Samantha Nelson

Welcome to another weekend! The holiday season is here, and you can get into the spirit at Christkindlmarket or festive Christmas-themed pop-ups. Twinkling Christmas lights, holiday concerts and ice skating at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park also provide plenty of family-friendly fun. If you're looking to do some holiday shopping, there are artisan markets happening as well, including Marché de Noël and the Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar. 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

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! As winter approaches and the temperatures drop, find fun things to indoors. The holiday season is also here, offering the opportunity to 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

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

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

Chicago’s meatpacking roots have made it a hub for beef for more than 150 years, and our steakhouses are some of the best in the world. Those looking for perfectly cooked filets and enormous porterhouses served with indulgent sides can visit old school institutions like Gene & Georgetti and Gibsons, while diners looking for more than just steak can get pristine seafood at Joe’s Seafood or Kindling. The city’s reputation as a haven for carnivores has also led to a boom in newcomers offerings traditions from around the world, like Bonyeon's Korean beef omakase and British Sunday roast at Hawksmoor. So whether you’re looking for wagyu by the ounce or steak frites, check out our guide to the best steakhouses in Chicago for a hearty meal. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

As Chicagoans, we know Mexican food. Chicago's Mexican restaurants, beloved in nearly every corner of the city, offer a variety of specialties, ranging from amazing tacos folded in handmade tortillas to plates of grilled meat and fresh seafood. You’ll find bare-bones counter service storefronts in the Mexican-American enclaves of Pilsen and Little Village alongside upscale restaurants run by celebrated chefs like Rick Bayless and Diana Dávila. These spots are as varied as Mexican fare itself, presenting both fusion cuisine and traditional dishes from multiple regions. Don't miss out on the the drink menus that provide a tour of agave spirits served straight or blended into cocktails such as margaritas and palomas! We've included a round-up of decades-old staples along with new entries definitely worth checking out. So whatever you’re craving, the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago are sure to leave you full and satisfied. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

Deep dish pizza and Italian beef are two of Chicago’s signature foods, a testament to the city’s deep Italian roots and huge Italian-American population. Those who want a taste of tradition can visit mainstays like Coco Pazzo for wood-fired whole branzino—deboned tableside—or Mart Anthony’s, which has been serving up the same family recipes for generations. You can also check out trendy and romantic newcomers such as Tre Dita, where a pasta lab offers guests a glimpse of the action as they make their way into the posh dining room, or enjoy the weather with some Italian wine on Piccolo Sogno's beautiful outdoor patio. Whether you’re looking for comforting pasta with red sauce or the bright flavors of Mediterranean fish, check out our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago  

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.

The influences of Chinese and Japanese cooking traditions on Peruvian fare are on display at Kayao, which opened in Old Town in June 2024. A rotating selection of fish are served as ceviche along with sweet potato emulsion and Peruvian corn, or rolled into sushi with shrimp tempura and acevichado sauce. Come for brunch to sip passion fruit mimosas while noshing on crispy whole red snapper or red miso glazed salmon.

The team behind Obelix, Taqueria Chingon and Le Bouchon took over Dusek’s former space in Pilsen’s Thalia Hall in 2024, adding to the growing list of Chicago restaurants focused on Mexican-style seafood. Order individual cod or shrimp tacos or build your own from whole crispy snapper or dorade served with tortillas and salsas. Oysters are served cooked with achiote butter or chilled with passionfruit mignonette and you’ll even find them garnishing the michelada. It’s a great place to grab a bite before a concert, but also worth the trip by itself.

Go beyond Vietnamese staples like pho, bun and banh mi at Chinatown’s Ocean Grill & Bar, which offers all of those favorites plus a wide selection of seafood dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Crack into Dungeness crab stir fried in tamarind sauce, fresh oysters grilled with scallion oil and sea snails steamed in lemongrass. The dishes are all affordable, making it easy to try a few new things.

Chinatown’s Kuro Ramen welcomes big groups looking to satisfy late night cravings. The signature tonkotsu ramen features chashu, corn, narutomaki and egg seasoned with housemade black garlic oil while the tom yum seafood ramen blends Thai and Japanese traditions with a tangy broth filled with shrimp and mussels. The extensive menu includes bites for the adventurous like natto—slimy and strong smelling fermented soybeans—along with crowd pleasers like chicken karaage.

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