😋 5 new restaurants to try in Chicago

Tensions High in Chicago After D.C. Shooting

Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned antisemitism as soon as he sat down for a live interview Thursday at The Hideout. When pressed, he also called for increased police presence in Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues. Meanwhile, Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) shared misinformation online falsely linking progressive Chicago politicians to the alleged D.C. gunman. [Politico, Block Club]

How Medicaid Cuts Could Affect Cook County

Congress could slash Medicaid spending by about $700 billion. If the bill is passed, it could cost Cook County Health a projected $200 million per year, with an estimated 700,000 Illinoisans at risk for losing their insurance. [WBEZ]

Restaurant Owners Push to Repeal Tipped Wage Raise

The Illinois Restaurant Association, along with local restaurateurs, are pushing to repeal a Chicago ordinance phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers. It took effect last year. At the same time, other groups are fighting to pass similar legislation statewide. [Sun-Times]

Do Curfews Really Work in Chicago?

As City Council continues debating “snap curfews,” which would give the police superintendent power to declare curfews to disperse large gatherings of youths, Triibe reporters Tonia Hill and Corli Jay discuss what they are hearing from leaders, parents, and young people. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Season four of “The Bear” premieres soon — but we don’t need FX to tell us what’s good to eat in Chicago. These five new restaurants opened in the last month and are already generating buzz.

Solana in Wicker Park

Let’s be honest, you’re going to Solana for the rooftop view and pool, not necessarily for food. But I can attest that they have good mushroom tacos and great frozen margs. So take your lit vegetarian friends. Solana replaces Cabana Club at the Robey Hotel.

Spot Bistro in Englewood

Serving Southern and Cajun-style cooking, Spot Bistro’s opening marks a new era in Englewood. Before the student-run Sikia reopened this year, the neighborhood had no full-service, sit-down restaurants. Owner Letita Rogers hopes it’s the start of a burgeoning “Downtown Halsted.” In addition to classics like gumbo, blackened catfish, and fried green tomatoes, Spot also serves birria tacos that look bomb 🔥

Electric Shuffle in River North

Again, food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “Electric Shuffle,” but the new game-play spot in River North has solid bar staples, from wings to pizza. Plus, their souped-up shuffleboard with screens featuring slow-mo instant-replay may rile up even the least competitive spirits.

Lucky Trendy Sushi in Logan Square

Lucky Trendy Sushi is offering Logan Squarers like myself a taste of the good life for cheap. Everything on the menu is under $20! (Ok, technically the Sashimi Silver plate is $20.95. But still.) Signature rolls are just $6.50. It’s the second restaurant from Ratchapol Treedamrongrit and Narumon Sutthitham, two Thai immigrants who met and fell in love in Chicago 💕

WG Pizza in Lakeview

No Chicago restaurant list is complete without some ‘za. In the North Shore, Alex’s Washington Gardens has been cheffing up cracker-thin, tavern-style pizza since the ‘80s. Now, through WG Pizza, the beloved suburban flavor is available in Lakeview. This is WG Pizza’s first brick-and-mortar — the restaurant operated as a ghost kitchen in Avondale for the past year.