● Gene's Sausage Shop & Delicatessen (Lincoln Square) - Achtung, baby. Gourmet grocery store in Lincoln Square proper specializing in sausages, all things German.

● Zara (River North) - Popular Spanish retailer winning over Mag Mile shoppers with cheap, chic, stylish mens' and womens' threads.
● Belly Shack (Logan Square) - Chef Bill Kim opens the long-awaited sister restaurant to Urban Belly.

● Lincoln Hall (Lincoln Park) - Owners of Schubas Tavern go all out, and all in, for Chicago's newest live music club.
● Bar Novo (The Loop) - Luxe cocktails at luxe prices. Renaissance Hotel's typically plush bar with bites.

● Chilam Balam (Lakeview) - Refined Mexican comes to Lakeview with creative small plates and locally-sourced grub.
● Mercadito (River North) - Popular New York tacos and ceviche drop in River North. Just awesome.

● Nana (Hyde Park) - South side shows softer side with bright, cheery, organic brunch spot.
● Rockwood Place (Wrigleyville) - Slinging drinks in the old Central space to the old Central crowd.

● 33 Club (Gold Coast) - Past-blasting recreation of the grand ol' dining clubs without the grand ol' price. Old-school Chi nostalgia in full effect.
● Cibo Matto (The Loop) - Polished Italian restaurant that's the third venue to grace the inside of modern boutique hotel The Wit.
● Little Bucharest Bistro (Logan Square/Humboldt Park) - Closed since 2004, Lil' Bucharest's back with modern takes on Eastern Euro classics.

● Bonsoiree (Logan Sqr/Humboldt Prk) - Save a few bottles of your best for the 4-, 7-, or 13-course tasting menu, but go with something light and versatile, like a Rosé that can match the eclectic assortment of dishes crossing your palate.
● HB Home Bistro (Boystown) - This tiny favorite expands with every bottle opened to pair up with their Amsterdam-style mussels and sautéed tilapia -- you might even consider bringing a Belgian brew, like Duvel's blonde ale.
● Mado Market & Eatery (Bucktown/Wicker Park) - The menu is always changing, but the flavors remain Mediterranean. Bring along a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and check out the specials.

Because we sometimes need a reasonable excuse to wear sunglasses while we eat.

● Bistro Campagne (Lincoln Square) - Allow the gated side patio -- with its fountain, trees, and lush flowers -- to transport you to France in this predominantly German neighborhood.
● ZED 451 (River North) - Share apps as you mingle across this rooftop deck's various lounge areas -- from the bar and swank lounge furniture to the honest-to-God patch of grass -- and gaze up at the shimmering condo towers of River North if you need a break from your chatty crew.
● Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (Lincoln Park) - The back patio is not only a reprieve from the claustrophobic effect brought on by the constant crowd, but the stunning artwork and flowers make the small plates somehow bigger.

● Taxim (Bucktown/Wicker Park) - Just in time for summer, open space on sidewalks and the roof: Efharisto!
● Mister 312 (The Loop) - A sleek new salon for the impeccably groomed man, or at least the kind of guy who likes his salon to be a stylish as his 'do.

● 44th Ward Dinner Party (Lakeview) - Lakeview Broadcasting Company closes and reopens as a cozy lounge serving up grilled cheese.
● Fuel (Bucktown/Wicker Park) - New venue, old story: nightclub owners open restaurant. DJs, pizza, haute cocktails.