Samantha Nelson

Chicago’s Chinatown is a neighborhood filled with seemingly endless pleasures. Located just off the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, it boasts block after block of restaurants and businesses. Numerous trips are needed just to scratch the surface of everything the area offers, which is why we’re here to help guide you to the best spots to grab a bite. You’ll discover cavernous dining rooms where dim sum can be enjoyed all day long, as well as dumpling specialists that provide little pillows of delight. Most of these places are perfect for delivery or takeout, and there are even some amazing bakeries. The bustling neighborhood is fully walkable, too, meaning you can hit up multiple spots in a visit. So spend a day exploring the best things to do and then refuel at one of Chinatown’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best Chinese restaurants in Chicago

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! Winter has arrived and with it, frigid temps, so find fun things to indoors. If you'd rather embrace the elements, there are also plenty of things to do outdoors, including ice skating, snowboarding and skiining, and sledding. 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! Winter is here, so embrace the cold weather and find fun things to do outdoors, like ice skating at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. Prefer to stay warm? There are plenty of indoor activities as well, plus museum exhibits and winter rooftops equipped with heated patios. 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

Chicago is best known for its hot dog, deep dish pizza and Italian beef, but the Windy City is also home to plenty of exceptional burgers. The best restaurants in Chicago have earned devoted followings, with people willing to wait hours for a table at Au Cheval or packing the bar at Mott St for its acclaimed burger. There's also lots of love for thin, smashed patties from spots like Taco Sublime, Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern and NADC Burger. So whether you enjoy a thick hunk of beef with simple toppings or patties dressed with bacon jam, garlic aioli and caramelized onions, our guide to the best burgers in Chicago will satisfy your cravings. RECOMMENDED: Find the best cheap eats in Chicago

Fried chicken is one of the most comforting foods around, easy to share with a group alongside cornbread, mac and cheese and collard greens, but also worthy of a solo indulgence at any time. Chicago even has its own iconic version of the dish—served with mild sauce—and the city’s wide range of options means you’ll find numerous other spins, like Korean fried chicken at Crisp and Nashville hot chicken at Fry the Coop. It’s also on the menu at some of the best restaurants in Chicago, including glitzy steakhouses and Southern favorites. So prepare to get messy and satisfy your craving at the best restaurants for fried chicken in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best cheap eats in Chicago

Sometimes, you just want a little escape from the city. If a weekend getaway isn't possible but you're still looking for new scenery and an adventure, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go hiking near Chicago in a state park or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to museums and historic lighthouses. And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by Metra. So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at Christkindlmarket locations in both Daley Plaza and Aurora. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2024 at New Year's Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you'll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2025 in style. So make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2024 Chicago events calendar

‘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

While some rooftop bars in Chicago close when the temperatures plunge, others get creative to extend the outdoor season into the winter. Hot drinks, fireplaces, curling lanes and over-the-top holiday decorations make it well worth bundling up to take in the skyline views that you can find atop downtown hotels and skyscrapers. There are also indoor rooftop bars and restaurants where retractable roofs, heated igloos and lodges mean you can stay cozy while watching the snow fall. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a boozy brunch or a fun group gathering, you can soak in the city’s beauty from one of these winterized rooftops. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago this winter

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

Whether you’re shopping for a kid or a kid at heart, visiting a toy store offers a great opportunity to buy a unique gift. If you’re looking for a Christmas or birthday present or want to add some retro collectibles to your own collection, stores throughout Chicago provide a place to seek help from the help of knowledgeable staff. It’s an experience you just won’t get buying online or from the toy aisle at a big box retailer. From new businesses to places that have been bringing joy for decades, these are the best toy stores in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do with kids in Chicago  

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

Hello Jasmine has built a mini chain in Chicago, with locations in Chinatown, Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square serving bubble tea and Taiwanese street food. You’ll often find large crowds chowing down on boxes of crispy, juicy popcorn chicken cooked with Taiwanese basil and served piping hot, spiced to order. Those looking for a variety of flavors can get a bento featuring chicken with grilled tofu, kimchi and fresh bok choy.

Miriam Montes de Oca closed her Belmont Cragin restaurant during the COVID-19 lockdown, but brought back her beloved Dominican fried chicken in 2024 in at a new space in Humboldt Park. Made with a secret recipe, the golden meat is served alongside fried plantains and a little bit of lime to brighten up the flavor. Pair it with a Dominican soda or passion fruit juice.

Most people flock to PrimeTime Bar & Grill to watch football, hockey or basketball on the many televisions that line the simply-decorated spot, but the smashburgers are good enough to draw in those with no skin in the game. Go super decadent with a double smashburger covered with American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles and signature sauce. If you want to skip the bun, you can also get the smashburger over regular or Cajun fries.

