The Parthenon restaurant is Chicago's Greektown's anchor restaurant! From the sidewalk window, you'll get a wave from the cook slicing lamb from a spit. Inside, your waiter cries "Opa!" as saganaki ignites in orange flames. And, from surrounding tables people are laughing and toasting. Yes, it's a typical day at The Parthenon.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is an excellent place to go for, you guessed it, fried chicken! Their unique blend of ingredients, paired with their fresh, healthy chicken, creates a one-of-a-kind taste that people come from all over to enjoy. All food and drink pieces are crafted by the owners/culinary experts for a taste you can't get anywhere else.

Eataly, Chicago features a 63,000-square-foot market including 23 unique eateries. There are 25 Eataly market places throughout the world: 13 in Japan, 10 in Italy and single locations in New York City, Dubai and Turkey. Chicago is the latest city to experience this Italian global phenomenon. Co-owned by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, this location is the largest in the United States and cost upwards of $20 million to complete. Check out this video to see what the buzz is all about.

The Siena Tavern concept was an idea born during a trip to Italy, where there was a little tavern with a good open kitchen and a kind of rustic look that the owners liked. They got that idea in Italy and brought it to Chicago, modernized it a bit, and created a modern-meet-rustic restaurant with a menu of homemade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas baked in a Woodstone oven. The food is very local with its peak of flavor and freshness. The restaurant has become a hit in the River North neighborhood. As Chef Fabio Viviani says, “When you see the same people ten times, with all the great selection and great choices around here, in this town, that’s a home run to me.” Visit the website at sienatavern.com.

  Country Music and BBQ at Bub City...Paradise for BBQ fans! Bub City brings in rising stars from Nashville, Austin, and other places, to play on the stage, in Chicago. You might see someone you could only see in Nashville. It's a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.

Featuring pork and fish/seafood preparations, the menu is best described by Kahan and Huston as “pristine product, simply prepared,” an approach to food Kahan has long espoused in all of his kitchens. The Publican boasts the simplest cuisine of all three properties, each dish stripped of adornment and containing only essential ingredients. The menu is presented in sections: Fish, Meat and Vegetables, each laid out from lightest to heaviest fare. Pristinely fresh oysters, hand-selected for the restaurant from purveyors with whom the culinary team has formed partnerships over the past year, anchor the fish portion of the menu. From classic Belgian-style mussels to seafood stew to wood-roasted whole fish, the seafood is simple and straightforward yet eclectic in presentation. Meat dishes center upon pork, all certified organic and sourced from Dyersville, Iowa. Anchored by a wide selection of housemade terrines and charcuteries, the menu changes daily to reflect the seasonal availability of products. Other hearty dishes, again, presented simply and stripped of adornment, include such seasonal items as black and white sausage, steak tartare, pork shoulder and pot-au-feu. Kahan and Huston plan to make the wood-roasted chicken a signature, “… with the best frites in town,” boasts Kahan. A selection of vegetables rounds out the menu, including such seasonal items as daily aïoli, roasted broccoli, pine nuts and Italian buratta and cauliflower sformato with Marcona almond romesco. Strong architectural lines dominate the space, which is large, airy and awash in earthy colors. Guests enter The Publican through a glass-enclosed vestibule, its 10-foot-high ceiling offering a glimpse of the restaurant’s 13.6-foot ceiling. Inside, the spacious interior is dominated by a large walnut communal table designed to recall 16th Century European banquets. Set up in racetrack fashion, the banquet table seats upwards of 100 people, side by side. At the center of the banquet table stands eight English pub-style three-tiered cocktail tables where guests can stand, leaning comfortably on one level, with their beer and food resting on the other tiers. This interior space is large enough for guests who are waiting for tables or visiting the restaurant just for a beer and a bite. Against the east wall stand a series of four-top walnut banquette tables set up on platforms and privatized by table-height swinging doors. The walls and ceiling are wrapped in a material reminiscent of antique pressed tin. Across the front of the space, 10-foot cafe-style doors open out onto the street. At the back of the restaurant, a partially open kitchen offers a view to the culinary action.

