Jeffy Mai

The West Loop is one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, home to some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Reservations at the best West Loop restaurants can be hard to come by, meaning you might wind up visiting at odd hours or having to wait for a walk-in table. Use the downtime to your advantage by checking out one of these West Loop bars, which include some of the top Chicago breweries. The area is also home to some of the best cocktail bars in Chicago, making it worth the trip even if you aren’t trying to score a seat at a place run by a high-profile chef. So hit up the best bars in the West Loop and see what all the buzz is about. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best bars in Chicago

Welcome to another weekend! Find the best things to do in Chicago this summer, including movies in parks and drinks at rooftop bars. Summer festival season is here, marking the return of favorites like the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash, Taste of Randolph and Gold Coast Art Fair. You can also find something new to read at the Chicago Book & Paper Fair, run a 5K through Humboldt Park or sip a cold beer at a brewery bash. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now

Do you feel that newfound warmth in the air? It can only mean one thing—festival season is here. The city's streets and parks will be full every coming weekend thanks to a stacked lineup of fests, fairs and more. You'll find everything from heavy-hitting summer music festivals like Lollapalooza and Pitchfork to beloved neighborhood block parties on the calendar from May through September. We'll continue to update this list throughout the season as more fests announce lineups and additional details—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best festivals in Chicago this year. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do this summer in Chicago

  If you're coming to Chicago, there's no shortage of places to explore—and you shouldn't limit yourself to the Loop. If you want to experience the real Chicago, head for the city's 77 community areas, where you'll find some of the most unique things to do in Chicago and many of the best restaurants in Chicago. Keep in mind that Chicago is a city with excellent public transportation, so a trip downtown to Museum Campus or the "Bean" is only a short ride away (and we won't shame you for sneaking away to try the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer). From eclectic dining in Logan Square to a free Mexican art museum in Pilsen, here are the best neighborhoods to stay in Chicago when you visit. RECOMMENDED: 🏨 The best hotels in Chicago🛏️ The best Airbnbs in Chicago

The question of who dishes out the best pizza in Chicago is a contentious one, spurring arguments about what’s the best regional style and what restaurants do each version justice. Almost every Chicagoan has a strong preference when it comes to who serves the best deep dish pizza, but the city’s pizza scene casts a wide net. Thin crust, tavern-style has its own claim to being the real Chicago-style pizza, and you can also find the city's best Italian restaurants serving traditional Neapolitan pies, Detroit-style squares loaded with quirky toppings, and even New York-style slices. Whether you’re ordering takeout or delivery or plan to dig in while the cheese is still bubbling, check out our guide to the best pizza spots in Chicago to find your new favorite. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

There's nothing quite like Chicago's festival season, which brings a full roster of musical acts to town from May through September. Not sure where to start? Kick things off with reggaeton-focused Sueños Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend, or head to Chicago Blues Festival in early June. As summer goes on, make room in your schedule for returning favorites like Windy City Smokeout and Taste of Randolph plus big-name festivals in the city's amazing parks, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and Riot Fest. And if you're hoping to save money, don't forget about Chicago's free summer music series programming! We'll keep updating this list as more festivals announce lineups—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best summer music festivals coming to Chicago in 2024. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do this summer in Chicago

Is there anything better than June in Chicago? The days are long, summer festival season has arrived and cold weather finally feels like a distant memory, giving us ample opportunity to enjoy afternoons at Chicago beaches and evenings spent sipping frozen cocktails at the city's best rooftop bars. As always, you'll find plenty of seasonal events to keep busy, from big summer music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash to charming neighborhood art fairs. Plus, don't miss the numerous Pride events happening. Say hello to summer with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this June. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! Summer is here, which means it's time to get outside and go hiking or head to a summer festival. The Grant Park Music Festival kicks off this week, offering opportunities to catch free live music. You can also sample beers after dark at Lincoln Park Zoo, try some insect delicacies at Big Star West Town or take part in a real life CLUE mystery. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

