These scenic waterfront neighborhoods are home to university students, young families, Cubs fans — and lots of great spots to drink beer. Explore the charming, tree-lined streets of Lincoln Park and Lakeview to find two taprooms from up-and-coming brewers that you can only taste in Chicago, plus plenty of popular neighborhood beer bars.Stop 1: DryHop Brewers As the name implies, DryHop Brewers focuses on hop-centric ales — and they’re only available here in Lakeview. Order a pint of Shark Meets

First, they were industrial areas. Then came the foodie scene. Now these hip neighborhoods are brewery hubs, too. Visit for that only-in-Chicago warehouse feel and urban energy. While you’re there, stop by a few galleries — another thing that makes this part of town so special.Stop 1: Forbidden Root BreweryFirst stop, Chicago’s first botanic brewery. The team at Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery (a brewer, a rootmaster, and an alchemist) take inspiration from early brewing techniques

An industrial stretch of Ravenswood has experienced a brewing renaissance in recent years. The corridor, which earned the nickname Malt Row, is home to a diverse array of craft breweries, from an experimental microbrewer to one of the country’s most popular craft brewers. The best part? They’re all within walking distance of each other, perfect for a DIY brewery crawl.Stop 1: Half Acre Beer CompanyHalf Acre Beer Company opened in 2007, but the release of their classic Daisy Cutter pa

There’s always something cool happening in Pilsen and Bridgeport on the southwest side. These distinct neighborhoods — from a vibrant, Hispanic enclave known for its colorful street art to a homey neighborhood with deep Irish roots — have something in common — cool breweries that are worth the trip.Stop 1: Lagunitas Brewing CompanyGo behind the scenes at the biggest brewery in Illinois: Lagunitas Brewing Company, just west of Pilsen. The spacious taproom features daily tasting tours, live

One of Chicago’s hippest areas is also overflowing with beer options. This stretch of Milwaukee — which runs through Wicker Park and Logan Square — is home to music venues, nightlife, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lots of cool craft breweries that embrace the eclectic vibe of the neighborhood.Stop 1: Piece Brewery & PizzeriaFirst, a long-time favorite. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria, which claims the title of most award-winning brewpub in Chicago, has been making New Haven-style piz

There’s something about sitting outside that just makes beer taste better. At least, that’s what we’ve found at Chicago’s best bar patios. And since Chicago is one of the top beer city’s in the country, we have plenty of spots to test out our hypothesis.Here’s a roundup of just a few bar patios and beer gardens in Chicago.ERIS Brewery and Cider HouseCome for the cider, stay for the vibes. This women-owned brewery and cider house is housed in a stunning 107-yea

Attention all beer enthusiasts! Cheers to Chicago’s booming craft beer scene at the city’s packed calendar of beer fests. Sample craft beers from local, national, and international breweries at over 30 Chicago beer festivals and events scheduled all year long.Explore Chicago’s beer festival calendar.Winter beer festivalsBrewLights at Lincoln Park Zoo Support Chicago’s free zoo with a craft brew in hand, while more than 2.5 million lights illuminate the zoo grounds. Make your wa

Craft beer lovers flock to Chicago to get a taste of our dynamic brewing scene. A brewery tour can take you behind the scenes of Chicago’s coolest craft beer makers, where you can learn about the process, chat with the brewers, and sample the goods. We’ve rounded up just a few of the cool brewery tours and guided beer experiences in Chicago.Craft brewery toursGoose IslandGoose Island is one of the biggest names in beer, and it all started right here in Chicago. Visit their original p

Chicago’s eclectic neighborhoods are packed with pilgrimage-worthy restaurants and cafes — and tons of them are BYOB. You can bring your own booze to all sorts of Chicago spots, from hole-in-the-wall taco joints to Argentinian steakhouses. So grab your favorite bottle of red or a six-pack of local beer, and head to one of these top BYOB spots.Tango SurLocal favorite Tango Sur, a steakhouse and Latin American restaurant, is big on portions and small on price. The semi-upscale spot is the ul

You don’t have to wait for a summertime farmers market to enjoy fresh produce, locally sourced protein, and organic ingredients. Chicago’s restaurants take the city’s Midwestern farm roots seriously, with farm-to-table fare that showcases the regions incredible natural bounty.Hungry for more? Bon Appétit featured Chicago’s farm-to-table dining scene.The BristolGet your locavore fix at this neighborhood favorite. For more than a decade, The Bristol in Wicker Park has been

