Isaiah Reynolds

The hot dog is in the pantheon of iconic Chicago foods, right up there with deep dish pizza and Italian beef. And you probably don’t have to go very far to get a good one as there are esteemed hot dog vendors in all corners of the city. Whether you’re a traditionalist who believes ketchup should be a banned condiment or a Michigander who prefers a Coney Island hot dog, the following places are sure to satisfy. Some have been around for a long time and are among the most iconic restaurants in Chicago, while others offer the best cheap eats. There’s even a local mini-chain of stands located inside Home Depot stores, as well as Korean-style corn dogs coated in unique toppings. So there’s no need to wait until your next cookout or ballgame to enjoy a wiener, our guide to the best hot dog restaurants in Chicago will show you where to get one any time you desire. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago August 2025: Mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, salt and peper. No more, no less. A classic Chicago dog is hard to beat, especially from one of these top 25 spots. Whether you're grabbing a bite during a game at Wrigley or devouring one at The Wiener's Circle after a night out on the town, there's never a bad time to enjoy a Chicago red hot.  Featuring everything from downtown spots like Devil Dawgs to suburban gems like Gene & Jude's, our latest ranking of the 25 best hot dogs in Chicago is a thoroughly reported catalog of the best of the best right now. 

These days, even the simple act of stepping outside feels like it siphons money from your wallet. Prices for minor luxuries like concerts, a fancy latte or trendy bars are climbing higher and higher, but that doesn't mean that everything in Chicago will wreck your budget. There are plenty of activities around the city that don't cost a penny. Give your bank account a rest by exploring captivating Chicago museums during free museum days, checking out a beautiful park or laughing out loud during a free show at a comedy club. Our list of the best free things to do in Chicago is here to save you some dough. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to the best things to do in 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 August 2025: As soon as the forecast predicts anything above 70°, the city awakens, and, with a collective sigh of relief, we remember why we braved another Chicago winter. Everyone loves the glorious rooftop season because, really, what's better than wining and dining from a bird's eye view? During the high season, reservations go quickly, and you may need to set an alarm in order to snag one during a prime time. Especially if you're headed to one of these top spots, there's sure to be a crowd, but I promise it's worth the sweat. These rooftop restaurants showcase Chicago's world-class views from all angles and elevate the experience with top-notch food and drink. From the classics like Cindy's and LH Rooftop to niche spots like BiXi Beer and Chop Shop, there's no shortage of

There’s no surer sign that fall is coming than seeing pumpkins everywhere—whether used in fancy coffee drinks, recipes or just as decorations, pumpkins are the ubiquitous symbol of autumn. Maybe you don’t love pumpkin spice lattes or pumpkin pies, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of choosing your own perfect-to-you gourd at a pumpkin patch. All of the farms and pumpkin patches on this list are within a two hour drive from the city (one is even in Chicago), and bursting with fall fun. After you’ve picked out a jack-o’-lantern, spend the day exploring creative corn mazes, eating apple cider donuts and checking out fall foliage. RECOMMENDED: Your complete guide to fall in Chicago

Fall in Chicago has arrived, and with it comes a colorful burst of fall foliage throughout the city. According to this interactive guide, which uses an algorithm to predict when the leaves will change, local trees will start showing patchy colors the week of September 30 and hit their peak in late October. Hoping to go leaf peeping this year? Head to some of the more well-known Chicago parks and gardens to see towering oaks and fiery red Japanese maples, or take a contemplative stroll through a cemetery to watch yellow weeping willows drape over a leaf-filled pond. Plus, if you're itching to take a quick day trip from Chicago, you'll find several suburban conservatories and arboretums worthy of an afternoon leaf-peeping expedition. So take a look through our roundup of the best places to see fall foliage in Chicago and get ready for some scenic sights. RECOMMENDED: Find the best places to see fall foliage outside of Chicago

