Lauren Brocato

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. Quick picks: The best things to do in Chicago 🌳 Millennium Park – See “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) and coast along one of the city's most stunning ice rinks 🎨 The Art Institute of Chicago – World-class collection with strong Impressionism and modern art wings ($26–$32) 🏙️ Willis Tower Skydeck and “The Ledge” – Enjoy sky-high views and step onto glass ledges above the city ($36–$45) Last updated April 29, 2026: As Chicago moves fully into summer, the city comes alive with fresh energy and endless ways to spend a free afternoon. Whether you're enjoying a dip in the lake on a hot day, dining al fresco or strolling along the glittering Riverwalk, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Read on to discover the best activities for making the most of the season. You can also find out more about how Time Ou

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've 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. Best Chicago restaurants at a glance: 🥩 For a steakhouse: Trino – A Latin-influenced restaurant where beef isn't the only standout (West Loop) 🌮 For authentic tacos: La Chaparrita – Mexico City-style tacos at a taqueria attached to a corner store (Little Village) 🍽️ For a fine-dining splurge: Smyth – Chicago's lone three-Michelin-starred tasting experience led by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields (We

Welcome to summer, Chicago! We've only got a few precious months of warm weather and long days to enjoy, so let us help you make the most of it with our guide to the city's best season. A few ideas: Maximize your time outside at rooftop bars and restaurants, catch outdoor movies in city parks, sample bites at a street festival and spend your weekends dancing to live tunes at the best summer music festivals in Chicago. And if you're looking for free things to do in Chicago, it's tough to beat a long day at the beach! Summer won't stick around forever—scroll through and get ready to explore the best of the city's warm weather offerings. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in ChicagoHere are the best boat tours in Chicago

Updated June 1, 2026: June is finally here, which means the city's cultural calendar is packed. Each week, our team at Time Out Chicago curates the ultimate weekly event guide, featuring the big events, IYKYK pop-ups and everything in between. Get a start on summertime activities this week at Ravinia Festival, where Stella Cole, Kurt Elling and more are taking the stage over the next few days. Plus, it's Chicago Blue Fest and Ribfest week! Two essential Windy City fests in one week sounds, to us, like a great start to summer. Keep scrolling for more of the best happenings across Chicago this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in June 2026

Is there anything better than June in Chicago? The days are long, summer festival season has arrived and cold weather finally feels like a distant memory, giving us ample opportunity to enjoy afternoons at Chicago beaches and evenings spent sipping frozen cocktails at the city's best rooftop bars. As always, you'll find plenty of seasonal events to keep busy, from big summer music festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash to charming neighborhood art fairs. Plus, don't miss the numerous Pride events happening. Say hello to summer with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this June. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Do you feel that newfound warmth in the air? It can only mean one thing—festival season is here. The city's streets and parks will be full every coming weekend thanks to a stacked lineup of fests, fairs and more. You'll find everything from heavy-hitting summer music festivals like Lollapalooza and Sueños to beloved neighborhood block parties on the calendar from May through October. We'll continue to update this list throughout the season as more fests announce lineups and additional details—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best festivals in Chicago this year. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do this summer in Chicago

We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ. Like you (probably), we spend the workweek daydreaming about the next restaurant to obsess over and obsessively updating our concert calendars. Whether you’re museum-hopping, plotting a day trip to escape the city, or ready to ghost your original plans for something spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend in Chicago. Updated May 27, 2026: What's better than a sunny summer weekend in Chicago? Not much, in our book. With so many events, festivals, exhibitions and more to explore, there are plenty of ways to spend the weekend—and here, we've curated a list of the ones actually worth your time. For family fun, check out the newly debuted Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum. For a night on the town, head to Navy Pier's free concert series, Live on the Lake. We’ve also rounded up some of the best free events in Chicago, too, for good measure. Scroll down to discover more of the best events across the city! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago RECOMMENDED: Discover the 50 best things to do in Chicago right now

