Isaiah Reynolds

Sure, going to one of the best bars in Chicago is always fun, but there's something exhilarating about having a drink outdoors. And after making it through another winter in the city, we rightly deserve to order a few cold ones while basking in the sun. If you're looking for a Saturday rager or calm post-work happy hour, these excellent wine programs or beer gardens have everything you might be looking for. We've tracked down waterfront patios, hidden gardens and rooftop bars where you can mix a little bit of alcohol with a lot of fresh air. Make a reservation (if necessary), pack some sunscreen, hit up the group chat and prepare to spend an afternoon at one of the best outdoor bars in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor restaurants in Chicago

Thrift stores are more than just treasure troves for great deals on secondhand clothes or vintage furniture finds—shopping secondhand also keeps clothes, home goods and other items out of the landfill a little while longer. You'll find stores all across the city, from Edgewater to Beverly, as well as online storefronts to shop at. Whether you're donating your own gently-used goods at the tail end of a spring cleaning session or browsing through the inventory at some of Chicago's best thrift and secondhand stores for that perfect hidden gem, be prepared to score some serious deals on items you simply can't find at most other clothing stores, furniture stores, record stores or even gift shops.

No coast? No problem. Chicago can sometimes feel like a Midwest oasis, but there's plenty to see just a scenic road trip away. With summer quickly approaching, you can spend a few weekends sipping bourbon in Louisville, hiking in Eau Claire or sunbathing in Door County. So if you're not sure where to start, check out our list of unique nearby destinations, load up the car, turn up "Life is a Highway" and hit the road—one of these routes from Chicago could quickly become your preferred weekend getaway.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago

When you want some fresh tunes for your turntable, tape deck or CD player, there's no better place to find them than at Chicago's best record stores. Whether you're trying to prepare for a concert coming up at a Chicago music venue or feeling an old-school vibe, these shops have what you're looking for. Many have been in business for years, selling new and used vinyl, CDs and tapes—and making recommendations when you need them. From the latest albums in indie rock, hip hop and contemporary R&B to vintage jazz, blues and Chicago house records, Chicago's best record stores offer it all. RECOMMENDED: The best thrift stores in Chicago

Nothing screams summertime in Chicago like adimiring skyline views with a drink in hand. As the days get warmer, it's time to lean into the season's heat at the best rooftop bars in Chicago. Grab at bite to eat at rooftop restaurants situated on terraces high above the street and inside downtown hotels, or get away to hidden patios and gardens for a cocktail away from the crowds. We know how great the beautiful months of warmer weather in Chicago can be, so make them even better at these best rooftop bars in the city.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to outdoor dining and drinking in Chicago

Chicago is full of festivals, attractions and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. However, figuring out driving and lodging can often prevent that group trip from making it out of the group chat. Fortunately, a day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country. So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from Chicago

When it comes to a much needed escape from the city, there are countless day trips from Chicago if time doesn’t allow for a full weekend getaway. And luckily for the adventurous and curious, there are plenty of opportunities to swap typical activities like kicking back with brews for hiking among bison or spelunking in an ancient cave. Many sites and experiences within driving distance of Chicago take you far beyond the norm, from year-round Christmas at an amusement park to (not so similar) replicas of some of the world’s most celebrated cultural sites. Midwesterners may love their weekend lake house tradition, but they also love the wacky, meaningful and unexpected. Here are the most unique day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best lakefront Airbnbs near Chicago

Nothing beats a Chicago rooftop. When you're looking for something a little more filling than cocktails at rooftop bars in Chicago, turn your attention to the city's top rooftop restaurants, where dinner comes with a side of amazing skyline views. We've rounded up rooftop dining options to suit every mood, including tucked-away rooftop terraces, sunny outdoor brunch spots and bites from some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Gloomy weather in the forecast? Several of these spots also offer indoor dining or covered patios to keep you safe from the elements while you feast. So get ready for a sky-high meal at the best rooftop restaurants in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor restaurants in Chicago