It’s always bittersweet to bid farewell to summer, but don’t let yourself get too down in the dumps—apple picking season is here along with the sunny start of fall in Chicago. The city’s suburbs and surrounding countryside are full of bountiful orchards where you can pick pounds upon pounds of the fruit to take home for snacking or baking (speaking of baking, many of these farms feature bakeries stocked with homemade, apple-filled treats). And that’s not all: Come October, you'll also find some of the best outdoor activities at pumpkin patches near Chicago, plus corn mazes and hayrides at a handful of the farms on our list. Take a look through our roundup of the best apple orchards near Chicago and get excited for all the autumnal fun still to come. RECOMMENDED: Discover the most unique day trips from Chicago

Sometimes a sunny day can only be made more perfect by sipping on a cold drink outside. The best Chicago breweries and taprooms offer plenty of space to try their latest beers fresh from the tap, while outdoor bars and beer gardens offer relaxed places to gather with friends and share some brews. Many beer gardens and outdoor spaces are dog-friendly, too, so don't hesitate to let your pup in on the fun of a beautiful day. Whether you're itching for better weather or want to create your own impromptu beer garden crawl, here are the best beer gardens in Chicago for a cold beverage on a warm Chicago day. RECOMMENDED: Discover even more of the best bars in Chicago

As a chill runs through the air and the leaves begin to change, it’s not just fall that’s upon us, but spooky season. Autumn is the perfect time to watch horror movies, tell scary stories and walk through haunted houses. If you’ve ever wanted to have a real paranormal encounter, though, Chicago has plenty of destinations to try and make that happen. Historic buildings aren't the only places that have reported hauntings—music venues, cemeteries and hotels all have ghost stories surrounding them as well. So for those who are looking for more than pumpkin patches and corn mazes this fall, we’ve put together a list of some of the most haunted spots in Chicago that offer a truly chilling experience. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in Chicago

River North houses some of the most popular nightlife destinations in Chicago. Chic nightclubs and swanky lounges, where you can order bottle services while watching DJs spin, line the streets alongside upscale cocktail bars that serve tasteful spins on classic drinks as well as inventive concoctions. There are even tropical bars and places that keep the Chicago dive spirit alive. No matter what you’re in the mood for, we’ll help you find a bar in River North. Fancy a tiki drink? Three Dots and a Dash and the Bamboo Room are underground hideaways that excel at Mai Tais, daiquiris and a variety of rum-based cocktails. Love whiskey? Untitled Supper Club is home to the largest collection of American whiskeys in the world. And for those who want a no-frills spot to enjoy a cold beer, Green Door Tavern and Rossi’s have you covered. So check out our guide to the best bars in River North for your next night out. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best restaurants in River North

Between the amazing restaurants to try, swankiest bars to visit and best things to do, having a good time in Chicago can be expensive. However, there are still plenty of options for fun on a budget. Chicagoans have access to affordable museums around the city, theater shows that don't break the bank and even a cat cafe. Here are some of the best cheap things to do in Chicago for under $20. And for even more cost-effective options, check out the best free things to do in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago

Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago. Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Book your tickets for the Art Institute or Museum of Contemporary Art. Obsessed with the deep unknown of the sea or space? Take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium, which are two of the best children's museums. Whether you enjoy art, science, history or architecture, the city’s many museums are some of the top Chicago attractions and provide a great way to spend an afternoon. They're also among the best things to do with kids in Chicago. So spend a day exploring the best museums in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

Irish immigrants flocked to Chicago in the 1800s, making up a fifth of the city's population by 1850. It's no surprise then that whiskey bars and pubs in Chicago are relatively commonplace—you'll find them in almost every neighborhood, serving Irish beers like Guinness and Smithwick’s and dishes like fish and chips and shepherd's pie. And you don’t have to wait for St. Patrick's Day to visit, these spots are worth checking out any time of the year, boasting cozy nooks and sprawling beer gardens. Our guide highlights longtime favorites like Chief O’Neill’s and Mrs. Murphy‘s and Sons Irish Bistro, as well as more recent spots, including one of the best breweries in Chicago, Guinness Open Gate Brewery. While the beer and whiskey lists are obviously stellar at these places, the food is no afterthought, either. The Wolfhound offers a traditional Irish breakfast in the form of pizza, the Gage makes a perfect Scotch egg and Cork and Kerry serves Irish egg rolls. So whether you're looking for a hearty bite to eat or a bar to enjoy some whiskey, the best Irish pubs in Chicago will take care of you. Click here for more information on how we curate guides. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to the best Chicago bars

