Jeffy Mai

Summer in Chicago hits its peak during July, when some of the city's biggest festivals and events return to town with enough live music, incredible food and general outdoor merry-making to fill every weekend (and probably a good amount of weekdays, too). Kick off the month with Fourth of July celebrations, highlighted by sparkling fireworks shows across the city and suburbs. From there, take a deep dive into the heart of summer festival season at events like Wicker Park Fest, Fiesta del Sol, the Silver Room Sound System Block Party and Chinatown Summer Fair. One of the biggest summer music festivals, Pitchfork Music Festival, also returns this month. For even more ways to keep busy on long summer days and nights, check out our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this July. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

Welcome to another weekend! If you want an adventure outside of the city, go hiking or take a day trip to exciting nearby destinations. Here in Chicago, festival season is in full swing, and you can also watch the first ever NASCAR Street Race take place downtown or see Fourth of July fireworks at Navy Pier and the suburbs. 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: The best things to do in Chicago right now

There's nothing quite like Chicago's festival season, which brings a full roster of musical acts to town from May through September. Not sure where to start? Kick things off with reggaeton-focused Sueños Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend, or head to West Town for Do Division Street Fest in early June. As summer goes on, make room in your schedule for returning favorites like Taste of Randolph and Wicker Park Fest plus big-name festivals in the city's amazing parks, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and Riot Fest. And if you're hoping to save money, don't forget about Chicago's free summer music series programming! We'll keep updating this list as more festivals announce lineups—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best summer music festivals coming to Chicago in 2023. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor activities in Chicago

Do you feel that newfound warmth in the air? It can only mean one thing—festival season is here. The city's streets and parks will be full every coming weekend thanks to a stacked lineup of fests, fairs and more. You everything from heavy-hitting summer music festivals like Lollapalooza and Pitchfork to beloved neighborhood block parties on the calendar from May through September. We'll continue to update this list throughout the season as more fests announce lineups and additional details—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best festivals in Chicago this year. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the summer in Chicago

July 2023: Summer is in full swing, which means it's time to soak up as much sun as we can. This month, we're taking full advantage of the warm weather by rocking out at a summer music festival and taking a dip in a pool. If you're looking for adventure, grab a paddle and kayak along the Chicago River or go biking around town. There are plenty of food and drink options, too, so stay satisfied and busy wth these fun activities. 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 50 best things to do in the world right now.

July 2023: On our latest roundup of the city's best eateries, we're welcoming some old favorites. Au Cheval and its much-lauded burger, along with Logan Square brewpub Bungalow by Middle Brow, have been added to the list. Also joining them is Osteria Langhe, an Italian joint specializing in Piemontese fare. Many of the city's best chefs and restaurants are in Time Out Market Chicago as well, and you can scroll through the full vendor lineup at the bottom of this page. 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 Indian fare. 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. They pay their way and sometimes, like the rest of us, their delivery driver gets lost (here's how we eat through Chicago to make the list). We hope to provide an authentic snapshot of Chicago's ever-evolving dining experience right now: We update it constantly with the best new restaurants in Chicago as well as decades-o

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You’ve come to the right place! Take advantage of summer with the best outdoor activities in Chicago or a stunning rooftop. Festival season is upon us as well, bringing live music and fairs to neighborhoods all across the city. Millennium Park is hosting several free concerts, while Fourth of July fireworks will be lighting up the skies at Navy Pier and suburbs this weekend. 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: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

One of the undeniable draws of living in Chicago is that you don't actually need a car to get around—the city's vast public transportation system can ferry you from one side of the city to the other in no time. But even the most devoted city-dweller sometimes craves the opportunity to get behind the wheel and cruise through the city or go on a roadtrip with the help of four wheels and an engine. When you must scratch that itch, consider these scenic drives one of the best things to do in Chicago as well as an opportunity to explore beyond your neighborhood. These roadways will take you through Chicago parks, along the lakefront and through the heart of the city. Buckle up and hit the road on these scenic drives in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best summer getaways from Chicago