Whether it’s cakes or carbs, the city’s best bakeries offer a variety of delights. While you can always satiate the sweet tooth with a scoop from the top ice cream shops or an old fashioned donut, sometimes the craving for the perfect pastry hits. As the perfect addition to your weekend walks around the neighborhood, these spots turn out flaky croissants, indulgent pies, addictive cookies and just about every other type of baked good you can imagine. Stalwarts, such as Weber’s Bakery and Roeser’s Bakery, have been around for decades because of their continued excellence, but newcomers are also pushing the envelope with exciting and original creations. Be vigilant, however—many sell out of their most popular items early so get there before the crowds. Regardless, the best bakeries in Chicago are here to provide you with a morning pick-me-up or a sweet treat to cap off the day. RECOMMENDED: The best coffee shops in Chicago

Of the many incredible Chicago attractions there are to explore, the most magical of them all might be the twinkling city skyline. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to take in the stunning skyline—from the diamond-shaped Crain Communications Building to the towering majesty of the Willis Tower (even if you still call it by its old name)—all without breaking the bank. No matter which side of Chicago you call home, you're bound to find some pretty amazing skyline vistas, whether you're peering out from Chicago rooftop bars and restaurants, commuting on the "L" or hanging out in a beautiful park. So snap a pic and linger awhile at these appealing vantage points around town. RECOMMENDED: Discover restaurants with amazing views of Chicago

As one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, O'Hare International Airport gets a ton of traffic on a daily basis. While eating probably isn't your first priority when flying, you'll still be glad to know there are some good options for a quick bite. Whether it's creative burgers from an award-winning chef, tasty Mexican tortas or an outpost of a local standout, these restauarants make the airport experience a little more bearable. And if you just want to grab a drink to kill some time, there are places to post up for a glass of wine or beer as well. So don't get too down the next time your flight is delayed, check out our guide to the best restuarants at O'Hare International Airport and take a break from the chaos. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do at O'Hare International Airport

Father's Day is June 16 and if you haven't made any plans yet, odds are you need a few ideas for how to celebrate. Chicago's best restaurants are stepping in to help with brunch specials, luxurious steakhouse dinners and mouthwatering barbecue, plus some spots are offering grill kits to prepare at home or a gift for dad, so you'll earn lots of extra points. Make Father's Day an unforgettable one this year by treating pops to a top-notch dining experience. RECOMMENDED: Find the best things to do with dad on Father's Day

Originally conceived as a virtual venture that accepted orders through Instagram, 3 Little Pigs pivoted to operating out of a shared kitchen before eventually moving to its current home inside Molly's Cupcakes in the South Loop. Chef-owner Henry Cai whips up what he calls “untraditionally authentic” American Chinese cuisine and with his new brick-and-mortar location, both longtime fans and first-timers alike need not worry anymore about missing out due to limited availability. Cai smokes fatty pork butt to make the signature char siu—Cantonese-style barbecue pork—and finishes it off with a liberal dose of sweet and tangy sauce. The menu also features favorites such as fried rice studded with three types of pork and a unique salt and pepper fried chicken sandwich dressed with fried garlic, sautéed jalapenos and mayo.

The team behind longtime barbecue standout Smoque branched out in 2023 with the opening of a steakhouse. Aptly named Smoque Steak, the concept skips the excess and opulence typically associated with chophouses in favor of a more relaxed experience that puts the focus squarely on the beef. The steaks are first smoked, then cooked sous vide before being seared, resulting in perfectly done cuts that are packed with smokey flavor. And the prices won’t break the bank—options range from a beefy ribeye to a chuck tender bistro steak that’s less than $20.

