Jeffy Mai

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, Mediterranean and Japanese fare. 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. Many of the city's best chefs and restaurants are in Time Out Market Chicago as well, and you can scroll through the full vendor lineup at the bottom of this page.

There's a lot going on inside Time Out Market Chicago, the 50,000-square-foot food and cultural epicenter located at 916 W Fulton Market in the heart of the West Loop. The building is home to editorially-curated eateries from some of Chicago's top chefs, several world-class bars, a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and an impressive all-season rooftop terrace. We'll give you a second to catch your breath. Whether you want to order in person or take advantage of mobile ordering, there are several options for getting your hands on some delicious food and drink. With mobile ordering, you can transform your dining experience by skipping the lines and ordering from several kitchens in one seamless transaction. Staff will even bring the food directly to your table! Speaking of food, there's plenty to explore, with menu options that run the gamut from stacked burgers and mouthwatering smoked meats to fresh sushi and over-the-top milkshakes. Take a closer look at all of our chef and beverage options, and visit Time Out Market Chicago in the West Loop.

Welcome to another weekend! Take a load off by soaking in a spa or spending some time at the best Chicago attractions. Mother's Day is this Sunday, so don't forget to book an unforgettable Mother's Day brunch. You can also play golf at Wrigley Field, go on a wine walk around Andersonville or attend a Shrek rave. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! Spring is here, which means it's time to get outside and go hiking or plan an exciting day trip. Here in Chicago, watch movies at a rooftop theater, take a wine stroll through Lincoln Park or catch Mamma Mia! while it's in town. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

Once May rolls around, we know summer in Chicago is just around the corner. Need evidence? Look no further than the slate of summer festivals coming up this month—including returning favorites like Mole de Mexico in Pilsen and Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park—or the throngs of people hanging out at Chicago rooftop bars and outdoor restaurants every weekend. Plus, don't forget to plan out holidays like Mother's Day (we bet your mom would love brunch reservations) and Memorial Day weekend in Chicago this month. So enjoy spring to the fullest and start getting ready for another glorious summer with our May 2024 events calendar for Chicago.RECOMMENDED: Our complete events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Mother's Day this year is coming up on Sunday, May 12—have you made plans yet? If not, the best Mother's Day brunch offerings are here to save the day. Stop by some of the top brunch spots in Chicago for special menus featuring towering plates of French toast, pancakes and bottomless mimosas that are sure to make your mom's day. And of course, it never hurts to tack on a bouquet from one of the best flower shops in Chicago or a box of sweets from a chocolate shop. Whether you're looking for a laid back experience or an indulgent buffet spread, check out the most promising Mother's Day brunch options in Chicago this year. RECOMMENDED: The best flower delivery services in Chicago

If you're coming to Chicago, there's no shortage of places to explore—and you shouldn't limit yourself to the Loop. If you want to experience the real Chicago, head for the city's neighborhoods, where you'll find some of the most unique things to do in Chicago and many of the best restaurants in Chicago. Keep in mind that Chicago is a city with excellent public transportation, so a trip downtown to Museum Campus or "the Bean" is only a short ride away (and we won't shame you for sneaking away to try the best deep dish pizza Chicago has to offer). From eclectic dining in Logan Square to a free Mexican art museum in Pilsen, here's where to stay in Chicago when you visit. RECOMMENDED: 🏨 The best hotels in Chicago.🛏️ The best Airbnbs in Chicago.

