Chicago's Best Foodie Street

“My first restaurant feels like a big party,” says the F&W Best New Chef 2011. “Our music is loud.” 809 W. Randolph St.; girlandthegoat.com.

At her new diner, Izard plays with international comfort foods, as in an eggy, pancakey kimchi-and-bacon dish. 820 W. Randolph St.; littlegoatchicago.com.

“This brewery has awesome beer. One of its most popular is the hoppy but nicely balanced Angry Birds. Everyone loves the sweet potato Tater Tots.” 737 W. Randolph St.; haymarketbrewing.com.

“A badass version of a diner. I love to sit at the counter and order the chilaquiles, which are like breakfast nachos. They make the mortadella for a fried-bologna sandwich—I’ve wanted to order it, but I’m always too busy eating my nachos.” 800 W. Randolph St.; aucheval.tumblr.com.

“The owners grind their own flour and make whole wheat spaghetti with an extruder. They turned the alley behind the restaurant into a Champagne bar; it feels like a little town square in Europe.” 833 W. Randolph St.; nellcoterestaurant.com.

“The menu at chef Graham Elliot’s place is simple, without a million ingredients. On a recent visit, the wild boar pasta hit the spot. They sent out radishes and whipped lardo, a take on the classic radish-and-butter idea.” 841 W. Randolph St.; gebistro.com.

“Bill Kim cooks with bold, in-your-face flavors. With Belly Q, he is bringing really interesting, tasty Korean barbecue to the neighborhood. The last time I was in for lunch, I got the spicy fried chicken.” 1400 W. Randolph St.; bellyqchicago.com.

“I love the idea of communal seating. There’s a truffle-cheese flatbread that’s way too big for two, so you share with your neighbors and make new friends.” 615 W. Randolph St.; avecrestaurant.com

“Run by Au Cheval owner Brendan Sodikoff, Maude’s has a great bar. There’s nothing too froufrou, just good classic cocktails like a sazerac.” 840 W. Randolph St.; maudesliquorbar.com.