The Bristol Chef Chris Pandel does things with animal parts most others wouldn't dare and the experience is heightened because of it.

Rick Bayless' mexican haven is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end.

Rustic fare paired with esoteric Old World wine in a well-designed intimate neighborhood spot make this a super hot destination.

Jason Hammel and Jason Vincent give us another reason to travel to Pilsen: their impeccably prepared rustic seasonal fare and a cool, modern Kevin Heisner-designed room to eat in.

Between Chris Pandel's rustic Italian fare, Amanda Rockman's heavenly desserts, a fantastic amaro-based cocktail list a veritable Italian wine bible, this partnership between the Bristol and Boka groups doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

Charlie Trotter's vet Matthias Merges took a massive departure from fine dining and opened this yakitori-inspired Japanese street food spot. Whether you go for dinner (get the crispy chicken skin, quail eggs and sweetbreads) or for the $20 three-course Sunday noodles, you'll wonder why Merges didn't do this sooner.

Some may decry this as a hipster diner, but the quality of food—crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy; foie gras, scrambled eggs and toast; and those damn tasty griddled burgers—with great cocktails and draft-beer list, puts this spot in a new category.

If you can stand your big, fat gourmet burger with headbanging pulsating metal music, go get in line now. There aren't many better burgers in Chicago.

The crown jewel in Tony Hu's ever-growing empire, the focus here is on Szechwan dishes, ranging from the basic to the downright adventurous.

If it were just fish and chips and chowdah, we'd still be won over. But everything—the hamachi crudo, lobster roll, the ponzu mignonette for the oysters, plump mussels in a steaming red sauce, brandade croquettes—is so incredibly fresh, you'd think you're on one of the coasts.

Authentic Costa Rican fare in a casual mom-and-pop BYO setting with some of the best chicken burritos around. Experiment with the casado and an oatmeal shake.

Seasonal ingredients, a constantly morphing rustic menu and an adorable back patio make this Andersonville spot one of the best Italian joints in the city.

With two smokers to prep meaty St. Louis-style ribs, tender brisket, apple-and-oak-smoked pulled pork and more, this 'cue joint ain't no joke.

Logan Square's hipster gastropub, with a kick-ass whisky selection, has made national headlines and even got a Michelin star. Like a nose-to-tail approach? So does chef Jared Wentworth.

Even if you can't sit on the city's best patio all year, chef Tony Priolo's pizzas, housemade pastas and grilled meats make a trip worth it even in the dead of winter.

The Sheerin brothers have outdone themselves with a polarizing menu of upscale charcuterie. Everyone has an opinion on this spot.

Sure the massive Chinese menu is daunting as hell, but go with a group and you only need to know about one thing: the roasted Peking duck served tableside. OK, and some seriously tasty fat egg rolls.

When you want more than spanikopita and gyros, David Schneider's authentic regional Greek fare (and amazing Greek wine list) beckon you to this beautiful dining room in Wicker Park.

Uptown's Argyle Street is also known as Little Saigon and Tank Noodle is the crown jewel for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially the various steaming bowls of pho.

A few years in, Paul Kahan's temple to pork and shellfish remains strong, especially with chef Brian Huston overseeing the kitchen.

Where else can you get a beer, a taco and a shot of whisky for under $10? Leave it to the Blackbird team, with chef Justin Large, to make it happen.

Where else can you get Brit-style flaky, buttery crust pies filled with beef, chicken or mushrooms and kale? BYO or better yet, order it to be delivered to Maria's next door and get a drink at the bar. Oh yeah, fish & chips Fridays start at 5:30.

Throughout chef changes and evolving menus, Sepia continues to be one of the most consistent restaurants in Chicago. Andrew Zimmerman's menus paired with a cutting-edge beverage program makes it a complete experience.

Matt Troost's refined bar menu in a rock 'n' roll-vibed neighborhood spot with a killer beer list and fantastic parking lot patio is a great reason to hit Taylor Street.

This Southern-inspired spot has been around a while, but its new Boarding House lunch (with juicy fried chicken) hearty brunch platters and dishes culled from decades- and centuries-old recipes has given it new life.

When you need your fried seafood or smoked fish fix, hit this James Beard-recognized, Anthony Bourdain-endorsed classic Chicago fish house on the Far South Side. Want an adventure? Then get in the car for some good take out.

There's little doubt that Hot Doug's is the preeminent hot dog and "sausage superstore" in Chicago, perhaps even the country and world. The release of the Hot Doug's book, not to mention the seemingly neverending lines, only cement that.

Mark Steuer's Carriage House has brought thoughtful Southern cuisine, and cocktails, to the Division Street bar scene. Stop in anytime now that they've begun brunch and lunch service.