The Bristol and Boka Restaurant Group have teamed up for this rustic Italian restaurant in the Landmark space in Lincoln Park, where a wood-burning grill and roasting spits work hard to turn out dishes such as cherry and duck bruschetta, whole grilled fish, pizza and panzanella.

Located near the main entrance to Navy Pier, Harry Caray's Tavern waterfront location, family friendly menu, and Chicago's premier sports museum combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests of all ages. The extensive menu includes flavorful sandwiches and wraps, pastas, fresh salads, and homemade pizzas. The Chicago Sports Museum, featuring beautifully crafted display cabinets, highlights a rotating collection of museum-quality sports memorabilia, including an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and vintage newspapers celebrating Chicago sports legends, past and present. Harry's extensive patio offers the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and the excitement of Navy Pier. Click here for more information.

Epic Burger features a limited menu of fresh chuck, all natural beef Epic Burger, a tasty turkey Burger, all-natural chicken breast sandwich, and the very veggie portabella sandwich, all cooked fresh to order and topped with Epic-sauce-lettuce-tomato-pickle-grilled or raw onion. Epic Burger give a whole new meaning to 'burger joint'. Simplistic and fantastic are the only words to describe Epic Burger.

Street food is the great equalizer—no glamour required. Yakitori, when well-executed, is about the simple flavors of authentic street food. A hot grill provides intense flavors from seasonal proteins and vegetables, grilled to order over a chattering, hissing fire. Beer, wine and sake selections compliment the fresh-grilled flavors. Craft cocktails, wines and spirits are chosen for customized meal pairings. Experiment and discover!

Rick Bayless long ago set a precedent for quality, gourmet Mexican food in Chicago. And with its top of the line ingredients and flair for the traditional mixed with modern, Mixteco Grill impresses. Proportions for both appetizers and entrees are sizeable too, so no one will go hungry, whether you try the delicious guacamole (with cucumbers) for starters or the spicy camarones glaseados for your meal. Don’t leave without getting dessert either; their traditional tres leches and flan are absolutely superb. What makes this place even better is not only the friendly wait staff but also that it’s BYOB every night of the week.

Who says gourmet dining is limited to the city? Paul Virant’s Vie restaurant in Western Springs, Illinois proves that quality food knows no bounds. In fact, there’s nothing the chef won’t try. While his menu always offers local food in innovative, beautiful, and delicious dishes, Vie also offers special dinner and weeks. This past August, Vie showcased barbecue and its many forms, from brisket to smoked corn salad. Now that Winter is almost here in Chicago, Vie also offers Sunday Suppers with prix fixe menus (when the Bears aren’t playing). No matter what the time of year, Paul Virant and his team offer amazing dishes, which is why they’ve earned a Michelin star.

Fork is the kind of place to go when you want gourmet food, but you also want to be in a relaxed, casual environment. While those dining in Fork will be seated in chairs, there’s also the bar -- and couches -- for the drinking crowd, adding to the overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Like many higher end restaurants, the menu is clearly carefully attended to, only focusing on a few dishes -- like a heavenly chicken burger -- but all are sure to please your palate. Not sure what to get? The servers here are notoriously friendly and helpful, and will lead you in the right direction.

Fork is located at 4600 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Phone is 773-751-1500. Visit forkchicago.net/ for more information.

[gallery]Situated on the corner of Milwaukee, Grand, and Halsted, you don’t expect to find a beautiful Italian restaurant. But that’s what you’ll get -- along with outstanding service, meals, and wine -- at Piccolo Sogno. While inside the restaurant is nice, it’s the expansive outdoor patio, where about 75-percent of the seating is, that’ll make you swoon. Surrounded by large trees and sparkling lights at night, patrons can easily enjoy their exquisite but large Italian food portions that use seasonal ingredients. Rather have a lighter dinner? Piccolo Sogno also offers smaller appetizer portions of all their house-made pasta dishes.

