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Modern MexicanRiver North
Topolobampo in Chicago is Rick Bayless's Michelin-starred Mexican fine-dining room beside Frontera on Clark, with regional menus that rotate every six weeks.
OrderWhichever mole is on the current tasting menu; Bayless has been cooking them in Chicago since 1989.
TipReservations open 60 days out and the Friday slot goes in an hour. Set a calendar alarm.
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Regional MexicanRiver North
Frontera Grill in Chicago is Rick Bayless's 1987 Clark Street Mexican dining room beside Topolobampo, the kitchen that brought regional Mexican.
OrderCarne asada with handmade tortillas; the cochinita pibil if the Yucatan menu is running.
TipWalk in at 17:00 on a weekday for the bar; the booths fill by 18:30 most nights.
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ItalianLogan Square
Daisies in Chicago is Joe Frillman's Logan Square pasta-and-vegetable dining room on Milwaukee Avenue, with grain and produce sourced directly from Illinois.
OrderCavatelli with whatever ragu is current; the focaccia first, while you wait.
TipBrunch is the underrated meal here. The same pasta program with eggs and patio seating in summer.
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Japanese ramenRiver North
Ramen-san in Chicago is Lettuce Entertain You's River North ramen room on Hubbard, with a tonkotsu base and a spicy garlic bowl that pulls the regulars back.
OrderThe spicy garlic ramen; the chashu pork bun on the side.
TipLunch is faster than dinner. The 12:30 rush clears by 13:15.
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American BarbecueIrving Park
Smoque BBQ in Chicago is the Irving Park no-frills counter on Pulaski Road since 2006, with brisket and St Louis ribs smoked over apple and hickory in-house.
OrderA sliced brisket plate with the St Louis ribs split. Half-rack rather than full.
TipClosed Mondays. Closes at 21:00 sharp and meat sells out from 19:30 on weekends.
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New AmericanLincoln Park
Alinea in Chicago is Grant Achatz's three-Michelin-star tasting menu at 1723 N Halsted, the dining room that codified American modernist fine dining.
OrderWhichever course needs your two hands; the kitchen is unsentimental about it.
TipBook the Gallery flow if you want the full theatre; Salon is the quieter, three-course-less option.