Christina Izzo

Once May rolls around, we know summer in Chicago is just around the corner. Need evidence? Look no further than the slate of summer festivals coming up this month—including returning favorites like Mole de Mexico in Pilsen and Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park—or the throngs of people hanging out at Chicago rooftop bars and outdoor restaurants every weekend. Plus, don't forget to plan out holidays like Mother's Day (we bet your mom would love brunch reservations) and Memorial Day weekend in Chicago this month. So enjoy spring to the fullest and start getting ready for another glorious summer with our May 2025 events calendar for Chicago.RECOMMENDED: Our complete events calendar for Chicago in 2025

Some cities have more sprawl, sure, but we’re partial to the ones that surge upward. And thankfully for all of us, New York City stretches sky-high, from elevated parks like the High Line, to rooftop bars that pair tasty drinks with dizzying views, to beautiful buildings that skim the clouds. But instead of just serving up some of the best views in NYC, the city’s best rooftop restaurants do all that as well as offering some of the finest food and drink options at any elevation. So ready your Instagram filters and get ready for your most scenic foodie snap yet—these spots are your ticket to the top.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in NYC right now

The Korean spa market is getting rough—new spas are opening left and right, and not all of them are as gentle as your skin is after a full-body exfoliation. But these standout Korean spas offer a range of experiences, from affordable spa treatments to skin-boosting Korean beauty products to elaborate saunas or tubs reminiscent of water parks where you can spend the whole day eating and lounging by the pool. Head to the best Korean spas in NYC and get ready for a physical, emotional and spiritual workout. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best spas in NYC

Some the best NYC events in April celebrate Earth Day. NYC isn't the greenest city, but we sure know how to give Mother Nature a proper party and some much-needed recognition all Earth Month long. The best Earth Month events in NYC including volunteering to clean up parks in NYC or beaches to ensure they stay litter-free. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy themed music, sustainable art and natural beauty. Get ready to do some tree hugging and check out fun things to do outside and inside. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Earth Day in NYC

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! This week is a movie-lover's dream, with the return of Doc10 Fest, One Earth Film Festival and MUBI Fest Chicago as well as a 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies (complete with a live score!) and a Miss Congeniality-themed bar crawl. And art buffs will get their fill at the annual EXPO Chicago back at Navy Pier. There's also plenty to do outside, including the city's much-anticipated cherry blossom viewing and the annual spring flower show at the Garfield Park Conservatory. 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: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in April 2025

Looking for fun activities to fill your weekend? We're here to help! You've got plenty of entertaining options this week, from a 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies (complete with a live score!) to the dazzling annual cherry blossom viewing at Jackson Park to the return of yearly festivals like the Doc10 Film Fest, the Chicago Rum Festival and EXPO Chicago. And, as always, there are plenty of cool museum exhibitions and theater performances to take advantage of, too. 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: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in April 2025

Get excited, Chicagoans, because spring in Chicago is officially here. (Bye-bye snow!) The warmer temps are perfect for hiking near Chicago or taking a day trip to enjoy a quick getaway but there’ll be plenty of fun in the city, too. For movie lovers, there's the return of Doc10 Fest and MUBI Fest Chicago. Art buffs can get their fill at the annual EXPO Chicago and ART on the MART. There's also plenty to do outside, including the city's much-anticipated cherry blossom viewing and the spring flower show at the Garfield Park Conservatory. So celebrate the spring season—and all the new beginnings that go along with it—with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this April. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2025

This year, 4/20 falls on the same day as Easter Sunday, so you'll be able to ascend in more ways than one. For years, cannabis was driven underground, but in the past few years since weed was legalized in New York state, 4/20 has become a proper celebratory event. From large outdoor gatherings hosted by some of the coolest new weed brands out there, to a luxurious cannabis lifestyle store that just opened in Chelsea, there's no better time to light up than now. Additionally, here's the rundown on everything you need to know about marijuana legalization in NYC. You may gain some extra inspiration from watching the best stoner movies and best weed songs. Just remember to mind your manners with these weed etiquette tips from the Emily Post Institute. To keep the buzz going, check out the following 4/20 events in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to NYC events in April