[gallery columns="2"]Is it a bar? Or is it a restaurant? Old Town Social, headed by Chef Jared Van Camp, prides itself on being both, all the while maintaining a casual but refined ambiance. The menu reflects this attitude. Offering everything from a cheese platter to housemade hot dogs, Van Camp puts his trademark on every dish that leaves his kitchen. When Van Camp and his team aren’t sending out food to patrons packed in the restaurant, bar, and outdoor patio, they turn towards their butcher shoppe. There, folks can locally purchase cured meats and sausages. Old Town Social may look like a bar, but with its high-end but reasonably priced foods, it’s clearly something much more, too.

To get a reservation in the famed Stephanie Izard restaurant, Girl and the Goat, it’s true: you’ll need to call ahead by at least four months. Even for an outdoor alfresco table. But, the wait is worthwhile for this award-winning gourmet food experience.

While Izard’s style is all about fusion cooking, there’s definitely a focus on meat and seafood pairings. And really when Izard mixes two ingredients? Eat them at the same time, because there’s a reason she paired them together. They’re good separate, but amazing together.

Insider’s Tip: That pig face on the menu? It’s incredibly tasty, but don’t expect a swine to be looking at you from across the table.
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The low-lighting in Maude’s Liquor Bar may make this French-inspired restaurant feel a bit cozy, but the smashes--cocktail drinks--are what will warm you up. The smokey violet is a top-seller and for good reason; the bizarre combination of flowery and liquor flavors are stronger than they taste. All the plates are designed for sharing, and catch that lobster if you can. While its a simple dish, it tastes even better than it looks, especially with those sauces. Even so, don’t pass up the more traditional dishes like the hearty cassoulet that’s sure to fill you up, even when you share.

Hipsters must enter through the back, or so the sign says right outside Kuma’s Corner front door. Be prepared; those taunts aren’t the only thing patrons will face. Heavy metal blasts through the speakers as diners partake in the delicious juicy burgers appropriately named after heavy metal bands. If the food doesn’t take all your attention, Kuma’s also entertains with gory slasher flicks or karate movies.

The kitchen may be small, but it serves a mean burger, one sure to please your palate, whether on the summer patio or indoors.

Insider’s Tip: The Hate Beak may not be a burger, but it’s the best buffalo chicken sandwich in Chicago.

With five locations--three of which are on Ashland Avenue--what’s not to love about these Mexican joints? La Pasadita defines quality, cheap Mexican food in Chicago, whether during lunch break or for those late-night booze-colored hours. Despite the low prices, their steak--whether on a taco or chachos, their version of nachos--really surpasses typical Mexican fare in Wicker Park. Their pico de gallo, too, is fresh and the perfect starter to any meal.

Don’t go expecting anything fancy, but still, good eats are available at all locations. All La Pasaditas are BYOB, but they’ve also got horchata, Jarritos, as well as fresh-squeezed OJ.

A big reason for the latest trend in the encased meat world, gourmet hot dogs, is Lincoln Park’s Franks ‘N’ Dawgs and its chef, Joe Doren. Many of the menu items are house-made, including the tur-doggin and black sheep sausages. While some menu items aren’t going anywhere, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also like to mix things up by offering a monthly Iron Dawg competition with dogs designed by local chefs as well as a charitable dog created by an amateur chef.

Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also recently added a lobster dog to its menu, but it’s only available on Fridays.

The sides are also delectable, from elegant truffle fries to a surprisingly good brussel sprout salad.

[gallery] Don’t let ‘grocery’ in the name deceive. Using some of the items it also retails, Southport Grocery & Cafe creates homemade-like brunch every weekend. The also sell-out spots to their monthly secret supper that takes over the restaurant as well as the super-secret upstairs bakery. With the menu already decided for every patron, the hardest thing anyone will have to choose is: white or red wine? The secret supper includes three courses, including one dessert, and no one but the chefs and Southport wait staff knows what it is until they sit to eat. Get in on the secret by joining the Southport Grocery mailing list or liking the store/restaurant on Facebook.

