Jeffy Mai

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. 

The best restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred heavyweights to some of the best cheap eats Chicago has to offer. The cuisines are just as varied, with every corner of the globe represented through Korean, Mexican, Italian, sushi and much more. Whether you're a lifelong resident or simply visiting for the weekend, stuffing your face at one of these restaurants is easily among the best things to do in Chicago. This belt-busting food scene shows no signs of slowing down, so we cut to the chase and ranked our essentials—the absolute best restaurants in town. Our editors scour the city for great dishes, excellent value and insider info. We hope to provide an authentic snapshot of Chicago's ever-evolving dining experiences by updating this list constantly with the best new restaurants in the city as well as decades-old stalwarts that keep us coming back for more. It could be a mega-hyped destination restaurant or a remarkable hole in the wall: If it’s on the list, we think it’s terrific, and we bet you will, too. August 2025: Our latest roundup of the city's finest eateries features 20 top spots, from iconic institutions such as Johnnie's Beef and Calumet Fisheries to buzzy haunts like Indienne and Kasama. This month's list offers the updated address for Birrieria Zaragoza's secondary location as the original is temporarily closed due to a recent stove fire. That being said, whether you're just visiting or a lifelong Chicagoan,

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

The official start of fall in Chicago might be in September, but the season doesn't really hit its stride until October—a month replete with crisp air, colorful fall foliage and a heaping helping of spooky fun. Take advantage of everything autumn has to offer by exploring the best pumpkin patches near Chicago, attending an apple-themed neighborhood fest, getting lost in corn mazes or staring up at the changing leaves at your local park or garden. And of course, celebrate Halloween in Chicago with spooky pop-ups, haunted houses, horror movie marathons and even more ghoulish events. Ready to embrace autumn? Check out the rest of the best things do to in Chicago this October.  RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2024 Chicago events calendar

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at Christkindlmarket locations in both Daley Plaza and Aurora. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2024 at New Year's Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you'll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2025 in style. So make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2024 Chicago events calendar

Welcome to November in Chicago! You've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas lights displays to the first days of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. And of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving in Chicago. Hoping to avoid the holidays altogether? Take a spin on the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon or huddle away from the wintry weather at Chicago museums as temperatures start to plummet. Say goodbye to fall in Chicago with the help of our list of the best things to do in Chicago this November. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2024 Chicago events calendar

The origins of this glorious medium between breakfast and lunch may be contested, but there’s no questioning Chicago’s admiration for brunch. From morning standards like pancakes and French toast to Southern staples like shrimp and grits and chicken fried steak, you’ll find brunch dishes for every craving—or hangover—at the best Chicago restaurants. And whether it’s cozying up inside with close friends on a cold winter day, enjoying a Sunday Funday with a bottomless brunch or fueling up before exploring the city, there's a spot that has exactly what you need. Looking for a classic omelet or waffle? Check out Chicago institution Lou Mitchell’s or Lincoln Park cafe Batter & Berries. If you’re in the mood for a dim sum feast filled with a variety of delights, Dolo in Chinatown is the perfect spot. And for an all-out extravagant brunch, head to Maple & Ash for fire-roasted seafood towers, caviar and prime cuts of beef. We’re here to help you have the most delicious weekend, so read on to discover our picks for the best brunches in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Find the best breakfast restaurants in Chicago August 2025: Perhaps the most important meal of the day, brunch is a very serious matter here at Time Out. These top spots dish out the fluffiest pancakes, freshest eggs and crispiest bacon in Chicago. This latest iteration of this list features a new inclusion: Southport Grocery and Cafe. Although it's not a new destination by any means, we believe the specialty grocery and cafe's too

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

Looking for an outdoorsy experience that's a bit more adventurous than walking through your local Chicago park? Thankfully, you don't need to go too far to escape the urban jungle, because there's no shortage of great spots for hiking near Chicago. Cross state lines to visit the gorgeous Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan, explore the ruins of a steel mill in Joliet or tackle the sprawling 30-mile Ice Age Trail at Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. Plus, some of these paths double as great Chicago bike trails—you can even make a weekend of it and plan a camping adventure. If you're ready for a quick escape from the city, put on your best boots and hit the trails at some of the best places for hiking near Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Hit the road on more day trips from ChicagoDiscover these amazing treehouse Airbnbs near Chicago

