3 New American Cuisine Restaurants Worth a Visit in Chicago

New restaurants open in Chicago everyday.

Unfortunately, restaurants also close in Chicago everyday.

It's a cut-throat business in a cut-throat market. Here today, gone tomorrow is unfortunately the norm instead of the exception.

If "institutions" like Le Fancais, Trio, Ambria and Gordon can close their doors for the last time, what hope is there for a newcomer?

However, people keep trying. New restaurants open in Chicago everyday. The best ones will stick around because they are good and deserve your business.

Here are 3 new American Cuisine Restaurants that I think you should try out soon. They will probably be here next year -- they are good enough to stay around -- but you never know.

Abigail's American Bistro

Super-Chef Michael Paulson is the chef/owner force behind this neighborhood spot that seeks to bring fine dining out away from the Loop.

In my opinion, he has succeeded dramatically.

Duck with honey-onion marmalade, beef short ribs with sweet potato gnocchi, mushroom veal meatloaf with shiitake sauce and sticky toffee pudding for dessert are all winners. But be sure to start with the fennel-crusted scallions with caramelized cauliflower or you will be wishing you did.

This has the potential to bring foodies away from the city and become a true destination.

Abigail's American Bistro is presently at 493 Roger Williams Ave. in Highland Park

Branch 27

The chef at Branch 27, John Manion, calls his spot a modern tavern or gastro-pub. I think this means he can basically cook anything he wants.

And he does.

Flatbreads, grilled salads, steak tartar, striped bass and goose sausage all are on the menu -- and all are excellent.

Be sure to go on a Sunday soon and have a $5 Svedka Bloody Mary (available all day long.)

Branch 27 can be found for the moment at 1371 W. Chicago Ave.

Browntrout

This storefront bistro has the potential to become a fixture in its neighborhood. But only if it "takes" with the neighbors. So many like it have come and gone long before they really had a chance.

Chef/partner, Sean Sanders, is striving hard to make sure it has that chance.

He mixes in crazy things like falafel dogs and Spam salads -- that can become a cherished fav -- along with really good dining dishes like Mint Creek Farm lamb with rutabaga smashed potatoes, pork shoulder Canadian walleye, Lake Erie perch and Bouchot mussels.

In fact, the menu is a bit seafood heavy -- but,hey, it is called "Browntrout" after all.

Finish with the crowd favorite cherry fallen chocolate souffle.

Visit Browntrout soon and make sure it sticks around at 4111 N. Lincoln Ave.

You never know....

Alton Rush (that's me) loves to eat, loves Chicago and write about both. In that order. Here's something I think you will enjoy. If you have cleaning up to do around the house, consider a backpack vacuum cleaner to make your life easier.