Forget Chicago’s famous deep-dish stuffed pizza. Ravenswood’s Spacca Napoli Pizzeria is all about Neapolitan pizza perfectly toasted in a wood-fire oven. While Spacca is known for its super-thin crust pizza--forget a fork and just roll it up--the Italian eatery also offers a mix of traditional Naples appetizers. Even simple dishes like caprese con bufala are mouth-watering delicious. Also check for cannoli on your way out. The hostess will occasionally offer the dessert for free. Insider’s Tip: Just want your pizza to go? Spacca will make it in a jiffy but still offer a sample of Prosecco on the house for while you wait.[caption id="attachment_51809" align="alignleft" width="273" caption="Spacca offers the thinnest pizzas available in all of Chicago."][/caption]

Rocking Hubbard Street, Epic has made a splash on the Chicago scene and for good reason - the service is ridiculously good. On a street and in a 'hood where new restaurants come and go as fast as fashion fads, Epic should be here to stay as guests feel spoiled indulging in the attentive service and delicious menu.

Here, despite its location in the Midwest, the calamari is as thick, plump and juicy as if you were in Hawaii - same goes for their tuna tartare. Steak lovers rejoice and celebrate in a hearty Midwestern steak and if you're only down for cocktails, this is the perfect place as well. The dark and sexy lighting makes the medicine go down.

Want to dine to the likes of Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel & Fergie? Then Hub 51 is your place. While filming Transformers 3 in the Windy City, the stars (and spouse in Josh's case) frequented Hub 51 which is also known to host plenty of NBA stars as well. So what is it that causes the stars to flock here? Perhaps it's that they serve a little bit of this and a little bit of that and they do it all oh so darn well from the juicy burger to the fresher than fresh sushi. Then again it could be the drinks - like a whole lot of yummy draft beer selections, superb wines and unique draft cocktail specialties that change with the seasons. Whether its the menu, the drinks or the stars that lure you here - just make sure you look your best as you never know who you'll run into.

It has been said that Spiaggia has the best Italian food in all of America by notables for Travel & Leisure and Esquire. Yep, read it and weep Northeast coasters who think you're the only people to recreate Italian masterpieces.

Going strong since 1984, chef and partner Tony Mantuano is a name to be reckoned with in the world of cuisine. Everyone knows he's a master, no contests necessary. Just take a look at the crowd that eats here: Michelle Obama, Sir Elton John, the late Princess Diana, Sir Mick Jagger, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel, Paul Newman, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon.

En sum, "Il mio sogno realizzato" says Spiaggia owner and founder Larry Levy, his dream come true.

Rockin' comfort food since 1990 back when it was nothing more than a few stools and 23 seats, Wishbone Restaurant is clearly doing something right since they've now evolved to three locations. Back before Wicker Park was an "it" neighborhood, Wishbone opened as one of the first chef-owned indie restaurants in Chi-town making it a fave locale for artists and hipsters. Today, Wishbone's three locations continue to host artists and hipsters in the 'hoods of Berwyn, Lincoln and West Loop. The secret to their success? Chef and owner Joel Nickson and his brother, co-owner, Guy Nickson are indeed from the south so trust them on their southern take on good eats. Joel even schooled with Anthony Bourdain so let's hope there was nothing on Kitchen Confidential on Wishbone.

Micro-breweries are so hot right now. Chicagoans said they want a revolution (from dull beer) and they got one with  Revolution Brewery.

Managing Partner, Josh Deth is just the man to bring on the revolution as his long history with beer (working with, not only drinking) began with iconic Chicago's Goose Island Brewery.