Last month, Time Out Market Chicago invited restaurants and mixologists from across the city to compete in a friendly bar competition. Their task was to concoct the perfect version of an elixir that has rapidly captured the hearts of many: the espresso martini.  Whether you’re a caffeine fiend with all-day cravings or a well-versed cocktail connoisseur, the espresso martini’s rise to fame has surely caught your eye. Beyond the trend of Sabrina Carpenter’s java-themed summer jam, the surge can be traced back to 2021—it's been reported that mentions for the cocktail increased by 300% in the first three months of that year. Since then, the drink has held its spots as a favorite for casual sippers, sparking the need for a battle to find the best in Chicago.  Although many accepted the challenge, only one emerged victorious. Ummo in River North took the number one spot, as voted by judges and guests. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Italian fare combined with American flavors. For its cocktail menu, bar manager Lance Bowman meticulously develops creative libations and completely reinvents classic cocktails. Options like the Strawberry Cannoli are a crafty combination of strawberry, vodka and egg whites.  Bowman’s take on the espresso martini uses La Colombe cold brew, complex BroVo Boomerang liqueur, cacao nib syrup and a Madagascar vanilla chai cold foam to help suspend the espresso bean garnishes. The extra “oomph” is the pu-erh demerara, a sugary syrup infused with a

Chicago has the most recognizable skyline in the world. It’s not necessarily because of its grandeur, but because of its characters: The diamond-headed Crain Communication Center, the monolith that is the Aon Center and the piece de resistance—the Willis (Sears) Tower.  Boasting the title of world’s tallest skyscraper for nearly 25 years, the giant in the sky embodies the Chicago spirit—a big-shouldered leader of modernism standing out from the crowd. Starting with trips as a kid up to the Skydeck, one begins to recognize the behemoth as another marker of the city’s limits in perceivable altitude.  When presented with the opportunity to ascend 103 floors of glory, I jumped on it. Every year, the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab puts on SkyRise Chicago, a fundraiser to support the center’s work in adult and child physical rehabilitation. As part of the fundraiser, participants can either climb 2,147 stairs to the Willis Tower Skydeck or cycle a total of 3.2 miles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Chicago (@timeoutchicago) In preparation for the event, I trained on the StairMaster at my gym. Every few days, I’d aim for 103—accompanied by podcasts, remixes and YouTube videos. Every time, it was a challenge to stay focused and push to the end.  I woke up at 7am on a Sunday and made my way to Jackson Avenue and Franklin Street. I completed all of the formalities, signed in, got my bib and made my way to the starting line to begin the climb. T

While haunted houses and spooky events provide frights during the Halloween season, there are plenty of scares that happen year round. We asked Time Out readers what Chicago-specific moments spark fear without fail and received numerous responses. From driving on Lower Wacker Drive to ghost buses, here are eight experiences more terrifying than a killer clown. Speed cameras Commonly installed near parks and schools, speed cameras are a scary sight for many drivers. It’s an even bigger shock when you receive a ticket in the mail—the fine is $35 for going 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit and $100 for 11 miles per hour or more. Driving into Lower Wacker Drive Chicago’s most notorious multilevel street can be a confusing labyrinth, not just for out-of-towners but locals as well. Thanks to spotty GPS signals, navigating Lower Wacker Drive is a bit tricky if you aren’t familiar with the layout. And one wrong turn is all it takes to end up in Lower Lower Wacker Drive, a small, short section that’s also home to a drag racing scene. Chicago Air and Water Show practice day One of the city’s most popular summer traditions, the Chicago Air and Water show brings millions of people to the lakefront to watch dazzling stunts performed by daredevil pilots plus boat demonstrations. The Friday before the shows is a practice day, with jets noisily zooming around and often startling residents who have forgotten about the annual spectacle. The Red Line on the day of a Cubs game Although