Chicagoans love to make the most of the warmest months by eating outside. Some of the best restaurants in Chicago offer alfresco dining every spring and summer with outdoor seating. When the weather is pleasant, you can grab a seat on a rooftop restaurant that affords great views of the skyline or on a huge enclosed patio at one of the best pizza spots in the city. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun in a lively atmosphere or want a chill outdoor bar, you’ll have plenty of options. So check the forecast and head to one of the best outdoor restaurants in Chicago for a fun and breezy time. RECOMMENDED: Scope out the best rooftop bars in Chicago

If the thought of lunch is the only thing that gets you through the morning, well, you’re not alone. The Loop, an unofficial epicenter of corporate professionals, has plenty of gems for suits to grab delicious midday bites. You can expect to nosh on a variety of cheap eats, including sandwiches, barbecue, dumplings and much more. There are some upscale options as well, in case you’re looking to treat yourself or conduct business over a fancy meal. There are even a few places to grab drinks for "team building" on slow Fridays or get happy hours started early. No matter what you’re in the mood for, the best lunch spots in the Loop will brighten your day. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in the Loop

May 2024: Spring is here and it's time to head outside! Walk through a beautiful park, take a hike on a trail or go on an stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. Plus, summer street fests and alfreso dining season are back. There are plenty of other options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in May. No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We've searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now.

Spring in Chicago has officially arrived! It's time to get outside and explore. You can go hiking near Chicago or take a day trip to enjoy a quick getaway. April sees the return of several big events, such as C2E2 and EXPO Chicago, as well as the Chicago Latino Film Festival for cinephiles. If you're looking for food and beverage experiences, grab tickets to the Chicago Rum Festival or New Beers Eve. Later in the month, head to Merchandise Mart to shop unique, handmade goods from 350 vendors at the One of a Kind Show or check out the Joffrey Ballet's Midsummer Night's Dream. So celebrate the beginning of the spring season—and all the new beginnings that go along with it—with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this April. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Wait no more—the Lollapalooza 2024 lineup is here. Chicago’s annual music festival returns to Grant Park August 1-4 with over 170 bands across eight stages. Headlining this year’s summer spectacle are  SZA, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, The Killers, Future X Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex.  Skrillex’s appearance will be his first at Lollapalooza since 2014, and he’ll be joined at Perry’s Stage by fellow big names such as Zedd, FISHER and Zeds Dead. South Korean boy band Stray Kids will also make their Lollapalooza debut, following in the footsteps of recent K-pop acts like NewJeans, Tomorrow X Together and J-Hope. Other highlights in the lineup include Deftones, Tate McRae, Reneé Rapp, Two Door Cinema Club, Killer Mike, Vince Staples, Kesha and Conan Gray. In addition, Icelandic singer-songwriter will perform a set with the Chicago Philharmonic. And if you’re on the hunt to see the next breakout artist, this year will feature up-and-comers like Benson Boone, Raye, The Last Dinner Party, d4vd and more. Tickets for four-day General Admission, General Admission+, VIP and Platinum are on sale now. Single-day and two-day tickets go on sale March 26. Check out the full Lollapalooza 2024 lineup below. Who's on the Lollapalooza 2024 lineup? The festival will be headlined by SZA, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, The Killers, Future X Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex. In total, more than 170 artists will take to eight stage

Originally conceived as a virtual venture that accepted orders through Instagram, 3 Little Pigs pivoted to operating out of a shared kitchen before eventually moving to its current home inside Molly's Cupcakes in the South Loop. Chef-owner Henry Cai whips up what he calls “untraditionally authentic” American Chinese cuisine and with his new brick-and-mortar location, both longtime fans and first-timers alike need not worry anymore about missing out due to limited availability. Cai smokes fatty pork butt to make the signature char siu—Cantonese-style barbecue pork—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 and pepper fried chicken sandwich dressed with fried garlic, sautéed jalapenos and mayo.

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.

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.

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.

Part of a chain that originated in Canada, Planta Queen is perhaps Chicago’s swankiest plant-forward restaurant. The menu, crafted by executive chef David Lee, is home to Asian fusion delights, such as crispy gyoza filled with cabbage, carrots and mushrooms; jackfruit wings; and dehydrated watermelon nigiri. Not sure if a dish is suitable for your diet? There’s a handy allergen guide you can check so there are no unwelcome surprises. Fun cocktails, like the Sake to Me (sake, orange liqueur, watermelon, lime), complement the food. For vegans who want an upscale and trendy scene, there’s no better choice than Planta Queen.