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the sun-kissed pastures of Provence to wander among the region’s famous fields of lavender. But even if you can’t swing a European vacation right now, you’ll still find plenty of stunning flower farms here in the Midwest to explore this summer. Use our guide to choose your own lavender adventure: Plan a day trip from Chicago and pick your own bouquets at a small family-owned operation downstate, stock up on essential oils and moisturizers at a lakeside farm in Indiana or opt for a secluded weekend getaway to tour a peaceful lavender labyrinth in Michigan. Peak bloom season generally ranges from mid-June to mid-July, but be sure to call ahead and check on the status of each farm’s harvest before visiting!  RECOMMENDED: The best sunflower fields near Chicago

Craving a quick day trip from Chicago? Then plan a flower-themed expedition this summer. Grab a pair of gardening clippers and hop in the car to reach these stunning sunflower fields, where you'll find acres upon acres of stunning yellow blooms (and plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops, too). Whether you're looking for u-pick options, pre-cut flowers or interactive activities—like twisting sunflower mazes and duck races, for instance—these farms in the suburbs and surrounding states are filled with enough cheery sunflowers, as well as berries, to keep you and the family occupied for an afternoon.  RECOMMENDED: The best places for hiking near Chicago

One of the best parts of summer in Chicago is watching fireworks light up the sky on the Fourth of July! You've got plenty of options for catching a show this year, whether you'd rather head out to the suburbs for weekend-long festivals and parades or stick to Chicago to see Navy Pier's iconic display along the lakefront from beaches or boat cruises. So after you've had your fill of outdoor barbecues and other patriotic festivities, grab a blanket and settle down for an incredible show of sparkling fireworks—you can plan your holiday with the help of our guide to the best fireworks shows on the Fourth of July in the Chicago area. Where is the July 4th fireworks show in Chicago? This year, you can see the main fireworks show over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier on Saturday, July 1 at 10pm.  What are the best places to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Chicago?  The Navy Pier fireworks are relatively high-altitude, which means you can see them from a variety of vantage points throughout the city. Stake out a spot along Navy Pier's outdoor areas (Polk Bros Park or the rooftop patio at Offshore are always good bets) or head to downtown rooftops and Chicago beaches like Oak Street, North Avenue and Ohio Street. Navy Pier also offers a number of lake and river cruises that can be booked online.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Chicago Fourth of July

Few things can compete with the joy of picking your own produce—from the adventure of the outing and the communal vibe to the bountiful (and delicious!) end result. This summer, take a day trip from Chicago to find a farm where you can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and more. While these farms are a bit further out than city limits, the drive will be worth it for you and the whole family thanks to the fun, kid-friendly attractions like petting zoos, wagon rides and live music that many farms offer. Bring your berry haul home and make pies, frozen cocktails and preserves to last through winter. Keep in mind that you should check ahead with any of these spots to make sure your fruits of choice are currently in season. But otherwise? Just get to berry picking at these farms near Chicago! RECOMMENDED: The best family weekend getaways from Chicago

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.

Omakase-centric restaurants are so en vogue right now. Few, though, match up to Lettuce Entertain You’s impressive 10-seat sushi counter hidden inside Sushi-san. Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano showcase their talents by slicing pieces of pristine raw fish with precision in front of guests and creating memorable courses such as otoro tartare topped with caviar, and uni ice cream. It’s an exquisite, albeit expensive, meal that’s well worth saving your pennies for.

Ever, one of the most luxurious restaurants in Chicago, expanded its footprint in 2022 with the opening of an upscale cocktail bar right next door. Dubbed After, the chic and futuristic-looking lounge provides a new place for Chicagoans to imbibe rare and vintage spirits plus expertly crafted mixed drinks. You’ll have plenty of high-end options to drop your money on, including Japanese whiskies, and scotch and Armagnac flights. And if you’d like some light bites to accompany the drinking, there are premium delicacies like wagyu and toro skewers, too.

