Revolution Brewing
Logan Square’s Revolution Brewing isn’t simply one of Chicago’s growing number of breweries, it’s a modern beer hall. The bar’s multiple levels have spacious seating, whisky-barrel-paneled walls and ornamental ceiling tiles. Their menu has some standout items including the Workingman burger and the Tempeh Reuben (vegan). But it’s their craft brews that are the main attraction. Their seasonal specialty brews are a must, like the Rosa Hibiscus Ale (flowery and sweet) or Cross of Gold (mild hoppy flavor). It’s normally a packed house, but don’t fret, sit at the bar and try one of their draughts while waiting.

Revolution Brewing, 2323 North Milwaukee, (773)227-2739, revbrew.com

Best of Chicago 2012

L210
Only open for a few months and not open to the public, Nike’s invite-only, ultra-exclusive hang suite in the West Loop was a non-ground level, exposed brick sanctuary that was the city’s best-kept secret that kept the sporting events, videogames competitions, global music and drinks going non-stop. Well, while it was open.

Audience Choice: Scofflaw, 3201 West Armitage, (773)252-9700, scofflawchicago.com

Best of Chicago 2012

Township
Across from the California Blue line stop, the old mainstay Cafeteria de Pancho has now been transformed into Township. The layout has remained the same, allowing MP Shows, one of the city’s largest talent bookers, to schedule live music nightly. The production company’s purchase was a needed permanent residence since losing their main booking venue at Fireside Bowl. Township’s restaurant offers a daily brunch menu, food specials and a decent beer selection. Though the patrons may miss Pancho and his array of magic tricks, he’s sure to pop in occasionally.

Township, 2200 North California, (773)384-1865, yourtownship.tumblr.com

Best of Chicago 2012

Yusho
Robata grilled and lacquered with Japanese mustard, crispy garlic chips and dusted with spicy togarashi—we could eat a bag of these. Chef Matthias Merges, who kept the Charlie Trotter juggernaut running for fourteen years is a true culinary visionary and Yusho is certainly one of the best new restaurants opened in the last year by any measure.

Yusho, 2853 North Kedzie, (773)904-8558, yusho-chicago.com

Best of Chicago 2012

Acadia
It’s L20, Alinea or Tru quality at affordable a la carte prices. There’s pre-fixe too if you’re so inclined. Whichever way you go, chef Ryan McCaskey (formerly suburban Courtright’s) is a star and so is his faux risotto (where creamy bits of Yukon gold ape the usual Carnaroli or Arborio rice) and his foie gras custard.

Acadia, 1639 South Wabash, (312)360-9500, acadiachicago.com

Audience choice: Telegraph, 2601 North Milwaukee, (773)292-9463, telegraphchicago.com

Best of Chicago 2012

The Publican
There are lots of honorable mentions here. If you want to get your noodles on, you might stop in at Takashi. If you need a Southern Fix, there’s Big Jones. But, none of them have the pork rinds or the beef and pork-fat-fried frites dripping in runny fried farm egg of the Publican.

The Publican, 837 West Fulton Market, (312)722-9555, thepublicanrestaurant.com

Audience choice: Lula, 2537 North Kedzie, (773)489-9554, lulacafe.com

Best of Chicago 2012

90 Miles Cuban Café
Unlike Miami, Chicago is no ninety-mile flight from Cuba, so we’re lucky the best Cubanos this side of the Sunshine State are still in Roscoe Village and Logan Square. And where else can you order a tableside pig roast (yes, snout-to-tail) for a party of ten? But for those craving a faster pork fix, stick with the Cubano. The sub-style sandwich is filled with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and yellow mustard. The sammie sounds standard enough, but there’s just something about the bread, which is made by Humboldt Park bakery Biondillo.

90 Miles Cuban Café, 2540 West Armitage, (773)227-2822; 3101 North Clybourn, (773)248-2822, 90milescubancafe.com

Best of Chicago 2012

Longman and Eagle
It is hard to believe that their rates start at $85 once you see the incredibly tasteful decor of their six rooms featuring artworks by talented local artists such as Stephen Eichhorn and the Sonnenzimmer duo. Plus they’re located in the heart of Logan Square right in front of the Blue Line, meaning you have easy access to more touristy endeavors downtown if you want them.

Longman and Eagle, 2657 North Kedzie, (773)276-7110, longmanandeagle.com

Best of Chicago 2012

Bathsheba Nemerovski from Sparrow
Are you an introvert? Are you hip? So you gotta go have you hair styled by Bathsheba Nemerovski, owner of Sparrow. She is traveled, has the best style tips and knows everyone worth knowing in town. But she’ll also let you relax with their awesome magazines without trying to become your BFF overnight. No wonder Tavi Gevinson chose her to take care of her locks.

Sparrow, 2545 North Milwaukee, (773)486-9300, sparrowhair.com

Best of Chicago 2012

Ipsento
While chai has become so ubiquitous amongst coffee shops that it seems almost embarrassingly prosaic to order one over, say, the rosewater and baby tears-infused house special, the chai at Ipsento is special. It is exceptionally delicious. We suspect they make it with cream squeezed from the udders of sacred cows, fairy dust, a special spice imported from an impassable mountain in Tibet, and whatever else typically goes into chai. Oh, and their house specials aren’t bad, either.

Ipsento, 2035 North Western, (773)904-8177, ipsento.com

Best of Chicago 2012