Brunch is one of the best parts of the weekend and soon, you’ll be able to enjoy it all day long—seven days a week—at Time Out Market Chicago. Chef Jamie Gilmore is opening Southern Bites, a new brunch kitchen that will offer a host of refined Southern specialties. Diners may recognize Gilmore: The dental-pro-turned-chef brought her full-service brunch restaurant Lizzy J Cafe to the second floor of the Market in 2023. At Southern Bites, a lot of familiar favorites will be on the menu alongside some exciting new options. “I’ve always thought about doing a fast-casual concept so people can experience what [Lizzy J Cafe] does on the go,” Gilmore said. You’ll be able to satisfy the sweet tooth with bourbon-glazed French toast topped with fruits and whipped cream, or lemon ricotta pancakes kissed with powdered sugar. If it’s something savory you’re after, the signature biscuits and gravy or the “Fish-wich”—fried catfish filet dressed with lettuce, tomato, cheddar and spicy rémoulade—are excellent choices. Photograph: Time Out Market Of course, Gilmore is also known for her Creole flavors so it’s no surprise the Southern Bites menu will feature a few classic dishes. The shrimp and grits presents crawfish étouffée and andouille sausage married with smoked gouda and cheddar grits, while the gumbo is made with crawfish étouffée, fried catfish and blackened shrimp over rice. Photograph: Time Out Market Saving room for dessert is highly encouraged, as Gilmore whips up peach cobbler

One of the city's biggest culinary talents is coming to Time Out Market Chicago. Acclaimed chef Art Smith is bringing his new fried chicken concept, Sporty Bird, to the Fulton Market food and cultural hub. Combining his love of sports with his passion for Southern hospitality, Smith will delight guests with his signature fried chicken, chicken sandwiches and more. “As a worldwide brand that unites food-lovers from all walks of life, Time Out Market provides the perfect platform for Sporty Bird to showcase its unique blend of flavors and fun. I believe that everybody loves fried chicken, and in a city like Chicago where food and sports are part of the fabric of everyday life, Sporty Bird is destined to become a beloved culinary destination,” Smith said.   Photograph: Time Out Market Diners can expect to enjoy a variety of tantalizing chicken offerings. The Chicago Hounds Sandwich features crispy breast dressed with beef bacon, Sporty sauce, lettuce, pickles and tomato, while the Bridgeview Sandwich sports crispy chicken with hummus, harissa, pickled red onions and tahini on taboon bread. For those who just want chicken, Chef Art's Famous Fried Chicken and the Sporty Bird Spicy Nuggets—served with choice of dipping sauce—will hit the spot. “It’s quality fried chicken. It’s delicious and really well done. We marinate it and use a specific kind of flour that we can only get from the South, and it takes a lot of technique to do it right,” Smith said. “But what makes it great—it’

Whether you've lived in Chicago your whole life or are new to the city, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover and amazing things to do. A recent thread on Reddit asked locals, "What's a Chicago 'life hack' everybody living here should know?" prompting a variety of responses. From tips for riding the "L" to the grid system to freebies from the Chicago Public Library, these are some of our favorite hacks. RECOMMENDED: Unique habits people pick up after living in Chicago “Water taxi from Chinatown to Michigan Avenue for a cheap and beautiful boat ride.” - u/saintpauli. It’s one of the best things to do in Chicago, in our opinion. “If the car train is empty, do not get on. Pick a different car.” - u/rinklkak. 😬  “Pedway, Lower Wacker Drive.” - u/mencival “Grid system. When you teach someone to fish, you feed them for a lifetime. When tourists ask directions, I point to a street sign and explain the grid system.” - u/Substantial-Art-9922. At the very least, learn which direction the lake is. “Chill outside Wrigley during concerts to listen to them.” - u/grhymesforyou. Who remembers Fall Out Boy last summer? “Better than a Chicago-style dog: a Polish, charred, with Chicago style toppings.” - u/salsation. Why not both? “Chicago Public Library has 3D printers, sewing machines, and craft spaces you can use for free (varies by branch).” - u/OrganicMasonJars “A lot of the city park field houses have nice gyms and pools with very low monthly fees.” - u/uptown_meanie “Layers.” - u