If you’ve lived in Chicago long enough, chances are you already have a favorite pan pizza. Milly’s fantastic pies, though, may test your allegiances. Owner Robert Maleski started making pizzas during the pandemic and operated out of a ghost kitchen before moving into a brick-and-mortar space in Uptown this year. Inspired by local legend Burt Katz, the dough is baked with a ring of mozzarella around it, resulting in a caramelized crust. Maleski tops the cheese and sauce with a host of ingredients and dollops of fresh mozzarella. We’re big fans of the Craiglist.org, a winning combination of sausage, mushrooms, pappadew peppers, red onions, tomatoes, spinach and ricotta. Availability is limited, so it’s best to order ahead.

Chicagoans are deeply passionate about pizza, and rightfully so—the city boasts a plethora of outstanding pizzerias, including two that are among the 50 best in the world according to a new list. The 50 Top Pizza USA 2023 rankings have been released, and Chicago’s Spacca Napoli made the cut at No. 14. Located in Ravenswood, the restaurant has been slinging authentic Neapolitan-style pies with paper-thin and chewy crusts for close to two decades. The menu boasts tried-and-true classics like margherita and diavola, as well as original creations such as a pizza topped with fior di latte, sausage and pistachio cream. Spacca Napoli also offers gluten-free dough and vegan-friendly options, making it a favorite for diners with dietary restrictions. Joining Spacca Napoli on the list at No. 27 is Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company. The Streeterville spot is lauded for owner Robert Garvey’s thin and airy crust, which he spent nearly 20 years perfecting. Cooked in a brick oven, the pizzas are dressed with unique toppings like duck prosciutto, Spanish chorizo and braised fennel.  Photograph: Courtesy of 50 Top Pizza Topping the rankings is Una Pizza Napoletana in New York. In total, New York leads the way with 10 restaurants honored, while Portland, San Francisco and Miami are tied for second with three eateries each. The list was compiled by a team of anonymous inspectors who evaluated pizzerias around the country over the course of a year. The assessments focused primarily on the quali

Looking for an exciting lunch destination this summer? Time Out Market Chicago has you covered. The culinary and cultural hub in the heart of Fulton Market has unveiled a bevy of new food and drink options for the season. Guests can swing by for a “Taste of Summer” and try light and refreshing offerings from various Market vendors—each priced at only $15 or less.  For salad lovers, Big Kids has created a Vegan Baby-Q Salad Bowl featuring arugula, scallion slaw, charred barbecue onions and Beyond vegan nuggets tossed in Boom Boom spice. Ethiopian favorite Demera is serving a Beet Salad starring ayib gomen cheese and pumpkin seeds, while Bar Goa puts a spin on classic with its Chicken Tandoori Salad. Photograph: Time Out Market ChicagoDemera's Beet Salad If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, Evette’s is dishing out a Mediterranean Grain Bowl loaded with couscous, muhammara, feta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and choice of chicken or halloumi. Lil Amaru also delivers a Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl full of cilantro lime rice, escabeche, mojo aioli, arugula and either asada or al pastor. Photograph: Time Out Market ChicagoEvette's Mediterranean Grain Bowl Photograph: Time Out Market ChicagoLil Amaru's Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl And don’t forget to finish your meal off with a sweet treat! JoJo’s ShakeBAR offers a lineup of decadent milk bars, including a new vegan Rocky Road flavor. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. In addition to the food specials, the Marke

A little rain couldn’t dampen the party at Chicago’s Pride Parade.  Thousands flooded the streets of Uptown and Lakeview this past Sunday for the 52nd annual LGBTQ+ celebration, which is the largest in the Midwest. And though the skies opened up shortly before the parade stepped off—leaving spectators running for cover—spirits and enthusiasm were high all afternoon long as marchers danced in the streets, banged on drums and waved rainbow flags. In total, there were nearly 200 parade participants, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, Governor J.B. Pritzker, television host Karamo Brown and all of Chicago’s professional sports teams. Check out photos from the festivities below. Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik     Photograph: Kim Kovacik       Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik   Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: Kim Kovacik Photograph: K