If you're angling to spend an afternoon soaking in quiet natural settings, classic architecture and plenty of historical lore, look no further than Chicago's cemeteries. These contemplative locales, some of which date back to the 19th century, serve as the final resting spots of countless famous Chicagoans—so many, in fact, that you could spend hours getting lost among the stately tombstones and crypts studding their manicured grounds, which rival even the most scenic Chicago parks. Unsurprisingly, many of these spots also number among the most haunted places in Chicago, so try not get too scared when you visit the most beautiful cemeteries in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best haunted houses near Chicago

The team behind Logan Square spots Union and Lardon also operates this intimate and swanky cocktail bar. Housed in the same century-old building as the other two concepts, Meadowlark provides guests with a cozy den to hang out in—complete with low lighting, comfy leather couches and book-lined shelves. The drinks are all named after birds, and there’s also an accompanying menu of small bites. Seating is limited, so get there early to snag a spot.

One of the most memorable meals of my life came at Gymkhana, a contemporary Indian restaurant in London. Arriving hungry and jet-lagged, my partner and I were floored by the elevated takes on familiar South Asian staples. For Brits, this type of experience is a common occurrence but here in Chicago, it’s nowhere near as prevalent. While a number of openings have broken new ground in recent years, Indienne is arguably the most ambitious to date. Its chef and co-owner, Sujan Sarkar, is no stranger to the local scene. He helped launch Rooh in the West Loop, which itself was a revelation at the time. At Indienne, Sarkar pushes the envelope even further. The restaurant debuted in September with two tasting menus—vegetarian and non-vegetarian—that reimagine classic Indian recipes through a progressive lens (an a la carte menu has since been added). In a surprise, both set options are priced at $90, a relative bargain considering the River North location. On a recent visit, my non-vegetarian experience began with canapes. A passion fruit pani puri packing a tart punch cleansed the palate for a mushroom éclair crowned with goat cheese and shaved truffle. The evening’s first course, a beautiful chaat starring a potato nest with dollops of chutneys atop yogurt and a raspberry spread, delivered a medley of textures and flavors. Each bite was creamy and crispy, as well as tangy and spicy. It was followed by an immaculate poached egg in a curry studded with peas, sweet corn and crispy oni

Originally conceived as a virtual venture that accepted orders through Instagram, 3 Little Pigs pivoted to operating out of a shared kitchen before eventually expanding to several brick-and-mortar locations. Chef-owner Henry Cai whips up “untraditionally authentic” American Chinese cuisine, and for his signature char siu that put the concept on the map, he smokes fatty pork butt and finishes it off with a liberal dose of sweet and tangy sauce. The menu also features favorites such as fried rice studded with three types of pork and a unique salt; a pepper fried chicken sandwich dressed with fried garlic, sautéed jalapenos and mayo; and a hot pot beef sandwich that's a riff on Chicago's iconic Italian beef.

The team behind longtime barbecue standout Smoque branched out in 2023 with the opening of a steakhouse. Aptly named Smoque Steak, the concept skips the excess and opulence typically associated with chophouses in favor of a more relaxed experience that puts the focus squarely on the beef. The steaks are first smoked, then cooked sous vide before being seared, resulting in perfectly done cuts that are packed with smokey flavor. And the prices won’t break the bank—options range from a beefy ribeye to a chuck tender bistro steak that’s less than $20.

For its latest concept, DineAmic Hospitality celebrates 1950s Italian American cuisine with an opulent steakhouse in Fulton Market. The stunning 8,200-square-foot space is decked out in crystal chandeliers, fresh florals, booths dressed in lavender mohair, dark leather chairs and other elegant touches. This is a place to see and be seen, and chef Joe Rizza complements the experience with a menu that’s equally dazzling—Caesar salad is prepared tableside, squid ink pasta arrives topped with a whole lobster and the beefy steaks are grilled on a wood and charcoal hearth. The wine list boasts dozens of Italian bottles, while dessert is headlined by a slice of decadent chocolate cake.

This omakase newcomer from husband and wife Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee has arrived with much acclaim, including a Michelin star for Sushi by Scratch Restaurants’ outpost in Montecito, California. Tucked away below West Loop bar The Drop In, the 10-seat concept dishes out 17 courses across three seatings each night. You can expect plenty of luxe ingredients to be featured, as well as inventive nigiri—like a piece with unagi and roasted bone marrow drippings.

