Yusho Hyde Park (CLOSED)

The second location of Matthias Merges' cool Japanese izakaya is a little chiller than the Logan Square outpost (less energy, less booze), but the food is just as great. The menu changes frequently, but start with a couple of buns, like the crisp fried oyster with kimchi, or the twice-fried chicken with pickled jalapenos. From there, you won't go wrong with any of the ramens—the Logan Poser ramen comes with a hearty fried pig's tail and an egg that release its yolk into the bowl when you slice into it. Merges's desserts, whether soft serve or doughnuts, are pretty simple, but always a solid end to a meal at Yusho.