Chicago’s dining scene is unbelievably diverse — we have world-famous burgers, our own signature style of hot dogs, Michelin-starred spots, international cuisine from all over the world, deep dish pizza, one of the best restaurants in the world…the list goes on. It’s more than anyone could eat in a lifetime, but you can try your best on a food tour of the city.These Chicago food tours can help you get a true taste of the local dining scene, whether you want to hit all the fine-

Between the culture, the cocktail bars, and the world-class dining, it’s easy for grown-ups to have a great time in Chicago. But what about kids? Much-loved family attractions like Navy Pier are a no-brainer for your visit, but there’s plenty more around the city to please even the pickiest kids — and parents, too.Here are four mini-itineraries to help you bring on the family fun. Each pairs a kid (and budget) friendly Chicago restaurant with nearby all-ages attraction so you’l

Carnivores, rejoice! Known as a meat-packing town at the turn of the century, Chicago still knows our way around a hunk of beef. Here’s the heads up on where to chow down on some of the city’s top gourmet burgers.Au Cheval Considered by many to be the gold standard in Chicago burgers, Au Cheval draws locals and visitors willing to brave the crowds for their famed burger. And it’s worth the wait. The single cheeseburger (which is actually a double) can be topped with thick-cut b

Chicago farmers markets are the perfect place to stock up on local produce — and get a taste of each neighborhood’s local flavor. These community markets are social affairs, where neighbors gather each week to shop, chat, eat, and enjoy music and events. Some are seasonal, some go all year-round, and there’s a market every day of the week — so you can experience one no matter when you visit.Check out just a few of Chicago’s many farmers markets.City Market at Daley PlazaThis we

Sweet, smoky, spicy…wet, dry, sauce on the side…meaty, fall-off-the-bone…Chicago does barbecue all the ways. Make a pit stop at any one of Chicago’s barbecue hotspots — just be sure to bring your appetite (and extra napkins).Honky Tonk BBQIf you’re down in Pilsen and craving some smoky goodness, Honky Tonk BBQ is your fix. Owner Willie Wagner has garnered many an award at competitions and festivals and the lively space is home to live music many nights on the Saloon

Chicago is a city of two waterfronts. Both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River offer stunning views of the city skyline, especially at night when Chicago’s most iconic buildings are all lit up. And there’s no better way to experience these breathtaking vistas than on a dinner cruise. Chicago has plenty of options, from sit-down fine dining to casual buffet style. Dine with skyline views on Chicago’s unforgettable dinner cruises.Odyssey Chicago River2.5 hour cruise 3-course plat

These Chicago rooftop bars and restaurants boast beautiful views, refreshing cocktails, and (of course) delicious menus that cover a diverse range of cuisines and cultures. Best of all, many of them are year-round so you can enjoy rooftop vibes no matter the weather. Check out just some of Chicago’s most popular rooftop bars and restaurants.Cindy’sThis might be the most well-known (and most Instagrammed) Chicago rooftop. Cindy’s bar and restaurant, part of the historic Chicago

If steak is what you want on your plate, you’ve come to the right city. Chicago has always catered to carnivores, whether you’re in the mood for an old-school joint or somewhere sleek and modern. There are dozens of different steak temples to choose from, most of them right in the downtown area.Classic Chicago steakhousesGene & GeorgettiChicago’s oldest steak mecca. Serving legends like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope since 1941, along with today’s Russell Crowe, Vince Vau

Plan your trip around the city’s biggest foodie events like Taste of Chicago in July and Chicago Gourmet in September. And don’t miss the culinary delights in the city’s unique neighborhoods, which host food-centric street festivals nearly every weekend in the warm weather months.Headline eventsChicago Gourmet This five-star culinary event is the quintessential fine-dining festival. Chicago Gourmet celebrates great food and wine, showcasing more than 150 of the finest restaurants in

One of the world’s most famous shopping streets is right here in Chicago. The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue is home to some of the city’s best high-end shopping. You can stop into popular chains, major department stores, sprawling malls, luxury boutiques, and more all within a couple of blocks. Plus, there’s plenty of award-winning dining where you can fuel up for your shopping spree.Here’s just a few of The Magnificent Mile’s best shopping stops and where to eat nearby.Shop: Restoration H