Brunch is competitive in New York City any time of year, and interest ticks up even higher on especially brunch-y holidays. On Easter Sunday in particular—which helpfully falls late this year on April 20, giving you even more time to plan your spring festivities—demand for mimosas, bloody Marys, eggs Benedict and all manner of pancakes soars higher than the city’s rooftop bars.  Still in need of a reservation? These are our picks for the best Easter brunch offerings in NYC for 2025. So make sure to book now before you chance a walk-in on the big day.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Easter in NYC

In a city where faded Old Style signs swing outside of beloved dive bars and lines snake around the block at trendy cocktail lounges, the best bars in Chicago act as meeting places, date locales and venues for celebrations. With so many great places to grab a beverage, the list of our all-time favorite bars around town is expansive—and inclusive of taprooms at Chicago breweries, sultry wine bars uncorking bottles of reds and whites, and the finest cocktail bars Chicago has to offer. In a metropolis packed with places to sip and swirl, these watering holes shine extra bright and boozy. Take a look at the best bars in Chicago and find the perfect destination for your next night out. RECOMMENDED: The best whiskey bars in Chicago

There's plenty of fun to be had during Easter in Chicago, whether you want to take the kiddos egg hunting at events held in some of the best Chicago parks or feast upon the best Easter brunches throughout the city. True, the holiday's festivities are mostly kid-focused—and you'll find plenty of Easter Bunny meet-and-greets and egg hunts perfect for families to enjoy—but Easter-themed bar crawls and rooftop parties mean that people of all ages can get in on the festivities. So get ready to embrace all things bunny- and spring-related with our list of the best Easter events in Chicago this year. When is Easter? This year, Easter falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The holiday occurs every year on the first Sunday, between March 22 and April 25, after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.

Not sure what's happening around the city today? Help is here! Chicago's best attractions, which include beautiful parks, neighborhoods and a free zoo, are always a good place to start. So are Chicago's best museums, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium. Plus—as always—we're keeping track of the top parties, live concerts, museum exhibitions, community events and more interesting stuff blowing into the Windy City day-by-day. Grab your calendar and check out all the best things to do in Chicago today. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now 

Wrigley Field-adjacent plaza Gallagher Way is once again showing free outdoor movie screenings this summer. Admission is free and attendees are welcome to bring their own food, enjoy on-site concessions or snag a meal from nearby restaurants like Big Star and Smoke Daddy. VIP seating is also available—check out the Gallagher Way website for more details. Gates open at 6pm for each screening and the movies start at 7:30pm. May 21: Hook June 4: Twisters June 11: The Parent Trap June 25: Inside Out 2 July 9: Wicked July 16: Top Gun: Maverick July 30: The Little Mermaid August 13: Moana 2 August 27: Crazy Rich Asians September 10: Space Jam September 17: Remember the Titans

Whether you like your hot dogs dragged through the garden or topped with ketchup, this Portage Park fest has you covered. Local favorites, including Byron's Hot Dogs, Baked Cheese Haus, Chicago Doghouse, Frannies, Lee Concessions, Tikka Masala Dogs and Sausage Fest Food Truck, will compete to see who makes the best frankfurter, as voted on by fest-goers. In addition, there will be live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a kids area, a top dog parade and a hot dog eating competition.

Rooftop Cinema Club, the open-air theater perched atop The Emily Hotel, is back for another season. Guests can catch showings of hand-picked classics, cult films and recent releases while also enjoying sweeping views of the skyline and craft beverages.  Running from May through October, this season is packed with fresh programming, from curated film collections to immersive themed events like a Wicked singalong (break out those brooms!); a Mamma Mia! girls' night out event (complete with karaoke, mini makeovers and swag bags); a Pride-ready airing of The Birdcage along with a live drag show; and Wine Wednesdays in partnership with Bucket Listers—and, yes, your ticket includes a glass of vino!

