A Taste of the Deli, Peru, and the Tropics
Chicago is constantly inundated with new restaurant and bar openings, but this month has brought an especially eclectic variety of new spots to the table. From a Jewish deli to a Peruvian palace and a tiki bar, here are the latest hot spots to hit up in Chicago.
Restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff continues his red-hot streak of openings with his latest concept: Dillman’s. This modern take on Jewish deli culture is perhaps Sodikoff’s most humble endeavor to date, aside from the no-frills Doughnut Vault down the street. The restaurant is a heartwarming nod to old school delis, filled with all the requisite comforts such as bagels, knishes, corned beef, and matzo balls. Desserts are just as homey, with layer cakes, rice pudding, lemon meringue pie, ice cream, and more. The space sports checkered tile floors, dark wood, and all the squishy red banquettes you could hope for. Rather than drastically reinterpret the notion of an old-school Jewish deli, Sodikoff plays dutiful homage, and thanks to him, delis have never been cooler.
Trek to South America via River North at Tanta, a new Peruvian restaurant from chef Gastón Acurio, a world-revered restaurateur with dozens of restaurants across the globe. The vast landscape of the South American country is traversed on the sprawling menu, representing Peru’s coastline, mountains, desert, and Amazonian rainforest. The melting pot country contains influences from the likes of Japan, Italy, and Spain, and Tanta’s menu tips its cap to its influencers via dishes such as sashimi, ceviche, arroz con pato (duck!), Peruvian spring rolls, and more. Don’t visit Tanta without enjoying a tipple or two, as the pisco-focused cocktail list features notable classics (Pisco Sours) and neo libations. The multi-level restaurant is as sprawling as the country itself, specifically tailored to provide warm and cold textures and colors reflective of Peru’s cuisine.
From South America to tiki land, head to Three Dots and a Dash for a taste of the tropics in the heart of downtown. Named after a World War II-era drink created by Don the Beachcomber in reference to the morse code terminology for “victory,” this decadent cocktail lounge is the latest concept from Lettuce Entertain You, a luscious showpiece for renowned mixologist Paul McGee. We all remember those fruity, neon-hued tiki-style drinks from vacations and the occasional gaudy Chinese restaurant, but Three Dots is the real deal, putting a splash of authenticity into tiki culture via fresh juices, housemade syrups, a vast array of exotic rums, vacation-y decor, and some of the most fun cocktail glassware Chicago has seen. Cocktails come in classic and modern interpretations, from mai tais and jungle birds to banana daiquiris and something called Tall as a Tree and Twice as Shady. There’s also a small food menu featuring luau chips, crab rangoon, coconut shrimp, and other beachy bites.
Dillman’s
354 W Hubbard Street, Chicago
(312) 988-0078
Website
Tanta
118 W Grand Avenue, Chicago
(312) 222-9700
Website
Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark Street, Chicago
(312) 610-4220
Website