For its latest concept, DineAmic Hospitality celebrates 1950s Italian American cuisine with an opulent steakhouse in Fulton Market. The stunning 8,200-square-foot space is decked out in crystal chandeliers, fresh florals, booths dressed in lavender mohair, dark leather chairs and other elegant touches. This is a place to see and be seen, and chef Joe Rizza complements the experience with a menu that’s equally dazzling—Caesar salad is prepared tableside, squid ink pasta arrives topped with a whole lobster and the beefy steaks are grilled on a wood and charcoal hearth. The wine list boasts dozens of Italian bottles, while dessert is headlined by a slice of decadent chocolate cake.

This omakase newcomer from husband and wife Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee has arrived with much acclaim, including a Michelin star for Sushi by Scratch Restaurants’ outpost in Montecito, California. Tucked away below West Loop bar The Drop In, the 10-seat concept dishes out 17 courses across three seatings each night. You can expect plenty of luxe ingredients to be featured, as well as inventive nigiri—like a piece with unagi and roasted bone marrow drippings.

The team behind Logan Square spots Union and Lardon also operates this intimate and swanky cocktail bar. Housed in the same century-old building as the other two concepts, Meadowlark provides guests with a cozy den to hang out in—complete with low lighting, comfy leather couches and book-lined shelves. The drinks are all named after birds and there’s also an accompanying menu of small bites. Seating is limited, so get there early to snag a spot.

Looking for a laid-back spot where the vibes are good and you’re free to let loose? Then visit Way Out for fun times and reasonably-priced cocktails (every drink is priced at $12) like the Darkness Falls—a mix of gin, coffee liqueur, Campari and vermouth. Though the food menu mostly offers standard bar bites, you’ll definitely want to try the pizza potstickers. And for some friendly competition, check out the pool table in the back room. Every month, the bar also hosts a free burlesque show.

One Off Hospitality’s uber-popular Mexican restaurant expanded its scope in 2022 with the opening of a seafood concept. The menu features plenty of ceviches and fish tacos, but the star of the show is the pescado zarandeado, a whole grilled fish that’s been heavily marinated. It arrives alongside caramelized onions, smashed cucumbers, cilantro and tortillas for you and your friends to build tacos with. And don’t forget the pitcher of margs!

You’ll know this taqueria in Little Village takes tacos al pastor seriously the moment you walk through the door. The red-hued pork is on full display, beautifully stacked on a trompo in the kitchen and waiting to be sliced to order. Complement the marinated meat with chunks of pineapple and a generous splash of salsa for the perfect bite.

For those interested in traditional Chinese medicine, this bulk-goods store in Chinatown Square offers everything you’re looking for. Cure what ails you with a host of herbal teas and natural remedies. There are also dried goods ranging from scallops to mushrooms.

With hundreds of bottles to choose from, Rebel & Rye—named after the whiskey rebellion of 1794—can be an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, the able staff at this Southern-themed bar are more than happy to make recommendations for every palate and budget. American distilleries are the focus so expect plenty of bourbon and rye.

Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant Roka Akor took over the space next to its River North location and transformed it into a concept that pays tribute to the Macallan. The heart of the experience is the M Room’s tasting menu, which highlights the flavors and ingredients used in the Scotch-making process, plus complementary beverage pairings. But there’s also an a la carte selection of expensive and hard-to-find bottles, including pours from the M Collection and Fine & Rare Collection.

Part of a chain that originated in Canada, Planta Queen is perhaps Chicago’s swankiest plant-forward restaurant. The menu, crafted by executive chef David Lee, is home to Asian fusion delights, such as crispy gyoza filled with cabbage, carrots and mushrooms; jackfruit wings; and dehydrated watermelon nigiri. Not sure if a dish is suitable for your diet? There’s a handy allergen guide you can check so there are no unwelcome surprises. Fun cocktails, like the Sake to Me (sake, orange liqueur, watermelon, lime), complement the food. For vegans who want an upscale and trendy scene, there’s no better choice than Planta Queen.