Whether you’re born and bred in the Windy City or have grown to call it home, you're probably aware there's an unspoken understanding between locals. It’s nothing too crazy, but the city definitely has its own traditions that residents hold dear to their hearts. To clarify any nebulous rules, we asked Time Out Chicago readers about rules to live by. From proper snowstorm etiquette to gastronomy no-nos, here’s what Chicagoans said were the most important unwritten rules of the city. “Deep dish pizza is for tourists. Locals eat thin crust.” “It will ALWAYS be the Sears Tower...not Willis.” “You have a "frunch room" and not a living room.” “Don’t try to start the Wave in Wrigley…” A chair on a parking spot is respected. Also applies to brooms, fish tanks or any other random furniture. “The burbs are NOT Chicago!” The most important rule to remember! “It’s pop, not soda.” “When riding the CTA please keep your bag on your lap, take up only the space you absolutely need, be quiet and helpful, respect everyone.” “Some highways are personified with names, and result in confusing directions if you don’t have a decoder.” What part of “take the Eisenhower to the Jane Byrne Interchange and then north on the Kennedy” don’t people understand? “Don’t take that shot of Malort, but feel free to offer it.” “It's 'fiddy fif' not 55th.” “South of Congress - Sox fans. North of Congress - Cubs fans.” One of the lesser known geopolitical lines of demarcation. “Don’t get into Lower Wacker if you re

Like many Chicagoans, I’ll order a deep dish pizza or hot dog “dragged through the garden” once in a blue moon. The heartiness and acid-reflux-inducing nature of these dishes means a slice of Malnati’s or Red Hots order is reserved for special occasions, mostly as a culinary showcase for out-of-towners.  It wasn’t until recently that I came to this realization when a West Coast friend, finally conceding to the sirenic calls of summertime Chicago, asked as we sat in the booth of Pequod's Pizza on a busy Saturday night, “If Chicagoans rarely eat deep dish pizza, why do you guys talk about it so much?” As I attempted to draw comparisons to a New York City bagel or Los Angeles breakfast burrito, which local residents actually do consume on the regular, my friend was left without an answer and I was left to ask myself: Is this all just a show? What is my role in this public, disingenuous spectacle? Naturally, I turned to Guy DeBord’s Society of the Spectacle for clarity. The 1967 book from the French theorist critiques development of mass media as an instrument of class struggle—does my tacit compliance in the constructed folklore of, say, a hot dog count in DeBord’s lens? More than I could have ever imagined.  “The spectacle is not a collection of images; it is a social relation between people that is mediated by images,” DeBord writes. “The spectacle presents itself simultaneously as society itself, as a part of society, and as a means of unification.” Okay, great, got it, makes

In celebration of the end of summer, you have the chance to order a giant Pop-Tart tomorrow. Starting August 20, residents of the Chicagoland area can get their hands on a massive version of the popular morning pastry. The Pop-Tarts Party Pastry will be 73 times the size of a normal Pop-Tart, making it the largest toaster pastry ever sold, and can feed 73 people. Aiming to spark child-like wonder, the behemoth breakfast snack is customizable with special decorations and designs for those lucky enough to nab one.  The Pop-Tart will be delivered directly to snackers’ doorsteps in a three-foot tall box, mimicking the original packaging.  The Pop-Tart started its journey in 1963 when Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) chairman, William LaMothe, envisioned “transforming a delicious breakfast into a toaster-ready rectangle that could go anywhere.” Originally called the “Fruit Scone,” the flaky and flat strudel hit the scene of Cleveland, Ohio the following year and, after a name change, the rest is history.  For its 60th birthday, the party pastry will only run you about $60, including delivery. It will only be available in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles during the promotional period and on a first-come, first-serve basis so be sure to act fast—the product was offered earlier this month and sold out in four minutes! You can try to snag one of the limited number of Party Pastries starting at noon on Tuesday, August 20 via the Pop-Tarts’ website. The Party Pastry is only availabl

