Jeffy Mai

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! As fall in Chicago rolls on and the temperatures drop, find fun things to indoors. The City of Chicago Christmas tree and Christkindlmarket return this Friday, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season. You can also check out dazzling Christmas lights, go ice skating or grab a festive drink at a themed pop-up bar. 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 this weekend

Welcome to another weekend! Find the best things to do in Chicago this fall before winter is upon us. Say hello to the holiday season with the return of Christkindlmarket and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. You can also go ice skating at Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park, see the City of Chicago Christmas tree light up or start shopping for gifts at artisan markets. There are plenty of booze-filled events happening as well, from the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers to Whiskies of the World. 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 right now

‘Tis the season to be jolly and there’s no better way to do that than by visiting a festive pop-up. Restaurants and bars across the city are getting in the holiday spirit and transforming their spaces into winter wonderlands that feature themed events, cheery ornaments and other over-the-top spectacles. You’ll find boozy concoctions—from eggnog grasshoppers to mulled wine—as well as plenty of photo ops. Some of the following spots are also among the city’s best bars. So get ready to have a merry Christmas with gorgeous light displays and the best holiday pop-up bars in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do during the holidays in Chicago

Few sights jumpstart feelings of holiday cheer quite like sparkling Christmas lights—and lucky for us, the Chicago area has plenty of stunning options to choose from. Here in the city, take a stroll down Michigan Avenue or visit Lincoln Park Zoo's famed ZooLights installation, which is free on Mondays. You'll also find impressive lights downtown at the City of Chicago Christmas tree at Millennium Park, which is lit during an annual ceremony that's happening November 22 this year. Once you've had your fill of lights, head over to Christkindlmarket and warm up with spiced glühwein and German-inspired fare, or go ice skating at Maggie Daley Park. So discover some of the best things to do during Christmas in Chicago with our guide to the area's most beautiful holiday lights. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Christmas in Chicago

November 2024: Fall rolls on, and the holiday season is just around the corner! There's no shortage of great things to do, from festive pop-ups and dazzling light displays to ice skating. And don't forget about the return of Christkindlmarket, either. There are plenty of other options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in November. No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We've searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now.

Thanksgiving is coming up on November 28 and it’s time to start making plans. This year, let the experts handle all of the hard work while you and your loved ones sit back and enjoy a scrumptious holiday spread. Many Chicago restaurants, some of which are among the best in the city, will be offering special menus for the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a traditional turkey feast with all the fixins or want to switch things up with steak and seafood, the following places are up to the task. So add “not having to prepare a large family meal” to the list of things to be thankful for by securing a spot at the best Chicago restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Just don’t wait too long—they’ll book up quickly. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do over Thanksgiving

Fall is right around the corner and that means it’s time for pumpkin spice, sweater weather and the start of college football. As the epicenter of the Midwest, Chicago is firmly in the heart of Big Ten country. Countless alums live here, and on every Saturday from September to November, many of them don their school colors and head to a bar to cheer on their alma maters. But while the best sports bars in Chicago are always great, sometimes you just want to be among like-minded fans. That’s why numerous spots around town are dedicated solely to individual Big Team teams. They show the games with the sound on, play the school fight songs and deliver the ultimate game day experience. Win or lose, you can expect to have a fun time. So check out our guide to find the best bar for each Big Ten school (apologies to Maryland and Rutgers).

Welcome to November in Chicago! You've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas lights displays to the first days of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. And of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving in Chicago. Hoping to avoid the holidays altogether? Take a spin on the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon or huddle away from the wintry weather at Chicago museums as temperatures start to plummet. Say goodbye to fall in Chicago with the help of our list of the best things to do in Chicago this November. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2024 Chicago events calendar

Time Out Market Chicago, the culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market, is your one-stop destination for the city's best bites, drinks and programming. The 50,000-square-foot space houses more than 15 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors. You can enjoy delicious dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan, creative burgers at Gutenburg, fried chicken from Art Smith's Sporty Bird, extravagant milkshakes from JoJo's shakeBAR and much more under one roof. But the fun doesn't stop there: The Market hosts a variety of events each week, from concerts to art showcases to comedy nights. We're always keeping the calendar packed with exciting things to do, and here's what you can expect in the coming weeks.