One of Chicago’s most popular and viral summer events isn’t coming back for another season. Friday Morning Swim Club, the unsanctioned meetup that drew thousands of people to Montrose Harbor each week all summer long, has announced the event is officially canceled this year.  Organizers Andrew Glatt and Nicole Novotny explained their decision in a video posted on Friday Morning Swim Club’s Instagram account, stating a deal couldn’t be reached with the city. The pair said it would cost $108,000 to secure a permit for the space, plus an additional $80,000 for lifeguards, security, portable toilets and more. Factoring in other business expenses, the club was looking at a quote of $250,000-$300,000 to run the event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Friday Morning Swim Club ™ (@fridaymorningswimclub) General disinterest from the Chicago Park District was another reason for the cancellation, according to the organizers. “All the suggestions, all the comments pointing to the easy solutions—they were met with unreasonable demands … Swim Club did not fit their mold and they were unable and unwilling to think outside the box,” Novotny said. Born during the pandemic, Friday Morning Swim Club originally started as a social gathering among friends in 2021. But it soon grew to hundreds of participants. Last summer, thousands flocked to Montrose Harbor—an area that does not allow swimming—to jump into the waters of Lake Michigan with floats on Friday morn

Spring is here, and with it, plenty of opportunities for outdoor dining and rooftop hangs (both of which you can do at Time Out Market Chicago!). If you need more reason to visit the food and cultural hub in Fulton Market, check out the host of exciting events that are happening in the coming weeks. From a Kentucky Derby watch party and Cinco de Mayo festivities to R&B bingo, there's no shortage of things to do at the Market in May. Comedy Kickback With Damon Williams Laugh it up with an evening of comedy at Tony’s Rooftop Bar on May 1, hosted by Damon Williams. A lineup of different comedians will take the mic and keep you on your toes. Cocktails from Rémy Martin will be featured. Tickets, available via Eventbrite, are $10 with a two drink minimum Old Irving Brewing Co. Tap Takeover Launch Party The Market is throwing a party on May 4 in celebration of Old Irving Brewing Co. taking over the taps at Tony’s Rooftop Bar. Get ready to sip on some of the finest ales and lagers in town while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Fulton Market food and cultural hub. The Kentucky Derby Put on your finest derby outfit and head to the third floor of the Market on May 4 to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, giveaways, photo ops and more. The best dressed will have a chance to win prizes and the bar will be slinging mint juleps and sazeracs featuring WhistlePig. RSVP via Eventbrite. Cinco de Mayo Make your way to the Market for a fes

The Michelin Guide has long been one of the most prestigious evaluators of culinary experiences, and now it’s expanding its expertise to hotels.  The inaugural recipients of Michelin Keys in the U.S. have just been announced by the French tire company. Hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington D.C.—the cities where the Michelin Guide also recommends restaurants—were eligible for the awards. Similar to how it judges eateries, Michelin inspectors took anonymous stays or visits to hotels across the country. In total, 124 accommodations received either one, two or three Michelin Keys, including eight spots in Chicago. The Peninsula Chicago, Pendry Chicago and The Langham, Chicago all earned two Keys. The designation is bestowed upon places that are “truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed,” Michelin explained. “A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.” One Key was awarded to the Chicago Athletic Association, Nobu Hotel Chicago, The Gwen, Viceroy Chicago and Waldorf Astoria Chicago. These hotels are “a true gem with its own character and personality,” according to Michelin. “It may break the mould, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significan