Time Out Market Chicago is filled with some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city, and throughout the month of June it’s also home to a thought-provoking exhibit from local artist Edú Newbon.  Located on the second floor of the Market, Lucid Dreaming is a collection of paintings that challenges viewers to reflect on what they actually have direct influence over. Ever since he was a child, Newbon says he’s had the ability to lucid dream. Those experiences inspired him to create pieces that depict people who are in control of their reality, as well as highlighting topics he believes we need to have more command of.  “I think the message of Lucid Dreaming is to look at your reality as if dreaming a lucid dream. Something you would love to have control over, and go about life that way,” Newbon said. In addition to painting, Newbon—who grew up in the U.S. but moved to Nicaragua when he was 16 before recently landing in Chicago—is also a writer and an art teacher. He’s currently working on a poetry book and explains that writing helps lay the foundation for his art. “The very first thing I do on each painting is write out the poem, and then I start painting and you can see the poems through each painting,” Newbon said. Photograph: Courtesy of Edú Newbon Among the works on display at the Market is SAHD Sol, which examines the relationship between the sun and our dreams, plus how human activities have contributed to the deterioration of the solar system. Newbon uses bright,

Ready for it, Swifties? Taylor Swift is coming to town this weekend for three shows at Soldier Field and Time Out Market Chicago is celebrating the occasion by hosting a special pop-up restaurant. All Too Well, the deli and marketplace in Lincoln Park, will be setting up shop at the Market from June 1-7 and offering a selection of its signature sandwiches. Named after the popular Swift song off her album Red, the concept pays homage to owner Mitchell Aboujamra’s family and culture through hearty and inventive creations. Whether you’re looking for something delicious to enjoy before the concert or just want to console yourself with a comforting bite for missing out on tickets, All Too Well has you covered. The menu will include options like Taylor’s Version, a turkey-and-ham sandwich dressed with artichoke and white bean hummus, tomatoes, cucumber yogurt and smoked provolone, and I Make You Lamb, which consists of shredded lamb leg, whipped feta, chimichurri, smoked provolone and fried onions. Aboujamra—who owns Evette’s as well—has also come up with a variety of sandwiches honoring those closest to him. The Niff Jenn, an ode to his wife Jennifer, features mesquite smoked turkey, stracciatella, whipped fig jam and pomegranate mustard seeds, while Cousins stars tomatoes, feta, beet pesto, red onion, arugula and babaganoush.  So even if you aren’t able to see Swift live this time around, shake it off and head to Time Out Market Chicago for a star-studded lineup of eateries, plus

There’s an abundance of amazing burgers in Chicago, and three have just been named to Yelp’s Top 100 Burgers in America list. In honor of National Burger Day on May 28, the crowd-sourced reviews aggregator has compiled a ranking of the best burgers from around the country. Coming in at No. 9 is Kuma’s Corner, the heavy metal-themed bar in Avondale. Known for oversized burgers, a huge beer selection and loud music, the establishment has been popular since its debut in 2005.  “Just like the rock ’n’ roll bands that inspire them, these burgers sport wild topping combinations—the Metallica (applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese dressing, Buffalo sauce and frizzled onions on a pretzel bun) and bunless Slayer (a 10-ounce burger with house-made chili, andouille sausage, caramelized onions, cherry peppers and jack cheese on a bed of fries, served with—no joke—’anger,’ according to the menu),” Yelp explained. Also making the cut are two local vegan spots. Longtime favorite the Chicago Diner checks in at No. 59, while Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat joins it at No. 86. Both restaurants focus on plant-based dining, with the former offering patties made with black beans, sweet potato and tofu, or seitan, and the latter serving a McDonald’s-inspired Big Mik burger plus a quarter-pound Who Betta burger. Non-meat burgers are just one of the trends that Yelp noticed on its list. Other things that diners love are huge, “outrageous” burgers like the options from Kuma’s Corner, fusion-style creations