All draft beers at the bar appear as arms and fists, a slew of revolution hungry revelers. And the brews that pour from them? Salivate over the sounds of the Iron Fist Pale Ale: dry-hopped American ale featuring centennial, cascade, chinook and amarillo hop or the summer special, Rosie: tart summer ale infused with 12lbs of hibiscus flowers and  orange peel with a sexy pink hue.

And though beer technically is a food source (right?), they do serve chewable food as well - and darn good grub at that. A hearty brunch, tasty pizzas and the classic Iron Fist Fish & Chips.

Rockin' since 1968, mention Kingston Mines to most Windy City residents and they'll most likely have a story for you, a memory or simply just a smile. This is why Chicago is known for the blues. It's the oldest. It's the biggest. It's the winner of "Best Chicago Blues Bar" by the Chicago Music Awards for 13 running years.

Open 7 nights a week, Kingston Mines presents two stages of live music with killer sounds run from Kafel Amps, custom made amplifiers - a design of former Polish rock star, Jacek Kafel, who now resides in Chi-town.

Wear what you want, this isn't a time to get fancy, you'll probably spill rib sauce from Doc Rib's amazing eats on your shirt anyway (and if you don't you're probably not enjoying them as you should).

As for the crowd, it is eclectic as is the place and ranges from 21 to 100. So come one, call all: eat, drink and be blue.

Bin 36, it's as simple as that, hell their very own Brian Duncan was voted "Wine Director of the Year" by Gourmet Magazine. Here's a place where flights of wine take up table tops, their wide array of flirty flights making it near impossible not to opt for one (because one equals four). Cheese specialties fatten up the acidic wine selections making this happy hour heaven, the perfect place for a date and a top joint for scouting for peeps who still have class. Yes, Bin 36 does have food and yes it is delicious - it's just an after thought when the wine menu is taking the spotlight. But it's worth the spotlight as well, Chef Caputo's wonderful selections are attributed to his rich culinary past working in Michelin rated restaurants in France and studying wine in Sonoma. Breakfast, lunch (perfect business lunch in 40 minutes!) and dinner, Bin 36 is now somewhat of a Chi-town icon with is wine shop and wine classes. Each month they offer classes on food and wine pairings (whilst promoting tasting as the best means to learn!), themed movie, culture and game nights. They've also spread to Wicker Park with Bin Wine Cafe.

If you aren't familiar with Lettuce Entertain You, the big wigs and ingenious company behind so many staple Chicago bistros and top notch eateries, than either you're not in the biz or not from the Windy City. It doesn't really matter, what does, is that you sample some of their top joints, one of those being the most fun to roll off the tongue: Mon Ami Gabi.

If your high school French is failing you, N'inquiétez pas, it simply means, My friend Gabi. Just as fun as the bistro's name, is the executive chef and owner of six of the top Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, Gabino Sotelino (hence the name). Sotelino is touted as one of Chicago's best and a few samplings of his French delicacies will tell you why.

Classic French fare is done just right and the ambiance is cozily reminiscent of that corner bistro in Paris, yet the gluten free menu and option to buy their steaks online make it all-American too.

If there is one iconic restaurant in Chicago, it may just be Gibsons Steakhouse. This is Chicago at its best: mouth watering steaks, a bar that never runs dry and serves nothing but premium liquors and wines, celeb sightings to watch for and enough people watching to compete with your appetite. Rounding off the "Viagra Triangle," yes, the 'hood really is called that because of the Ferrari driving white-haired men and their hot young things, Gibsons Steakhouse is the place to be. In case you don't want to call its digs the V Triangle, it's also known as the Gold Coast area where Rush Street and State Street become one. Gibsons Steakhouse is literally packed from Monday through Sunday, partly because of the financial district heads who dine there or the ladies who lunch (and linger until happy hour), but the place gets jumping early and ends late. If you want to snag a good table, you'll want to head there at 4ish on a weekday! As for the Johnny Depp connection? Gibsons Steakhouse was a favorite eating place for Depp when filming the mobster flick: Pubic Enemies. Johnny liked the place and its service so much, he left a $4,000 tip! So if it's good enough for Johnny, you better believe you're going to love Gibsons.