It’s a huge week for the Chicago Bears and its fans. Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, in which the Bears hold the No. 1 pick, the team has just revealed in a press conference its proposal for a new state-of-the-art, enclosed stadium next to the lake. The stadium would be located just south of Soldier Field, where the Bears currently play. In addition to Bears games, the stadium would also host concerts and other entertainment events, and would be usable year-round thanks to a fixed translucent roof.  A world-class destination for a world-class city. Introducing initial designs for a new lakefront stadium. #StadiumForChicago — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 24, 2024 The team is pledging $2.3 billion to the project, and estimates that it will create 4,200 new annual jobs and have an annual economic impact of $456 million once completed. The total cost is expected to be $4.7 billion—$3.2 billion for the stadium and $1.5 billion for infrastructure improvements. The club is seeking $900 million in public funding through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, and will also apply for a $300 million NFL loan. Taxpayers would be on the hook for the infrastructure improvements to the Museum Campus, but Mayor Brandon Johnson said the project would not raise taxes for residents. The new stadium would be publicly owned and include 14 acres of athletic fields and recreational park space. The team aims to break ground in the summer of 2025, with a planned grand opening i

The list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 has been revealed, and three Chicago spots made the cut. Kumiko, the Japanese dining bar in the West Loop led by acclaimed mixologist Julia Momosé, is the continent’s 19th best drinking destination. 50 Best called it a “sophisticated cocktail bar that blends Japanese and American cocktail influences with style and finesse.” Kumiko also earned the honor of the Best Bar in Midwest USA.  Landing at No. 32 is Logan Square cocktail bar Meadowlark. This is Meadowlark’s first appearance on the rankings, and it took home the Best Cocktail Menu Award as well. “It is an intimate cocktail den where generous Midwestern hospitality meets a humble celebration of the region’s flavours, history and culture,” 50 Best wrote. Best Intentions, the popular dive bar in Logan Square, is another new entrant to the list, coming in at No. 48. “Sometimes it is the most unassuming of neighbourhood bars that leave the biggest mark on the drinking culture of a city, and that’s certainly the case with Best Intentions: a beloved neo-dive with a thoroughly Midwestern vibe,” 50 Best explained. The top spot this year went to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, Mexico. New York City is home to the most top bars, with 12 total. Check out the full list of winners below. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City Superbueno, New York Overstory, New York Martiny's, New York, Rayo, Mexico City Jewel of the South, New Orleans Double Chicken Please, New York Thunderbolt, Los Angele

Hot Ones fans—the viral show is coming to Chicago this summer. First We Feast is teaming up with Stella Artois to bring the popular YouTube sensation to town for its first-ever live event later this year. The episode will take place at an “iconic location in the city,” according to a press release, and fans can sign up for a chance to attend. Ten grand prize winners will receive travel and accommodations for two people, as well as two tickets to the event. Entrants must be 21 years of age or older, and the sweepstakes end on June 3. Hosted by Sean Evans, Hot Ones is a celebrity talk show with a twist—guests must eat chicken wings doused in increasingly spicy hot sauces while answering questions from Evans. The show has produced countless viral moments from stars, including Jennifer Lawrence, Sydney Sweeney and Gordon Ramsay. To date, there have been 23 seasons and more than 325 episodes.  No lineup has been revealed yet for the live event, but Hot Ones is promising plenty of “celebrity guest appearances,” plus an unnamed Stella Artois Global Brand Ambassador. Stella Artois will also sponsor five Hot Ones specials throughout the summer, starting with the release of a new episode today featuring rapper and actor Ludacris. So spicy food lovers, even if you can’t handle Da Bomb, you may soon have the opportunity to watch in person as someone famous attempts to do so for your entertainment.