Renowned naturalist and journalist Jerry Sullivan said that in Chicago, “we can enjoy the riches of life in one of the world’s greatest metropolises and connect ourselves to the natural world.” Chicago may be the country’s third largest city, but there are plenty of options for camping and exploring beautiful state parks all within a few hours’ drive. Whatever your version of connecting to the outside world—whether it’s pitching a tent or cozying up in a cabin—there are campgrounds ranging from rustic to full outdoor resort. You can camp a few feet away from the Midwest’s best hiking and biking trails or spend lazy days reading and relaxing near a lake. Here are the best campgrounds near Chicago for seasonal and year-round tent sites, RV and trailer-accessible sites, cabins and recreational activities. RECOMMENDED: The best lakeside Airbnbs near Chicago

No matter the hour, Chicago restaurants never stop serving great food. For those who work late shifts or have spent a night out on the town, the following spots are life savers. They offer delicious bites into the early morning and are here for you when you need them the most. You can devour one of the city’s best burgers from Redhot Ranch or feast on affordable Indian cuisine at Ghareeb Nawaz. Local greasy favorites like Jim’s Original and The Wieners Circle are also nocturnal haunts. And, of course, the classic carne asada tacos from Los Comales or Coyotes. Just as important: these places are among the finest cheap eats in Chicago, too. So the next time you find yourself out past your usual bedtime, check out our guide to the best late-night restaurants for a satisfying meal before heading home. RECOMMENDED: The best late-night delivery restaurants

Living in the city is great, but it's natural to crave time in a place that's a bit more relaxing every once in a while. Instead of pining for a far-flung trip, might we suggest a Midwestern weekend getaway from Chicago? We rounded up a list of the most incredible remote (and memorable) destinations throughout the region, perfect for holing up for a few days, exploring nature and breaking out of your normal routine. Go hiking along Lake Michigan or book an extra cozy Airbnb cabin near Chicago in Wisconsin or Michigan—whatever your mood, a host of peaceful options await you. Pack up a car and take a roadtrip to visit the most secluded getaways from Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best day trips from Chicago RECOMMENDED: The most secluded Airbnbs near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb tiny houses near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb cabins near Chicago RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb treehouses near Chicago

Summertime Chi is around the corner, and as you're packing your calendars for the city's best summer events and festivals, don't forget about the glory that is farmers market season. From Andersonville to Woodlawn, neighborhoods across the city bring in Midwestern vendors selling fresh fruits, veggies, meat and more. Get inspired by ingredients from the same farmers that serve Chicago's best restaurants, or enjoy the live music and other free activities these markets have to offer. Protip: many of Chicago's best farmers markets are also near the most beautiful parks, so take your wares and have an incredible picnic afterwards.  RECOMMENDED: Things to do in the summer in Chicago

Two popular grocery and convenience chains have abruptly closed their doors. Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market, both under the parent company Outfox Hospitality, are ceasing operations, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.  The shutters were officially announced on Dom’s Website in a message to Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen customers. “After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market will be closing their doors starting on April 23, 2024,” the release said. The closures will impact locations in Dallas, Washington D.C. and Austin, as well.  Foxtrot, the upscale convenience store, was founded in Chicago and has expanded to over 30 locations nationwide since 2015. Its first location in Fulton Market cemented it as a brand paralleled to the cultural transformation of the West Loop in the past decade as a hub of industry. Dom’s Kitchen only started in 2021, but quickly announced plans to open new locations, previously aiming to debut 15 new stores by 2025, according to Crain’s.  Shoppers were first informed of Dom’s closure via a posted sign at the 1233 N Wells Street location in Old Town. “Hey neighbors, Dom's is saying goodbye and we're shutting our stores and app down,” the note said.  The two brands announced their merger at the end of 2023, aiming to redefine the grocery shopping experience and uplift quality by offering curated products for sale.  The news is likely to come as a surprise for many Chicago shoppers as the

April showers will, unfortunately, not bring May flowers. The highly-anticipated cherry blossom bloom in Jackson Park will not appear this year due to “erratic weather,” according to an official statement from the Chicago Park District. Strong winds and rain disrupted the blossoms’ development and ripped many of the buds off their branches before they were able to bloom. The buds stay tight and closed during the early spring’s cold and wet weather to protect the fragile petals. Typically, as the weather warms, these buds gradually open over a two-week period, blooming beloved white and pink petals. This year’s weather conditions kept the buds closed for too long and have since fallen off, the Park District explained. The first batch of cherry blossoms were initially installed in 2013 to celebrate both the 120th Anniversary of the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and commemorate the relationship between Chicago and Japan. In 2016, famed Japanese artist Yoko Ono installed her first permanent sculpture in the United States, Sky Landing, in Jackson Park’s Wooded Island.  In preparation for next year, the Chicago Park District plans to plant 20 more cherry blossom trees in Jackson Park. By 2026, an additional 60 cherry trees will be planted to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC). While the spectacle will not make an appearance in Chicago, there are still a few places within driving distance to witness the color