The Not a Damn Chance Burger at dive bar The Drop In proved so popular that it took over the whole concept. A collaboration between professional skateboarder and Chicago native Neen Williams and Michelin-starred chef Phillip Frankland Lee, the signature burger features a double patty made from Texas wagyu beef with onions grilled and smashed into the meat while it cooks. It’s topped with American cheese, secret sauce, onions, pickles and pickled jalapenos. The only other dish on the menu is fries, so you know the burger is the star of the show. And it smells so good that it may still be tempting even if you’ve just splurged on omakase downstairs at Sushi by Scratch.

If you’re looking for a posh home base while exploring downtown Chicago, consider checking into The Gwen, a Michelin Guide one key hotel located within the historic McGraw-Hill building. I arrived on a Saturday well before check in, but was able to easily stash my bags and the room was ready soon after. The king rooms are spacious, providing plenty of room to tuck away luggage and a large TV that I could easily plug my Apple TV into for some evening relaxation. I received a welcome cheese plate and split of Champagne, but had dinner plans so tucked them in the fridge for later. I particularly liked the chocolate cherry bark as a post-meal treat. Despite the proximity to Michigan Avenue, I had no problem sleeping in the plush bed. My bathroom had a really nice looking tub but no soap or shampoo were provided there and the toiletries in the shower were attached to the wall. I probably could have requested something from the front desk but just enjoyed the walk-in shower instead. I booked a spot at Upstairs at The Gwen for an evening snack and our host positioned us at a table near the communal fire table so we could enjoy the heat while still having more privacy. The Brussels sprouts were a little overwhelmed by the calabrian chili vinaigrette but the spanakopita our server recommended was great, drizzled with honey that went well with the flaky crust and savory spinach and feta filling. Since we were heading out for cocktails, we opted for some of the lounge’s extensive nonalc

Look out over Lake Michigan and Millennium Park from the glass atrium on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. The outdoor terrace is accessible year round and features fire pits to keep you toasty while you sip drinks. Cindy’s is running an après ski-inspired pop-up, with classic cold weather cocktails and themed decorations that transport guests to a snowy mountain getaway, daily through February 28.

There’s plenty of cold weather fun to be had on the Art Deco-inspired terrace at the Gwen Hotel, which offers curling lanes plus fire pits and hot cocktails so you can warm up between rounds. Heat lamps are set up around the perimeter to keep things toasty and you can also hang out with a group around one of the fire tables.

The Godfrey’s rooftop becomes a winter wonderland when the temperatures plunge, featuring clear heated igloos decorated with festive lights that can be booked for groups of up to 10 people indulging in bottle service. Even if you’re not going all out, you can hang out at a booth under the retractable roof or gather around an outdoor fire pit for s’mores and a hot cocktail.

Support economic and environmental justice at this 11th annual market, which takes place on the Magnificent Mile through December 24. More than 30 Chicago businesses will offer goods from artisans around the world, including glassware, ornaments, sweaters, coffee and candles.

London-based steakhouse chain Hawksmoor arrived in River North in June 2024, taking up residence inside the 16,500-square-foot historic LaSalle Powerhouse building. Pasture-raised beef is dry aged and perfectly cooked over charcoal before being sliced and served in cast iron skillets with sauces like peppercorn and bone marrow gravy. The restaurant also gives Chicago a taste of the British tradition of Sunday roast, serving dry-aged beef rump with Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes and carrots. Large parties can book a private dining room, inlcuding one dedicated to His Airness, Michael Jordan, whose restaurant once occupied the same building.

Come hungry because Chubby Cattle offers all-you-can-eat meat grilled at your table along with a variety of other dishes, including shrimp tempura, tom yum soup and soba noodles. Splurge on the gold tier for A5 wagyu ribeye and short rib and other luxurious bites like foie gras nigiri and scallop sashimi with caviar. Food comes out fast and servers will offer tips on how to prepare each dish or help cook it for you. Memberships are available if you fall in love with the experience and want to become a regular at the Chinatown spot.

Michelin-starred executive chef Vincenzo Vottero offers novel spins on regional Italian fare at Ummo in River North. Start with the beef tartare presented on a giant beef bone along with fluffy pockets of fried dough, then try the housemade tortelli with braised lamb belly ragu, which is rich without being too heavy. The perfectly cooked New York strip is complemented by the bite of charred radicchio and the brightness of chimichurri. Finish with a wild spin on tiramisu, featuring a blend of cold brew, amaretto and chocolate sauce poured over coffee bean-shaped mousse.