The Michelin Guide won’t be awarding any of its coveted stars until later this year, but it just honored six Chicago spots. The revered dining bible has added Cariño, John’s Food and Wine, Maxwells Trading, Sifr, Taqueria Chingon and Warlord to its list of recommended restaurants. In total, Chicago currently boasts 152 eateries with such distinction. Michelin uses anonymous inspectors to evaluate a place’s quality, giving one, two or three stars to the very best. The new recommended restaurants will now be eligible for star or Bib Gourmand—a designation of “good value”—consideration. Last year, 21 Chicago restaurants earned at least one Michelin star. The announcement comes on the heels of the James Beard Awards, where local favorite Lula Cafe won for Outstanding Hospitality. It’s no surprise that the accolades keep rolling in, seeing as the city is home to some amazing restaurants. Here’s what Michelin inspectors had to say about the latest additions. Cariño Photograph: Kelly Sandos “Indeed, this breathless tasting menu features boldness and creativity in spades, starting with “chips and salsa” in the form of salsa verde jelly and a tortilla crumble. The best seats are at the counter, which offer an up-close view of this small team, all of whom work diligently and engage with guests freely.” John’s Food and Wine Photograph: Sandy Noto “Meet your new neighborhood hangout. With exposed white brick, a comfy banquette stretching the length of the room, and a friendly bar wit

One of Chicago’s biggest music festivals is changing things up this year. Riot Fest, the annual weekend of rock, metal, emo and punk, is moving from Douglass Park to Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium after more than a decade on the West Side. The new grounds are being dubbed “RiotLand” and will feature the usual host of food and drink vendors, plus activities like a casino, an arcade, a gay nightclub and other activation experiences.  The event is still scheduled for September 20-22, and will be headlined by Fall Out Boy, Beck, Pavement, Slayer, Public Enemy, The Offspring, St. Vincent, Rob Zombie, Bright Eyes, Sublime, Dr. Dog and The Marley Brothers. NOFX, who is currently on its farewell tour, will also play all three nights at a special NOFX World section. Other notables acts include Spoon, Manchester Orchestra performing Cope, Sum 41, Cypress Hill, New Found Glory, Something Corporate, Taking Back Sunday, Gwar, The Hives, Lamb of God, Mastodon performing Leviathan, Oliver Tree and more. Over 90 bands are slated to take to the stages. Riot Fest had faced criticism and backlash from local neighbors around Douglass Park for taking over large swaths of public land every year during peak outdoor season and bringing in traffic, noise and trash. It faced similar complaints from residents of Humboldt Park—the previous event site—before relocating to Douglass Park in 2015. The festival spent recent years trying to address the issues and supporting the North Lawndale community through

Lula Cafe has received the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality. The farm-to-table pioneer, one of Time Out’s best restaurants in Chicago, was the city’s lone winner during the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards last night at the Lyric Opera House. The annual ceremony is one of the most prestigious honors in the restaurant industry, often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world,” with chefs from around the country flying in for a weekend of celebrations.  Chef-owner Jason Hammel opened Lula Cafe in 1999, placing an emphasis on market-driven cooking. The all-day spot is popular for its brunch service and inventive menu that’s constantly changing to highlight what’s in season. Hammel is no stranger to the Beards, either—he was previously nominated for Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2019, 2020 and 2022.  Coming into the evening, four Chicago nominees were up for awards. Jenner Tomaska of Esmé and Sujan Sarkar of Indienne were both up for Best Chef: Great Lakes, which ultimately went to Hajime Sato of Sozai in Clawson, MI. Elske’s Anna Posey was also a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker; the award was taken home by Atsuko Fujimoto of Norimoto Bakery in Portland, ME. Take a look at the full list of winners below. Outstanding Restaurant: Michael Rafidi, Albi, Washington, D.C Outstanding Restaurateur: Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker, ID EST (The Wolf's Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and others), Boulder, CO Outstanding Restaurant: Langbaan, Portland, OR Emergi