Looking for a laid-back spot where the vibes are good and you’re free to let loose? Then visit Way Out for fun times and reasonably-priced cocktails (every drink is priced at $12) like the Darkness Falls—a mix of gin, coffee liqueur, Campari and vermouth. Though the food menu mostly offers standard bar bites, you’ll definitely want to try the pizza potstickers. And for some friendly competition, check out the pool table in the back room. Every month, the bar also hosts a free burlesque show.

One Off Hospitality’s uber-popular Mexican restaurant expanded its scope in 2022 with the opening of a seafood concept. The menu features plenty of ceviches and fish tacos, but the star of the show is the pescado zarandeado, a whole grilled fish that’s been heavily marinated. It arrives alongside caramelized onions, smashed cucumbers, cilantro and tortillas for you and your friends to build tacos with. And don’t forget the pitcher of margs!

You’ll know this taqueria in Little Village takes tacos al pastor seriously the moment you walk through the door. The red-hued pork is on full display, beautifully stacked on a trompo in the kitchen and waiting to be sliced to order. Complement the marinated meat with chunks of pineapple and a generous splash of salsa for the perfect bite.

For those interested in traditional Chinese medicine, this bulk-goods store in Chinatown Square offers everything you’re looking for. Cure what ails you with a host of herbal teas and natural remedies. There are also dried goods ranging from scallops to mushrooms.

With hundreds of bottles to choose from, Rebel & Rye—named after the whiskey rebellion of 1794—can be an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, the able staff at this Southern-themed bar are more than happy to make recommendations for every palate and budget. American distilleries are the focus so expect plenty of bourbon and rye.

Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant Roka Akor took over the space next to its River North location and transformed it into a concept that pays tribute to the Macallan. The heart of the experience is the M Room’s tasting menu, which highlights the flavors and ingredients used in the Scotch-making process, plus complementary beverage pairings. But there’s also an a la carte selection of expensive and hard-to-find bottles, including pours from the M Collection and Fine & Rare Collection.

Music festival season is still months away but one of Chicago’s biggest summer events has announced its 2025 lineup. ARC Music Fest will take place in late August at Union Park in West Loop. The festival will bring nearly 100 internationally-renowned house and techno artists to town for a weekend of dance and beats. This will be the fifth edition of ARC, and the music this year will be spread across four stages. Also returning is the ARC After Dark series, which will be five nights of afterparties at venues all over the city.  If you’re a fan of electronic music, you won’t want to miss out. When is the Chicago ARC Music Festival? The festival will happen August 29-31 in Chicago’s Union Park. How do I get tickets? Three-day General Admission, VIP and VIP+ tickets go on sale to the general public at noon on Friday, March 14. Presale tickets are currently on sale for Mastercard cardholders. Tickets can be purchased here. Who’s playing at the 2025 ARC Music Festival? This year’s lineup features big-name acts like Jamie xx, John Summit, Amelie Lens, Richie Hawtin, FISHER and Eric Prydz, who will perform under the aliases Eric Prydz, Pryda and Cirez D. One of ARC’s most popular experiences is its back-to-back sets—pairings for the 2025 fest will include Cajmere B2B Carl Craig, Green Velvet B2B Skepta Más Tiempo, Felix da Housecat B2B Mike Dunn and Honey Dijon B2B Derrick Carter. You can check out the full lineup here or below. View this post on Instagram A post share

St. Patrick’s Day is still over a week away, but Time Out Market Chicago is getting the party started early. Visit us this weekend at the culinary and cultural hub in Fulton Market for a host of exciting events. On Saturday, March 8, local author Laura Bityou Beriau and musician Ray Hogan will lead an hour of musical storytime. Bring the little ones for a morning of song, dance and classic Irish tales. Afterwards, you can purchase books and have them signed by Beriau. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly interactive experience, 2d Restaurant is hosting a donut decorating class for young chefs. They’ll be able to unleash their creativity by decorating three mochi donuts with a variety of toppings and sprinkles. All of the ingredients will be provided, and everyone can take their delicious sweet treats home. Tickets are $25 and available via Eventbrite. Finally, the Market is here to help you find your perfect match. Whether you're looking for love or just want to test the waters, join us for an evening of speed dating on Saturday night, presented by MyCheekyDate. Participants will be able to see all of their potential matches through a mobile scorecard and choose who they’d like to be paired with. Casual and comfortable, it’s a fun and low-pressure way to mingle, laugh and maybe meet that special someone. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. The St. Patrick’s Day festivities continue on Saturday, March 15, when the Market will have an all-day celebration featuring Finvara coc

