Beer lovers, mark your calendar for the biggest week of the year. Illinois Craft Beer Week features hundreds of events showcasing Chicago’s vibrant craft brew scene, including beer festivals, tap takeovers, beer tastings, brewery events, and meet-the-brewer events.Illinois Craft Beer Week is held every year in May. The week kicks off with Beer Under Glass at Garfield Park Conservatory.See the full schedule of events at Illinois Craft Beer Week.2019 featured eventsBeer Under GlassThe offici

Toast Chicago from a sky-high rooftop lounge that’s open all four seasons. Chilly temps and a few snowflakes are no match for determined rooftop lounge lizards. Luckily, Chicago has a number of crafty venues with retractable glass roofs that keep out the cold while letting nighttime city views shine. Here are six spots where you can ride out the winter with sizzling appetizers and cool craft cocktails.I|O GodfreyThis sprawling rooftop lounge on the fourth floor of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

There’s nothing like summertime in the city, when Chicago is overflowing with outdoor dining options. Looking for a secluded garden covered in romantic string lights? Or a bustling patio where you can sip frozen cocktails and dig into fried chicken? Whatever vibe you’re looking for, there’s a Chicago restaurant patio for you. Here are just a few of our favorite outdoor dining options.Looking for something elevated? Check out Chicago’s rooftop bars and restaurants.Parsons

Looking for some of the best places to drink in town? We’ve come up with a list of six Chicago spots that are serving up some of the city’s most creative cocktails, mixing in everything from exotic mezcal to the city’s largest selection of rums. Check out these must-try Chicago cocktail bars.Three Dots and a DashThe setting: This tropical hideaway, tucked down a River North back alley, is a tiki bar paradise. The welcoming bamboo hut, voted one of The World’s 50 Best Bars by Drinks Interna

Chicago is taking the food hall concept to a whole new level. Eat, sip, shop, learn and more at these buzzing food court meets epicurean market hybrids. Here’s a primer on Chicago’s booming food hall scene.Time Out MarketTime Out Market Chicago brings together some of the city’s most revered chefs, restaurants, and mixologists all under one roof, for a one-of-a-kind food and culture experience. It feature an impressive culinary lineup of 18 eateries serving cuisine from the city’s to

In Chicago, weekends mean one thing — brunch. But sometimes you need more than the typical bacon-and-eggs breakfast. These hip hangouts offer a little something extra, like French toast with fire-roasted blueberries and poppy seed mascarpone, or an omelet with trout roe and Spanish cheese. Plus, the vibe at these trendy restaurants are just as cool as what’s on your plate.Dusek’s Board & BeerThis hot storefront spot has a hip and homey vibe — and its gourmet pub fare has earned i

Chicago has plenty of dining options for everyone, so picky eaters and parents alike can find something they love. Here’s a roundup of kid-friendly restaurants with tasty dishes for the whole family.Downtown restaurantsIn River North, Portillo’s serves up Chicago classics like hot dogs, Polish sausage, and Italian beef, while the quick-service style at this beloved local chain makes for easy in-and-out dining. Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is a tasty brunch and lunch stop across from

If you’re craving something warm and hearty, Chicago is never in short supply of amazing comfort food options. Indulge in gooey mac and cheese, hearty chicken pot pie, perfect fried chicken, and more. Don’t forget to top it all off with a little something for your sweet tooth.Cozy up with some of your favorite comfort foods at these great Chicago spots.R.J. GruntsThe vibes and the eats are nostalgic at this Lincoln Park legend, R.J. Grunts. Order a bowl of their “famous chili,&

Aug. 4 – 7, 2022United Center parking lotCountry music, barbecue, and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer weekend in Chicago. Windy City Smokeout combines all those things into one legendary Chicago weekend. The outdoor fest takes place in the shadow of the iconic United Center, with an impressive musical lineup featuring country superstars and up-and-coming talent.The 2021 festival lineup included some of the biggest names in the industry, including Brett Eld

Chicago has a flavor of its own — blending its different neighborhoods, people and cultures. Chicago restaurants have followed suit, mixing together a wide array of cuisines to create some one-of-a kind global fare. The city’s chefs have found flavors know no borders, so it’s time to start expecting the unexpected on the Chicago dining scene.Try some fascinating flavor combinations at Chicago’s international fusion restaurants.Vermilion: Latin & IndianVermilion‘s Lati

