This week's top dish from Eater Chicago, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
RIVER NORTH—What can you eat when Eataly, celeb chef Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's massive ode to Italian food, opens in mid-November? Well, a lot. There will be eight restaurants inside, plus a beer garden and a bunch of specialty stores.
AVONDALE—Years in the making, Honey Butter Fried Chicken finally opened on Friday. The restaurant brought it's cult following, and cult-inducing chicken, from underground dinners and farmer's market sales.
WEST TOWN—Billy Lawless (The Gage, Henri) is getting close to opening The Dawson, his massive bi-level "drinking-focused restaurant" at the intersection of Grand, Milwaukee, and Halsted. Look out for "pigs in a blanket" (Chinese sausage wrapped in bao), weekly "cobblers," and off-menu Jello shots.
WICKER PARK—Another huge project is nearing completion, as the restaurant/bar/butcher shop/event space/deli counter Chop Shop and 1st Ward is opening September 29 on North Avenue. Expect concerts, steaks, beer, and Dose Market.