In the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and two blocks of the Magnificent Mile, Devon Seafood is the MidWest's answer to the freshest daily catches, delicate flavors and all the wine you could want. With over 600 wines and Champagnes on the menu, including plenty of rare boast-worthy bottles, there's absolutely no risk of not finding the perfect accompaniment. Whether it's Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, ahi tartare with fresh asparagus and herbs or scrumptious Georges Bank scallops, Devon Seafood has been mastering its changing menus since opening in 2006. The chic interior competes with the "oohs" and "ahhs" gushing about over the cuisine. Looking like it could very well be an interior design boutique or hipster furniture shop with its lush velvet chairs, feather covered lamps, stone covered walls and perfectly colored wood floors, guests work up an appetite just by checking out the place's digs. When the plates arrive, however, it's all about the catch of the day and yet, you'll probably be back for the catch of tomorrow as well. For that, one has to thank executive chef, Scott Barrows. Thank you, thank you very much.

Dig if you will, a picture: hot valet drivers busy themselves parking Ferraris and Jags; inside chic, heavy doors open to a beautiful hostess who awaits your arrival with a smile; a full 360 degrees around you (and below on the lower level in its bar and terrace) are gorgeous people, smiling, mingling and gushing over delectable sushi rolls and fusion plates. This is Japonais, Conde Nast's pick for one of the "Top 66 Restaurants in the World." Having opened its doors in 2003, this place still lives in the past - only meaning that one would have assumed it opened just last month as the wait, long reservation list, and packed crowds every day of the week would elude to it being a hot new number. In 2005, Chicago Magazine named it "Best Restaurant" and soon after New York and Las Vegas claimed their own versions of the restaurant. Today, it still rocks to those beats. From exotic cocktails (and a whole lot of sake and wine choices), signature sushi rolls and the to-die-for steaks, the menu reads part French and part Japanese, which in the culinary world, is a match made in heaven.

Ask a Frenchie in Chicago where he or she loves to go for la cuisine francaise authentique and you're most likely to hear "Les Nomades." Pourquoi? It's simple, with amazing array of plats premiers like herb roasted Maine lobster, Chantenay carrot purée, sugar snap peas, Madras curry natural jus; main courses like Duo of Squab Breast and Crispy Veal Sweetbreads with mustard greens, quinoa, sauce d’épice;  fromage plates and desserts like chesnut bon bon mousse coffee ganache and Guanaja chocolate cremeux. After all this, you'll wish the five hour, five course meal would never end. Inside a chic brownstone just steps off of Michigan Avenue, Les Nomades is zee perfect place to rest your shopper's feet while sipping back wine from the award winning list. From Forbes, AAA Four Diamond, Zagat to Wine Spectator, this place has won all the awards that count. The service alone speaks for its status. Insider's Tip: Pay the $130/person for the five course meal, you won't regret it.

Chicago's Gold Coast is a mecca of fine dining and celeb sightings. Where Rush Street turns into State Street- what Chicagoans call the Viagra Triangle for its reputation of older men with arm candy dates- is a scene of classic Chicago restaurants where Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House stands out above the crowd as one of the best spots for seafood you'll find west of the Atlantic. But before you even get to the mouth-watering menu options of crab, lobster, oysters (for the aphrodisiac lovers) and fresh fishes, it's all about the legs. Oui, les frog legs that is. Lathered in garlic and delicious spices, the frog legs at Hugo's are so scrumptious that even the pickiest of eaters tend to become leg lovers post visit. If you save enough room after the legs, the menu is chalk full of more seafood options and of course, plenty of turf for meat lovers as well. Equally as notable as the delicious cuisine here however, is the charm of the ambiance. The ol' maritime interior and swingin' vibe leave patrons in a jolly good mood as they sip dirty martinis and their conversations begin to spill from one table to the next. Viagra not included.