Naperville has been crowned the best city to live in the country.  Niche, an online ranking and review database, has published its annual ranking of the "Best Cities to Live in America." The list consists of a rigorous analysis of statistics and data from the U.S Department of Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the FBI and more. 230 cities across the country were given scores in 12 different categories, including diversity, schooling, safety, cost of living and outdoor activities. Naperville received an overall A+ Niche grade.  The Southwest suburb is home to roughly 150,000 and long been a bustling suburban area outside the city of Chicago. In combination with highly ranked public schools, the database also praised the local restaurant scene and available park space that make it an attractive option for raising a family. According to Niche, Naperville’s median household income of $143,000 is nearly double the national standard.  The Southwest suburb of Chicago also took the top spot in the "Best Cities to Raise a Family” and “Cities with the Best Public Schools" categories. But it wasn’t the only city in the Prairie State that made the list of best places to live—Springfield ranked at No. 102, Peoria came in at No. 114 and Elgin at No. 119. Chicago, the state’s largest metropolitan area, ranked at No. 76. The Windy City received its highest scores for diversity, nightlife, outdoor activities, commute and health. Chicago was ranked as the 10th "Most Diverse City in Americ

Since 1939, pedestrians and residents around Milwaukee Avenue and Kinzie Street have been enveloped by the sweet smell of chocolate escaping the Blommer Chocolate Factory. This past Friday, the delightful aroma, along with Blommer chocolate production, came to an end. According to a press release from the company, heightened repair and maintenance costs of the Chicago landmark facility led to the decision to close and refocus manufacturing in Pennsylvania, California and Canada. Blommer intends to invest over $100 million in the three remaining manufacturing facilities. The chocolate factory was founded by brother trio Henry, Al and Bernard Blommer 85 years ago and became the largest cocoa processor in North America. At its peak, the factor produced more than 200 million pounds of chocolate every year, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. After Fuji Oil Holdings bought the company for $750 million, shifts in operations led to the eventual shuttering of the Chicago-based facility. The investor revealed that the elevated operating costs and global increase of cocoa prices combined with losses of nearly $60 million in 2023 pushed the company to close the facility. Blommer officially ceased production Friday, March 22, and will close the factory at the end of May. There are plans to maintain the company’s research and development department at Merchandise Mart, maintaining an ongoing Blommer presence in Chicago.

Opening Day is just around the corner for Chicago baseball. On Thursday, March 28, the Chicago White Sox will face off against the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field. With the return of great games comes great eats, and aside from essentials like Polish sausages and popcorn, the White Sox have announced a lineup of new bites for the upcoming season. From Impossible hot dogs to non-alcoholic beverages, the stadium is expanding and reinventing food options for all. Whether you’re a season ticket holder or have a baseball game on your Chicago summer bucket list, here are a few of the best dishes and options to try. 1. Crispy chicken sandwich A ballpark handheld second only to a proper brat or hot dog, this newly-minted chicken sandwich could be a fan favorite this season. Topped with a spicy Creole sauce, you’ll forget you’re chowing down on stadium food. Photograph: Isaiah Reynolds for Time Out Chicago 2. Beef and vegetarian empanadas These doughy pockets are some of the most inventive food options joining the batting order. Park diners can choose between beef empanadas served with a spicy tomato salsa or a vegetarian spinach empanada with a cilantro lime crema. 3. Campfire milkshake Definitely squeeze this one in before the seventh inning stretch. This shake successfully transforms a smoky campfire s’more into a drinkable elixir, served in a souvenir White Sox cup. 4. New craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages Guaranteed Rate Field features more than 50 craft beers fro