One of Chicago’s best restaurants is set to return this weekend. The Chicago Tribune reports that Calumet Fisheries, the beloved eatery in South Deering, will reopen on Saturday after a fire knocked it out of commission six months ago. The iconic Chicago institution is known for its selection of seafood—from fish to shrimp—that are smoked on-site. It’s one of only two wood-burning smokehouses remaining in the city. Established in 1928, Calumet Fisheries is considered by many to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. The late Anthony Bourdain visited the roadside shack on an episode of No Reservations in 2009, and the James Beard Foundation honored it with the America’s Classics award in 2010. Last November, an electrical fire almost destroyed the entire restaurant. Most of the interior and equipment were damaged extensively but fortunately, firefighters were able to save the nearly century-old building.  Longtime fans don’t have to worry about the experience changing. While the inside has been rebuilt, there still isn’t any seating so diners will have to either eat in their vehicles, on the curb near the 95th Street bridge or on one of the outdoor picnic tables. The bathroom, however, has been upgraded to modern standards. Salivating yet? Calumet Fisheries will welcome guests back starting at 9am on Saturday and stay open until 9:45pm.  We’re already looking forward to getting our hands on those fried shrimp and smoked salmon.

One of the biggest nights in the dining industry is just two months away, and now we know which Chicago nominees will be up for awards. The James Beard Foundation has just announced the finalists for its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The winners will be revealed during the 33rd annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Civic Opera House. Chicago will be represented by four nominees at this year’s awards. Lula Cafe, the farm-to-table pioneer, is up for Outstanding Hospitality. Chef Jason Hammel opened the Logan Square restaurant in 1999 and has dedicated the past 24 years to serving seasonal, market-driven dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lula Cafe is one of Time Out’s best restaurants in Chicago and Hammel has been a three-time James Beard Award finalist. Two Chicago chefs are nominated for Best Chef: Great Lakes—Sujan Sarkar of Indienne and Jenner Tomaska of Esmé. Sarkar’s contemporary approach to traditional South Asian flavors earned Indienne a Michelin star in 2023, with Time Out also praising the inventive tasting menu experience in our review. Tomaska has been awarded a Michelin star the past two years for his work at Esmé, where the menus are centered around complementing rotating artists. Elske’s Anna Posey is a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Anna and her husband David Posey have run the Scandinavian fine dining concept since 2016, with the former leading the dessert program. Anna was previously the pastry chef

Foxtrot mourners, rejoice! The upscale convenience chain will be reopening this summer. Owner Mike LaVitola has announced that several locations in Chicago, Dallas and Austin will be making a comeback. The stores will maintain the same layout and merchandising, with a focus on small and local makers. Crain’s Chicago Business reports that about a dozen stores—all of which are in existing Foxtrot spaces—are slated to reopen, and the first two are likely to be the Gold Coast and Old Town outposts. “It’s a totally new company starting from scratch, but (we) have the Foxtrot name and the (intellectual property) and a bunch of our locations,” LaVitola told Crain’s. “We’re like a new startup again.” A post on Foxtrot’s Instagram account simply reads, “A new Foxtrot with some old friends. Coming soon.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foxtrot (@foxtrotmarket) Foxtrot, along with Dom’s Kitchen and Market, abruptly and controversially closed this past April. Outfox Hospitality, the parent company of both brands, operated over 30 Foxtrot locations around the country, including 15 in Chicago. The news came as a shock to customers and workers alike, with no advance warning given. Some fans had even moved to certain neighborhoods because of the proximity to Foxtrot.  The chain was founded in Chicago in 2014 by LaVitola and Taylor Bloom as an online delivery service offering high-quality snacks, wine, beer and other typical convenien