Lollapalooza, one of the biggest events of the summer, is almost here. Chicago’s annual music festival returns to Grant Park July 30–August 2 with over 170 bands across eight stages. Headlining this year’s summer spectacle are Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, The Smashing Pumpkins and The xx. Along with the sensational lineup, Lollapalooza has some new amenities in store for attendees, including the Northside Suites, a private, air-conditioned experience with a private rooftop viewing deck, complimentary food and drinks and more. The exclusive space will accommodate up to 15 guests per day. Other highlights in the lineup include Turnstile, Geese, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Uzi Vert, Blood Orange, Hot Mulligan, The Chainsmokers, Finn Wolfhard, Beabadoobee, Ethel Cain and DJ Trixie Mattel. In addition, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra will be performing. And if you’re on the hunt to see the next breakout artist, this year will feature up-and-comers like Pearly Drops, Case Oats, Love Spells and more. Tickets for General Admission, General Admission+, VIP, Platinum and Lolla Insider go on sale Thursday, March 19, at 10am CT. RECOMMENDED: Check out photos and coverage of Lollapalooza RECOMMENDED: Lollapalooza drops official aftershow lineup with 80+ acts The Lollapalooza 2026 lineup The festival will be headlined by Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, The Smashing Pumpkins and The xx. In total, more than 170 artists will ta

We’re convinced there’s a sushi restaurant for just about every occasion, and each one serves a purpose. Take the family-owned neighborhood spot, for example. Perfect for a reliable bowl of miso soup and chirashi on a random Tuesday night when even heating up ramen means getting your life together in some impossible way. Then there’s the date-night stunner with a rare sake list and gold-flaked nigiri that costs more than your car payment, but will make a hell of an impression on an important occasion. And we’d be remiss in excluding the refrigerated cases at the local gas station or supermarket for quick—and gastrointestinally regrettable—lunches on the run. Classic.  But then there’s the Mount Olympus of sushi restaurants. God-tier establishments doling out bites of thinly sliced fish and delicately padded rice that would make Poseidon weep (perhaps, even, quite literally). That’s what we have on this list. Restaurants that’ve elevated sushi to its purest art form and have won their fair share of awards and accolades along the way. From a sleek, minimalist counter manned by a protege of Jiro Ono (yes, that Jiro) to a speakeasy-style den of omakase in Nashville (yes, we’re serious), here are some of the best sushi restaurants in America.   May 2026: We’ve updated this list to reflect some of Time Out’s recent reviews of sushi restaurants around the country, along with current pricing, hours and menu offerings for some of our favorites. This guide will be periodically updated

Welcome to Chicago! We’re glad you’re here (or considering a trip, at least). Whether you’re visiting on business or pleasure, we know it can be daunting to travel to a new city for the first time. There are logistical hurdles: figuring out the public transportation options, navigating the grid system, knowing the best neighborhoods to stay in. And then there are the cultural questions: When is the best time to visit? What should you do with your time? Where should you go? Is deep dish truly all it's cracked up to be? Is Malört that bad or are locals just dramatic? We’ve drawn from our experience as Chicagoans, and polled our own visiting friends, to come up with a list of what you should know as a new arrival. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

When the clock hits 2am in Chicago, your night on the town doesn't have to end. While most bars in the city have to close up shop two hours after midnight, a few local watering holes are able to stay open until 4am each night (and until 5am on Saturdays!). These late–night establishments are scattered throughout the city, but you'll find dive bars, a few karaoke bars and some nightclubs where you can keep the party going until just before the sun comes up.  Do your future self a favor and bookmark this tab for the next time the clock strikes 2am and you're looking for your next move.  RECOMMENDED: The best late-night restaurants in Chicago Updated May 2026: I'm not proud to admit it, but I'm somewhat of an expert when it comes to the best late-night bars in Chicago. I familiarized myself with the top spots (for research, of course!) plenty of times in my early twenties, and now, I bestow upon you our expertly reported guide to Chicago's best late-night bars. This list ranks the best spots to go when you don't want to head home just yet. Have enough liquid courage to sing karaoke? Head to Alice's Lounge. Want to relive your college years? Try The Hangge-Uppe. Just don't blame us when you wake up questioning your decisions from the night before. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’ve also st

