Great Northern Food Hall, Mardi And More Hot Restaurant Openings

New York City
Great Northern Food Hall: The Claus Meyer train is chugging right along. Noma's cofounder unveils this stunning Nordic food pavilion with five sections—Grain Bar is dedicated purely to porridge, sweet and savory—and a well-stocked bar for suits in Grand Central Terminal today.

BKW by Brooklyn Winery: Williamsburg's hip winemakers are getting into the restaurant biz with this stylish Crown Heights spot. The team has tapped Michael Gordon, formerly of Bouley, for the kitchen, where he's reimagining classics like root beer-glazed ribs, and at the bar, there will be experimental booze tastings from the on-site microwinery.

Sammy's House of BBQ: Meat sweats ahead. Wildwood and Hill Country pitmaster Lou Elrose brings a three-floor meat heaven to Midtown with low-and-slow-smoked offerings, like Texas-style brisket and dry-rubbed spareribs à la St. Louis.

The Wild Son: The Wayland's Robert Ceraso and Jason Mendenhall are taking a break from the boozy stuff for their Meatpacking breakfast and lunch counter. Iced coconut lattes and nitro cold brews are on tap, and satisfying egg sandwiches and porridges are on the menu.

Los Angeles
Ramen of York: Silver Lake's beloved ramen-ya is now slinging its 16-hour broth and springy noodles in Highland Park. There are also rice bowls, from spicy tuna to vegetarian mapo tofu, to keep things cool.

Mardi: Where in the world is Kris Tominaga? Right here at this family style restaurant in West Hollywood. The chef behind Cadet and The Hart and the Hunter covers all bases at this all-day restaurant, serving buckwheat pancakes at brunch and headcheese schnitzel during dinner.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: Another fried chicken joint has landed in L.A., but this checker-tablecloth-lined Crenshaw spot is one of the biggest—none other than Tennessee's cult chicken chain. Pro tip: Line up early and pair your bird with sides of fried okra and mac 'n' cheese.

San Francisco
Two Birds/One Stone: Dinner on a storied, recently renovated winery from the 1800s can't be beat. Especially when it involves yakitori with a California twist, two well-loved chefs and local wine on tap.

Dum: This "Indian soul food" truck was rated one of the Bay Area's 20 best food establishments  on wheels, so a permanent location is welcome news. Rotating daily specials mean you can go every day and not get bored—or go broke, thanks to the still-affordable prices.

Chicago
Whiskey Thief: Yes, there are more than 70 bottles of this upscale tavern's namesake beverage to choose from, but you don't go just for the whiskey. You're also there for the cozy booths placed inside giant barrels, weekend DJs and freshly fried doughnuts.

SmallFry: Burgers and fries seem to always taste best after midnight—especially when said fries are triple-cooked. The Logan Square joint keeps its menu simple: cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, veggie burger, plus fries and specials. Season those fries with "cooler ranch" and dip them in "awesome" sauce for the ideal nightcap.

Chiya Chai: The owners, who have more than 40 years of tea industry experience, are serving 20 types of fresh tea at this Indian Nepalese café. The preparation is nothing short of mesmerizing—it might even steal your attention away from the savory chicken masala pies for a minute.

Lark: Take a break from the city's deep-dish tradition and cut into a Neapolitan pizza instead. Try the "Corn on the Crust" pie or the chorizo-serrano pepper one topped with an egg that's just begging to be poked. There's also plenty of local beer, innovate cocktails and appetizing snacks.

AceBounce: What is this, tennis for ants? No, it's just ping-pong inside a restaurant. The British chain opens its first U.S. location on Clark Street. Put your game face on, do your wrist exercises and go ready to beat your friends at table tennis—all while snacking on fried oysters and pepperoni meatballs.

Washington, D.C.
Jinya Ramen Bar: The California ramen empire moves east. The Mosaic District outpost has more noodle-y options, including one with a vegan broth, as well as curry rice, quinoa salads and Japanese-inspired cocktails. Slurp inside or under the sun on the patio.

Fare Well: Even the age-old diner is getting the vegan treatment. The Sticky Fingers team riffs on staples, with seitan and waffles, mushroom-chickpea veggie burgers and cashew-cheddar pierogi. Save room for seasonal shortcakes and crisps for dessert.

Chao Ku: Mandarin for "super cool," this Shaw restaurant brings home cooking to the masses. Owner John Fielding's mother-in-law is the muse for chef Paul Pelt's dishes, which range from cold hot-and-sour noodles to "Chinese" burgers.

Austin
Street: Its name is your first clue about what kind of fare can be found inside Ronald Cheng's new Greystone Drive spot, beneath his current restaurant, Chinatown—flavorful, authentic Asian street food. He did his research (tough job), and it shows in the fried pork chops from Taipei and Hong Kong's roast duck.

Miami
Tacocraft: This one's for anyone who's ever doubted that tacos are an art form. The second location of the Fort Lauderdale taqueria has authentic handmade tortillas, shrimp tacos with sweet potato and kale, and an artistic vibe that can't be beat.  

Detroit
Chubby Duck: Lunch in Harmonie Park just got a serious upgrade. Ian Diem packs temaki-style hand rolls with protein both traditional, like fat-rippled salmon, and adventurous, like jerk chicken.