Restaurant News: Eleven Lincoln Park Opens Tonight, Hoosier Mama Evanston Coming In November

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jun 25, 2013 3:20PM

The soda fountain at Eleven Lincoln Park

- Eleven City Diner fans (as well as everyone who eats in Lincoln Park) rejoice: Eleven Lincoln Park, the second location of Brad Rubin's decadent Jewish diner, opens tonight at 2301 N. Clark. We got a quick preview of the space and the food last night. While the exterior might be unassuming, the interior is a spot-on replica of a mid-century diner, complete with original refurbished equipment behind the soda bar. They've got barrel-aged root beer, an in-house soda jerk (phosphates! egg creams!) and a smoked fish platter that'll make you wanna convert. Plus a candy counter, home-roasted deli meats and more. Go early, because it's probably going to get pretty crazy.

- We heard a rumor a while back that Hoosier Mama was planning on opening a second location (be still our hearts) in Evanston. Now we have details. The new cafe, which will open in November, will serve pies, biscuit sandwiches and savory hand pies. DNA Chicago reports that Hoosier Mama will be splitting the space with Dollop Coffee, a natural fit since Dollop locations already sell Hoosier Mama pies.

- If you're a fan of Chicago's Best, and particularly a fan of their recently-departed host Ted Brunson, you're in for a treat. Brunson has returned with a web series, "Brunson's Best," which has a similar format to his segments that many have come to love. Brunson left the show after three and a half seasons; his replacement has not yet been announced.