If you’ve found yourself keeping up with the British royal family in ways you could've never imagined, you’re not alone. Much of the internet has been captivated by #KateGate, an increasingly global concern over the whereabouts of Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William, after abdominal surgery in January 2024. Conspiracy theorists have taken to X and TikTok, submitting their suspicions of why her last confirmed public sighting was months ago and why Buckingham Palace is so bad at crisis communications. After a botched Mother’s Day photograph retracted by the Associated Press due to supposed manipulation, and a video of the royal couple, obtained by TMZ, brought forth more questions than answers, Kate Middleton really could be anywhere. It could be senseless to assume the Buckingham Palace-based princess would find herself nearly 4,000 miles away in the Windy City, but any possibility might not be too far-fetched at this point. Here are our best guesses for places Catherine, Princess of Wales, could be hiding in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best hidden gems in Chicago Places Kate Middleton could be hiding in Chicago: 1. Lower Wacker Drive This option needs little explanation. Lower Wacker Drive, safe from GPS signals and above-ground civilization, is definitely the place for anyone looking to get away and stay hidden. 2. The Pedway Chicago’s underground labyrinth, the Pedway, is another great option for the Princess of Wales. Legend has it that some poor unfortunate soul

Between gleaming Lake Michigan and the striking downtown skyline, Chicagoans are no stranger to picturesque views from nearly every part of the city. Twice a year, however, we’re gifted “Chicagohenge,” a visual phenomenon consisting of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets nestled in between the cityscape. You can catch the illuminating experience in 2024 on March 19 and September 22. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris (@cdats) The spectacle, named after the Stonehenge monument in the United Kingdom, occurs twice a year on the spring and fall equinoxes when the sun rises and sets directly east and west. Since Chicago is built on a grid system, sunsets and sunrises during the equinoxes are in nearly perfect alignment with the buildings lining the east and west streets. The result is beautiful views of the rising or setting sun, peeking straight through skyscrapers. And if you ever forget about it, the flood of social media posts are sure to remind you to run outside to catch a glimpse. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Way Welling (@waywelling) If you’re hoping to see Chicagohenge firsthand in all its glory (weather permitting), the effect will be visible at both sunrise and sunset around 7am and 7pm, respectively. Positioning yourself along Madison Avenue, Lake Street or Kinzie Street in the Loop will probably give the best views among the city skyline, but you may be bumping up against other photo

During one of the busiest and most beloved holidays in Chicago, St. Patrick's Day, traffic around the city can get a little unpredictable. With parades and increased foot track, the city of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has posted street closures for the weekend. Here’s how parade routes will impact parking and driving around the city. Chicago River Dyeing and Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade The Chicago River dyeing will begin at 10am on Saturday, March 16 just west of the Columbus Street bridge. The Riverwalk will be closed from 11pm Friday, March 15 until 6am on Sunday, March 17. The downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 12:15pm on Saturday at Balbo and Columbus Drives moving north toward Monroe Street. Street closures are expected as early as 8am on Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and east/west street in those boundaries, according to OEMC. Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade The Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at noon at Archer Avenue and South Oak Park, moving south from Oak Park to Archer Avenue, east on Archer toward Narragansett Street and south on Narragansett to 5600 S. Narragansett Street. The parade is expected to end around 2pm.  South Side Irish Parade On Sunday, March 17, the South Side Irish Parade will start at noon at 103rd Street and Western Avenue, moving south toward 115th Street and Western Avenue. Parking restrictions will begin on Sunday from 8am to 3:30pm—parade-go

For its first official St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, Guinness Open Gate Brewery is kicking off the holiday with a bang. With nearly a week long of Irish-themed festivities, Guinness is hoping to integrate itself into Chicago's beloved traditions, including the iconic Chicago River dyeing.  From March 13-17, visitors and beer fanatics are invited to participate in “VIP at OGB'' sessions that give access to a special tap list featuring in-house brews and Dublin-made classics, live entertainment and merchandise. Tickets for tables and general brewery admission are available here. The week of festivities will also include a full block party on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 on Peoria and Hubbard Streets from 11am to 10pm. The block party will be open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 per person to benefit the Chicago Beer Culture Center, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the craft of brewing, the brewers behind it and the communities that are impacted by it.  Open Gate Brewery has also committed to donating $30,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Event highlights include "Personalize Your Pint," which lets visitors print their own selfies on a pint of Guinness, and "Perfect Pint Academy," an interactive lesson that teaches the six-step process of pouring the perfect Guinness pint. For more activities, check out our guide to the St. Patrick's Day in Chicago.

