🍽️ New restaurants on our radar

Chicago Bank Goes Under

Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust in River North shut down last week, with Detroit-based First Independence Bank acquiring all $261 million worth of assets. It’s the first bank in America to go under in 2026. [Sun-Times]

SNAP Changes Begin

Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program went into effect Feb. 1. These include work requirements for many who previously received waivers. As a result, 360,000 llinoisans could lose benefits. [Block Club]

• Meanwhile: Here’s where to find, and offer, food assistance in Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

ICE on Notice and CTA Chief Plans

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order directing Chicago Police to investigate alleged crimes by federal immigration agents and refer them for potential prosecution. But can the city really do that? We explore the question on today’s podcast, as well as upcoming CTA plans. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Coming soon: Here’s what’s on the interim CTA chief’s agenda. [Tribune 🔒]

Deported Newlyweds Fight to Reunite

Chicago couple Alexander Villeda and Alexa Ramírez were arrested during “Operation Midway Blitz” — eight days after getting married. Ramírez was deported to Mexico and now, after months in a Michigan detention center, Villeda is being sent to El Salvador. After that, he plans to join his wife in Mexico. [WBEZ]

The Chicago dining scene is abuzz as Restaurant Week continues. But outside that mega-master list, several younger eateries have caught our eye, including some South Side spots expanding up north.

Radicle in Logan Square

The return of the $10 cocktail. That’s how Radicle, a new bar in Logan Square, is billing itself. And I have to say, it’s quite the hook. Radicle arrives in the former Daisies space — find that artisan pasta a couple blocks away — but the draw is reasonable drinks. My favorite was the ESOO, with rye and balsamic olive oil.

Carmine’s in Gold Coast (Again)

Carmine’s, one of Chicago’s most old-school Italian restaurants, has reopened in its original Rush Street location after a three-year, $4 million remodel. If you missed the red sauce, you’ll be happy to know Carmine’s is participating in Restaurant Week. (Pasta, plus an app, salad, and dessert will run ya $60.)

Portage Park Breakfast Place

If the pared-down name didn’t tip you off, Portage Park Breakfast Place is serving classic brunch in, yep, Portage Park. Located near Milwaukee and Montrose, the opening marks another boost for the growing business corridor there. It comes from two chefs who met working at the popular m.henry in Andersonville.

• Also new in Portage Park: Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos expands beyond in Pilsen.

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar in Chinatown

The Singaporean chain Le Shrimp Noodle Bar has opened a location in Chinatown Square, marking its first expansion to the midwest. Naturally, this place is for shrimp lovers (the shrimp broth simmers for eight hours) but there are plenty of seafood and non-seafood options alike, ranging from shrimp broth noodles to prawn buns to chicken rice bowls.

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Lakeview

The contemporary Southern restaurant Cleo’s opened in Bronzeville in 2019. Now, a third location has come to Lakeview. The menu draws from the owner’s family’s Mississippi roots, with dishes like Creole fish and honey-butter muffins.

• Right near Cleo’s: Dat Donut has expanded 15 miles north of its original Chatham location.