The best immersive art museums in America transport you into the mind of an artist, letting you live in their imagination. In the past generation, these experiences have grown from small museum exhibits to vast playgrounds, destinations by themselves.  These surreal immersive experiences across the U.S. offer trippy visuals, all-encompassing worlds and out-of-this-world takes on classic art. Whether you want to step inside an iconic Claude Monet work, explore a twisted world behind a hidden door in Las Vegas or swim in a full-size pool of sprinkles, these immersive experiences across the country have something for everyone. Don't forget to snap some pictures for the Gram!  RECOMMENDED: The weirdest museums in the U.S.

Hosted by That Dog Presents, Merch Mart is made for music fans. The roster features more than 30 vendors selling music, merch, tickets and more, plus a lineup of local DJs and food and drink vendors.

Let's Do Fun Things is an event series created to inspire intentional connection. From game nights and dance classes to workshops and themed lectures, the events, hosted at various locations across Chicago, are curated to encourage exploration and meaningful connections.

Chicago Dance Month highlights the diversity of the city’s dance scene with four weeks of activations from nearly 35 dance artists and companies across a dozen free events throughout Chicago. The slate includes programming such as dance classes at Navy Pier's Wave Wall Platform on Wednesdays, pop-up performances at the Wave Wall stage on Saturdays, workshops, panels, film screenings and more. 

Spanning over 75,000 square feet across six floors, Design at 329 is one of the city's largest vintage and antique hubs. Every second and fourth weekend of the month, dozens of dealers open their showrooms to the public.

Three Chicago DJs are taking over a vintage design showroom for the weekend-long music series HeadRoom. Rather than a typical DJ show with rowdy crowds and chaos on the dance floor, guests arrive early, sit during the performance and see the headliner first. The nouveau DJ series encourages connection and a focus on the music. 

Catch digital monsters in Grant Park with thousands of other trainers at the Pokémon GO Fest. Organizers are promising encounters with new species, real-time challenges, exclusive merch, photo ops with your favorite Pokémon and more. If you're still trying to catch 'em all, this is where you can fill your Pokédex and probably make a few friends while you're at it.

Get ready, punk rockers! Riot Fest is returning to Douglass Park from September 18-20 with a laundry list of rock, punk, metal and emo artists. It's always one of the biggest music fests of the season thanks to a must-see lineup of both legacy acts and emerging newcomers. 

When Etta closed the doors to its Bucktown location last fall, the restaurant’s chef, Jake Peterson, took over the two-level space on North Avenue to transform it into a lavish steakhouse. Dēliz, which translates to “delicious” in Italian, is an addition to the city's already-dense steakhouse scene.  The vibe: Billed as an Italian steakhouse with la dolce vita flair, Dēliz actually does offer a social setting, unlike some eateries that promise the same experience but often fall flat.  The food: Housemade pasta and steaks prepared on custom Argentinian-style grills anchor the menu, with a few fish and chicken dishes also on offer. For duos, I recommend pairing a steak with one or two pasta dishes. We opted for the caccio e pepe with decadent black truffle and pillowy buffalo ricotta gnocchi, along with the 10-ounce steak frites.  The drinks: Cocktails like a cannoli-infused espresso martini and the smooth, mezcal-based Vivace with lavender honey syrup are decent, but the wine is the way to go here. With a heavy focus on Italian makers, the curated wine program offers an extensive selection of pours. Time Out tip: The dessert menu, shaped by celebrity chef Jessica Scott, is the grand finale you won’t want to miss. 

