"Steakhouses continue to reign supreme, while all-day cafes prove a restaurant can be more than one thing. Live-fire cooking is, um, hot right now, as are places offering bagels, all-day brunch, and globally influenced pastries. Pizza continues to reinvent itself, and French cuisine just might be poised to be the next big thing."
"The Alley Cat, a new project from hospitality group Tung & Cheek (Derrick Tung, William Ravert, and Tony Dezutter), will feature a drink menu with batch cocktails, beer-and-shot specials, canned beers, and nonalcoholic wines. For food, the bar will serve snacks like potato wedges topped with chives and a playful 'Girl Dinner' spread of pickled veggies with sliced bread, whole-grain mustard, and a dirty martini."
"Hit bagel shop Call Your Mother is opening its first Midwest location in Wicker Park. Founded in Washington, D.C., the chain is famous for its Montreal-New York hybrid bagels and Jewish deli staples reimagined with creative twists."
Chicago's restaurant landscape reflects emerging dining trends through recent openings and closings. Steakhouses maintain their dominance while all-day cafes demonstrate versatility in concept. Live-fire cooking, bagel establishments, all-day brunch venues, and globally-influenced pastries are gaining popularity. Pizza continues evolving, and French cuisine appears positioned for significant growth. Bars are becoming more personalized and specialized, though breweries face ongoing closures. Notable 2026 openings include The Alley Cat, a dive bar from the Paulie Gee's team featuring batch cocktails and casual snacks, and Call Your Mother's first Midwest location in Wicker Park, offering Montreal-New York hybrid bagels and creative Jewish deli reimaginations.
#chicago-dining-trends #restaurant-openings-2026 #steakhouses-and-live-fire-cooking #bagels-and-specialty-cafes #brewery-closures
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