Making a toast is oh-so-easy at Chicago's chic River North Gallery district's restaurant, Prosecco. After all, they have the largest selection of sparkling wines in the whole city. White linen tables, authentic seasonal Italian cuisine with homemade pastas, and plenty of romantic ambiance make this place a hotspot for dates-- and for those looking for love. At Prosecco it's not just about making that initial toast with the sparkling wine, however. The mantra is that the sparkling wines of Italy stand alone, both the reds and the whites and need not/should not be limited only as a starter beverage, but rather enjoyed throughout the duration of the meal. For those unfamiliar with the pairing of sparkling wines for each course, leave it to the friendly staff to guide you to the bubbly of your preferences. And don't forget about the elegant Italian food that's made Prosecco one of the best new restaurants in Chicago. The bar here is equally as fun as the ristorante. Painted to look like Caravaggio's "Confessional of St. Paul," it's the drinks that will have people confessing, like the Mionetto Brut Prosecco with Chambord and 24 carat gold dust! The long, classic bar is one of the best in the city, making it perfect for those wishing to get buzzed on bubbly wine with a new, special someone. When a quick trip to Veneto, Italia isn't quite doable, Prosecco should suffice just fine. Cheers to that.

Wondering where the elite echelon of sports stars hang out while in the Windy City? Without a doubt it's at the Fifty / 50, a bar which brings the sexy back to the Ukrainian Village 'hood (if it were ever there in the first place). Now it definitely is, from Tony Romo to Pierre Thomas of the Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints. Even the investors are sports stars; Curtis Granderson is an investor (of the New York Yankees), and owners Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner roll in the same circles as these big boys. Alas, jersey chasers - the doors to the Fifty / 50 are basically your pearly gates. The food will give another inkling as to why the jocks flock here: the menu is based on fried foods, smoked foods and sandwiches (and beer of course). Read: dieters this is not your place, unless you're happy dining in the eye candy. And worry not, feasting on the likes of athlete superstars is not restricted only to the evening hours, this place is a brunch hotspot as well. Ladies, suggest this place to a guy and you score. Guys, suggest this place to the ladies and they're happy (albeit because they're wondering who they'll see). Either way you flip it, 50% chance plus 50% chance equals 100% happiness.

Nestled in a perfect Gold Coast locale, the Sofitel Hotel is a hubbub of activity: business people staying, cool locals hanging, and enough gorgeous French people to star in a Sophia Coppola film. Within the hotel lies the delicious Cafe des Architectes with its partner bar, the aptly named Le Bar. No matter the day or time, people watching here is like eating candy: sweet and energizing. But of course, the people are here for the cuisine. After all, the chef, Martial Noguier was a semifinalist in the James Beard Best Chef of 2009 competition! He will also be starring in his television debut on the upcoming Glutton for Punishment on the Food Network. His culinary skills have also lent a hand in making Cafe des Architectes a hotspot for Christmas and NYE dining. The five-course menu starts at $89 and goes up to $160 with wine pairings. From short rib tortellini to veal strips and center cut tuna - you will actually need and want to save room for executive pastry chef Suzanne Imaz's delectable creations like the white chocolate coconut mousse! Year round this cozy-chic eatery remains a hotspot for food, drinks and gorgeous patrons serving brunch, lunch, dinner and the worker-friendly executive 30-minute lunch. Merci Noguier!

Even though restaurateur Billy Dec's Rockit Bar & Grill may make the best burger in town, it doesn't mean he doesn't have cravings for some good, hearty Italian food. Whenever he's in need of some pasta and marinara sauce, the Chicago social mover always heads to La Scarola. The Italian restaurant is known for its low key environment that brings high-profile diners like Billy. It's been awarded the Zagat Excellent Rating year after year for their gigantic proportions and delicious cannolis. La Scarola's dishes taste like the ones from the Italian grandmother you never had. Sure, Billy Dec is well-known about town, but La Scarola's great because regardless of your residence, you'll feel like a local. The place is small so everyone knows each other, and if they don't, you'll feel like they do after the meal is over. With a crackling fireplace and the likes of Billie Holiday setting the mood, it's impossible not to relax and enjoy a great dinner at La Scarola. *** Billy Dec is the CEO and Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, Chicago's premier restaurant and entertainment development company. The company owns the new hotspot Sunda, The Underground club, and the award-winning Rockit Bar & Grill.