With just two 14-guest seatings per night, this Michelin-starred omakase restaurant helmed by chef Shingo Akikuni showcases ultra-fresh offerings sourced from Japan and Florida. Located inside the historic La Palma building, the low-key counter swirling with hushed voices and minimal fanfare was built in Japan, then dismantled and shipped to Coral Gables. The vibe: Minimal and modern, with soft lighting and artisan tableware by Japanese ceramist Kazue Wakabayashi. Fittingly, everything has its place: ladies receive a basket for their handbags to tuck beneath their chair, while guests are encouraged to place their phones atop a woven coaster on the counter. The food: The tasting menu changes seasonally. Past favorites include both cold and hot dishes, including grilled anago shirayaki with osetra caviar, soy-marinated octopus and blackthroat seaperch.  The drinks: Japanese tea culture is integrated into the omakase experience with pairings by sommelier Kaori Yoshioka. There's also a selection of sake and wine on offer. Getting to pick your glass from the wide selection of ornate crystal vessels is half the fun.  Time Out tip: Don’t expect thumping music and crazy fusion flavors like some of the other omakase spots around Miami. Subtlety and simplicity shine here. 

This tiny, 10-seat sushi bar in the Little River neighborhood is known for its extensive Kappo menu, which often comprises nearly 20 courses and can last more than two hours. Paying homage to Edomae traditions, Michelin-starred Ogawa features a private Japanese garden and a striking room complete with traditional Japanese calligraphy scrolls and contemporary nihonga artworks on-site, offering a serious dose of Japanese culture in Miami. The vibe: A long wooden sushi counter in an intimate, quiet space accented by original artworks produced using traditional Japanese techniques.  The food: Chef Masayuki Komatsu’s Kappo menu offers a combination of sushi and hot dishes inspired by the season’s bounty. Nigiri, handrolls, miso soup and dessert are all to be expected on the ever-evolving bill of fare. The drinks: A selection of wines, sakes and rare Japanese whiskies curated by Ogawa’s sommelier, Luis Martinez, is available for pairing.  Time Out tip: Go in with an open mind—and stomach. The owner, Alvaro Perez Miranda, says each night’s menu is tailored to who’s coming, guest preferences, allergies and special requests. 

Bold and ambitious chef Otto Phan left Austin, Texas to come to Chicago with the goal of creating the city’s best sushi. He fulfills those aspirations every night at his nondescript Logan Square restaurant, which is also one of the most expensive experiences in town. The vibe: An intimate eight-seat omakase counter in Logan Square. The food: Those who are able to secure a seat are treated to a front-row view of Phan slicing raw fish and serving it on extra-large rice grains that have been seasoned with aged red vinegar. You’ll pay a pretty penny, but Kyōten’s omakase provides some of the finest bites money can buy, made with luxurious products flown in from Japan. The drinks: Elevate your meal with a beverage pairing, which includes sakes, wines, beer, and zero-proof sips like a spritz and teas and coffees. Time Out tip: If you're not planning on shelling out nearly $500 for a meal, head a few steps down to sister spot Kyōten Next Door for a more affordable, but equally impressive, experience.

Three-time James Beard Outstanding Chef nominee Shiro Kashiba’s third restaurant at Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market is one of the country’s finest Japanese eateries. The master sushi chef, who trained under sushi legend Jiro Ono, serves Edomae-style fare showcasing seasonal ingredients and local Pacific Northwest delicacies. The vibe: A modern dining room and (coveted) chef’s counter where guests can get an up-close view of the sushi master at work. The food: Guests seated at tables can choose from à la carte options like oysters, tuna poke and sauteed geoduck, or opt for the chef’s daily omakase offering. At the chef’s counter, a 1-hour-and-45-minute omakase experience features a rotating selection of the chef’s freshest dishes. The drinks: Japanese whiskey, sake cocktails, wine and beer are on offer for all diners, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic drinks to pair with your meal. Time Out tip: Only a few seats are available to reserve for the three chef’s counter seatings (at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm). All other seats are fair game, and you can book a spot in person for same-day seating any time after the restaurant opens at 5pm.