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is just days away and Time Out Market Chicago is celebrating with an oh-so-delicious pop-up starting this weekend. Visit the culinary and cultural hub in Fulton Market on Saturday, March 1 to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort. Chefs Jamie Gilmore (Southern Bites) and Darnell Reed (Luella’s Southern Kitchen) are teaming up to whip up a variety of New Orleans-inspired dishes for the occasion at their Back to Bourbon Street kitchen. Those who are familiar with the Big Easy know the muffuletta is a staple, and for good reason. The sandwich features Genoa salami, mortadella, ham, provolone and olive salad packed in an Italian loaf. Of course, no Cajun feast would be complete without a po’ boy so Gilmore and Reed are offering a version loaded with fried Mississippi catfish. Craving a bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo? Mmhmm, the hearty stew will be on offer as well. And we can’t forget the crawfish empanadas—the flaky dough crescents are filled with the “holy trinity of veggies”—onions, bell peppers and celery—plus rice and crustacean. Make sure to save some room for dessert. The praline and bourbon pecan bread pudding is simply the perfect end to any meal, but we’ll understand if you opt for one of our other favorites: Beignets dusted in powdered sugar. Wash it all down with a drink from the Time Out Market Bar, which will be slinging Hurricanes, the classic New Orleans cocktail. The Back to Bourbon Street kitchen will be open from 11am-8pm on March 1-2

A Chicago institution has just been recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Lem’s Bar-B-Q, the longstanding barbecue joint in Greater Grand Crossing, is one of the recipients of the foundation’s 2025 America’s Classics Award. Introduced in 1998, the honor is given to “locally owned restaurants with timeless appeal that serve quality food and are beloved by their communities.” Opened in 1954 by brothers Myles and Bruce Lemons, Lem’s is known for its Chicago-style rib tips and links, and signature secret sauce. Unlike most barbecue spots, the restaurant uses an aquarium-style smoker, fueled by hickory wood and charcoal, to cook its meats. The process is labor-intensive but it—along with the scents of meat coming from the tall smokestack atop the building—has kept customers coming back for seven decades. Lem’s location on 75th Street, which is also one of Time Out’s most iconic restaurants in Chicago, was established in 1968 by James B. Lemons and is currently run by his daughter Carmen. This isn’t the first time a Chicago restaurant has been declared an American Classic. Past winners have included the Berghoff, Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, Calumet Fisheries and Sun Wah. The other recipients of this year’s America’s Classics Award are the Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum, ID; Sullivan’s Castle Island in Boston, MA; Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage, AK; Dooky Chase in New Orleans, LA; and Gaido’s in Galveston, TX. All six winners will be celebrated during the James Beard Restauran

National Margarita Day is February 22, and Time Out Market Chicago is celebrating in style. Join us at the food and cultural hub in Fulton Market for refreshing agave cocktails and good vibes all week long. We’re serving special margaritas at the bar and on National Margarita Day, a live DJ will be spinning the hits while guests can enjoy Tromba Tequila samplings and a photo booth from 1-4pm. And if you want some delicious bites to pair with your drinks, check out Lil Amaru for its selection of tacos, sandwiches and sides like sweet plantains and mojo fries. But that’s not all we have planned. On Sunday, February 23, the Market is hosting a Best Margarita Contest. Nine Chicago restaurants and bars are gathering to compete for the crown, and you can help decide the winner. Each participating spot will offer their own take on the classic margarita and attendees will choose their favorite. The one who receives the most votes will get a cash prize, trophy and bragging rights. The competition will be fierce as we’ve enlisted some of the best in town to battle it out. The lineup includes Big Star, La Josie, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, Mercadito, La Luna, Cantina Rosa, Lonesome Rose, Tzuco and the Market bar. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite—entry gets you samples of every cocktail. We can wait to see you there!

