The Time Out Chicago blog team

Sure, you could fly to Japan for cocktails. Or you could just head to Lincoln Park. This fall, Sushi-san’s underground Dojo is once again a passport to Japan’s cocktail scene with the return of Tokyo Last Call, a five-week pop-up bringing bartenders from some of the country’s most acclaimed bars to Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Two Chicago-area eateries made the New York Times list of America’s best restaurants, including this suburban Greek charmer Now in its third season, Tokyo Last Call runs October 8 through November 8, with each weekend dedicated to a different Japanese bar. And unlike previous editions, this year’s lineup is entirely Japan-based, making it a particularly concentrated tour of the country’s current cocktail culture. The series kicks off October 8–11 with Bar Nayuta and bartender Hiro Nakayama, followed by Kyoto’s Cocktail Stand Furek and bartender Ryuichi Saito from October 15–18. Bar Trench bartender Rogerio Igarashi Vaz takes over October 22–25, followed by The Bellwood’s Cole Nunley October 29–November 1. The series wraps November 5–8 with Yas Kawakubo of Punch Room Tokyo. Each visiting bartender will serve a four-drink menu built around spirits from House of Suntory, including Roku Gin, Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Toki and Toki Black whiskies. The cocktails will showcase each bar’s individual approach, while drawing on the traditional techniques and flavors that have made Japan’s cocktail scene such a global obsession. The Dojo itself dons a speakeasy...

Ever dreamed of making a dramatic, center-stage entrance at your morning coffee run—or simply sweeping into a room draped in full-blown diva velvet? Your moment has arrived. This fall, Chicago Opera Theater (COT) is throwing open its legendary costume vault and giving the public a rare chance to raid their closet. Mark your calendar for Friday, October 9, from 5 to 9pm, when COT hosts “Take Home the Drama: COT Costume Sale.” Taking place during the Fine Arts Building’s popular Second Fridays event, this warehouse pop-up is bound to be an absolute goldmine for fashionistas, theater aficionados and anyone looking to own an outfit with incomparable flare. Not to mention Halloween—ditch the store-witch outfit and wow fellow revelers with a piece of theater history. We’re not talking about ordinary secondhand finds here. These are genuine, stage-worn pieces straight out of past COT productions. Perhaps you’re searching for a regal cloak to add gravitas to your autumn wardrobe, an extravagant headpiece to finish off an outfit or an impossibly voluminous skirt just because. Combing through these racks will reveal an eclectic mix of show-stopping oddities and elegant garments. Where else in the city can you buy a costume that has literally hit high notes in front of a live audience? Best of all, you can shop completely guilt-free. Every dollar raised from the sale goes directly to Opera for All, COT’s flagship education program. This initiative brings music, creativity and opera...

On September 18, the Michelin Guide announced its 2026 Key selection, recognizing the pinnacle of global hospitality. Much like Michelin Stars honor extraordinary culinary craftsmanship, Michelin Keys distinguish properties that excel in distinct character, architectural mastery, top-tier service, value and local impact. Across the United States, 359 properties received this coveted status, broken down into 267 one key, 78 two key and 44 three key designations. No U.S. hotels joined the elite three key tier this year, but all hotels that earned three keys maintained their status. Chicago has yet to claim a Three Key distinction, but the city delivered a strong showing: seven properties maintained their designations and two prominent hotels joined the ranks. Two standout Chicago properties held onto their two key distinction, signifying "an exceptional stay": The Langham Chicago and The Peninsula Chicago. Meanwhile, four local favorites successfully retained their one key rating—Chicago Athletic Association, The Gwen, Viceroy Chicago and Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Earning one key status for the first time are the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and Park Hyatt Chicago. Michelin praised the Four Seasons for its sprawling skyline vistas, oversized suites, sleek waterfall-edge indoor pool and vibrant entertainment options that draw locals and world travelers alike. The Park Hyatt earned its inaugural key following an artfully executed renovation, highlighted by floor-to-ceiling...