November 2024: On our latest roundup of the city's best eateries, we're welcoming stunning Tuscan steakhouse Tre Dita, new French standout Gavroche and smoked meats palace Sanders BBQ Supply. They join our growing list of favorite restaurants that should be on everyone's radar, whether you're new to the city or a lifelong Chicagoan. The best restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred heavyweights to some of the best cheap eats Chicago has to offer. The cuisines are just as varied, with every corner of the globe represented through Korean, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and Japanese fare—and much more. Whether you're a lifelong resident or simply visiting for the weekend, stuffing your face at one of these restaurants is easily among the best things to do in Chicago. This belt-busting food scene shows no signs of slowing down, so we cut to the chase and ranked our essentials—the absolute best restaurants in town. Our editors scour the city for great dishes, excellent value and insider info. We hope to provide an authentic snapshot of Chicago's ever-evolving dining experiences by updating this list constantly with the best new restaurants in the city as well as decades-old stalwarts that keep us coming back for more. It could be a mega-hyped destination restaurant or a remarkable hole in the wall: If it’s on the list, we think it’s terrific, and we bet you will, too.

Chicago doesn’t have the same prestigious reputation as other barbecue meccas, but there are undoubtedly great smokehouses all across the city. From sticky, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs to tender pulled pork, local pit masters have mastered the craft of smoking meats. They’re also dabbling in specialties from other regions, meaning you can chow on on Texas brisket at Smoque and Green Street Smoked Meats or St. Louis ribs at Offset. And if you’re not familiar with Chicago-style barbecue, head to South Side favorites like Lem’s and Honey 1 BBQ for delicious rib tips and hot links. These spots are also perfect for some of the best cheap eats or delivery and takeout, in case you don’t want to get messy in public. So check out our guide to the best barbecue restaurants in Chicago and start fasting for a meaty feast. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

When the craving for Vietnamese food hits, you’ve got plenty of options in Chicago. Most locals are familiar with West Argyle Street Historic District, the city’s mecca for Southeast Asian cuisine, but it’s not the only area to find terrific sandwiches and noodle soups. Places like HaiSous and Sochi Saigonese Kitchen offer refined and elevated spins on authentic dishes, and are among the finest restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, reliable mainstays Nhu Lan and Nha Hang are sure to hit the spot. You’ll find banh mi stuffed with pork and pickled veggies, rich pho teeming with beef, crispy banh xeo and much more. And they're also some of the best cheap eats in town. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Chicago’s best Vietnamese restaurants have you covered. RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best soups in Chicago

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 Time Out Market Chicago experience is about to get a lot sweeter. On Wednesday, November 20, one of the city’s best dessert makers joins the Fulton Market food and culture hub. That’s right, Molly’s Cupcakes will be offering its delectable sweet treats, plus some special surprises, to all. Not to state the obvious, but Molly’s cupcakes are the crème de la crème. They’re available in a variety of flavors, from classics like Cookies-N-Cream and Red Velvet to the peanut butter-filled Ron Bennington. And they’re not just delicious, either, they’re award-winning—Molly’s was crowned on the first season of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. If you’d rather customize your own indulgent cupcake, Molly’s provides plenty of options. Guests can choose a cake, frosting and as many toppings—including sprinkles, Oreo pieces, brownie chunks, gummy bears and more—as their hearts desire. There’s no limit on creativity, so let your inner child out. While cupcakes are the headliner, Molly’s menu features a host of different desserts. Satiate the sweet tooth with cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies treats and cake pops. There are even pup treats for your four-legged best friends. That’s not all: Molly’s is launching exclusive items that will only be served at Time Out Market Chicago! You’ll be able to enjoy pastries like croissants, muffins, scones, mini cheesecakes and weekly specials. For those who need a morning pick-me-up, Molly’s will serve breakfast bagel and croissant sandwiches. But don’t worr