Say a hearty hello to summer at Mayfest, the annual street party in Lincoln Park that's outfitted with the usual selection of local vendors, tasty food, cover bands and ice-cold beverages. Taking place from May 16 through 18, this year's event will feature the new Spring Fine Art Mart, featuring local and national fine artists.

Pilsen's annual Mole de Mayo street festival—which honors the traditional Mexican sauce with a mole cook-off, plus a market full of vendors—is back this Memorial Day weekend, taking over the stretch of 18th Street between Morgan and Halsted from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26. Grab some enchiladas smothered in aromatic mole and don't miss the festival's lucha libra wrestling matches. A Children’s Zone will present games, arts and crafts and interactive activities for the kiddos.

Started in 2022, this two-day extravaganza returns to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend. Taking place on a single stage in Grant Park's Hutchinson Field, Sueños will feature headlining sets from Peso Pluma, Shakira, Don Omar, Grupo Frontera, Archangel, Bellakath and more  In addition to two days of music, you can try food from some of Chicago's best Latin restaurants, a host of art installations and experiential activations, and a Ferris wheel in the park that you can ride between (or during) sets. It's one of the largest new festivals to come to launch in Chicago in years and a fitting addition to a summer festival calendar that's more crowded than ever.

During the summer, one of the best aerial displays you'll find in Chicago originates from Navy Pier. The Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with stunning views available from across the pier's public spaces. Of course, you can also take in the show from nearby beaches or while cruising along the Lakefront Trail.

Running through April 30, the New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival will bring together trailblazers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to celebrate storytelling—through books, performances, culinary traditions, and beyond—while shining a spotlight on NYC’s vibrant communities. Among the lineup of free events and programs is a panel highlighting Latinx luminaries like Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Medar de la Cruz, Irma Bohorquez-Geisler and Patricia Cazorla, Libby Paloma; an ice cream social to celebrate Pooja Bavishi's latest work Malai Cookbook; an evening of poetry readings and conversation with poets Ashna Ali and Amatan Noor and more.

The Brooklyn Flea's newest flea market returns to the underpass of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway along Meeker Avenue between Union and Lorimer Avenues. Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm, peruse a trunk-style market where vendors sell vintage finds, cool collectibles, and handmade goods right out of their cars, with a lineup curated by the people behind the beloved and renown Brooklyn Flea. Along with being a great spot to hunt for hidden gems, the BQ Flea is also a perfect weekend stop for good local food and a lackback community vibe.

Earth lovers, tree huggers and all who give a damn about the planet we're spinning on: Mad World, the annual Earth Day celebration hosted by the femme- and queer-led SoMad art space returns for its third annual edition on Saturday, April 26. From 1pm to 11pm at their three-story Manhattan HQ (34 East 23rd Street), this year's installment will center queer ecologies, a field that blends queer theory and environmental studies to cultivate inclusive, sustainable relationships with our environment. The lineup includes live performances, immersive installations, film screenings, a photography showcase, pop-up shops, food offerings and more. 

Grand Central Terminal may be a man-made marvel, but the historic venue is celebrating all things natural during its Earth Week Market, taking over the iconic Vanderbilt Hall on Thursday, April 24. From 11am to 2pm, show your love for the planet by perusing and purchasing top-rate eco-friendly and sustainable items from retailers including MPR Jewelry | by Meghan Patrice Riley, Selen Designs, Warby Parker, Sabatino, Hudson News, Diptyque and Damselfly Flowers. Plus, you can team up with the New York Botanical Garden to craft native plant seed balls with Monarda seeds, compost, and clay—after crafting, plant your seed ball to support native plants and pollinators in your community.

