Avec | West Loop | $$$
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A unique hybrid of retail wine store, casual bar, and formal dining room from restaurateurs Dan Sachs and Joanne Chessie, executive chef John Caputo, and wine director Brian Duncan, who aim to demystify the process of matching wine with food. Curved racks of wine divide the retail corner from the bar, which serves tasting portions of light, eclectic fare ranging from seafood sliders and charcuterie to burgers. The vast selection of wines is organized into “bins” of four or five related wines with associated bin numbers, several of which appear on the menu next to each dish. The restaurant also offers flights of two-and-a-half-ounce tasting portions. The cheese selection is first-class—now more than ever. Servers are, of course, wine savvy. —Laura Levy Shatkin 339 N. Dearborn, 312-755-9463, bin36.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: daily. Open late: Fri & Sat till 1, Thu till midnight, Mon-Wed till 11.
DiSotto Enoteca | Gold Coast/Mag Mile/Streeterville | $$
This sleek but cozy wine bar, from the owners of the adjacent In Fine Spirits retail store, is a hot spot on an Andersonville strip known for its lambics and glogg. The ample menu of accessibly priced glasses and flights is dominated by New World wines and augmented with classic cocktails and a choice selection of craft beer. There’s an abbreviated rotating menu of cheese, charcuterie, and a bunch of plates for nibbling and noshing. And, of course, should you fall for a particular juice, you can always come back when the store’s open and make it your own. —Martha Bayne 5420 N. Clark, 773-334-9463, infinespirits.com. Dinner: daily. Open late: Fri & Sat till 2, Mon-Thu till midnight, Sun till 11.