Every fall, Michelin unveils its annual guides to the top restaurants in the world. Along with the prestigious Michelin stars, the global dining guide also releases their Bib Gourmand selections that recognize restaurants offering “exceptional good food at moderate prices” — specifically, two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (minus tax and gratuity).The Bib Gourmand list includes dozens of Chicago restaurants where you can enjoy affordable culinary creations fro

This year’s Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest free-admission food fest, will feature 82 local restaurants, including 24 pop-ups and 17 food trucks. That adds up to more than 300 menu items that represent cuisines from around the world.With that many options, you’d be hard-pressed to try them all — even if you attended the full five days of the fest. We’ve narrowed it down for you a bit by rounding up some of our favorite spots that you can try at Taste of Chicago 2019.See the full lineup for

No matter where you go in Chicago, you’ll find a diverse selection of places to eat and drink in every corner of our city. These neighborhoods in particular have established themselves as foodie favorites, with new, buzz-worthy restaurants and bars popping up every day.Need a tour guide? We’ve rounded up some of Chicago’s most restaurant-centric areas and (most importantly) where to eat in all of them. One tip — make your reservations ahead of time.Get a taste of the trend-sett

A history-laden rising star in the world of craft beer, Chicago is the founding place of several craft breweries entrenched in tradition and local pride, many of which house amazing taprooms in which to wile away the hours.Forbidden RootIn hip West Town, you’ll find Chicago’s first brewery dedicated to botanical beers using all-natural ingredients. With a nod to beer-making’s earliest days, these alchemists use bark, stems, blossoms, sap, herbs, spices, leaves, flowers, and honey in their quest

Chicago is home to thousands of restaurants, from fine dining to cheap eats to international fare and everything in between. So how do food-lovers decide where to go?We’ve narrowed down your options with this handy list of some essential Chicago restaurants, from long-time local favorites to classic only-in-Chicago spots.Looking for something new? Check out our guide to hot & trending Chicago restaurants.Essential Chicago restaurantsAlineaThe pinnacle of fine dining in Chicago, Alinea

Whether you’re on a first date or celebrating a milestone anniversary, our city is home to a restaurant that’s perfect for the occasion. Enjoy a Danish tasting menu prepared by a husband and wife, dip fondue while being serenaded by a live guitarist, or treat your date to dinner with a sky-high view of the city. Here’s our roundup of some of Chicago’s most romantic restaurants — reserve your table for two today.Geja’s CafeKnown as one of the city’s most romantic res

Historic architecture and world-renowned cultural institutions aren’t the only things that define downtown Chicago. The heart of the city, made up of the Loop and South Loop, is a growing hub for local breweries that draw in everyone from after-work crowds to weekend visitors. Check out some of the top spots to try locally made craft brews near downtown.Stop 1: Moody TongueMoody Tongue has long been a Chicago fixture, and their new South Loop brewery has put them in a league of their own.

Sports bars by Wrigley FieldHead to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood for all things Cubs. Check out gameday at Gallagher Way where ticket holders can enter before or after the ballgame at no extra charge or visit Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern or Madden’s Post along Gallagher Way.The streets around Wrigley Field are lined with sports bars, and you really can’t go wrong with whichever one you choose. Join the party before, after, and during the game at places like the Cubby Bear and M

Chicago’s downtown Loop has an abundance of great dining choices. And while there’s plenty of new and trending spots to choose from there’s also a wealth of classic Chicago establishments with fascinating histories. From the first-ever department store restaurant to a German tavern that opened in the 1800s, these long-time local legends serve up a piece of Chicago history.The Berghoff RestaurantThe Berghoff was established by German immigrant Herman Joseph Berghoff in 1898. He opened

Sept. 23 – 25, 2022 Millennium Park Welcome to Chicago Gourmet. Each year, this high-end food festival celebrates the city’s diverse culinary scene. In 2022, Chicago Gourmet will celebrate the return of their signature Grand Tasting event in Millennium Park. Plus, enjoy intimate dinners with acclaimed local chefs, live it up at the elevated Grand Cru tasting, and find the city’s best burger during the beloved Hamburger Hop event.Check back for more 2022 details!Chicago Gourmet Grand