This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of Time Out Market Chicago, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with you during a daylong party! But that’s not the only exciting happening going on at the Fulton Market food and culture hub—we’ve also debuted a new cocktail menu for the season. With fall here and winter not far off, the Market bar has crafted a lineup of creative concoctions that are ideal for the falling temperatures. There’s something for every type of spirit lover, whether it’s agave-, whiskey- or vodka-based. Looking for something different? Try the Cha Cha Chai, featuring Maker’s Mark, Apologue Persimmon and Chai'Walla bitters. Negroni lovers, the White Noise is a tasty riff on a classic that’s made with the Botanist gin, dry vermouth and Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. For something more refreshing, go with the Purple Haze—Citadelle Gin, drème de violette and lemon—or the Sangria Paradiso with lychee puree. Of course, we didn’t forget about everyone’s favorite (in fact, we hosted a competition dedicated to it): the espresso martini. The Market’s version boasts Truman vodka, cold brew coffee liqueur and La Colombe espresso. These newest cocktails pair perfectly with some of the best fall dishes at the Market. And just because the warm days are over, it doesn’t mean rooftop season has to end. Head upstairs to Tony’s Rooftop bar for a drink and skyline views—no matter the weather. The bar also hosts weekly programming like trivia nights. Check out the new cocktail me

One of Chicago’s biggest music festivals won’t be returning next year.  Pitchfork Music Festival has just announced it will not be happening in 2025. The annual indie, alt-rock and hip hop spectacle has taken over Union Park every summer since 2004. The decision was revealed in a statement on the Pitchfork website. "For 19 years, Pitchfork Music Festival has been a celebration of music, art, and community—a space where memories were made, voices were amplified, and the shared love of music brought us all together,” the official release reads. “We are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for being our Festival’s home for nearly two decades, to the artists who graced our stages with unforgettable performances and to the fans who brought unmatched energy year after year.” The festival had a reputation for highlighting up-and-coming artists, as well as legacy acts. Past headliners have included Kendrick Lamar, Vampire Weekend, Robyn, Bon Iver and the National. This year’s edition featured Alanis Morissette, Jamie xx and Black Pumas. Although Pitchfork Music Festival has been held in Chicago every year since inception, it has also expanded to cities around the world, like Paris, London, Berlin and Mexico City. In its statement, Pitchfork left the door open for the fest to come back elsewhere in some capacity, saying, “Pitchfork will continue to produce events in 2025 and beyond.” Festival season is one of our favorite things about summer in Chicago, and we’re deeply saddened by

We here at Time Out don’t ever need a reason to throw a good party, but there’s a very special occasion coming up that calls for one: The fifth anniversary of Time Out Market Chicago! Join us on November 16 at the food and culture hub in Fulton Market for an all-day celebration. The Market was opened in 2019 with one mission—to bring the best of the city together under one roof—and we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve got planned. The festivities will kick off at 11am with storytime with Cinderella for the little ones. Starting at 1pm, guests can enjoy a host of free activities, including live water color illustrations, flash tattoos and a photo booth to capture the memories. DJs will be spinning beats all day long, and there will be a live performance by a band as well. Of course, delicious food and drinks are what the Market is known for so our chefs are whipping up some surprises for you. In addition to each kitchen’s regular menu, there will also be a host of $5 specials. You’ll be able to sample dishes like Urbanbelly’s hot chicken bao buns, Gutenberg sliders, Bill Kim’s pork mandu, mini sticky chicken biscuits from Sporty Bird and much more. Plus, the Market bar is offering a $5 birthday cocktail. Guests will receive a punch card and those who order from at least five kitchens will be able to redeem a discount. We may be a little biased, but trust us when we say there’s never been a better opportunity to sample a variety of tasty bites from some of the city’s best re

The 2024 general election is here and voting is underway. A lot of races will be decided as Illinois residents cast their ballots for the presidential election, as well as state representatives, senators, school board members and much more. To help make things as easy as possible, here’s everything you need to know about voting. When is Election Day 2024? Election Day is always the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year, it falls on November 5. How do I register to vote in Illinois? Voter registration deadlines have already passed, but residents can still register through “Grace Period” registration at all voting sites on the day of the election. What do I need to bring to vote? If a voter is already registered at their home address, they will not need to bring any identification. Those who are registering at a polling place before they vote will need to provide two forms of identification, including one with their current home address. How can I vote by mail? The deadline to request a mail-in ballot ended on October 31. Submitted ballots must be postmarked no later than November 5 or dropped into a designated dropbox by the end of Election Day. Where can I vote in Chicago? You can find your assigned precinct polling place here. Each ward also has a voting site, and there is an additional downtown voting location. You can find out which ward you live in here. Below is a list of all ward sites. Ward 1: Goldblatts Building, 1615 W Chicago Ave Ward 2: Near North