Ah, Malört. Opinions vary greatly on the city's most infamous liqueur but even if you're not a fan, you have to admire the creativity the best cocktail bars in Chicago exhibit in coming up with Malört-based cocktails. From riffs on classics to frozen slushies, there are a host of inventive, bitter concoctions. And if you want something simple, Stiegl Radler Grapefruit spiked with wormwood is an easy and refreshing DIY option. So without further ado, here are 10 Malört cocktails you need to try this summer. The Wieners Circle Photograph: Wendell RemingtonThe Wiener's Circle Chicago’s favorite late-night haunt for hot dogs and high jinks added a bar to its space in 2021, paving the way for a cocktail that lives up to the restaurant’s DGAF reputation. Hemingway’s Revenge, a riff on the Hemingway special, mixes rum and Malört with grapefruit juice, maraschino and a splash of lime juice. Complement an order of cheese fries with the cheeky concoction for the perfect Chicago nightcap. Jinsei Motto View this post on Instagram A post shared by CH Bar and Table (@ch.barandtable) CH Distillery acquired Jeppson’s Malört in 2018, so it’s no surprise you’ll find the wormwood liqueur in a cocktail at the sushi restaurant located within its West Loop distillery. Dubbed Lilac Wine, the drink is made with CH’s London Dry Gin, Malört, CH Key Gin, green tea, grapefruit, thyme and shiso. And if it’s just a shot of Malört you’re after—well, there’s no better pla

One of Chicago’s longest-running traditions is returning to its original home this year. The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has announced that the Maxwell Street Market, the open-air flea market in the Near West Side, will be relocating to Maxwell Street between Halsted Street and Union Avenue, as well as Union Avenue between Rochford and Liberty Streets for the 2024 season. Unlike previous years, when the market was held every Sunday, the latest edition will only take place across six dates—the last Sunday of the month from May through October. The scheduled dates are May 26, June 30, July 28, September 1 and 29, and October 27. The market will be open from 9am-2pm. “The Maxwell Street Market has been a Chicago tradition for more than a century,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in an official release. “Our hope is that the move back to its original neighborhood will spur memories of the historic Maxwell Street Market, bring back that entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure its longevity for generations to come.” The original Maxwell Street Market was established in the late 19th century by Jewish immigrants arriving from Eastern Europe. Over the decades, it’s been a gathering point for vendors hawking all sorts of wares, musicians, cooks and more. It’s also the birthplace of Chicago Blues and the iconic Maxwell Street Polish. In 1994, the market was moved to Canal Street to accommodate the expansion of the University of Illinois at Chicago. It moved again in

Brunch is one of the best parts of the weekend and soon, you’ll be able to enjoy it all day long—seven days a week—at Time Out Market Chicago. Chef Jamie Gilmore is opening Southern Bites, a new brunch kitchen that will offer a host of refined Southern specialties. Diners may recognize Gilmore: The dental-pro-turned-chef brought her full-service brunch restaurant Lizzy J Cafe to the second floor of the Market in 2023. At Southern Bites, a lot of familiar favorites will be on the menu alongside some exciting new options. “I’ve always thought about doing a fast-casual concept so people can experience what [Lizzy J Cafe] does on the go,” Gilmore said. You’ll be able to satisfy the sweet tooth with bourbon-glazed French toast topped with fruits and whipped cream, or lemon ricotta pancakes kissed with powdered sugar. If it’s something savory you’re after, the signature biscuits and gravy or the “Fish-wich”—fried catfish filet dressed with lettuce, tomato, cheddar and spicy rémoulade—are excellent choices. Photograph: Time Out Market Of course, Gilmore is also known for her Creole flavors so it’s no surprise the Southern Bites menu will feature a few classic dishes. The shrimp and grits presents crawfish étouffée and andouille sausage married with smoked gouda and cheddar grits, while the gumbo is made with crawfish étouffée, fried catfish and blackened shrimp over rice. Photograph: Time Out Market Saving room for dessert is highly encouraged, as Gilmore whips up peach cobbler