With all of their colors, characters and over-the-top theatrics, carnivals and circuses have unsurprisingly served as artistic inspiration for centuries. And this spring, all of that under-the-big-top fun is fueling a subversive new exhibition, Carnival, curated by artist Joe Coleman and on view at Jeffrey Deitch's 18 Wooster Street gallery from May 3 through June 28. The artists featured in the show—including Derrick Adamas, Jane Dickson, Mu Pan, Mr. Gorgeous, Walton Ford, KAWS and more—engage with themes of spectacle, expression and rebellion through their works. "In this show, I explore the many forms that this expression takes—from the amazing banners produced for side shows and crime shows, the spectacular costumes of the burlesque house, the Mardi Gras, and the art parade," said Coleman. "The influence extends to puppet show figures, whose roots trace back to ancient theater, the wax figures that evolved from medieval votive saints to the criminal and celebrity effigies of the sideshow museum, and even the miniature and flea circuses."

In Chicago, we're pretty used to the smog, smoke, sewage and other gross things we have to put up with to live in such a big, bustling and beautiful city. However, a recent environmental report has us wanting to reach for those N-95 masks again. In its 2025 State of the Air report, which was released nationwide on Wednesday, April 23, the American Lung Association saw a "distressing reversal" in the nation's air quality, "creating new challenges for air pollution control efforts and putting the health of the communities affected at increased risk." Scarily, Chicago ranked among the country's most polluted cities. Here's what to know.  What is Chicago ranked in air quality? Per the new analysis, Chicago is the 15th worst American city for high ozone days out of 228 metropolitan areas, up from its number 17 ranking in the previous two yearly reports. (Ozone pollution, also known as smog, is caused by air pollutants that combine in sunlight. Those pollutants are produced by burning fossil fuels—think gasoline, coal and the like.) The Windy City also came in as 13th worst for annual particle pollution out of 208 metropolitan areas and 53rd worst for 24-hour particle pollution out of 225 metropolitan areas. In short, no bueno, folks.  And not only did the air quality in the Chicago metropolitan area receive a failing grade for unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution, but so did 23 counties (where data was available) throughout Illinois. "Unfortunately, too many people in

The oldest music festival in North America is back in the Chicago area this summer: Ravinia Festival will return to Highland Park from June 6 to August 31 with a stellar programming lineup featuring over 100 concerts and more than 40 artist debuts. A lively mix of legendary performers and fresh talent across multiple genres, the 2025 season will feature acts like Cynthia Erivo, Lenny Kravitz, Janelle Monáe, Maren Morris and John Legend, among many others—and the tickets for the festival are officially on sale right now.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s 2025 festival season dates have just been announced: Everything you need to know As of Thursday, April 24 at 8am CDT, ticket sales are open exclusively at Ravinia.org, where you can also find the full schedule of performers and programming. (Note: Tickets are available through the Ravinia app and will be delivered digitally.) There are several seating options available, from the covered outdoor amphitheater The Pavilion (which holds 3,350 seated attendees) to lawn seating associated with general admission tickets.  Keep in mind that price points differ based on the type of ticket you're looking for and the act you want to watch, but there are definitely some affordable options out there to look through. Among the highlights are Grace Jones with Janelle Monáe and Queen! on June 7; James Taylor and His All-Star Band with special guest Tiny Habits on June 19; Kygo with special guest Victoria Nadine on July 6; Beck with the Chicago Symphony

Though the price of a house in Chicagoland has surged in the past year—the citywide average increased by more than $6,500 from 2023 to 2024, per The Chicago Tribune—it is still graciously more affordable to own a home in the Windy City than in other parts of the county. (According to data from the Zillow Home Value Index, Chicago home prices are currently $60,000 below the U.S. average.) But that doesn't mean that Chicago isn't packed with pricey neighborhoods, where it costs a pretty penny to live in urban luxury.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago is named one of the wealthiest cities in the world in this new ranking According to the ZHVI, the priciest zip codes in the Chicago area are generally found in the affluent North Shore suburbs and some upscale neighborhoods within the city limits, like the West Loop (which is not a surprise if you're familiar with the area's swanky restaurants). The top 10 most expensive zip codes to live in Chicago are:  1. 60622The area that encompasses the Noble Square, River West, Ukrainian Village, West Town, Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods of Chicago boasted an average home value of $570,000 in 2024. 2. 60614This zip code primarily encompasses the Lincoln Park neighborhood, known for its diverse art and entertainment scene, large parks and beautiful architecture. The average house price here was more than $550,000 in 2024.3. 60642Occupying the Near North Side and West Town neighborhoods of Chicago, the 60642 area saw home values soar to more than

