The Time Out Chicago blog team

Chicago’s craft beer community is reeling this week after Whiner Beer Company, a beloved Back of the Yards fixture for roughly a decade, announced it will close its brewery and taproom on March 29. The brewery shared the news with fans on Instagram, writing, “The last few years have been so difficult but we gave it our best shot.” "We could write a bunch of reasons why we are closing but it’s a familiar story in the brewing industry," the post's caption continued. "The Chicago craft beer scene is one of the best in the world. We are happy to be included in it for so many years. Working side by side with countless creative people is what makes craft beer so great."From our taproom regulars on the south side to our Le Tub fans on the north side, we are so thankful for your support. "Back of the Yards is our home and we will miss this neighborhood the most. From the Covid years to the ICE raids, Back of the Yards showed how resilient a community can be. The future is bright here in BOTY. Last summer SomosMonos Cerveceria joined us in the brewery/taproom. Born and raised in Back of the Yards, they helped create a neighborhood space for local artists and bands. We hope they can work out a plan to stay here."In the meantime we would love to see everyone a few more times before we close! Check out our calendar post for all the fun stuff we have planned the next month. We’ll throw one last get together on March 28th." RECOMMENDED: This Chicago bar was just named the #1 bar in...

Everyone in Chicago has their favorite deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and Chicago-style 'dog, but burgers get (and deserve!) as much attention. Chicago is no stranger to a good patty, as indicated by crowds at local spots like Au Cheval and Mott Street. One burger stands out among the rest, however. Time Out editors surveyed the burger landscape and officially crowned the Wolf Burger at Little Bad Wolf the best burger in Chicago right now. Located in Andersonville, Little Bad Wolf is a buzzy, busy spot that doesn't take reservations and always has a wait. But the wait is worth it for this three-patty stack layered with melted American cheese, thick-cut bacon, fried onion straws and house-made pickles. There’s red-onion mayo smeared across the bun and a fried egg topping the whole thing. It’s rich, gooey and unapologetic. The patties are juicy with crisp edges, the bacon adds smoke and salt and the fried egg pushes it into over-the-top territory. Paired with a side of mac and cheese—creamy, heavy and topped with honey-cured bacon, scallions and toasted breadcrumbs—and a bourbon cocktail, this is one burger you'll think about long after you finish. The Wolf Burger does have stiff competition, however. The Single Cheeseburger at Au Cheval, loaded with American cheese, Dijonnaise, grilled onions and pickles, is the one that's got people willing to wait hours for a table. The OG Cheeseburger at The Loyalist, with its squishy sesame bun and tangy pickled onions, takes the number...

Ready for a globally-inspired sugar rush? Viral East Coast candy boutique Lil Sweet Treat is opening its first Chicago location this weekend at 807 W Randolph Street in Fulton Market. If your social feeds have been flooded with colorful gummies and perfectly packed candy kits, you already know the hype is real. The shop has built a devoted following in cities like Philadelphia, New York City, Washington D.C. and Boston, thanks to its tightly-curated selection of sweets sourced from around the globe. We’re not talking about your average corner store mix. These are high-end sweets from Belgium, sour favorites from Sweden, gummy shapes from Czech Republic and small-batch finds from the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. The inventory rotates often, so there’s always something new to discover. Lil Sweet Treat has a wide-ranging following. Kids make a beeline for rainbow candy bins and over-the-top gift boxes. Adults hover over the more refined options, curious about flavors and textures they’ve never tried before. It’s the kind of place where you walk in for a quick browse and leave with a carefully-packed kit that you'll linger over and relish with each bite. The brand announced the Chicago debut on Instagram this week with the caption, “GRAND OPENING SO CLOSE WE CAN ALMOST TASTE IT!!” Judging by the buzz online, brace yourself for a wait, but it will be worth it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @lil.sweet.treat Doors officially open Saturday,...