Festival season is almost here and fresh off Ravinia Festival’s lineup reveal last week, the Pitchfork Music Festival has just announced its acts for 2023. Returning to its usual stomping grounds, Union Park, the annual summer spectacle is happening July 21-23 and will be headlined by English rockers The Smile, indie quartet Big Thief and indie folk darling Bon Iver. Other highlights include Alvvays, Perfume Genius, Weyes Blood, King Krule, Kelela and Koffee. In total, more than 40 artists will take to the stages over three days. Tickets are on sale now, with single-day passes starting at $109 and three-day passes at $219. You can upgrade your festival experience with a PLUS package, which grants access to a special lounge, an elevated viewing platform, air-conditioned bathrooms and other amenities. PLUS tickets start at $209 for a single day and $419 for the whole weekend. Take a look at the complete Pitchfork Festival 2023 lineup below. Friday, July 21 The SmileAlvvaysPerfume GeniusLeikeli47Nation of LanguageRoc Marciano & The AlchemistYouth LagoonRic WilsonGrace IvesJlinAxel BomanMaviSen MorimotoContour Saturday, July 22 Big ThiefWeyes BloodKing KruleSnail MailPanda Bear + Sonic BoomJulia JacklinCharlotte Adigéry & Bolis PupulVagabonMJ LendermanYaya BeyBlack Belt Eagle Scout700 BlissPalmDeeper Sunday, July 23 Bon IverKelelaKoffeeKiller MikeJPEGMafiaHurray For the Riff RaffMdou MoctarILLUMINATI HOTTIESJockstrapSoul GloFloristLucrecia DaltRachika NayarAriel Zetina

Festival season is here and one of Chicago’s biggest events, Riot Fest, has just revealed its full lineup. Taking place at Douglass Park—its home since 2015—from September 15-17, the festival will welcome headliners Foo Fighters and Turnstile on Friday; The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie and Queens of the Stone Age on Saturday; and The Cure and The Mars Volta on Sunday. As is tradition, the lineup will feature a variety of rock, punk and emo acts over three days. Festivalgoers can expect to find the usual host of food and drink vendors on site at Riot Fest, as well as the return of the carnival area, wedding chapel and vintage games courtesy of Logan Arcade. It all adds up to what should be an epic conclusion to Chicago’s festival season, following other big spectacles like Pitchfork Musical Festival and Lollapalooza. For the Foo Fighters, this will be the first time the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers play in Chicago since the passing of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. The fest serves as a stop on The Postal Service’s 20th anniversary tour of their only album, Give Up. Frontman Ben Gibbad will be working a double shift that evening as he also performs Death Cab for Cutie’s 2003 LP, Transatlanticism.  Tickets are on sale now via the Riot Fest website. Three-day general admission passes start at $270, while a three-day VIP ticket is $370. Deluxe and Deluxe+ tickets start at $900 and $1,500, respectively. You can check out the entire Riot Fest lineup below. Image: C

Rooftop season is upon us and if you’re looking for more to do than just eat and drink this summer, you’re in luck—Rooftop Cinema Club is returning to Fulton Market. The open-air theater perched atop The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St) kicks off its second summer season on May 25. Blending a unique moviegoing experience with elevated concessions, a pinch of nostalgia and breathtaking views, Rooftop Cinema Club arrived in Chicago last year to much success. In addition to seeing films, guests can hang out in a spacious lounge area and play tabletop games or snap social-worthy pics from the fifth floor terrace. Other amenities include a curated craft cocktails list and selection of wine, beer and seltzers so you won’t be parched during screenings. And the sound is delivered through wireless headphones, allowing each person to adjust the volume to their preference. There are two seating types: an adirondack chair for one and a premium adirondack pair for two, located in the center section of the cinema. Rooftop Cinema Club will host multiple showings a day, featuring hand-picked classics, cult films and recent releases. You can look forward to LGBTQIA+ hits like The Birdcage and Set It Off during Pride Month, and Black Panther and Candyman on Juneteenth to celebrate Black actors and filmmakers. On Tuesdays, the lineups will highlight early 2000s favorites such as Legally Blonde and Drumline. The experience will also be accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers thanks to open c

