"When you can’t make a decision about where to eat in Chicago’s most restaurant-y neighborhood, go to Avec. This 20-year-old Mediterranean small plates spot opened in the West Loop before Randolph became “Restaurant Row” and the food is always excellent. Being here feels like eating in a wooden shoebox, so only come if you don’t mind sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Or better yet, to eat bacon-stuffed, chorizo-wrapped dates and taleggio flatbread by yourself at the bar. We encourage everyone to eat at Avec every now and then, if only to remind yourself how reliably outstanding it is." - nick allen, john ringor, adrian kane