From must-visit restaurants to a unique doctor’s office you have to see to believe, here are some of the Chicago area’s best new businesses.
Dining
The Smith
400 N. Clark St., Chicago
With locations in New York and Washington D.C., The Smith has now opened a new Chicago restaurant, which features favorite dishes like Smitty’s Spicy Fried Chicken and Ricotta Gnocchi as well as new items like cast-iron cooked pizza and yeasted doughnuts. The weekly happy hour menu also includes $1 oysters, snacks, and drinks. “We approach every day as an opportunity to make someone’s day, whether that’s with crave-worthy food, welcoming hospitality, or a supportive, positive place to work,” says founder Jeff Lefcourt.
Sweet Home Gelato
617 Central Ave., Highland Park
This independent and family-owned company opened its Downtown Highland Park location in April and serves gelato and sorbet in flavors like sea salt caramel, pistachio, dark chocolate, and roasted almond using ingredients imported from Italy. You’ll also find an integrated coffee service and specialty drinks like Affogatos and Granitas. Plus, Sweet Home Gelato’s authentic Italian gelato carts can bring treats to your next event.
SX Sky Bar
808 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Chef de Cuisine Christopher Suzuki is serving up Californian and Asian flavors at this new restaurant, lounge, and nightclub from Hotel Essex. Dine on Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps, Kentucky Fried Cauliflower, Duck Confit Carnitas, and Baja Fish Tacos, as well as sushi like Tuna Tataki and Scallop Tiradito before dancing the night away.
For even more new restaurants you need to try, check out The Best New Restaurants in Chicago Right Now.
Events
Exchange 312
1714 W. Division, Chicago
Host your next event at the recently opened Exchange 312, featuring 2,550 square feet of open floor plan that’s fully customizable for groups up to 150. Amenities include modern design, a built-in bar, HiFi Sonos sound system, on-site event liaison, and more. Exchange 312 will also house The Collective at Exchange, a network of entrepreneurs from various fields.
Health
The Clark
5346 N. Clark St., Chicago
You’ve never gone to the doctor like this. Swedish Covenant Health opened The Clark, a primary care medical practice, in February. Services include OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, and Integrative and Functional Medicine in a private club-like setting. Patients can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and fruit-infused waters in the lounge waiting area with free WiFi, and The Clark also offers concierge check-in services.
Shopping
Jill Alberts Jewelry
311 Park Ave., Glencoe
Jewelry designer Jill Alberts opened her new store on May 1 to showcase her own jewelry alongside handcrafted pieces from other artists. Alberts will continue to offer custom jewelry and repurposing. “Moving to Glencoe where I live is a natural expansion of my brand and what I do,” Alberts says. “This was not only a practical move but also an evolution of the concept. The new space will allow for more events, trunk shows, and a wider selection of jewelry, accessories, and home decor.”
Lost Girls Vintage
1947 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Six years ago, Sarah Azzouzi and Kyla Embrey founded Lost Girls Vintage, operating out of a 1976 Dodge RV Camper (“Winnie”) and at pop-ups around Chicago. Now, the two owners have opened their first brick-and-mortar store. Stop by to shop vintage clothes in sizes 00 to 26, homegoods, jewelry, beauty products, and plants.
New in Town is an ongoing bulletin on new businesses in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. To be considered for future listings, email anna@makeitbetter.com.
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine, and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
