Just opened

Zocalo - Jun Bar

That old familia place Cousins Edgar and Marcos Castañeda were born into the restaurant biz: Edgar’s father, Eduardo, founded the first Lalo’s Mexican Restaurant when the boys were just infants. Older, wiser and with two decades of experience, the cousins are breaking out with their own spot, Zocalo, in the former Chilpancingo space. Edgar calls it a “more contemporary, chef-driven, small-plates” concept, with a menu concocted by chef Saul Roman (of Salpicon and Adobo Grill) that offers twists on guacamole (red, green and fruit-based), Negra Modelo–steamed clams, ceviche six ways (including octopus, pictured above, left), and achiote-marinated whole red snapper (pictured left). Dozens of tequilas are on hand for aficionados, but we’re more excited about the ’rita list, with options like guanabana, prickly pear and blood orange (pictured right). 358 W Ontario St between Orleans and Kingsbury Sts (312-302-9977).—Heather Shouse

Mod squad You may love Jun Bar, you may not—and that’s exactly how owner Jun Lin wants it. “People go to places because of how it makes them feel,” he says. But “you can’t be all things to all people.” If we had to guess, we’d say his minimalist, modern, highly designed rectangle of a bar was made for people who appreciate details. From the cocktail list (which includes the June Bug, a mixture of Malibu, pineapple and Midori, pictured) to the indie movies playing on the plasma, every aspect of the place was carefully thought out by Lin himself—despite efforts from his mom and dad to help. “I sort of retired them,” he says of his parents, who used to own the restaurant Green Ginger in the same space. “So occasionally you’ll see an old Chinese man taking a peek [inside], asking what’s going on….” 2050 W Division St between Damen and Hoyne Aves (773-486-6700).—David Tamarkin