There’s a plethora of outstanding bars in Chicago so it’s no surprise that two have just landed on a list of North America’s top bars. Kumiko, the Japanese dining bar in the West Loop helmed by Julia Momosé, is the continent’s eighth best bar according to the 2023 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars. Praised for “blend[ing] Japanese and American influences with style and finesse,” Kumiko also earned the honor of The Best Bar in Midwest USA.  Joining it at No. 38 is fellow Chicago standout Milk Room, the intimate eight-seat bar inside the Chicago Athletic Association where “vintage spirits and liqueurs are transformed into contemporary cocktails.” This is Milk Room’s first time on the list; Kumiko was ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition. The awards ceremony was held in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and recognized drinking establishments across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Double Chicken Please in New York took home the crown as the No. 1 bar, followed by Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City and Katana Kitten, another New York awardee. Overall, the U.S. led the way with 28 bars on the list, while Mexico fielded 14 and Canada boasted seven. La Factoría in San Juan, Puerto Rico was the lone Caribbean winner. You can check out the full rankings on the World’s 50 Best website.

If there’s one thing Chicagoans apparently can’t get enough of, it’s themed pop-ups. Later this year, Brick Burger is coming to town for a unique dining experience built around the world of LEGO. Guests will be able to indulge in fun, gourmet burgers at an immersive pop-up restaurant on Michigan Avenue from September 23-24. Hosted by Explore Hidden, the family-friendly concept promises to deliver inventive sandwiches—packed with either a crispy chicken filet, beef or vegan patty—in a whimsical setting. The buns will be colored and shaped like LEGO’s iconic plastic bricks. In addition to just offering themed food, Brick Burger will sport colorful brick walls, LEGO-style furniture and a brick-building station where you can show off your imaginative designs. There will also be brick-building competitions with the opportunity to win some prizes. Tickets are $47 per person and include one burger and a drink, whether it be a soft drink, beer or wine. You can sign up to be notified when bookings go on sale on the event site. Brick Burger is also making stops in other cities such as New York, Boston, Cleveland, San Diego, Austin, Indianapolis and Columbus. It comes on the heels of similar nostalgia-driven pop-ups that will take place in Chicago—The Golden Girls Kitchen and The Malibu Barbie Cafe, which are launching in May and June, respectively. Take a look at what you can expect at Brick Burger below. Photograph: Courtesy of Brick Burger Photograph: Courtesy of Brick Burger Ph

You may have seen the Cubs play at Wrigley Field countless times but this summer, you’ll have the opportunity to dine on the field. After debuting in Chicago last year, the Stadium Chef Series is coming back to the Friendly Confines on Sunday, June 4. The evening will feature a coursed menu created by a lineup of local culinary talent, with dinner taking place in the middle of iconic Wrigley Field. The participating chefs include Matthias Merges (Mordecai, Billy Sunday), Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons), Thai Dang (HaiSous), Jonathan Zaragoza (Birrieria Zaragoza) and more. The experience will kick off with a cocktail reception and passed hors d’oeuvres before guests venture onto the field for photo ops. A four-course, family-style meal will follow—set to the backdrop of the stadium’s ivy covered walls and historic scoreboard. Tickets to the dinner start at $500 per person and will be available at 10am on May 4 via the Stadium Chef Series website. The event will benefit the James Beard Foundation, which is also hosting its annual James Beard Awards ceremony the same weekend in Chicago. This year, the city has five finalists in the running for prestigious top honors: Obelix (Best New Restaurant), Sepia (Outstanding Hospitality) and chefs Damarr Brown (Emerging Chef), Diana Dávila Boldin (Best Chef: Great Lakes) and Tim Flores/Genie Kwon (Best Chef: Great Lakes). Chicago isn’t the only city hosting the high-profile experience this year. The series will head to Target Field in Minneap