Oh. My. God. Almost always the three words uttered by anyone trying their first White Dragon roll at Coast Sushi in Wicker Park or now, it's newer location in the South Loop. The roll is so good it feels like it should be illegal. Order it as your starter roll and you can kiss goodbye trying anything else on the menu - you'll just keep ordering more White Dragons until you can barely get yourself out of the door. Flattering lighting and a cozy feel, Coast masters the Japanese chic of interior design, but who really notices when the food is so good? As for drinks, it's BYOB so indulge in as much or as little as you want, you won't feel it when the bill comes. Aside from the White Dragon, Coast features all the standard rolls, sashimi and nigiri, plenty of entrees, salads and all that jazz. But, if you don't order sushi, you're making a mistake. As for the White Dragon - what is it that causes it to create an instantaneous reaction of pure and utter bliss? The ingredients admitted are: shrimp tempura, wasabi  tobiko, cream cheese, avocado, scallion spicy sauce, wasabi dessing, eel sauce and tempura crumbs -- and a little bit of Oh. My. God.

Executive chef Rodelio Aglibot brings a tasty twist to traditional dishes from Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian islands. Sunda is a creation of Billy Dec, Brad Young, and Arturo Gomez: the trio behind Chicago hot spots Rockit Bar & Grill and The Underground. And Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot brings an extensive background in Asian cuisine and culture, recognized by several media outlets as the "Food Buddha." With cuisine that is accessible, comfortable and fresh, you're bound to rub your belly after a meal at Sunda.

They say Mediterranean and Greek food is the healthiest cuisine there is - thank goodness! Because that allows one to gorge oneself at Taxim guilt-free, no? The thing is, Taxim in Chi-town's hipper than hip 'hood, Wicker Park, offers so many ga-ga worthy Greek dishes that you're going to wish you had five stomachs. Touted again and again by the press for its over-the-top deliciousness, each and every plate is seriously delectable. The names may give your mouth a work out, try spitting out: Sparágia me avgó pápias – young asparagus, duck egg, wood-grilled no-knead garlic bread, but your tastebuds will reap the benefits. Melt-in-your-mouth lamb, Amish chicken, mouth-watering sea bass and a whole slew of veggie options, the menu is a people pleaser. Of course, knowing its location too, Taxim certainly doesn't skimp on the decor. The chic interior is warm, sexy and cozy enough to cuddle up and enjoy a night cap post din-din. Opa!

Upscale Latin fusion has found its casa at Nacional 27. The high-end restaurant and bar mixes cuisine from 27 different Latin American nations! The menu is perfect for sharing - this is a great place to take a date and sip plenty of cocktails! And when dinner is over, don't head home yet; the dining area gets transformed into the ultimate dance floor.

This neighborhood bar serves up simple, every-day eats in a casual-chic setting. The cuisine is artfully prepared with the freshest organic ingredients, and the delicious specialty cocktails boast a similar caliber. Luxbar, you will love!

Inspired by the lavishness of European cafes, the Grand Lux Cafe has something for everyone. Influences range from Thai and Malaysian to American and European. Dishes include: Austrian-style Wiener schnitzel and Indochina shrimp and chicken, fused with Chinese and Indian flavors. The cocktail menu features enticing Mai Tais, spicy Bloody Mary's, and Kicked Up Coladas.

A trendy sushi spot where the crowd is fresh and the fish, flown in daily, is fresher. The upstairs sake lounge is always buzzing with guests downing fruity cocktails like the signature Red One Martini. From akami (tuna) to salmon, this is the place for Japanese food that stands out.