"At John’s Food and Wine in Lincoln Park, you’ll order at the counter from a tight list of offerings spelled out on a black letter board before a host guides you to your table. While the service model might be fast-casual, the food (and, yes, wine) is sophisticated. Co-owner chefs Adam McFarland and Thomas Rogers worked together at New York’s iconic Gramercy Tavern, and at this neighborhood bistro-meets-wine bar, they serve up seasonal New American classics in a breezy, minimalist space. John’s is a very good pick for lunch, with options like a pulled pork sandwich with Thai chili vinaigrette or a smoked corned beef sandwich with apple mostarda and fontina. At dinner, sample housemade pastas like lamb cavatelli with favas and anchovy butter and don’t miss the seasonal lettuces, which are simply served with hazelnuts, yogurt, and nutty sheep’s milk cheese. No matter the time of day, you must end with a ramekin of butterscotch pudding with brown butter, rum, and hazelnuts that’s just boozy enough." - ByKate Kassin
