtesy of Ice Station. DNAinfo reported that they’ve taken over the former Seafood Hot Pot space. Status: Certified open, 1130 W. Argyle St.

HARWOOD HEIGHTS— Chicken finger chain Raising Cane’s continues its Chicago expansion. They’ve opened a location in suburban Harwood Heights. Their first city location will be near Loyola University in Rogers Park. Status: Certified open, 7306 W. Lawrence Ave.

MIDLOTHIAN— Need a new suburban bar to watch the Blackhawks this season? Try Slapshots Sports Bar and Grill. The new spot just opened, according to The Daily Southtown. Status: Certified open, 14608 S. Cicero Ave., Midlothian.

NORTHBROOK— Da Lobsta, The Blind Cafe, and Toasty Taco are some of the vendors participating in a new pop-up inside a suburban mall. The concept inside Northbrook Court is called FOMO Cafe. As shopping centers try to reinvigorate the good, old food court, this is a unique direction. Status: Certified open, Northbrook Court, upper level.

WINNETKA— The owners of Evanston’s Ten Mile House and DB3 Donuts have a new restaurant on the North Shore. It’s called Fred’s Garage and they serve a combo of dishes featuring classic American flavors (fresh sausages) and global flavors (a vindaloo featuring shitake curry). Status: Certified open, 574 Green Bay Road.

For a list of the 2017 summer openings, click here.