Isaiah Reynolds

As we approach the end of the year, it's time to take a look back on 2024. So much has happened in Chicago over the past 12 months, from amazing new restaurants and bars opening to the arrival of exciting attractions and things to do, and we're here to highlight everything that brought Time Out Chicago editors the most joy. The following picks left quite an impression on us, and are poised to have an impact on the city for years to come. So, without further ado, these are best things we saw, ate and did in 2024.

Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago. Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Book your tickets for the Art Institute or Museum of Contemporary Art. Obsessed with the deep unknown of the sea or space? Take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium. Whether you enjoy art, science, history or architecture, the city’s many museums are some of the top Chicago attractions and provide a great way to spend an afternoon. If you plan ahead, you can also take advantage of the many free museum days throughout the year, too. So spend a day exploring the best museums in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the best children's museums in Chicago

Spending the night at home doesn't mean that you have to compromise on booze. In fact, with a helping hand from the best wine shops and bars in Chicago, you can sip and swirl like you're dining at one of the city's best restaurants—plus, you can stay in your pajamas. There's a wine shop in Chicago for every budget and craving, whether you're stocking the fridge with $10 bottles or expanding your knowledge of the natural wine movement. Every pick on this list is backed by a well-informed yet approachable staff that's ready and waiting to help you pair your next meal (or Netflix binge) with the perfect wine. Scope out the best wine shops in Chicago and remember to shop local next time you're in the mood for a bottle of pinot noir. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best wine bars in Chicago

Even some of the best ice cream shops in Chicago can't compare to the rush and nostalgia of unwrapping a classic chocolate bar or ripping open bags of sour gummies. On top of such a sweet sentiment, these desserts are fit for all seasons: silky caramels for autumnal indulgence, specialized marshmellows for out-of-this-world s'mores over a midsummer campfire or a bouquet of confections to match the perfect floral arrangment from a local flower shop. No matter the time of the year, satisfy that sweet tooth at the best candy and chocolate shops in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best hot chocolates in Chicago

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

Cheering on our local sports teams in the stands is one of the best things to do in Chicago any time of year—especially during soccer season. Chicago's two professional soccer teams, the Chicago Fire FC and the Chicago Red Stars, field international stars on their respective rosters and have wildly passionate supporters. When the teams are on the road or you can't make it over to Soldier Field or SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, don't worry—just pull up a stool, order a pint and make a friend at one of the city's best sports bars or outdoor patios for soccer matches. (And if anyone makes you try to explain the offside rule, just say, "You first.") RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best bars in Chicago

If you get it, you get it: Nails are a big deal. Fortunately, Chicago has plenty of options for a manicure, pedicure or stunning new set of nails. And the nail experience doesn’t just stop at the basics—plenty of salons are also luxurious spas and some even offer complimentary wine. But we know that when there are too many choices, making a decision can be challenging. That's why we’ve picked out the 17 best nail salons in Chicago. Whether you're planning a staycation or are looking for a glow-up, these spots will give your hands and feet the pampering they deserve.

There’s no Chicago Christmas experience more authentic than bracing the chill of winter to cut down your own Christmas tree. Though Chicago offers plenty of dazzling light displays and holiday-themed experiences, you’ll need to head outside of the city for the perfect pine, spruce or fir. Whether you want to travel 30 minutes or two hours, there are plenty of spots ranging from muddy and rustic BYOS (bring your own saw) farms with house-made cookies and hot chocolate to elaborate, Instagram-worthy holiday backdrops and tractor rides. No matter what holiday movie you’re envisioning yourself in this season, you’ll enjoy holiday cheer and beautiful scenery while cutting down your own tree.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Christmas in Chicago

Variety is the spice of life and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Chicago’s food halls. Eat like a local at some of the city’s best restaurants, which have miniature outposts slinging delicious burgers, fried chicken, sushi and much more. If you love options or are dining with a group, these culinary destinations are perfect—they offer tantalizing bites for every palate. Whether it’s an Italian food emporium or a food court located in the basement of a Chinatown shopping center, there’s no going wrong. And while the Loop is home to many food halls due to the large number of office workers, you can also venture to West Loop, Uptown and beyond for great fare. So don’t settle for a meal of leftovers, check out the best food halls in Chicago to sample tons of tasty choices. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best bars in the Loop

There's no bigger celebration of Chicago’s architectural diversity than the annual Open House Chicago. Happening on October 19 and 20, Open House Chicago 2024 grants locals and visitors inside access to more than 170 sites in over 20 neighborhoods. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist commercial architecture or in love with historic homes, the event always provides a captivating look at some of the city's most beautiful buildings. With 26 new sites, this year’s program also includes many unique businesses (like one of Chicago's best breweries) and community organizations dedicated to elevating Chicago’s urban living experience. However, if it all sounds too intimidating, we’ve chosen 17 must-see places to give you a headstart.