One of the first signs of summertime in Chicago is the beginning of festival season, and the lead-up has just started with Pitchfork Music Festival announcing its full list of headliners and performers for 2024. The festivities will run July 19-21 at Union Park and be headlined by psychedelic soul band Black Pumas, English DJ Jamie xx and '90s legend Alanis Morissette. Other acts include Jai Paul, Carly Rae Jepsen, Brittany Howard, 100 gecs, Jessie Ware and Muna. More than 40 different performers will take the stages over the three-day festival. Tickets are currently available online, with single day general admission passes starting at $109 and three-day tickets at $219. Concertgoers can upgrade their experience with PLUS passes that give access to the shaded PLUS lounge, air-conditioned bathrooms and unlimited re-entry access to the festival. Single-day PLUS tickets start at $199 and three-days start at $399. Here’s the complete Pitchfork Festival 2024 lineup: Friday, July 19 Black Pumas Jai Paul 100 gecs Jeff Rosenstock Yaeji Sudan Archives Amen Dunes billy woods & Kenny Segal Tkay Maidza Doss ML Buch Rosali Angry Blackmen Black Duck Saturday, July 20 Jamie xx Carly Rae Jepsen Jessie Ware De La Soul UNWOUND Bratmobile Wednesday Water From Your Eyes Sweeping Promises feeble little horse Hotline TNT Kara Jackson L’Rain Lifeguard Sunday, July 21 Alanis Morissette Brittany Howard MUNA Grandmaster Flash Les Savy Fav Crumb Jessica Pratt Mannequin Pussy Hailu Mergia Model/Actriz

Commuters may face more headaches and traffic on the Kennedy Expressway very soon. Starting March 11, the expressway’s reversible express lanes from just before the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street will be closed through the fall. Lane and ramp closures along with reduced traffic flow inbound and outbound are anticipated, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Although the official construction doesn’t begin until March 11, preparation begins the week of March 4th with overnight express lane closures between 9pm and 5am. Then, beginning at 9pm on March 11, inbound Kennedy and Edens traffic will be reduced to one lane from just before the Edens junction to Irving Park Road and reversible express lanes will fully close. Intermittent closures are expected at Wilson Avenue, Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Road inbound ramps. The following night, outbound Kennedy traffic will be reduced to two lanes and intermittent ramp closures are expected between North and Fullerton Avenues. Starting at 9pm on March 13, Kennedy inbound traffic will be reduced to one lane between Milwaukee Avenue to Lake Street while outbound lanes will be reduced between Madison Street and Milwaukee Avenue. The evening of March 14, inbound traffic will be reduced to one lane between North and Fullerton Avenues and intermittent outbound ramp closures are expected between North and Fullerton as well. The temporary closures are scheduled to reopen by 5am the following morning. This is the

As Chicagoans, it can be hard to hear the truth sometimes. With the abundance of Chicago characters in the popular media, there are some pretty strong stereotypes about how locals speak, act and support their sports teams. Even though these are often dramatized, it can be humbling to admit a few stereotypes actually hold water. We asked Time Out Chicago readers on Facebook and X to share a few stereotypes, good or bad, that are true based on firsthand experience. Below are a few attributes that even Chicagoans had to admit aren't fiction. Chicago stereotypes that are actually true “We don’t put ketchup on our hot dogs.” Political corruption. At least you get to tell every out-of-towner “you know, it’s not really called the ‘Windy City’ because of the weather…” “Best summer city in the world.” If only all stereotypes were this nice! “Chicagoans have a unique dialect that is recognizable. A former South Sider, I now live in L.A. and hear about it all the time. I'm proud of it.” I still can’t hear it. “Best blues and jazz on the planet.” “Parking kinda sucks.” If you can’t parallel park, can you really call yourself a Chicagoan? The “Zipper Merge” on highways. “We can experience all 4 seasons in one day.” Always be prepared for a fake spring. “It’s pop, not soda.” “They will tow or ticket you here for any reason.” Unbridled rage unleashed by the sight of an orange envelope on your windshield is really a rite of passage in Chicago.  "Fabulous food. Great museums and culture." "T