Halloween is right around the corner and there are plenty of ways to celebrate, from spooky parades to haunted houses. Of course, dressing up is always one of the best parts of the holiday, which is why this past weekend we hosted a pet costume contest at Time Out Market Chicago. Many good boys and girls showed up in their best outfits, and if you missed out, you can relive the pawsome event through these adorable photos below.  Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market Photograph: Time Out Market

Chicagoans are blessed when it comes to tacos—we have so many amazing taquerias to choose from. But sadly, we’ll soon have one less option. Taqueria Chingon has announced on Instagram that it will be closing for good on November 26. The eatery isn’t just a great place for tacos, it’s also one of Time Out’s best restaurants in Chicago. The Logan Square favorite cited “the upcoming winter paired with rising cost of doing business” as a reason for the decision. It did, however, say there are plans to return sometime in the future. “Trust us when we say we will be back, more Chingon than ever. We just need to rest, retool, and find a space that will suit our needs better,” Taqueria Chingon wrote. Opened in 2020 by chefs Oliver Poilevey (Le Bouchon, Obelix), Sotero Gallegos (Le Sardine) and Marcos Ascencio (NoMI, Bar Lupo), Taqueria Chingon earned rave reviews for its exceptional menu. Standouts include the al pastor pork—shaved right off the trompo—and duck carnitas tacos, plus unique one-off creations like al pastor octopus and firefly squid tacos. The restaurant would offer taco omakase experiences from time to time as well. You’ve got a few weeks left to say goodbye so don’t miss out. In addition to its regular menu, Taqueria Chingon features weekly specials, such as birria tacos on Tuesdays and housemade Crunchwrap Supremes on Wednesdays. While nothing will fill the void in our hearts left by Taqueria Chingon, news of a Michelin-starred taqueria coming to Chicago later in the

If you’re not a sports fan or haven’t been keeping up with the Chicago White Sox this season, well, you’ve missed a lot of bad baseball. The 2024 South Siders are—without exaggeration—one of the worst, if not the worst, teams of all time. They’ve lost in just about every way imaginable, a dramatic collapse for a squad that went to back-to-back postseasons in 2020-21 and seemed poised to become a perennial contender. There’s a famous saying by Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda that no matter what, every team is destined to win a third of its games and lose a third. Apparently, the Sox were not informed of this. As the calendar turned to September this year, the baseball world turned its attention toward the Sox’s march to infamy. The team needed to lose 121 games to surpass the expansion 1962 New York Mets for the most losses in a season in the modern era. While, at the time, there were still weeks left to play, it seemed all but certain the Sox would earn that dubious distinction—it was only a matter of when.  Now, full disclosure: I am a Cubs fan. But though the city’s two baseball teams are crosstown rivals, I can’t say I derive much pleasure from the misery of Sox fans. (After all, we still come together at the end of the day to root for the hapless Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks.) However, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see history in person. And when the Sox were swept by the San Diego Padres on September 22, matching the 1962 Mets with 120 losses, the die was cast.

There’s never a shortage of incredible experiences in Chicago, whether you’re looking to dine at the finest restaurants in town or looking for exciting things to do on your day off. The team at Time Out is here to help you discover the best of the city, so we’ve rolled out a new feature to make it simpler for readers to get the info they need. In the spirit of the holidays, you can now check out this handy interactive map to see what events, pop-ups and festive activities are happening around the city. It’s still spooky szn so don’t miss out on Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-up, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Night Parade, Chicago Seadog Haunted River Tours and more this week. The map will be updated weekly with seasonal happenings through the end of the year, meaning you’ll soon be able to find where to see holiday lights, sip Christmas-themed cocktails and celebrate on New Year’s Eve—all in one place. And it works in cities around the world, just in case you’re traveling for the holidays!

