Alla Vita is a large, popular Italian restaurant in the West Loop.

Basant is a very good Indian restaurant in North Center.

This is the River North location of the Avec in the West Loop. It's much larger, and yes, they have the bacon-wrapped dates here, too.

Way Out is a divey bar in Logan Square with a pool table, jukebox, and plenty of other fun stuff.

Solemn Oath Still Life is the Logan Square taproom of the Naperville-based brewery.

The Native is a classic Logan Square bar serving up everything from slushies to beers.

Easy Does It is a natural wine bar in Logan Square with lots of outdoor space.

The Duplex in Logan Square serves food from different chefs every six months.

Chicago’s Chicken and Waffles in Bronzeville is known for their fried chicken and fluffy waffles.

Much like Korean BBQ, each table at Holu has a grill where the server (or you, if you like throwing caution to the wind) cooks your steak.

Babygold is a barbecue restaurant in Berwyn with live music every night.

Chikatana is a Mexican restaurant in Fulton Market with great cocktails and very good food.

Azul Mariscos in Goose Island is a seafood restaurant right on the river.

Pizza Lobo is a pizza spot in Logan Square serving New York-style pies.

Pho Viet is a casual spot in the West Argyle Historic District serving a wide range of central Vietnamese specialties.

Pho 777 is a Vietnamese restaurant in the West Argyle Historic District that specializes in northern Vietnamese dishes.