Chicago has a long history of speakeasies, hidden bars established during Prohibition so that those in the know could still get a drink. Even when alcohol became legal again, Chicagoans continued to enjoy the allure of secretive subterranean bars, and that mystique extends to hidden Chicago restaurants you might miss unless you really know what you’re looking for. Some operate within other restaurants or stores, while others are tucked away in parks and schools. From acclaimed fine dining establishments to an omakase concept underneath a bar, here are the hidden restaurants in Chicago that are worth searching out. RECOMMENDED: Discover more hidden gems in Chicago

No matter what you’re in the mood for, few neighborhoods offer as many options as West Loop. Home to Time Out Market Chicago and some of the best restaurants in Chicago, the bustling area is packed with everything from omakase concepts to Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Whether you’re dining in the section of Randolph Street known as “Restaurant Row” or venturing a bit further north to the former warehouse district Fulton Market, there’s a variety of beloved institutions to check out. So consult our guide to the best West Loop restaurants, make a reservation (as tables are always in demand) and get ready to taste the most delicious foods Chicago has to offer. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best bars in West Loop

Last month, Time Out Market Chicago invited restaurants and mixologists from across the city to compete in a friendly bar competition. Their task was to concoct the perfect version of an elixir that has rapidly captured the hearts of many: the espresso martini.  Whether you’re a caffeine fiend with all-day cravings or a well-versed cocktail connoisseur, the espresso martini’s rise to fame has surely caught your eye. Beyond the trend of Sabrina Carpenter’s java-themed summer jam, the surge can be traced back to 2021—it's been reported that mentions for the cocktail increased by 300% in the first three months of that year. Since then, the drink has held its spots as a favorite for casual sippers, sparking the need for a battle to find the best in Chicago.  Although many accepted the challenge, only one emerged victorious. Ummo in River North took the number one spot, as voted by judges and guests. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Italian fare combined with American flavors. For its cocktail menu, bar manager Lance Bowman meticulously develops creative libations and completely reinvents classic cocktails. Options like the Strawberry Cannoli are a crafty combination of strawberry, vodka and egg whites.  Bowman’s take on the espresso martini uses La Colombe cold brew, complex BroVo Boomerang liqueur, cacao nib syrup and a Madagascar vanilla chai cold foam to help suspend the espresso bean garnishes. The extra “oomph” is the pu-erh demerara, a sugary syrup infused with a

Chicago has the most recognizable skyline in the world. It’s not necessarily because of its grandeur, but because of its characters: The diamond-headed Crain Communication Center, the monolith that is the Aon Center and the piece de resistance—the Willis (Sears) Tower.  Boasting the title of world’s tallest skyscraper for nearly 25 years, the giant in the sky embodies the Chicago spirit—a big-shouldered leader of modernism standing out from the crowd. Starting with trips as a kid up to the Skydeck, one begins to recognize the behemoth as another marker of the city’s limits in perceivable altitude.  When presented with the opportunity to ascend 103 floors of glory, I jumped on it. Every year, the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab puts on SkyRise Chicago, a fundraiser to support the center’s work in adult and child physical rehabilitation. As part of the fundraiser, participants can either climb 2,147 stairs to the Willis Tower Skydeck or cycle a total of 3.2 miles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Chicago (@timeoutchicago) In preparation for the event, I trained on the StairMaster at my gym. Every few days, I’d aim for 103—accompanied by podcasts, remixes and YouTube videos. Every time, it was a challenge to stay focused and push to the end.  I woke up at 7am on a Sunday and made my way to Jackson Avenue and Franklin Street. I completed all of the formalities, signed in, got my bib and made my way to the starting line to begin the climb. T

