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The end of this year feels like the final scene of a horror movie, and we're all running from the monster that is 2020. Through the highs and the lows (and the lower lows), we've made it our mission to keep Chicagoans informed. When we look back at Time Out Chicago's most-read stories of 2020, we can pinpoint the moments that defined a year of uncertainty.
Our readers reached for stories that explained what was happening—from reopening phases and the "stay-at-home" order to the state's face-covering requirement. They also mourned the loss of some of Chicago's best restaurants and bars that were forced to close due to the financial strains associated with COVID-19. Along the way, there were some glimmers of joy, like a 20-year-old sea otter celebrating his birthday with a massive cake made of fish.
We invite you to take a look back at the Chicago news stories that were shared far and wide in 2020. These are the headlines that Chicagoans couldn't stop clicking this year.
1. These notable Chicago restaurants and bars have now permanently closed
Our most-clicked story of the year is also one of our most devastating. We've had to update this running list of permanently closed restaurants and bars more than a dozen times in 2020. Today, the list includes more than 50 victims of COVID-19, including Bad Hunter, Harold's Chicken Shack #55, Southport Lanes and Cafe Marie-Jeanne. The saddest fact of all, though, is that this list is by no means exhaustive—and it's still ongoing. Without desperately needed federal assistance, you can count on more restaurants and bars shuttering this winter and next year. Diners alone can't do the heavy lifting, but there's never been a better time to order delivery or takeout from the local spots you can't imagine Chicago without.
2. Here's what will reopen in Chicago in Phase 3, slated for early June
Chicago entered into Phase 3 of its reopening plan on June 3, allowing restaurants, childcare centers, libraries, non-essential retail stores, hotels and other businesses to once again welcome guests inside. After the state's 10-week "stay-at-home" order, Chicagoans were understandably excited about the idea of dining out, visiting outdoor attractions and getting little ones back to daycare. Not long after this story was published, Chicago progressed into Phase 4 of its reopening plan. But as case numbers reached new highs last month, state officials imposed mitigation measures that went into effect on November 20, effectively closing many indoor activity at museums, performance venues, restaurants and bars.
3. How to buy face masks from local Chicago businesses
When Chicagoans were asked to mask up to keep each other safe, many turned to local businesses to find face coverings. Dozens of Chicago shops and makers were ready and waiting with a supply of stylish, comfortable masks. Psst! Masks aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so if you still haven't found one you love, consider stocking up on a few more this holiday season and supporting a small business while you're at it.
4. The Shedd Aquarium celebrates its oldest sea otter's birthday with seafood
This story still makes us smile. When Chicago sea otter Yaku turned 20 years old this year, the Shedd Aquarium went all out with a birthday bash fit for a prince. Caretakers presented the marine mammal with a frozen cake made entirely of fish as well as a special rendition of "Happy Birthday" performed on violin. And yes, there's video footage if you need a pick-me-up.
5. 9 things you may not know about the Illinois 'stay-at-home' order
The state's "stay-at-home" order went into effect on March 21 and lasted through the end of May. During that time, officials asked Illinois residents to remain in their homes as much as possible to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Understandably, Chicagoans had plenty of questions about enforcement, travel, public transportation and beyond. The city was prepared with a handy FAQ guide that covered the basics (how long will this last?) as well as a list of dos and don'ts (keep walking your dog, but don't see extended family).
6. 11 things you may not know about the face-covering requirement in Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker started recommending that Illinois residents don face masks back in early April, but it wasn't until May 1 that an executive order went into place, requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces. There were—and frankly still are—so many questions about the requirement. Much of the advice in this news story is still valid and will be for months to come. When in doubt, wear a mask!
7. See the latest map of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Chicago broken down by zip code
Throughout the year, Chicagoans have watched the city's case count rise and fall and rise again. Early on, the Chicago Department of Public Health released a map that showed confirmed cases tied to every city zip code. The data also reiterated the troubling fact that the virus has disproportionately impacted the city's Black and Latinx communities. In an effort to address these glaring racial disparities, the city and state have expanded testing facilities and resources throughout 2020. If you want to keep an eye on how your zip code is faring, we recommend using the state's newer interactive map, which offers a larger footprint and additional data points.
8. Alinea just launched a very reasonably priced to-go menu
Chicago's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant pivoted at lightning speed, debuting a revolutionary takeout menu in mid-March. "Here's something else I never thought I'd write... Alinea To Go is now live!" co-owner Nick Kokonas tweeted at the time. Priced at $34.95, the inaugural menu included beef short rib wellington, 50-50 mashed potatoes and crème brûlée. The multi-course meals are still going strong, and Kokonas and chef Grant Achatz have only added to their repertoire, rolling out special carryout packages for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
9. This pop-up shop is selling plants from the canceled Chicago Flower & Garden Show
Chicago's event calendar was wiped clean this year, but some organizers found clever ways to salvage their product. The ever-popular Chicago Flower & Garden Show did just that by selling off hundreds of plants that were meant to be showcased at the annual event. The Flower Show To-Go pop-up at City Grange in Lincoln Square allowed locals to shop annuals, perennials, rose bushes, hydrangeas and more; proceeds from the sale supported Get Growing Foundation, a local nonprofit that teaches horticulture job skills.
10. Take a look inside Gucci's trippy pop-up shop in the West Loop
In the haze of everything else that happened in 2020, we almost forgot that Gucci set up a luxury pop-up shop in a former bank in the West Loop. The marketing stunt was timed to the NBA All-Star Game, which brought plenty of celebrities and extravagant parties to Chicago back in February. To Gucci's credit, the retail experience was pretty remarkable—the trippy, purple-hued interior was decked out in sparkly disco balls, a nod to the brand's '70s-inspired GG Psychedelic Collection.
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