One of the city’s favorite traditions is the dyeing of the Chicago River in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The dyeing always occurs the Saturday before the holiday (except when March 17 falls on a Saturday) and this year, it’ll take place on March 15. The event draws thousands of spectators, who gather to watch the water turn green. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who makes the annual pilgrimage downtown to join in on the fun, here’s everything you need to know about the Chicago River dyeing. What time does Chicago dye the river green in 2025? Crews are scheduled to start the river dyeing process at 10am on Saturday, March 15. How do they dye the river green? Using several boats, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pours and spreads 40 pounds of vegetable-based dye into the river—from Columbus Drive to Orleans Street—until it’s a bright shade of green. How long does the dye last in the river? Depending on the wind, the river usually stays green for a day or two. Where are the best places to watch the dying of the Chicago River? You’ll be able to see the dyeing anywhere along the Chicago River from Columbus Drive to Orleans Street. The Chicago Riverwalk and Wacker Drive are popular stretches for watching the action, as are the bridges that cross over the river. Many hotels, restaurants and bars overlooking the water will also host viewing parties, including RPM Seafood, Pizzeria Portofino, The Royal Sonesta, Miru, LondonHouse, Travelle at The Langham and Raise

Chicago is one of the biggest travel hubs in the world and soon, travelers will have more nonstop flight options. American Airlines has announced the addition of nine new destinations from O’Hare International Airport, including Chicago’s only nonstop service to Naples, Italy, which starts May 6. Other international cities customers will soon be able to fly to are Madrid, Spain and Halifax, Canada. In addition, American will offer 10 daily flights to eight popular European destinations, such as London, UK. The airline will also be introducing service to Bismarck, North Dakota; Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Hyannis, Massachusetts; and Spokane, Washington. Many of the new routes will launch in June, making it easier for you to get away this summer. American will operate up to 480 daily flights from O’Hare, which is a 22% increase from last year. “O’Hare has always been a vital hub for American, connecting the Midwest to our global network and bringing travelers from across the world to Chicago for business and pleasure,” said Ben Humphrey, American’s Vice President of ORD Operations, in a release. “Strengthening our network is a promise to our customers that we’ll continue to provide exceptional service to the places they want to go.” Customers will also have 40% more premium seating options in June when American debuts larger, dual-class aircraft. And it should be easier to book a flight as the airline will offer 25% more seats in total compared t

Love is in the air—it's Valentine's Day! If you haven't made dinner plans yet at one of Chicago's most romantic restaurants, all is not lost. There are still plenty of great spots where you can woo your valentine with a swoon-worthy meal. Some are even going the extra mile and offering special heart-shaped foods for the occasion. From classic deep dish pizzas and donuts to a Beating Heart maki roll, here are the best heart-shaped dishes to help make your date night memorable. Lou Malnati's   Photograph: Courtesy Lou Malnati's   Chicago’s legendary deep dish specialist is bringing back its popular heart-shaped pizzas, and they’re available all month long. The nine-inch pies can be had with plain cheese, sausage or pepperoni, and $1 from every order will be donated to Feeding America local food banks. Sunda New Asian   Photograph: Courtesy Sunda New Asian   Sure, you’ve probably seen heart-shaped pizzas and desserts before, but what about a maki roll? Sunda’s two locations are offering a special Beating Heart Maki, filled with spicy tuna, pickled daikon, tobiko and sweet soy butter, through February 16. Gene & Georgetti   Photograph: Courtesy Gene & Georgetti   Chicago’s oldest steakhouse isn’t just about the beef. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will offer house-made, heart-shaped ravioli filled ricotta alongside blistered tomato, peas and lobster jus.  Pizzeria Portofino   Photograph: Lindsay Eberly   Treat your valentine to a romantic riverside dining experienc

One of the biggest pop stars in the world is coming to Chicago this Valentine’s Day, and Time Out Market Chicago wants to help you get to the show. Justin Timberlake will perform at the United Center on Friday, February 14, and because we know how much of a hassle traffic and parking can be, we’re offering free transportation to the arena. That’s right—from 6-9pm, a shuttle will leave for the United Center from the Market every 30 minutes. So leave the car at home and ride with us. The Market will be the perfect spot for you and your crew to pregame for the concert. Enjoy a variety of delicious bites from some of the city’s best restaurants and chefs. There’s Gutenburg’s mouthwatering burgers and fries, QXY’s acclaimed soup dumplings, Sporty Bird’s irresistible fried chicken, Bill Kim’s comforting ramen and much more. To wash it all down, the bar will be slinging creative cocktails, local craft beers and wines. No matter your preference, it sure beats concessions at the arena. Not going to the concert? Then party with us! We’re also throwing a pop-themed Galentine’s bash at the Market from 7-9pm. Get ready to dance the night away as a live DJ plays all of your favorite hits. From JT to T. Swift, the evening will be a celebration of all things pop. Plus, there will be bracelets and charms available for purchase from Get Sparked. That’s not all, though—the Market bar is whipping up a host of special cocktails just for the occasion. Timberlake fans will definitely want to sip on