While haunted houses and spooky events provide frights during the Halloween season, there are plenty of scares that happen year round. We asked Time Out readers what Chicago-specific moments spark fear without fail and received numerous responses. From driving on Lower Wacker Drive to ghost buses, here are eight experiences more terrifying than a killer clown. Speed cameras Commonly installed near parks and schools, speed cameras are a scary sight for many drivers. It’s an even bigger shock when you receive a ticket in the mail—the fine is $35 for going 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit and $100 for 11 miles per hour or more. Driving into Lower Wacker Drive Chicago’s most notorious multilevel street can be a confusing labyrinth, not just for out-of-towners but locals as well. Thanks to spotty GPS signals, navigating Lower Wacker Drive is a bit tricky if you aren’t familiar with the layout. And one wrong turn is all it takes to end up in Lower Lower Wacker Drive, a small, short section that’s also home to a drag racing scene. Chicago Air and Water Show practice day One of the city’s most popular summer traditions, the Chicago Air and Water show brings millions of people to the lakefront to watch dazzling stunts performed by daredevil pilots plus boat demonstrations. The Friday before the shows is a practice day, with jets noisily zooming around and often startling residents who have forgotten about the annual spectacle. The Red Line on the day of a Cubs game Although

Whether you’re born and bred in the Windy City or have grown to call it home, you're probably aware there's an unspoken understanding between locals. It’s nothing too crazy, but the city definitely has its own traditions that residents hold dear to their hearts. To clarify any nebulous rules, we asked Time Out Chicago readers about rules to live by. From proper snowstorm etiquette to gastronomy no-nos, here’s what Chicagoans said were the most important unwritten rules of the city. “Deep dish pizza is for tourists. Locals eat thin crust.” “It will ALWAYS be the Sears Tower...not Willis.” “You have a "frunch room" and not a living room.” “Don’t try to start the Wave in Wrigley…” A chair on a parking spot is respected. Also applies to brooms, fish tanks or any other random furniture. “The burbs are NOT Chicago!” The most important rule to remember! “It’s pop, not soda.” “When riding the CTA please keep your bag on your lap, take up only the space you absolutely need, be quiet and helpful, respect everyone.” “Some highways are personified with names, and result in confusing directions if you don’t have a decoder.” What part of “take the Eisenhower to the Jane Byrne Interchange and then north on the Kennedy” don’t people understand? “Don’t take that shot of Malort, but feel free to offer it.” “It's 'fiddy fif' not 55th.” “South of Congress - Sox fans. North of Congress - Cubs fans.” One of the lesser known geopolitical lines of demarcation. “Don’t get into Lower Wacker if you re

Like many Chicagoans, I’ll order a deep dish pizza or hot dog “dragged through the garden” once in a blue moon. The heartiness and acid-reflux-inducing nature of these dishes means a slice of Malnati’s or Red Hots order is reserved for special occasions, mostly as a culinary showcase for out-of-towners.  It wasn’t until recently that I came to this realization when a West Coast friend, finally conceding to the sirenic calls of summertime Chicago, asked as we sat in the booth of Pequod's Pizza on a busy Saturday night, “If Chicagoans rarely eat deep dish pizza, why do you guys talk about it so much?” As I attempted to draw comparisons to a New York City bagel or Los Angeles breakfast burrito, which local residents actually do consume on the regular, my friend was left without an answer and I was left to ask myself: Is this all just a show? What is my role in this public, disingenuous spectacle? Naturally, I turned to Guy DeBord’s Society of the Spectacle for clarity. The 1967 book from the French theorist critiques development of mass media as an instrument of class struggle—does my tacit compliance in the constructed folklore of, say, a hot dog count in DeBord’s lens? More than I could have ever imagined.  “The spectacle is not a collection of images; it is a social relation between people that is mediated by images,” DeBord writes. “The spectacle presents itself simultaneously as society itself, as a part of society, and as a means of unification.” Okay, great, got it, makes