4/20 is this weekend and while Chicago's best dispensaries will help you stock up, you'll also need something delicious to satisfy the munchies. Fortunately, many local restaurants are offering stoner-friendly dishes and specials to celebrate the occasion. So after you're done toking up, grab a bite from one of the following spots. RECOMMENDED: Celebrate 4/20 at Time Out Market Chicago with these tantalizing dishes Velvet Taco  Photograph: Courtesy of Velvet Taco Available April 17-23, Velvet Taco’s 420 Blazin’ taco features mac and cheese, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos chicken tenders, chile aioli and Fruity Pebbles in a warm flour tortilla. Diners who purchase the special offering can also enter to win a skydiving experience for two and lunch at Velvet Taco through the restaurant’s loyalty app. Daisies Daisies pastry maestro Leigh Omilinsky is whipping up three special baked goodies in honor of 4/20. Swing by the cafe for a Cheetos Danish, jalapeño popper croissant or cookies and cream twice baked. Paulie Gee's View this post on Instagram A post shared by Derrick Tung (@pauliegeeslogansquare) The Logan Square outpost of Paulie Gee's will offer a stuffed pimento mac and cheese Detroit-style pizza on 4/20. Limited quantities will be available for preorder starting at 9am Saturday morning. Estelle’s  Photograph: Courtesy of Estelle's Wicker Park bar Estelle’s is celebrating 4/20 with two food specials. Satisfy your munchies with Dumper Fire Fries—Hot Mess loaded

4/20 is right around the corner and if you're celebrating, you should also have a plan for when the munchies hit. Luckily, Time Out Market Chicago is here to help you satisfy those cravings with a variety of delicious offerings. Featuring 12 kitchens and multiple bars, there's something for everyone. From smoked wings and mouthwatering burgers to over-the-top milkshakes, these are the can't-miss dishes to enjoy at the Market after visiting Chicago's best dispensaries. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best 4/20 restaurant deals in Chicago Smoked meat sampler at County BBQ  Photograph: Courtesy of County BBQ When you’ve got a serious case of the munchies, County BBQ’s smoked meat sampler is just the thing to cure it. Choose four different proteins to feast on; options include Texas-style brisket, Chicago rib tips, pulled pork, smoked wings and smoked salmon. They’re accompanied by three house-made sauces. If you’re somehow still hungry after all that, order a side of the decadent mac and cheese. Guten Belly Burger at Gutenburg Photograph: Branford Parker for Time Out If you want something hearty to satisfy your cravings, Gutenburg’s mouthwatering offerings should be at the top of your list. Chef Jorge Kauam draws influences from the hamburger’s modest origins in Hamburg, Germany and blends them with modern techniques to create an enticing lineup of smash burgers. We recommend the Guten Belly burger, featuring a beef patty topped with caramelized pork belly and bourbon fig barbecue

Taylor Swift’s new album is just days away, and there’s a mystery teasing local Swifties ahead of its release. A mural with the words “Taylor Swift” and “The Tortured Poets Department,” plus a giant QR code has gone up on the side of a River North building at 33 W. Grand Ave, the Chicago Tribune reports. The code links to a 13-second short from Swift’s official YouTube account. The video simply displays the message “Error 321.” Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, is set to drop this Friday, April 19. The singer-songwriter announced the album during an acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards this past February, and is currently on the international leg of her record-breaking “Eras Tour.”  The QR code is made up of the letters “ttpd” and the number “13.” Swift considers 13 her lucky number—she was born on December 13—and has been known to hide Easter eggs in the liner notes of CDs and vinyls. GUYS THE CHICAGO CODE TAKES YOU TO THE VIDEO WITH A “R” AND THE AUSTRALIA CODE TAKES YOU TO THE VIDEO WITH A “T” #TSTTPD WHERE ARE THE OTHER QR CODES?! pic.twitter.com/ypgOc2XUvi — emily 🤍 i will hold on to you (@emsswiftieadv) April 17, 2024 Fans have gathered outside the last two days to watch the mural being put up and speculate as to what the video could be hinting at. Some have live-streamed the spectacle, while others have taken photos with it. It’s also not the only promotion for the album Swift has unveiled this week—a poetry library insta