We don’t need to tell you that Chicago is filled with amazing restaurants. And while it’s always nice for our favorite spots to get national recognition from the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation, we shouldn’t forget about Chicago’s very own food awards—the Jean Banchets. On Monday, the Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence revealed its 2025 finalists. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on January 26 at Venue SIX10. There are 13 categories in the 2025 Banchets, including a new one that’s oh-so-Chicago: Best Pizza. Named after the legendary chef who ran one of the country’s best French restaurants, Le Francais in Wheeling, the Jean Banchet Awards were started in 2002 to honor local culinary talents. The nominees are chosen by an anonymous panel of journalists and industry professionals. Who are the finalists for the 2025 Jean Banchet Awards? Restaurant of the Year El Che Steakhouse & BarAvecElskeRose Mary Chef of the Year Otto Phan (Kyōten)Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde)Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y., Valhalla, Apolonia)Kevin Hickey (The Duck Inn) Best New Restaurant CariñoBraseroJohn’s Food and WineOliver’s Rising Chef Chris Jung (Maxwells Trading)Mike Satinover (Akahoshi Ramen)Madalyn Durrant (Bar Parisette)John Dahlstrom (Nettare) Pastry Chef of the Year Antonio Incandela (Mariscos San Pedro)Bo Durham (Mindy’s Bakery)TC Lumbar (Elske)Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader & Ben Lustbader (Loaf Lounge) Bar of the Year Nine BarBisousSepiaGolden Years Best Heritage R

Chicagoans know a thing or two about amazing tacos, and soon we’ll have the opportunity to try some of the best in the world. Tacombi, the New York-based taqueria chain, is bringing tacos from Michelin-starred El Califa de León in Mexico City to Chicago for a limited time next month. On November 13, you can try all four of El Califa de León's delicious tacos plus the restaurant’s two famous salsas at Tacombi’s Wicker Park location (1442 N Milwaukee Ave). After the launch pop-up, a selection of El Califa de León offerings will be offered at Tacombi’s Wicker Park and West Loop (126 N Peoria St) outposts from November 14-28. A little bit of background: El Califa de León has been dishing out street tacos in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood since 1968. Earlier this year, the Michelin Guide debuted in Mexico and awarded the tiny taqueria with one star. Long lines soon and much attention soon followed. El Califa’s menu is concise, featuring one pork (chuleta) and three beef (bisteck, costilla, gaonera) options. Unlike most other tacos, the meats aren’t chopped up but instead served as whole pieces. New Jersey’s famed meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda will provide the products, which will be paired with Tacombi’s housemade tortillas. This isn’t the first time Tacombi has partnered with another eatery for an exciting collab. Earlier this year, the taqueria and J.P. Graziano celebrated Chicago’s 187th birthday with Italian beef tacos. We’re already salivating and planning our order—one o

Time Out Market Chicago is all about amazing food from some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city, but that doesn’t mean we’re not passionate about good drinks, too. This November, the Market will host two exciting events for beer and espresso martini lovers.  Join us during happy hour on November 7 for Beer Fest! Starting at 5pm, you’ll be able to sample as many beers as you want from Chicago’s top breweries. We’re teaming up with Moody Tongue, Casa Humilde, Revolution, Off Color, Old Irving, Haymarket, Pipeworks, Forbidden and Noon Whistle to offer a variety of pours for you to try. Discover something new or stick with old favorites—the choice is yours. Plus, there will be a live DJ spinning the hits so gather a group of friends for a good time. Best of all: Tickets are only $15. If you’re more of a cocktail person, come help us crown a champion during Time Out Market Chicago’s Best Espresso Martini Contest on November 10. Nine Chicago restaurants and bars will compete to see who makes the best concoction. Attendees will get to sample all of the creations and vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a trophy and cash prize and have their espresso martini on offer at the Market bar.  The lineup for our Espresso Martini Contest is stacked with big names. Bartenders from the Pearl Club, Beatrix, Gino & Marty’s, Moneygun, BLVD Steakhouse, UMMO, Maple & Ash, Prosecco and the Market bar will all be putting their own spins on the caffeinated alcoholic drink. And yo