Mariscos San Pedro is a casual Mexican spot with outstanding seafood and a beach party atmosphere. Almost every dish at this Pilsen restaurant is shareable, from the ceviches to the tostadas to the DIY taco situation highlighting a perfectly cooked whole fish and chewy housemade tortillas. Get a shellfish platter that will feed everyone in your party, and drink fruity cocktails while the cartoon sea creatures grinning up at you from the menu progressively feel like they’re part of the hang.

Brasero seems to specialize in throwing a party every night. This Latin American spot in West Town is great for upbeat get-togethers of all sizes, with a mix of shareable dishes like fried quail and grilled half lobster, and catchy Bossa nova music that practically begs you to show up with the best gossip to match the secluded space and good-times vibe. But Brasero’s food is equally fun, with nearly everything nailing a balance between sweet and spicy.

If the pounding bass-heavy music bleeding onto the Fulton Market sidewalk indicates anything, it’s that Costera likes to party. The liberal use of straw, palm trees, and basket lights leans into its Tulum theme, while the dim lighting and loud DJ sets prove that it’s taken Clubstaurant 101. You’re not really here for the food—it ranges from just fine tacos to tableside flamebéed al pastor that fizzles out into a jammy disappointment. Stick to the drinks and those tacos or a quesadilla.

Borscht is warm. Borscht is comforting. Borscht is also fun when you’re at Anelya. This Avondale Ukrainian spot is exciting before you even take a seat. Servers zip around with sparkling zakusky carts full of appetizers. Upbeat electronic music hums in the background while flower-like lamps give the dining room a trippy colorful glow. Once you’re ready to order, servers hype up the menu like they’re narrating a sizzle reel full of haluski and kovbasa. And you will, too.

Provaré is a blast. This bright Italian and Creole spot has an R&B playlist that will remind you of the greatness that is '90s Usher, complimentary shots as soon as you sit down, and food that makes you put your hand up to silence the table so you can have a private moment with the housemade pasta. There are standout dishes like fried lobster tails, creamy chicken parmesan that’s the antidote to your scary Apple news feed, and juicy lamb chops that go perfectly with a side of spicy charred corn.

Limited hours. No reservations. An unpredictable menu. We normally consider all of these red flags—but we’re here to tell you that the line out the door is worth the wait. And since they're open until 2am, that wait can be a pretty long one. The menu changes every day, which is both exciting—"This ramp pasta is incredible!"—and bittersweet—"Will I ever see these miso butter scallops again?" Warlord is playing hard to get, but that only makes us want this spot even more.

A quick online search of Adalina will show you a sea of white tablecloths and a menu full of pasta and veal chop Parmigiana. You won’t realize how fun Adalina is until you’ve spent a few minutes at this upscale Italian restaurant, sitting on crushed velvet chairs and surrounded by flower paintings that would make Georgia O’Keeffe suspicious. The bar is filled with people hanging out two hours before (and after) their reservation time, and the posh dining room gets louder through the night.

There’s nothing understated about Maple and Ash. It has chandeliers, candelabras, and an optional $200 tasting menu called “I don’t give a f*ck,” where the kitchen decides what you eat. It’s a great restaurant that’s surprisingly versatile—it can support a large group or a quiet dinner for two. This is where you should eat when an occasion calls for going all out, and you want to do so in a space that feels kind of like the mansion from Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

This guide exists specifically for places like Miru—and let us count the ways. This Japanese restaurant is on the rooftop of the $700-a-night St. Regis Hotel in Lakeshore East. The view of the skyline is incredible, and the service is even better. The food isn't amazing (the long menu ranges from just-OK sushi to not-very-good entrees like miso cod), but great food isn't why you're here. It's to admire the view, have drinks and dessert, and feel like you can afford to throw money off said roof.

This Greek Restaurant in the West Loop is the size of a football stadium, crowded, plays loud music, and has dishes that pop up regularly on TikTok. 10pm reservations are coveted because at midnight they pass out white napkins for everyone to twirl around, servers come out singing and waving sparklers, and the entire restaurant turns into a club. While some of Lyra’s menu can be hit or miss, the flaky spanakopita and tender lamb ribs are delicious.