Our editors combed through the past year, picking their favorite restaurants, bars, events and notable Chicagoans.
Your ultimate guide to Chicago
Discover Chicago's best things to do, events, restaurants, theater and nightlife
Our editors combed through the past year, picking their favorite restaurants, bars, events and notable Chicagoans.
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Things to do in Chicago
The latest Chicago news
A new Portage Park bar serves cocktails amid beautiful houseplants
At Moonflower, three industry vets are serving some interesting drinks in a lush (and relaxing) space.
Take a look at the Light Up the Lake indoor display at Navy Pier
You can take in thousands of bulbs, go ice skating and grab seasonal drinks inside the cavernous Festival Hall.
Sleek new Lyft e-bikes have officially joined the Divvy fleet
Lyft will add 2,000 of the improved e-bikes to Chicago's system in the coming months.
An exhibition dedicated to Frida Kahlo will replace “Immersive Van Gogh” next year
“Frida: Immersive Dream” brings the iconic Mexican artist’s life and work to immersive scale.
Paul McGee debuts a holiday-themed speakeasy at Time Out Market
Sip festive tropical drinks at Secret Sand-ta, the seasonal cocktail bar inside Time Out Market Chicago.
Pair Bourbon County Stout with delicious food at this tasting event
Spend Black Friday tasting the latest beer from Goose Island paired with dishes from Chicago chefs.
Check out the CTA Holiday Train and Bus schedule for 2021
The festive modes of public transportation will be welcoming visitors back on board this year.
The 8 treats you need to eat, drink and buy at Christkindlmarket 2021
We visited the German-inspired holiday market in Daley Plaza on opening day—here's what you should keep an eye out for.
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Latest restaurant reviews
Sweet Bean
This jack-of-all-trades cafe balances a selection of Taiwanese baked goods with pan-Asian dumplings and noodles.
Esmé
In their first restaurant, Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo employ art and philanthropy—accompanied by astonishing food—to “reinvent” fine dining.
En Passant
Do you remember a few years back when lifestyle writers and home retailers became briefly obsessed with hygge, the Scandinavian conceptualization of...
Alla Vita
Chef Lee Wolen serves pizza, pasta and an exquisite chicken parmigiana inside an elaborate West Loop space.
Latest film reviews
West Side Story
How do you outdo a classic? Steven Spielberg’s live-wire new version of the timeless musical pulls it off in style
Encanto
If it took years to get ‘Let It Go’ out of your head, say hello to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songsheet in this swaggering South American delight
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Benedict Cumberbatch’s earnest turn as the cat-loving artist is purrfectly delivered in this vibrant comedy-drama
House of Gucci
Ridley Scott’s latest is a feast of enjoyable scheming, OTT performances and terrible accents
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Time Out Market events
Secret Sand-ta
Embrace the spirit(s) of the season while enjoying festive tropical cocktails at Secret Sand-ta, the holiday-inspired cocktail bar inside of Time Out Market...
West Loop
Storytime with Elsa and Olaf
Bring the kids to Time Out Market Chicago for a magical storytime with Elsa and Olaf, from the beloved animated film Frozen. The characters will read stories...
West Loop
Future Disco: New Year's Eve 2022
There’s no need to dwell on the past on New Year’s Eve at Time Out Market Chicago—we’re throwing a Future Disco that celebrates the...
West Loop
Feed Your Soul Jazz Brunch
Every Sunday from 11am to 3pm, Time Out Market Chicago's chefs offer a variety of delicious brunch dishes, from Hangover Ramen with shrimp and smoked pork to...
West Loop
Christmas in Chicago
How to celebrate Christmas in Chicago
We've gathered all of the most festive events, markets and happenings throughout the city.
Where to cut down a Christmas tree near Chicago
Looking for a fir for your living room? Here's where you can grab a saw and snag one for yourself.
The best holiday pop-up bars in Chicago
There's something undeniably cozy about sipping a cocktail underneath some Christmas lights.
The best ice skating rinks in Chicago
The temperatures have dropped, which means that it's time to slip and slide across rinks throughout the city.
Love Local
Best of the city
The best restaurants in Chicago
Plan your next meal with our guide to the city's best restaurants, updated monthly.
The best things to do in Chicago right now
Fill your day in the city with amazing activities, sights and offbeat destinations.
The best Chicago museums to explore
From acclaimed art museums to collections of artifacts, these local institutions don't disappoint.
The best Chicago music venues
If you're in the mood for a concert, you'll likely find someone great taking the stage at these spots.
Escape the city
Hit the trails and get some fresh air on these scenic hikes.
Amenities include stargazing and endless s'mores.
Easy Metra excursions from Chicago
Easy Metra excursions from Chicago
Hop on a train and explore the suburbs with these easy and fun (we promise!) day trips.
The 8 most unique day trips from Chicago
The 8 most unique day trips from Chicago
Go somewhere off the beaten path with our guide to unique attractions near Chicago.
The 18 best day trips from Chicago
The 18 best day trips from Chicago
Get outta town—if only for the day.
The 9 most scenic drives in Chicago
The 9 most scenic drives in Chicago
Cruise down LSD and explore Lower Wacker.
Latest from around the world
They were introduced by Pablo Escobar in the 1970s – and have now become an invasive species
The Chris Levine show at Houghton Hall in the UK features a laser show, a glowing orb and an eerie AF soundtrack
Every single person in Wales is getting a free tree to help the planet
Every single person in Wales is getting a free tree to help the planet
One way to combat climate change? Let all your citizens collect free shrubs to plant at home
The Grinch’s lair is now available to rent on Who-bnb
The Grinch’s lair is now available to rent on Who-bnb
Not feeling particularly Christmassy this year? Then hole up in this cave in Utah
In pictures: the big shiny new star on top of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família
In pictures: the big shiny new star on top of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família
The five-and-a-half tonne sculpture is the biggest change to the famous basilica in decades
Berlin’s techno clubs could soon be awarded Unesco World Heritage status
Berlin’s techno clubs could soon be awarded Unesco World Heritage status
A group of DJs known as Rave the Planet is fighting to protect the city’s venues from gentrification
Time In
The best gifts for the movie lover in your life this year
Filmmakers Edgar Wright, Rian Johnson, Barry Jenkins and Sean Baker help you make the perfect holiday shopping list.
The 50 best ’80s songs
Fire up the boombox: These are the 50 best jams to come out of the ’80s, from hair-metal anthems to rap's first wave.
The 30 best birthday songs
We can do so, so much better than another chorus of ‘Happy Birthday.’
The 22 best friendship songs for celebrating your BFF
These are the uplifting friendship songs you and your closest pals need