Lollapalooza is coming to Time Out Market Chicago. In collaboration with Diskonect and Third Eye Hospitality, the food and culture hub in Fulton Market is transforming into a three-level music venue and hosting an official Lollapalooza afterparty on Thursday, August 1. From 9pm to 2am, attendees are invited to groove to the tunes of Chicago icons while enjoying small bites from some of the city's best restaurants. In celebration of 40 years since the birth of house on Chicago’s South Side, the Market will be filled with the high tempos and recognizable beats of electronic dance music and hip hop. The afterparty will feature sets by Chicago natives Vic Mensa, Felix Da Housecat and NEZ. Vic Mensa is a Grammy-nominated rapper from Chicago who has worked with notable artists like Ye, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and more. Felix Da Housecat, a Grammy-nominated artist and house pioneer, is an icon of the electronic music scene in Chicago and around the world. NEZ, also a Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate, has collaborated with the likes of Schoolboy Q, A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott.  "The DNA of Chicago house has always resonated with me," said NEZ, who performed at Lollapalooza in 2021. "The minimalism, stripped down elements, the bass lines, and the chords had a big impact on how I produce.  Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park next weekend, August 1-4. The annual summer music festival will host international talent over four days and is estimated to bring in over 400,000 attendees. This

A new, winning American combination has been born: rugby and fried chicken. From the mind of Art Smith, a two-time James Beard Award winner and long-time celebrity chef who’s collaborated with Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga, comes a new fried chicken concept at Time Out Market Chicago—Sporty Bird. Smith, a Florida native who still calls Chicago one of his homes, was inspired by his roots to bring Southern cooking to the world. “I come from very southern America,” Smith said. “I grew up with a very Southern mother and grandmothers and aunts, and food was a very central part of who we are as a family. And no, we didn’t eat fried chicken every day.” His most notable foray into batter-fried poultry was the fried chicken at Table Fifty-Two (which closed and reopened as Blue Door Kitchen and Garden in 2016) in the Gold Coast. The “world-famous” fried chicken expanded to other Southern restaurants including Reunion at Navy Pier, Art and Soul in Washington, D.C. and farm-to-table eatery Homecomin' in Disney Springs.  But at 64 years of age and having spent decades in the food industry, Smith was unsure of his next culinary adventure until an unexpected sports partnership reinvigorated him.  After reading an article about soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s chicken sandwich collaboration with the Hard Rock Cafe, the chef couldn’t help but look at the offering and think, “This looks like fast food—I can do better.” Following the founding of Chicago’s first professional rugby team, the Chicag

Two of Chicago’s most recognizable culinary institutions are teaming up for an unforgettable flavor combination: Pizza-Seasoned Garrett Popcorn. For a limited time, the Home Run Inn and Garrett Popcorn crossover snack will be available at Wrigley Field. Cubs fans can elevate their baseball dining experience at select concession stands from July 2-7. The recipe combines Garrett’s beloved buttery popcorn with Home Run Inn’s “Everything But the Pizza” seasoning—a blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese. Both brands are steeped in Chicago history—tavern-style thin crust pizzas have been coming out of Home Run Inn pizzerias since 1947 while Garrett is celebrating 75 years as the original gourmet popcorn of the Windy City. The inventive and local flavor crossover marks another creative endeavor from the popcorn brand. Back in 2022, Garrett partnered with Revolution Brewing to produce its caramel popcorn in the form of a beverage with a CarmelCrisp-flavored ale.  For any out-of-towners (or Sox Fans) feeling left out, fret not. Both Garrett Buttery Popcorn and Home Run Inn’s seasoning are available to order online, so you can make your own equally delicious at-home version of the official collab.

