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  Sip & Savor  Chicago Food News: South Side Favorites Expand North, Uptown Gains Two New Restaurants
Sip & Savor

Chicago Food News: South Side Favorites Expand North, Uptown Gains Two New Restaurants

Tiana BlakeTiana Blake—December 18, 20250
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Exciting Chicago Food News: Two beloved local eateries are expanding their culinary footprints, bringing fresh flavors to new neighborhoods. One popular spot is moving north, and another building in Uptown is set to welcome two new restaurants. This latest Chicago Food News offers a fresh look at the city’s diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape, promising even more delicious options for residents and visitors alike.

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine Expansion in Chicago Food News

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Chicago Food News: South Side Favorites Expand North, Uptown Gains Two New Restaurants

December 18, 2025

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine is making significant waves in Chicago Food News with its latest expansion. Owner Kristen Ashley, who initially launched the celebrated restaurant in Bronzeville on Chicago’s South Side, is bringing her renowned soul and Creole food further north. Named after Ashley’s grandmother, whose Mississippi roots deeply inspire the menu, the restaurant has garnered substantial acclaim. A viral TikTok review praising their fried catfish brought a surge of new customers, solidifying its popularity. Ashley is now opening a third location in Lakeview, a notable move that will introduce her distinctive flavors, including hot fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and waffles, to a new Chicago audience. This expansion is a testament to the enduring success and appeal of Cleo’s Southern Cuisine, contributing to the vibrant Chicago Food News.

Uptown Welcomes New Restaurants: More Chicago Food News

Uptown is emerging as a hotbed for new restaurant growth, with a building on Wilson Avenue now hosting two exciting new eateries. This prime location, previously home to other dining establishments, is transforming into a culinary destination, specifically focusing on authentic Italian and Mexican cuisines. This development is a key piece of recent Chicago Food News.

Piacere Mio, An Italian Restaurant Chicago Addition

Piacere Mio, a highly-regarded Italian restaurant Chicago locals love, has opened its second location, marking significant Chicago Food News for the Uptown neighborhood. Owned by Francisco Perez and expertly helmed by chef Jose Marquez, who boasts extensive Italian culinary experience including a past role as head chef at Gaetano’s in Forest Park, Piacere Mio is set to impress. The menu features a delectable array of handmade pastas, rich risottos, and classic meat dishes. The new Uptown outpost, situated on Wilson Avenue, promises a warm and inviting dining experience, with early reviews already praising its delicious food and exceptional service. This is a fantastic piece of Chicago Food News for Italian food enthusiasts.

Las Piñatas: A Mexican Restaurant Chicago Favorite Emerges

Adjacent to Piacere Mio, Las Piñatas is making its debut as a vibrant new Mexican restaurant Chicago diners will surely enjoy. Sharing ownership with Piacere Mio, Las Piñatas aims to be a go-to spot for classic Mexican fare. Diners can look forward to an extensive menu featuring beloved dishes such as tacos, burritos, and crispy flautas, alongside other popular choices like enchiladas and tortas. Described as a casual and welcoming establishment, early feedback suggests it’s a valuable addition to the neighborhood’s dining scene, contributing positively to the ongoing Chicago Food News. Located on the same stretch of Wilson Avenue, Las Piñatas is poised to become a local favorite.

Chicago’s Evolving Food Scene: The Latest Chicago Food News

These recent restaurant openings are emblematic of Chicago’s dynamic and continuously evolving food culture, making for exciting Chicago Food News. Popular eateries like Cleo’s Southern Cuisine are strategically expanding their reach, bringing their unique flavors to different parts of the city, contributing to valuable Chicago Food News. The expansion of Cleo’s Southern Cuisine further north and the arrival of Piacere Mio and Las Piñatas in Uptown enrich the city’s already diverse dining options. This growth not only benefits Chicago residents by offering more choices but also strengthens local businesses, ensuring the city’s food scene continues to thrive. This latest installment of Chicago Food News highlights a city that consistently innovates and delights its culinary enthusiasts.

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Tiana Blake

Tiana Blake is a journalist with an ear for music and an eye for all the fun things unfolding around the world. Whether she’s spotlighting up-and-coming artists, chasing down the quirkiest festivals, or uncovering hidden gems in local street scenes, Tiana’s work turns distant places into vibrant, approachable experiences. She’s known for taking readers beyond the headline acts—think late-night jam sessions in tucked-away bars and art fairs in unexpected neighborhoods. When she’s not on the move, you’ll find her sifting through vinyl collections, chatting with fellow music lovers, or planning her next cultural deep dive. Ultimately, Tiana believes every corner of the globe has a good story waiting to be told—and she’s on a mission to share it.

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