Bid farewell to an iconic burger stand and welcome back an acclaimed sushi spot, as our staffers pick some of the best places to grab a bite to eat this weekend.
• One of Lakeview's most beloved and iconic burger spots is calling it quits at the end of the month. Muskie's, 2878 N. Lincoln Ave., is closing its doors Sept. 28 - but owner Don Johnson says he'll reopen next year in a new Lakeview location.
Muskie's is known for its char-broiled burger, Chicago dogs, milkshakes and malts. But don't forget to bring cash.
• If you've ever gawked at the line for Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave., or had to wait hours to get into the trendy Wicker Park taco joint, you may be enticed by its new takeout window and expanded patio, which debuted this week.
The relocated takeout window is in a building at 1537 N. Damen Ave. that is being used as a private commissary kitchen for One Off Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Big Star, The Publican and other hot Chicago restaurants. Dove's Luncheonette will also be using the kitchen.
"It's much better. There, it feels like you are in a parking lot and here the kids are corralled," said Carrie Chilton, a Wicker Park resident who said she visits Big Star frequently and prefers the takeout window to the restaurant.
• Things looked grim for Juno Sushi when its building burned in January. But co-owner Jason Chan reopened Juno, 2638 N. Lincoln Ave. this week, promising "bold" changes.
Master sushi chef B.K. Park, formerly of Arami, will continue to prepare the sushi, while Sam McDermott will be creating the "hot" dishes at Juno.
McDermott previously worked at Elizabeth and most recently ran Buttermilk Bento & Social, an underground dinner club and bento box delivery service.
"He's one of the best Japanese chefs in the country," Chan said. "I know it's a bold statement."
• Who says only Germans celebrate Oktoberfest? Starting Saturday, it's Octoberfiesta at Taco Joint, which has locations at 1969 N. Halsted St. in Lincoln Park and 158 W. Ontario St. in River North.
Both Taco Joint locations will offer up a Jalisco bratwurst taco consisting of a tequila-spiked brat topped with ground arbol chile-mustard and "serrano-kraut."
For the adventurous, an Oktoberfiesta special of a bratwurst taco, Oktoberfest beer and a shot of Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila is available for $10.
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