A Week Chasing Chicago Tables and Counter Seats

Start the week at The Original Pancake House, a useful first stop for diners who prefer one memorable plate to a long list. The large Apple Pancake arrives with sautéed apples and a cinnamon-sugar glaze; the Dutch Baby brings lemon and whipped butter. I would choose the baked centerpiece first, then split it if the table wants to compare both. Check current hours before setting out.

For a lower-key interlude between ambitious meals, Esencia Urban Kitchen offers Mexican-inspired brunch and artisan coffee in Lake View East. The family-owned room makes a sensible reset for a food hunter who wants a casual stop before the counter-focused days ahead. I would start with coffee and a brunch plate rather than overplan the order; ask the staff what is available when you visit.

Pair AJI's fifteen-course omakase with neighboring GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen for a contrasting Lakeview outing. The sushi counter suits diners who value a chef's progression; a short walk brings you to house-brewed lagers and a more relaxed room. My shortcut is to keep the tasting as the main event and consider a beer afterward. Check each venue's current hours independently before making the plan.

Bayan Ko is the pick for someone who wants a meal with a story to discuss afterward. Its intimate tasting menu draws on Filipino and Cuban flavors, a distinct change of pace after the previous counter and brewery pairing. I would give the tasting menu your full attention instead of stacking another meal alongside it. Ask about the current menu before deciding what suits your party.

Bistronomic offers a practical contrast for diners weighing an elaborate tasting against a more flexible bistro meal. Chef Martial Noguier's kitchen combines French cooking with seasonal Midwestern ingredients and serves a prix fixe menu. My order would begin with the menu choices, then make room for the duck leg confit if available. Confirm the current selection before you go; seasonal dishes can change.

Reserve your attention for SHŌ Omakase if a carefully paced chef-counter experience is the week's centerpiece. Chef Mari Katsumura's ten-course progression combines sushi and hand rolls with composed hot and cold dishes. I would follow the sequence rather than rush it and ask about the current lineup when planning. The curated soundtrack is part of the setting, so leave room to take it in.

Finish at The Art of Chicken for a more casual counterpoint to the tasting menus. Latin-style grilled chicken, warm pita and two sauces give a hungry pair a clear starting point; generous sides add another decision. I would pick the chicken before the sides, then consider elote to share. The Sam Kirk murals add visual interest without making this stop feel like another formal occasion.