Kitsune is Midwestern take on a Japanese izakaya near Ravenswood, and it’s great for date night or dinner with a small group of friends.

Smalls is literally a shack. But it’s a shack with great American BBQ and Asian combinations, plus some of the best fried chicken in town.

Cho Sun Ok is a long-standing Korean restaurant. The food is great, but the ambience is even better. A BYOB policy doesn’t hurt.

Casual Thai that’s worth a trip to North Center.

Via Lima serves authentic Peruvian food in North Center. Not destination dining, but a good place for the neighborhood.

The Victor is an intimate cocktail bar in North Center that makes great Old Fashioneds.

The Northman is a cider-focused bar in Ravenswood. Your gluten-free friend is probably a big fan.