The wait is almost over! The biggest game of the year is this weekend, and Time Out Market Chicago will be the best place to catch all of the action. Gather your crew and watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday, February 9 at the culinary and cultural hub in Fulton Market. We’ll be showing the game on a giant 32 feet wide by 6 feet tall screen with sound, as well as upstairs on the second floor, so no matter where you are, you won’t miss a single play (or Kendrick Lamar’s much-anticipated halftime performance). Of course, the game is only half of the fun. All of the Market’s kitchens are ready to feed you and your friends a host of delicious bites. We know how difficult it can be to order with a big group, which is why the Market is the perfect spot to accommodate all palates. And with mobile ordering, you can order from multiple eateries in one seamless transaction. There’s even tableside delivery—yes, someone will bring the food directly to you! If you’re in the mood for traditional game day foods, there are plenty of options. The wings—available in soy garlic or gochujang—from Bill Kim Ramen Bar are a favorite, as are Urbanbelly’s hot chicken bao buns. Craving nachos? Lil Amaru’s version is piled high with chihuahua cheese, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa macha and choice of protein. These dishes are all shareable, but if you want something all to your own, consider one of Gutenburg’s mouthwatering burgers, Sporty Bird’s irresistible

Winter in Chicago means snowy days, frigid cold and lots of indoor activities. One of the best ways to stay warm is by digging into hearty, comforting fare. Luckily, Time Out Market Chicago offers a variety of excellent options to make the coldest months more bearable. From rich bowls of ramen to decadent soup dumplings to delightful salads, the following dishes will help you overcome the winter blues. Pork ramen at Bill Kim Ramen Bar   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas for Time Out   While ramen is always a great choice, there’s no denying its appeal during the coldest months. Celebrated chef Bill Kim offers several versions to satisfy every type of palate. Our personal favorite is the pork ramen–kimchi-braised pork, crispy shallots, egg, marinated bean sprouts, cabbage, scallions, cilantro—but you can get your bowl with spicy shrimp, chicken wontons, pork mandu or tofu as well. Lamb and coriander dumplings at QXY Dumplings   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas for Time Out   The city’s best dumplings are at the Market, courtesy of Chinatown stalwart QXY. You won’t go wrong with any of the offerings, but our go-to is the steamed lamb and coriander soup dumplings. If you want an even more decadent bite, opt for the wagyu beef and black truffle dumplings. All dumplings are available steamed or pan fried, and you can mix and match flavors. Wings and waffles at Southern Bites   Photograph: Time Out Market   Chef Jamie Gilmore delivers Southern-style brunch fare with Creole love at Southern Bi

Time Out Market Chicago, home to the city’s best restaurants and chefs, is welcoming another stellar concept to the family starting on February 17. Stefani’s Bottega Italiana will bring its lineup of Roman-style pizzas, pastas and schiacciata sandwiches to Fulton Market. The Gladstone Park restaurant is known for its seasonally-driven, made-from-scratch Italian specialties and is a part of Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, the group behind beloved spots like Tavern on Rush, Tuscany and Stefani Prime. Though Stefani’s Bottega Italiana debuted in 2024, its origins go back much further. When owner Phil Stefani opened his first restaurant in the ‘80s, he decided all of the pastas would be made in house using machines imported from Italy. As the Stefani empire expanded, the company found itself looking for a space that not only produced fresh pasta for all of its eateries, but also the public as well. Thus, Stefani’s Bottega Italiana was born. First, let’s talk about the incredible handmade pastas. The flour used is flown in from Italy and the sauces are classic recipes that the Stefani group has built its reputation on. There’s the Tagliatella Bolognese, a marriage of long, flat ribbon noodles and a meat-based sauce. Also on offer will be the Mezzaluna Cipriani, a signature dish that dates back to the original Stefani concept. It stars ravioli filled with ricotta, parmigiano and pecorino cheese in a tomato vodka sauce. Photograph: Kristen Mendiola Just as delicious are the Ro