In celebration of the end of summer, you have the chance to order a giant Pop-Tart tomorrow. Starting August 20, residents of the Chicagoland area can get their hands on a massive version of the popular morning pastry. The Pop-Tarts Party Pastry will be 73 times the size of a normal Pop-Tart, making it the largest toaster pastry ever sold, and can feed 73 people. Aiming to spark child-like wonder, the behemoth breakfast snack is customizable with special decorations and designs for those lucky enough to nab one.  The Pop-Tart will be delivered directly to snackers’ doorsteps in a three-foot tall box, mimicking the original packaging.  The Pop-Tart started its journey in 1963 when Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) chairman, William LaMothe, envisioned “transforming a delicious breakfast into a toaster-ready rectangle that could go anywhere.” Originally called the “Fruit Scone,” the flaky and flat strudel hit the scene of Cleveland, Ohio the following year and, after a name change, the rest is history.  For its 60th birthday, the party pastry will only run you about $60, including delivery. It will only be available in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles during the promotional period and on a first-come, first-serve basis so be sure to act fast—the product was offered earlier this month and sold out in four minutes! You can try to snag one of the limited number of Party Pastries starting at noon on Tuesday, August 20 via the Pop-Tarts’ website. The Party Pastry is only availabl

Lollapalooza is coming to Time Out Market Chicago. In collaboration with Diskonect and Third Eye Hospitality, the food and culture hub in Fulton Market is transforming into a three-level music venue and hosting an official Lollapalooza afterparty on Thursday, August 1. From 9pm to 2am, attendees are invited to groove to the tunes of Chicago icons while enjoying small bites from some of the city's best restaurants. In celebration of 40 years since the birth of house on Chicago’s South Side, the Market will be filled with the high tempos and recognizable beats of electronic dance music and hip hop. The afterparty will feature sets by Chicago natives Vic Mensa, Felix Da Housecat and NEZ. Vic Mensa is a Grammy-nominated rapper from Chicago who has worked with notable artists like Ye, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and more. Felix Da Housecat, a Grammy-nominated artist and house pioneer, is an icon of the electronic music scene in Chicago and around the world. NEZ, also a Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate, has collaborated with the likes of Schoolboy Q, A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott.  "The DNA of Chicago house has always resonated with me," said NEZ, who performed at Lollapalooza in 2021. "The minimalism, stripped down elements, the bass lines, and the chords had a big impact on how I produce.  Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park next weekend, August 1-4. The annual summer music festival will host international talent over four days and is estimated to bring in over 400,000 attendees. This

A new, winning American combination has been born: rugby and fried chicken. From the mind of Art Smith, a two-time James Beard Award winner and long-time celebrity chef who’s collaborated with Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga, comes a new fried chicken concept at Time Out Market Chicago—Sporty Bird. Smith, a Florida native who still calls Chicago one of his homes, was inspired by his roots to bring Southern cooking to the world. “I come from very southern America,” Smith said. “I grew up with a very Southern mother and grandmothers and aunts, and food was a very central part of who we are as a family. And no, we didn’t eat fried chicken every day.” His most notable foray into batter-fried poultry was the fried chicken at Table Fifty-Two (which closed and reopened as Blue Door Kitchen and Garden in 2016) in the Gold Coast. The “world-famous” fried chicken expanded to other Southern restaurants including Reunion at Navy Pier, Art and Soul in Washington, D.C. and farm-to-table eatery Homecomin' in Disney Springs.  But at 64 years of age and having spent decades in the food industry, Smith was unsure of his next culinary adventure until an unexpected sports partnership reinvigorated him.  After reading an article about soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s chicken sandwich collaboration with the Hard Rock Cafe, the chef couldn’t help but look at the offering and think, “This looks like fast food—I can do better.” Following the founding of Chicago’s first professional rugby team, the Chicag

Two of Chicago’s most recognizable culinary institutions are teaming up for an unforgettable flavor combination: Pizza-Seasoned Garrett Popcorn. For a limited time, the Home Run Inn and Garrett Popcorn crossover snack will be available at Wrigley Field. Cubs fans can elevate their baseball dining experience at select concession stands from July 2-7. The recipe combines Garrett’s beloved buttery popcorn with Home Run Inn’s “Everything But the Pizza” seasoning—a blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese. Both brands are steeped in Chicago history—tavern-style thin crust pizzas have been coming out of Home Run Inn pizzerias since 1947 while Garrett is celebrating 75 years as the original gourmet popcorn of the Windy City. The inventive and local flavor crossover marks another creative endeavor from the popcorn brand. Back in 2022, Garrett partnered with Revolution Brewing to produce its caramel popcorn in the form of a beverage with a CarmelCrisp-flavored ale.  For any out-of-towners (or Sox Fans) feeling left out, fret not. Both Garrett Buttery Popcorn and Home Run Inn’s seasoning are available to order online, so you can make your own equally delicious at-home version of the official collab.

