Chicago’s dining scene is booming this September, with new restaurants bringing creativity, comfort, and global flavors. Openings range from a London-inspired cocktail bar and a nostalgic family bakery to a Thai street food favorite.
September Brings a Fresh Wave of Restaurants to Chicago
September has introduced a wave of new restaurants in Chicago, from bold global concepts to cozy neighborhood spots. Locals now have plenty of reasons to explore the city’s evolving dining scene.
1. Íla’s
Located in the heart of River North, Íla’s combines bold global flavors with a welcoming, homey atmosphere. The restaurant is inspired by the owner’s mother, who immigrated from India to America in 1971. It celebrates family, community, and the joy of sharing food.
The menu features creative dishes alongside international cocktails such as the Midnight in Mumbai, made with garam masala syrup and cardamom bitters, and the ube pisco sour. Guests can also explore a diverse wine list from Spanish, French, Argentine, and beyond, and a mix of local beers on tap.
With its warm atmosphere, thoughtful menu, and late-night hours, Íla’s brings heart and hospitality to one of Chicago’s liveliest neighborhoods. They operate from Mon to Wed: 11 am -11 pm, Thur & Fri: 11 am – 12 am, Sat: 11 am – 12 am, and Sun: 11 am – 11 pm.
- Opening Date: September 10, 2025
- Where: 15 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
2. Kookkook Khao Man Kai
Kookkook Khao Man Kai brought Thai comfort food to Lincoln Park, specializing in Thailand’s beloved chicken-and-rice dish, a humble meal with Chinese roots. Alongside Khao Man Gai, the menu includes noodle soups, shumai, and classic Thai desserts like mango sticky rice.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, offering a cozy, casual setting for classic Thai comfort food.
The restaurant operates from Monday to Thursday, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Opening Date: September 15, 2025
- Where: 2532 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
3. Honey Butter Beach Club
Honey Butter Fried Chicken has expanded beyond Avondale with a new venture, Honey Butter Beach Club, now open inside SPF Chicago, the city’s largest indoor pickleball club in Lincoln Park.
The menu features HBFC classics, like chicken strips and the original chicken sandwich, alongside beach-inspired dishes such as a honey butter warmed lobster roll.
Owners Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp describe the spot as a laid-back mix of comfort food and coastal flair. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Opening Date: September 16, 2025
- Where: 2121 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
4. Beef & Liberty Bar
Hawksmoor Chicago has launched their new cocktail concept, Beef & Liberty Bar. The concept draws inspiration from London’s late-1990s cocktail scene, featuring classic British-style drinks paired with small plates.
The restaurant has launched some inventive cocktails like sub-zero Duke’s Martinis, playful Silk Stockings, and the iconic Breakfast Martini that is all served in a moody, low-light space designed for late-night glam, stories, and music.
The bar’s refreshed layout features high-tops for sharing snacks, low tables facing the action, and plenty of bar seating. Still unmistakably Hawksmoor, but a touch edgier, this new addition gives Chicago’s cocktail scene a spirited British twist.
- Opening Date: September 19, 2025
- Where: Hawksmoor Chicago, 500 North LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
5. Dorothy’s Bakery
After four years of winning over Chicago farmers’ markets, Dorothy’s Bakery has found a permanent home in the heart of Lincoln Park. The bakery is owned by Brian Bruns and is named after his grandmother, who inspired his love for baking.
Visitors can look forward to artisan sourdough loaves, flaky pastries, hearty bagel sandwiches, and espresso-based drinks all made from scratch. The bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving everything from rustic miche and black rye to focaccia and pretzel bagels.
- Opening Date: September 24, 2025
- Where: 2318 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL
6. Sakana Sushi
Sakana Sushi, has opened in Chicago’s South Loop, serving both all-you-can-eat and a la carte options. The menu features nigiri, sashimi, and hot entrées like shrimp hibachi, chicken katsu, and steak dishes.
Owner Ed Guo, who operates several restaurants across the East Coast, brings his all-you-can-eat sushi concept to Chicago for the first time. Diners can also indulge in desserts like banana tempura and matcha cheesecake.
The Japanese restaurant opens from Mon-Thu: 11:30 am – 2:45 pm, 4:30 pm – 9:15 pm, Fri: 11:30 am – 2:45 pm, 4:30 pm – 9:45 pm, Sat: 11:30 am – 9:45 pm, and Sun: 11:30 am – 9:15 pm.
- Opening Date: September 27, 2025
- Where: 1307 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
From cozy neighborhood cafés to bold, trend-setting concepts, Chicago’s dining scene continues to expand, giving locals more ways to explore the city’s vibrant flavors.
