Beverly’s lauded barbecue smokehouse is launching a new restaurant

One of the best barbecue restaurants in Chicago is expanding. Chef-owner James Sanders is opening Sanders BBQ Prime in Hyde Park, filling the space beneath music venue the Promontory. Set to debut in about six months, the sequel to Sanders BBQ Supply Co. will trade counter service for plated dinners, with a menu of barbecue classics alongside steaks, refined appetizers, desserts, and even complimentary beef tallow–smoked popcorn. Sanders told Crain’s Chicago it will be his “signature restaurant” — a bigger, flashier follow-up to the Beverly original that’s drawn national acclaim.

Popular soup dumplings coming to Chicago

New York’s Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, famous for its soup dumplings, is opening its first Chicago location to River North. The restaurant, which started in Queens and has since expanded to several U.S. cities, is set to occupy the space at 609 N. Dearborn Street, according to a listing on its official site. The menu features handmade xiao long bao, noodles, all-day breakfast options, and other Shanghainese specialties.

A pair of Chicago food legends team up

Chicago loves a good food collab, and the latest brings together two iconic dishes. Stuffed pizza specialist Giordano’s has teamed up with South Side institution Jim’s Original for a 10-inch pie layered with Polish sausage, caramelized onions, and a mustardy sauce. Available for a limited time, the pizza can be ordered online and shipped nationwide. It follows a string of buzzy mashups, including Lou Malnati’s and Portillo’s Chicago-style hot dog deep dish and Garrett Popcorn’s Chicago pizza popcorn with Home Run Inn this past summer.

Portillo’s drops breakfast service

Portillo’s is ending its breakfast menu pilot after introducing it earlier this year. The morning offerings were available at two Chicago restaurants and a handful of suburban locations. Items included a Polish sausage with egg and cheese sandwich; hash brown bites served with a cup of cheese; and a chocolate cake doughnut from Stan’s Donuts. This comes on the heels of the company recently announcing the addition of a secret menu.

A swanky pop-up speakeasy is back for another season

Mile High Cocktail Club is making its return to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago this fall. Perched on the hotel’s 46th floor in a transformed suite, the 30-seat lounge is once again a collaboration with Mexico City’s acclaimed Handshake Speakeasy. From October 2 through December 31, guests can enjoy sweeping city views alongside a cocktail menu from Handshake’s bar director Eric van Beek, featuring fan favorites like the Olive Oil Gimlet and new creations such as the Tarragon Fizz. Latin-inspired small plates from chef Olimpia Calderon Ibarra, Patron-based cocktails, a warm, golden-hued setting, and live Latin jazz on weekends will round out the experience.

Local restaurant and bowling chain knocked down

Pinstripes, the Northbrook-based chain that fuses bowling, bocce, and Italian cuisine, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and abruptly closed 10 of its 18 locations, including its Streeterville outpost. The company, which went public less than two years ago, owes $143 million in secured debt, according to the Tribune. Three suburban venues — Northbrook, Oak Brook, and South Barrington — will remain open while Pinstripes heads to a bankruptcy auction next month.

Downtown cocktail bar gets a refresh

Broken Shaker, the cocktail bar inside Freehand Chicago, has a new look and menu thanks to Authentic Hospitality — the New York team behind spots like Ray’s, Jac’s on Bond, and Pebble Bar. The group has reimagined the River North spot with a lush garden-style front room, moody speakeasy-style back bar, and a refreshed cocktail program featuring drinks like the Gracing the Lilly (bourbon, Aperol, mango, cinnamon) and Up On The Roof (mezcal, Chambord, watermelon, basil). The food menu nods to Chicago with a dragged-through-the-garden hot dog alongside shrimp ceviche and crispy cheese mushroom tacos.

A Mediterranean hot spot is headed to the North Shore

One Off Hospitality will open Avec in north suburban Highwood next spring. This will be the Mediterranean-influenced restaurant’s third location, joining the West Loop flagship and a River North outpost that debuted in 2021. The space will have a main dining room with seating for 70, and a bar area that can accommodate an additional 45 guests. First launched in 2003 by chef Paul Kahan and restaurateur Donnie Madia, Avec is one of the city’s most popular spots, known for signature dishes like chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates and slow-roasted pork shoulder, plus an award-winning wine program. The restaurant also appeared on season two of FX’s hit series The Bear.