It’s official: Chicago has some of the worst traffic in the world. According to Inrix’s Global Traffic Scorecard, Chicago ranks No. 5 for worst traffic in the world with a loss of 96 hours in traffic for the average traveler in 2023. To compare, the typical American driver lost 42 hours in traffic in the same year. Chicago ranks behind New York, London, Paris and Mexico City in highest global traffic delay times. The study uses traffic data to provide delay comparisons, economic projections and commuting trends based on unique geographic travel patterns.  Chicago’s congestion surge was an 18% jump from pre-pandemic travel times in 2019.  Some of Chicago’s expressways are the busiest in the country, too. The Dan Ryan headed south from the Jane Byrne Interchange to Interstate 57 at 4pm ranks as the 10th busiest travel corridor in the country, and eastbound on the Stevenson from the Dan Ryan to Cicero Avenue at 4pm ranks 12th in the nation.  The report also showed travel trends reflecting changes in Chicago’s downtown. As the Loop approaches one of its highest storefront vacancies in decades, Chicago’s year-over-year trips to its city center decreased by 1%, the only U.S. city in the report to experience a reduction. The damages done to travelers aren't just to their psyches, either. The cost of lost time and general price of congestion averaged out to $1,672 per Chicago driver, according to the report. On a wider scale, the study estimates the city of Chicago lost $6.1 billion

Chicago’s most famous metallic legume is back on display this week after months of maintenance work. In celebration of its return and Millennium Park’s upcoming 20th anniversary, here’s everything you need to know about the adored public art. Whose idea was "The Bean?" In 1999, to prepare for the highly-anticipated opening of Millennium Park, city organizers asked dozens of artists from around the world to submit proposals for public art. Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (the official name of "The Bean") was chosen. Kapoor, a world-renowned British sculptor, originally wanted to model the art piece off of liquid mercury, hence the reflective metal exterior. Featuring an “omphalos” (Greek for “navel”), the concave chamber at the center of the structure, "The Bean" is said to act as a gate between realms and allows visitors to walk directly under the massive artwork.  In explaining his vision to the Chicago Tribune in 2004, the artist said, "What I wanted to do was to make a work that would deal with the incredible skyline of Chicago and the open sky and the lake but then also be a kind of gate. You know, the tradition of public sculpture is for the gate, the archway, the square to flow within [the landscape] rather than be an object decorating it." Kapoor also considered Chicago-specific geography while designing Cloud Gate. “Chicago is a very vertical city,” Kapoor told the Chicago Sun-Times in 2017. “I wanted to make a horizontal sculpture that would draw in the clouds as well as t

One of America’s largest pizza chains has just added a new item to its permanent menu that's sure to be controversial with locals—Chicago tavern-style pizza. Pizza Hut, also known as “The Hut,” has rolled out a new tavern-style thin crust alongside four new topping variations: pesto margherita, ultimate tavern, spicy chicken sausage and double pepperoni. Diners will also be able to create their own combinations with eight new permanent ingredients: spicy marinara sauce, pesto sauce swirl, chicken sausage, fresh diced garlic, grape tomatoes, caramelized onions, fire roasted peppers and crispy cupped pepperoni. As a Chicagoan, I understand my birthright to classic, tavern-style pizza and decided to try it myself. What’s the deal with tavern-style pizza? While the city may have built its global reputation around the hearty behemoth that is deep dish pizza, the tradition of thin crust, tavern-style pies is generally more preferred by Chicagoans. Unlike our neighbors on the East Coast, pizza as a culinary staple did not catch on in Chicago until the post-Prohibition 1940s. Essentially, local taverns used pizza as the perfect accompaniment to alcohol—not needing plates, the pizza was cut into small squares to fit neatly on a paper napkin and enticed patrons to stay (and drink) longer. Chicagoans also adopted hand-rolling out pizza dough unlike the traditionalists of New York, who preferred theirs tossed, according to Chicago Magazine. Machine sheeters eventually proved to be more e