One of the city's biggest culinary talents is coming to Time Out Market Chicago. Acclaimed chef Art Smith is bringing his new fried chicken concept, Sporty Bird, to the Fulton Market food and cultural hub. Combining his love of sports with his passion for Southern hospitality, Smith will delight guests with his signature fried chicken, chicken sandwiches and more. “As a worldwide brand that unites food-lovers from all walks of life, Time Out Market provides the perfect platform for Sporty Bird to showcase its unique blend of flavors and fun. I believe that everybody loves fried chicken, and in a city like Chicago where food and sports are part of the fabric of everyday life, Sporty Bird is destined to become a beloved culinary destination,” Smith said.   Photograph: Time Out Market Diners can expect to enjoy a variety of tantalizing chicken offerings. The Chicago Hounds Sandwich features crispy breast dressed with beef bacon, Sporty sauce, lettuce, pickles and tomato, while the Bridgeview Sandwich sports crispy chicken with hummus, harissa, pickled red onions and tahini on taboon bread. For those who just want chicken, Chef Art's Famous Fried Chicken and the Sporty Bird Spicy Nuggets—served with choice of dipping sauce—will hit the spot. “It’s quality fried chicken. It’s delicious and really well done. We marinate it and use a specific kind of flour that we can only get from the South, and it takes a lot of technique to do it right,” Smith said. “But what makes it great—it’

Whether you've lived in Chicago your whole life or are new to the city, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover and amazing things to do. A recent thread on Reddit asked locals, "What's a Chicago 'life hack' everybody living here should know?" prompting a variety of responses. From tips for riding the "L" to the grid system to freebies from the Chicago Public Library, these are some of our favorite hacks. RECOMMENDED: Unique habits people pick up after living in Chicago “Water taxi from Chinatown to Michigan Avenue for a cheap and beautiful boat ride.” - u/saintpauli. It’s one of the best things to do in Chicago, in our opinion. “If the car train is empty, do not get on. Pick a different car.” - u/rinklkak. 😬  “Pedway, Lower Wacker Drive.” - u/mencival “Grid system. When you teach someone to fish, you feed them for a lifetime. When tourists ask directions, I point to a street sign and explain the grid system.” - u/Substantial-Art-9922. At the very least, learn which direction the lake is. “Chill outside Wrigley during concerts to listen to them.” - u/grhymesforyou. Who remembers Fall Out Boy last summer? “Better than a Chicago-style dog: a Polish, charred, with Chicago style toppings.” - u/salsation. Why not both? “Chicago Public Library has 3D printers, sewing machines, and craft spaces you can use for free (varies by branch).” - u/OrganicMasonJars “A lot of the city park field houses have nice gyms and pools with very low monthly fees.” - u/uptown_meanie “Layers.” - u

One of Chicago’s most popular and viral summer events isn’t coming back for another season. Friday Morning Swim Club, the unsanctioned meetup that drew thousands of people to Montrose Harbor each week all summer long, has announced the event is officially canceled this year.  Organizers Andrew Glatt and Nicole Novotny explained their decision in a video posted on Friday Morning Swim Club’s Instagram account, stating a deal couldn’t be reached with the city. The pair said it would cost $108,000 to secure a permit for the space, plus an additional $80,000 for lifeguards, security, portable toilets and more. Factoring in other business expenses, the club was looking at a quote of $250,000-$300,000 to run the event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Friday Morning Swim Club ™ (@fridaymorningswimclub) General disinterest from the Chicago Park District was another reason for the cancellation, according to the organizers. “All the suggestions, all the comments pointing to the easy solutions—they were met with unreasonable demands … Swim Club did not fit their mold and they were unable and unwilling to think outside the box,” Novotny said. Born during the pandemic, Friday Morning Swim Club originally started as a social gathering among friends in 2021. But it soon grew to hundreds of participants. Last summer, thousands flocked to Montrose Harbor—an area that does not allow swimming—to jump into the waters of Lake Michigan with floats on Friday morn