From craft beers to lobster salad these River North and Streeterville bars and restaurants are neighborhood notables. Not pictured: India House.
Arami Go: The build-your-own bento boxes at this counter-service shop¿a sibling to West Town's larger Arami¿are a welcome cure for the common cubicle lunch. 203 E. Ohio St. 312-245-3003 — Dan Peterson/ RedEye
Piccolo Sogno Due: This sibling to West Town's Piccolo Sogno¿which translates to "little dream" in Italian¿serves roasted meats, pastas and seafood that are as equally dreamy as the original. 340 N. Clark St. 312-822-0077 — Barry Brecheisen/Metromix
Hubbard Inn: This two-floor hangout features oysters, salads and flatbreads for snacking, but the most appropriate thing to order might be the Hemingway daiquiri, seeing as the ornate decor was reportedly inspired by the famous author's travels. 110 W. Hubbard St. 312-222-1331 — Metromix Photo
Tru: While the setting¿stark white with art-decked walls¿may be minimalist, the inventive French-inspired plates served at this high-end dining room are anything but. 676 N. St. Clair St. 312-202-0001 — Barry Brecheisen/Metromix
Mercadito: At this lively Mexican-inspired kitchen, sustenance ranges from half a dozen variations on guacamole to tequila-based cocktails that go way beyond the margarita. 108 W. Kinzie St. 312-329-9555 — Metromix Photo
Tre Soldi: One meal of Roman-style pizza and spaghetti carbonara at this cozy Streeterville newcomer will transport your tastebuds to the trattorias of Italy's capital city. 212 E. Ohio St. 312-664-0212 — Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune
Sunda: This sleek restaurant and lounge remixes traditional Asian flavors in everything from contemporary sushi to signature cocktails. 110 W. Illinois St. 312-644-0500 — Barry Brecheisen/Metromix
Flour & Stone: Despite what you might assume from its tagline--"Chicago's Brooklyn-style pizzeria"¿this isn't your typical NYC-style by-the-slice joint. Thirteen-inch pizzas feature a crispy crust and premium ingredients ranging from oyster mushrooms to artichokes to roasted red pepper. 355 E. Ohio St. 312-822-8998 — Lenny Gilmore / RedEye
Sixteen: The majestic views of the Chicago River and downtown landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower from this dining room only add to the decadence of a special-occasion meal here. 401 N. Wabash Ave. 312-588-8030 — Barry Brecheisen/Metromix
Untitled:This massive multi-room restaurant and bar with a throwback theme and sign-less entrance proves that the speakeasy trend is far from over. 111 W. Kinzie St. 312-880-1511 — Metromix Photo
Ay Chiwowa: This cheekily named bar inherited the late-night license of predecessor Martini Ranch but swapped out the desserty drinks with tacos, tortas and tostadas and plenty of tequila with which to wash 'em all down. 311 W. Chicago Ave. 312-643-3200 — Sara Mays/RedEye
Stout Barrel House & Galley: It would be easy to mistake Stout for just another bar working the "upscale tavern" template, but a late-night license and to-go sliders served until 3 a.m. set it apart from the pack. 642 N. Clark St. 312-475-1390 — Metromix Photo
RPM Italian: Chicago's own reality TV couple, Bill and Giuliana Rancic, put their heads together with the team behind Paris Club and Hub 51 (see below) for this sophisticated Italian restaurant serving antipasti, seafood, steaks and pastas all meant for sharing. 52 W. Illinois St. 312-222-1888 — Lenny Gilmore / RedEye
Hub 51: At this sprawling bar and restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You's Melman siblings, RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman, there's something for everyone on the menu, from sushi to tacos to burgers. 51 W. Hubbard St. 312-828-0051 — Barry Brecheisen/Metromix
Farmhouse: Midwestern craft beers and stick-to-your-ribs fare such as buttermilk mashed potatoes, maple-brined pork chop and beer-battered cheese curds take center stage at this casual hangout. 228 W. Chicago Ave. 312-280-4960 — Lenny Gilmore / RedEye
Les Nomades: In one of the few dining rooms in town that still requires men to don jackets, chef Roland Liccioni cooks elegant multi-course French fare worthy of a splurge. 222 E. Ontario St. 312-649-9010 — Metromix Photo
Downtown: At River North's only gay bar, expect the bartenders to call you "honey" and the entertainment to range from karaoke to DJs. 440 N. State St. 312-464-1400 — Metromix Photo
Gilt Bar: Restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff's restaurants have inspired many admirers, and this bustling shared-plates spot serving simple pastas, roasted veggies and bone marrow on toast was his first. 230 W. Kinzie St. 312-464-9544 — Barry Brecheisen/ Metromix