Chicago is already home to some of the best bars in North America, but we'll never turn down the opportunity for an international cocktail stunner to come grace the Windy City. And one of the world's best drinking dens—literally— will do just that next month: on Monday, May 5, Vesper will head to Chicago by way of Bangkok for an epic takeover and collaboration at Hawksmoor Chicago inside the historic LaSalle Powerhouse building in River North. RECOMMENDED: The 50 absolute best bars in Chicago, for everything from high-brow cocktails to shots of Malört The globally acclaimed Thai bar was recognized as one of the World's 50 Best Bars in 2024 and was featured on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list nine years consecutively, coming in at number 13 just last year. "This is pretty much the ideal date bar: it's chic but not austere, the drinks are strong and if conversation runs dry the menu will provide the perfect talking point," the World's 50 Best write-up praised the Bangkok bar, which opened in the city's Silom area back in 2014.  Photograph: Courtesy VesperSaffron Sour at Vesper Vesper's current cocktail lead Tom Hearn (formerly at the American Bar at the Savoy and KOL Mezcaleria in London) will join forces with Hawksmoor Chicago’s Zach Ballard to showcase a specially curated menu of Vesper's wildly inventive cocktails that helped them earn the reputation as one of the most exciting bars on the globe. The open-to-the-public event will run from 6pm to 9pm on May 5.  On the menu will be

Tomorrow, Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral at 735 N. State St. will host a public mass in honor of the late Pope Francis, who passed away yesterday at the age of 88.  Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, announced that he will preside over the memorial mass for the late pontiff on Wednesday, April 23 at 10am. The public is invited to attend, and the service will also be livestreamed at this link. Affectionately known as "The People's Pope," Pope Francis—who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina—was the papacy's first-ever Latin American leader. He was elected to the position back on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned on February 28, 2013, due to declining health.  During his decade-plus tenure, Pope Francis displayed notable progressivism in his approach to leading the Roman Catholic Church, publicly speaking out about everything from immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights to climate change.  He passed away just one day after making his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. Despite bowing out of all official Holy Week liturgies following his five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis surprised worshippers with an appearance at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, April 20. In his final address from the basilica's balcony, he again call for a ceasefire in Gaza and peace in conflict zones across the world. (The religious leader famously phoned the Holy Family Church in Gaza City—the only Catholic Church in the besie

The cherry blossoms are blooming, the temperatures are (graciously!) getting warmer and it's finally feeling like spring here in Chicago. What better way to toast the season than with a bright and fresh cocktail from the springy new drink menu at Time Out Market Chicago?  RECOMMENDED: Your guide to the food and drink at Time Out Market Chicago—and how to order The Market bar has crafted a lineup of creative concoctions that are ideal for the pleasantly balmy temperatures. There’s something for every type of spirit lover, whether agave-, whiskey- or vodka-based. Of course, there will be florals for spring: the Hibiscus Royale ($16) freshens up Patron Silver with St. German, hibiscus syrup, grapefruit and lemon, for example; while the Rose Gimlet ($14) starts with your choice of Bombay Sapphire Gin or house vodka and adds splashes of rose water bitters, Peychaud's bitters and lime juice.  Photograph: Courtesy Time Out Market ChicagoThe spring 2025 cocktails at Time Out Market Chicago For something fruitier, opt for the Citrus Got Real ($15), a vodka-based quaff with a bright pop of blood orange liqueur, grapefruit and lime. And, of course, warm-weather tippling simply isn't complete without a spritz. The Market will serve a classic Hugo Spritz ($15)—fresh and fizzy with St. Germain, prosecco and mint—for the season. You'll also find the Market's takes on crowd-pleasing cocktails like a whiskey mule, a sour and an espresso martini (the latter gets an extra jolt from house-made

