The Time Out Chicago blog team

Foodies will be excited to learn that a popular Windy City culinary event will return to Millennium Park this fall. Chicago Gourmet, the annual food-themed festival, will run from September 25 through September 28 at the Harris Theater Rooftop. This year's theme, "Step Up to the Plate," will meld the worlds of sports and food. This includes a series of "Culinary World Series" events throughout Chicagoland this summer, leading to the fall festival. This consists of the baseball-themed Game Day Gourmet that took place on July 25 and featured iconic ballpark foods and drinks like beer, wine, cocktails, and the "Duck Inn Dog Showdown," which will allow chefs to showcase their own, elevated takes on the iconic summer staple: the hot dog. On September 14, there will also be a Gourmet Tailgate at Utopian Tailgate. On September 20, there will be a chef pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago and a dinner to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson and James Beard Award winners Erick Williams and Damarr Brown at Virtue. When Chicago Gourmet officially kicks off, the first event is Tacos & Tequila with chefs Rick Bayless and Marco Carbajal on September 25 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. There, you'll be treated to mouthwatering cocktails from top local chefs, premium agave-based spirits and specialty cocktails. Traditional music and dance performances will provide good vibes. The next event is Hamburger Hop, hosted by chefs Joe Flamm and Sarah Grueneberg on September 26. A mix of Northside and...

Chicago has a lot to celebrate this month. Not only did we make Time Out's list of the best cities for nightlife in the country, but Kumiko just got named the best bar in the world at the 19th annual Spirited Awards in New Orleans. Of course, this comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever sipped a cocktail there. Kumiko is one of Chicago’s most beloved (and best) dining experiences, seamlessly blending the precision of Japanese cocktail culture with Midwestern hospitality. Nestled in the West Loop, the intimate, minimalist bar is led by the incomparable Julia Momosé, who opened Kumiko in 2018 alongside local restaurateurs Cara and Noah Sandoval. Kumiko offers an omakase-style tasting menu for both cocktails and food, and each course arrives with intention, storytelling and flavors that linger. It has been recognized as special from the start, earning a Michelin star in 2019 for original chef Mariya Russell, making her the first Black woman to be awarded a Michelin star. In addition to World's Best Bar, Kumiko also won Best Restaurant Bar. Also honored at the Spirited Awards were Sip and Guzzle in New York City (Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar), Trick Dog in San Francisco (Best U.S. Cocktail Bar) and Phoenix's Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott (Best U.S. Hotel Bar). Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel London earned Best International Hotel Bar, and Panda & Sons, in Edinburgh, Scotland, took World’s Best Cocktail Menu. In Time Out Chicago’s review of Kumiko,...

With outdoor fun along the Mississippi River, historical sites a plenty, boutique shops, art galleries and imaginative trolley tours, it’s easy to see how Galena, a small town three hours from Chicago, would be a favorite for many visitors. And according to a list generated by WorldAtlas, which looks at small towns all across the nation, Galena recently earned the top spot for the best small town in all of Illinois. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago for an exciting adventure “Astray from the urban metropolis of Chicago, Galena is a historic town exuding regal charm,” reads the WorldAtlas write-up for Galena. “Guests find themselves walking between opulent mansions and cobblestone streets similar to those from history books. Between the array of sights, some stand out with an intriguing story or sight to share.” The outlet also called out the beauty of Galena's natural areas, citing the lush Thunder Bay Falls as "one of the region's most beautiful sites." However, if you're more of a snowbird, "winters roll in with skiing fun at the Chestnut Mountain Resort. 15 minutes away, its snow-coated slopes and luxury lodging are enough for an entire vacation.” Considering a trip to Galena? Here are the top things to do there Join a walking or biking tour of this historic town. From downtown food tours to honey and Meade tastings to trolley tours, let the experts show you their neck of the woods. Visit Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., a family owned and operated craft...