Chicago has 77 neighborhoods, but tourists seldom make it out of the downtown area to explore them. 360 Chicago, which operates the 94th floor of the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center, is aiming to provide a taste of what they have to offer with a $2 million update centering on a new bar. “Central to all of our decisions around investments and concepting in the space is trying to find the opportunity to amplify Chicago's neighborhoods,” said Nichole Benolken, managing director of 360 Chicago’s parent company Magnicity. “We did that by identifying partners out in the neighborhoods that could bring influence to our food, our merchandise, and our cocktails.” The menu at CloudBar, which had its grand opening on September 14, lists a neighborhood inspiration for every dish and drink. Some are broad, like quesadillas and carnitas for Pilsen or margarita flatbread ascribed to Little Italy, but others are based on partnerships with local businesses. The cocktail menu features two exclusive cocktails from Lakeview’s Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club including the Heavenly Martini, a blend of lemon vodka, Alize and blue curacao topped with dry ice to provide a cloud effect. CloudBar already has a menu of eight more Kit Kat drinks that they will roll out slowly. Photograph: Courtesy of CloudBar at 360 Chicago “We have a broader vision for both the cocktail menu and the food menu that will expand and evolve over the next two or three months as we learn more about what our g

Seafood-focused Mexican restaurant Fora opened on the first floor of Fulton Market’s The Emily Hotel on August 11, but restaurant staff say they’re already planning to drastically change their menu. “We'll double [the number of dishes] in the next two weeks,” said chef Billy Caruso, who developed the restaurant concept. “Then we'll start doing the larger tableside proteins—some veal, maybe some large fish. We’ve got a couple secrets up our sleeve. We just took some baby steps. I'm really excited about what's about to come down the pipeline.” Served in a plant-filled dining room or at fire tables on the restaurant’s outside patio, Fora’s current small menu features dishes inspired by the fare of Tulum, Mexico City and Oaxaca including a light and spicy hamachi ceviche made with pomelo and avocado and a kanpachi aguachile with smoked beets that give the fish and earthy flavor. Another summery dish is the chayote, a Mexican plant that tastes similar to a green apple and is served in a salad with cilantro, mint and shiso. Many of the herbs used to season and garnish the dishes come from the hotel’s rooftop garden. But the real star of Fora is masa, which is ground in house using heirloom corn from Mexico and the rooftop. Executive chef Matt Danko’s menu uses it in a super crispy tostada topped with steak tartare and in blue corn tortillas that accompany pasilla-glazed bone marrow served with lime and pickled onions. Fora is also serving tetela, a triangle-shaped Oaxacan snack rem

Fountainhead’s closure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic deprived Ravenswood of one of the few rooftop bars outside the downtown area. But after sitting vacant for nearly two years, the space is once again open for alfresco dining and drinking, thanks to the arrival of LM Restaurant Group's third Land & Lake location earlier this month.  “When we saw that this space was available, the owners came and checked it out and saw a lot of potential, especially with the rooftop, for doing something really cool,” says LM communications director Lauren Hammond. “They thought that Land & Lake, given its commitment to being very neighborhood centric, would do really well here.” The renovated rooftop has a huge covered bar with ceiling fans and umbrellas that provides space for 30 people, plus open seating for another 50 at banquettes and high top tables. The rooftop nearly doubles the restaurant’s interior space, which features an open kitchen best viewed from the 15-seat bar. The new owners also installed a dumbwaiter to make it easier to bring food and drinks to the roof.   Photograph: Courtesy LM Restaurant Group   “The rooftop has been a big hit,” Hammond says. “Everyone is really excited about it. To have that in the neighborhood with a very family friendly vibe really appeals to people.” The restaurant will largely have the same menu as Land & Lake’s locations in Andersonville and the Loop, serving classic American fare along with cocktails made with local spirits such a

Chicago may be known as the Second City, but to the people who live here it’s second to none. While some locals love to complain about the weather, traffic and corrupt politicians, the pride of residents runs so deep that many want to show it off wherever they go, wearing the city’s four-starred flag on shirts, hats and even inked into their skin. The city welcomes transplants from around the world, so long as you’re willing to learn the unofficial rules of living in Chicago, pick up a little Chicago slang and prepare to have you hot dog condiments scrutinized. If you’re considering a new place to call home, here are 11 reasons to move to Chicago. 1. The dining scene It’s impossible for a tourist with a few days in the city to fully explore the best restaurants in Chicago, which range from world-renowned chef-driven fine dining establishments to 80-year-old ice cream stands. Chicago helped establish the farm-to-table and tasting menu trends, but it also boasts plenty of casual establishments where you can save some money while enjoying everything from empanadas to Chicago-style hot dogs. You'll quickly learn how to eat like a local. 2. Midwestern warmth See someone on the street waving to you? Don’t panic and think it’s someone whose name you’ve forgotten—it’s probably just a stranger being friendly. While New Yorkers are known for bring brusk and Los Angelinos just want to peruse your IMDB profile, Chicagoans are typically a welcoming bunch that are usually happy to give you