Lincoln Square's intimate restaurant Atelier has garnered great acclaim since its 2023. Owner Tim Lacey and James Beard Award-nominated chef Christian Hunter took over the space formerly occupied by chef Iliana Regan’s Elizabeth and were soon after awarded a Michelin star—which they maintained in 2024—for their fantastic, fine-dining take on "folk cuisine" (i.e. traditional American fare livened up with global zest, moo shu duck with shallot aioli and pickled vegetables being a delicious example.)  Hunter also received the Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, and Atelier was named one of Chicago Magazine's Best New Restaurants last year.  RECOMMENDED: Every Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago for 2025, including Atelier Given all that success, it's not a surprise that the team has plans to expand the dining concept to an even bigger restaurant space when their lease ends in July—and they need your help to do so. "As anyone who's been into the restaurant knows, we have a tiny space," reads the announcement on the Atelier website. "It's time to find something a little bigger. Just elsewhere in Lincoln Square. To that end we're working with SMBX to crowdsource investors." As reported by Eater Chicago, Lacey and company are looking for a space with capacity for 35 seats, plus a bar.  "Unlike typical crowdsourcing outlets, this allows you to earn your money back with interest," the Atelier team adds in the call-out, which will allow prospective investors to contribute as little as

If you drive through Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood regularly, note that your daily commute will be a little different this week. The one-way street along the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue—the stretch between Lawrence and Leland Avenues—will be closed to vehicle traffic for a whole week, beginning today, April 21.  RECOMMENDED: Here is how you can have your late traffic ticket fees forgiven in Chicago The road closure is due to ongoing construction to upgrade the Western Avenue Brown Line station, a nearby public plaza and parking lot, reports Block Club Chicago. Traffic will be barred from entering the no-cars zone for at least a week, depending on the weather, per officials. However, the commercial corridor will remain opens for pedestrians and cyclists, so you'll still be able to access the area without your automobile.  This isn't the only traffic closure planned for the neighborhood: the 2200 block of West Leland Avenue will also be shunned to vehicles just east of Lincoln Avenue beginning next Monday, April 28. That closure reportedly has been scheduled to last for about 10 days, weather permitting. Southbound traffic on Lincoln Avenue will graciously not be impacted, and a pedestrian path will be maintained, officials said.  Though the area will see less car traffic in the coming weeks due to the closure plans, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has worked to boost foot traffic and keep pedestrians frequenting the neighborhood's small busines

Anyone who's gone drinking in the Windy City can tell you that Chicago is home to some of the best bars in North America, but we always appreciate having some concrete evidence: North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, sponsored by Perrier, has just released its extended round-up of bars ranked from 51 to 100, and, unsurprisingly, some of Chicago's best watering holes have made the coveted list.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 absolute best bars in Chicago, serving everything from cocktails to classic Malört Before we get to those top rate drinking dens, let's talk about the methodology behind those famous 50 Best lists: the rankings are determined by votes from the company's Academy of experts, which encompasses about 300 folks in the media space, bartenders, bar owners and cocktail connoisseurs. Each member casts seven votes based on their personal best bar experiences of the past 18 months, and the official annual list is formed.  This year's 51-100 rundown spans 23 destinations from all over North America, with the United States leading the charge with 29 mentions, followed by 15 Canadian cities and five Mexico-based entries. And Chicago’s cocktail scene is celebrated with three entries on the list: the West Town cocktail bar Lemon at number 62, Queen Mary Tavern in Ukranian Village at number 63 and Chinatown craft drinkery Nine Bar at number 89.  Photograph: Wade HallA cocktail at the Queen Mary in Chicago And we'll get to see if any other Chicago-based spots pop up on the 1-50 r

