Vinyl Restaurant, Chicago

Maybe it's the records on the wall, the pool tables in the basement, or the gourmet menu of Latin fusion cuisine. Maybe it's the cover-free fight nights or the soundtrack—everything from new wave to hip-hop to indie rock. Whatever is your favorite part about Vinyl, one thing's for certain: the restaurant does things a little differently from any other in the city.

The menu punctuates this with a lineup of spicy, playful dishes. The Fleetwood Mac and Cheese, for example, combines white cheddar and toasted brioche with the surprising crunch of Goldfish crackers. The "handhelds" section includes burgers slathered with jalapeño aioli and pulled pork sliders. Equally handheld are Vinyl's corn-tortilla tacos stuffed with spare rib, fish, and barbacoa. High-end whiskeys and craft beers stand out on the drink list, inviting visitors to try brews such as the Victory Golden Monkey instead of boring cocktails such as "water on the rocks."