It’s official: Chicago has some of the worst traffic in the world. According to Inrix’s Global Traffic Scorecard, Chicago ranks No. 5 for worst traffic in the world with a loss of 96 hours in traffic for the average traveler in 2023. To compare, the typical American driver lost 42 hours in traffic in the same year. Chicago ranks behind New York, London, Paris and Mexico City in highest global traffic delay times. The study uses traffic data to provide delay comparisons, economic projections and commuting trends based on unique geographic travel patterns.  Chicago’s congestion surge was an 18% jump from pre-pandemic travel times in 2019.  Some of Chicago’s expressways are the busiest in the country, too. The Dan Ryan headed south from the Jane Byrne Interchange to Interstate 57 at 4pm ranks as the 10th busiest travel corridor in the country, and eastbound on the Stevenson from the Dan Ryan to Cicero Avenue at 4pm ranks 12th in the nation.  The report also showed travel trends reflecting changes in Chicago’s downtown. As the Loop approaches one of its highest storefront vacancies in decades, Chicago’s year-over-year trips to its city center decreased by 1%, the only U.S. city in the report to experience a reduction. The damages done to travelers aren't just to their psyches, either. The cost of lost time and general price of congestion averaged out to $1,672 per Chicago driver, according to the report. On a wider scale, the study estimates the city of Chicago lost $6.1 billion

Chicago’s most famous metallic legume is back on display this week after months of maintenance work. In celebration of its return and Millennium Park’s upcoming 20th anniversary, here’s everything you need to know about the adored public art. Whose idea was "The Bean?" In 1999, to prepare for the highly-anticipated opening of Millennium Park, city organizers asked dozens of artists from around the world to submit proposals for public art. Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (the official name of "The Bean") was chosen. Kapoor, a world-renowned British sculptor, originally wanted to model the art piece off of liquid mercury, hence the reflective metal exterior. Featuring an “omphalos” (Greek for “navel”), the concave chamber at the center of the structure, "The Bean" is said to act as a gate between realms and allows visitors to walk directly under the massive artwork.  In explaining his vision to the Chicago Tribune in 2004, the artist said, "What I wanted to do was to make a work that would deal with the incredible skyline of Chicago and the open sky and the lake but then also be a kind of gate. You know, the tradition of public sculpture is for the gate, the archway, the square to flow within [the landscape] rather than be an object decorating it." Kapoor also considered Chicago-specific geography while designing Cloud Gate. “Chicago is a very vertical city,” Kapoor told the Chicago Sun-Times in 2017. “I wanted to make a horizontal sculpture that would draw in the clouds as well as t

One of America’s largest pizza chains has just added a new item to its permanent menu that's sure to be controversial with locals—Chicago tavern-style pizza. Pizza Hut, also known as “The Hut,” has rolled out a new tavern-style thin crust alongside four new topping variations: pesto margherita, ultimate tavern, spicy chicken sausage and double pepperoni. Diners will also be able to create their own combinations with eight new permanent ingredients: spicy marinara sauce, pesto sauce swirl, chicken sausage, fresh diced garlic, grape tomatoes, caramelized onions, fire roasted peppers and crispy cupped pepperoni. As a Chicagoan, I understand my birthright to classic, tavern-style pizza and decided to try it myself. What’s the deal with tavern-style pizza? While the city may have built its global reputation around the hearty behemoth that is deep dish pizza, the tradition of thin crust, tavern-style pies is generally more preferred by Chicagoans. Unlike our neighbors on the East Coast, pizza as a culinary staple did not catch on in Chicago until the post-Prohibition 1940s. Essentially, local taverns used pizza as the perfect accompaniment to alcohol—not needing plates, the pizza was cut into small squares to fit neatly on a paper napkin and enticed patrons to stay (and drink) longer. Chicagoans also adopted hand-rolling out pizza dough unlike the traditionalists of New York, who preferred theirs tossed, according to Chicago Magazine. Machine sheeters eventually proved to be more e