Illinois-born chain Portillo's has been serving its takes on signature Chicago foods like hot dogs, Italian beef and Maxwell Street Polish sausages since the business' humble beginnings as a hot-dog cart in Villa Park back in the early 1960s. Now, the fast-casual favorite—which operates over 90 locations throughout the United States, including 46 restaurants in the Chicago metropolitan area and Northern Illinois alone—is breaking into the breakfast business.   RECOMMENDED: The 25 best hot dog stands in Chicago, from classic Chicago dogs to Detroit-style Coneys Yes, beginning today, April 15, Portillo's is officially testing out breakfast items for the first time in the company’s 62-year history at five select Chicagoland locations, including in Elmhurst, Niles, Shorewood, Tinley Park and the South Loop outpost at Canal and Taylor Street. Available for dine-in, carryout or drive-through daily from 6:30am to 10:30am, the all-new and limited-time-only morning menu will feature breakfast sandwiches, a doughnut collaboration with Stan’s Donuts (one of the best doughnut purveyors in Chicago) and locally roasted offerings from Metropolis Coffee. In case you were wondering: yes, there will also be beef—Italian beef, that is. The egg sandwiches come in three varieties: a basic bacon-egg-and-cheese on a buttery croissant, one loaded with sweet peppers and giardiniera sauce on toasted French bread, and a hot dog-esque option stuffed with a char-grilled Polish sausage. You can order eac

The weather is finally getting warmer here in the Windy City, which means that rooftop season is about to fully kick off. Thankfully, the Rooftop Cinema Club is back in town for the spring and summer, taking over the fifth-floor terrace of The Emily Hotel in Fulton Market for another season of open-air movie magic. RECOMMENDED: The 14 best movie theaters in Chicago, from gorgeous historic theaters to bougie multiplexes The film-loving festivities start on May 7, with an opening-night screening of the 1997 rom-com Love Jones at 8pm.  As usual, the outdoor cinema experience will feature a weekly lineup of timeless favorites viewed on a state-of-the-art LED screen with wireless headphones and cozy Adirondack seating, all set against the stunning Chicago skyline. As you watch, you can also enjoy concessions courtesy of The Emily Hotel, including fresh popcorn, soft drinks, cocktails and more.  Running from May through October, this season is packed with fresh programming, from curated film collections to immersive themed events like a Wicked singalong (break out those brooms!); a Mamma Mia! girls' night out event (complete with karaoke, mini makeovers and swag bags); a Pride-ready airing of The Birdcage along with a live drag show; and Wine Wednesdays in partnership with Bucket Listers—and, yes, your ticket includes a glass of vino! Check out the lineups for May and June below; you can see the full list of what’s coming to the Rooftop Cinema Club’s big screen here. Rooftop Cinem

Come alive, Deadheads! A new restaurant and live concert venue recently opened in Chicago as an ode to famed Grateful Dead founder Jerry Garcia. A Grateful Dead diehards and fellow music fans can find Garcia’s Chicago at 1001 W Washington Boulevard in West Loop, nearly five years after news of the concept was buzzing around the city. (As was the case with many restaurants these past few years, pandemic-related delays pushed back the opening.) Peter Shapiro—the concert promoter who organized the Grateful Dead's 50th anniversary "Fare Thee Well" shows and the owner of venues including Brooklyn Bowl and The Capitol Theatre—is behind Garcia's, which was created in partnership with the musician's estate. "A living, breathing tribute to an artist whose influence transcends generations," according to an official press release, the multi-concept venue honors the legendary late guitarist, vocalist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead who passed in 1995 at the age of 53 from a heart attack by drawing from the star's Spanish heritage and Northern Californian upbringing, as well as his deep connections to jazz, Americana and world music.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Garcia's Chicago (@garcias_chicago) Along with offering a rotating lineup of live performances—this month sees Octave Cat, Grace Potter and Joey Alexander taking the space—the restaurant taps into Garcia's love of American comfort food with a menu led by executive chef and Ch