Lollapalooza just dropped its official aftershow schedule—and it’s stacked. From Tuesday, July 28, through Sunday, August 2, more than 80 acts are taking over 27 venues across the city. The solo shows offer a chance for fans to see a full set from some of the festival’s most anticipated performers like Zara Larsson, Yungblud and Suki Waterhouse. The best part about the aftershows? $1 from every aftershow ticket sold will support arts education programs for youth across Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The Lollapalooza daily schedule with set times is out When do Lollapalooza 2026 aftershow tickets go on sale? Official aftershow tickets go on sale Friday, May 29, at 10am CT. Visit the Lollapalooza site to score yours. Do I need a festival pass to go to the aftershows? No. You do not need a Lollapalooza festival pass to go to the aftershows. What’s the lineup and schedule?  Check out the poster for the full Lollapalooza 2026 aftershow lineup below, followed by the list of performances by day.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lollapalooza (@lollapalooza) Tue, July 28 Paris PalomaMetro Wed, July 29 Evening Elephants w/ The BraymoresBeat Kitchen CMATBottom Lounge Ayybo w/ Inphinity & Rika BCastaways Bad Nerves w/ Flesh PanthersCobra Lounge Bella Kay w/ Claire RosinkranzGarcia’s Blood OrangeHouse of Blues Bixby w/ J.VN.Lincoln Hall Viagra Boys w/ Beau WanzerMetro Between Friends w/ FingyOutset Boris BrejchaRadius Empire of the SunSalt Shed M

Have you ever wondered what the world record is for the most amount of people taking a shot of Malört at the same time? Me either, but we’re about to find out. Jeppson’s Malört is attempting to set the world record at its “Bad Decisions for Good Cause” event at Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) on Sunday, August 30. The event kicks off at 5pm before the official attempt at 7:30pm. Malört will match $10 from every ticket sold to support Ravenswood Community Services, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food, housing and other supportive services to Chicagoans facing hunger and homelessness. RECOMMENDED: The 24 best bars in Chicago—the official ranking Tickets are on sale now for $10. Each ticket gets you one shot for the world record attempt, but even if you aren’t drinking, you can still get a ticket to witness what will probably be the world record for the most amount of people making a stank face at the same time.  You can also purchase commemorative swag like a shot glass ($10), T-shirt ($30) or sticker ($5), which can be picked up at check-in. Sure, there are about a million other things most people would do before drinking Malört, but this time, your actions will bring a positive outcome. The CEO of CH Distillery, Malört’s owner and producer, Tremaine Atkinson, puts it best: “We’re going to attempt something patently ridiculous and do some serious good for Chicago in the process.”

Get ready, trainers: Pokémon GO Fest is once again taking over Grant Park from Friday, June 5, through Saturday, June 7. It’s been nine years since the first Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago back in 2017, and that was, well, a fiasco. The debut festival was defined by network crashes, refunds and complete chaos. This year, though, the fest is slated to improve past mistakes with updates like eliminating fencing around Grant Park to allow for an open format that encourages exploration. There are separate morning and afternoon experiences at Grant Park each day, as well as full-day, city-wide experiences from 9am to 6pm on Thursday through Sunday. The morning park experience runs from 9am to 1pm, before the afternoon session from 2 to 6pm.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend Tickets are $33 and include one park session of event gameplay and a full day of citywide gameplay. Participants can also purchase add-ons to level up the experience by extending the duration of their city-wide gameplay, securing an exclusive collectible item, earning additional in-game rewards and more. Tickets for Saturday’s park experience are sold out, but there are still tickets for all other days’ events. Check out the Pokémon GO Fest ticketing page for the latest information. The festival coincides with the wildly popular Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at the Field Museum, where fans can see how iconic creatures like Archeops and Aerodactyl size up to real-world artifacts like the fo

A new study on water pollution in Illinois may make you think twice before jumping into the lake this summer. According to the Environment Illinois Research & Education Center, the recent study found microplastics across all 31 tested sites, including Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. These tiny pieces of litter may pose a potential health risk to humans and marine life, but what does that really mean for Chicagoans?  What actually are microplastics? Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters. Studies on the possible links to illnesses, such as cancer, are being conducted by the government and academic researchers.  What did this study find in Lake Michigan and the Chicago River? The study found microplastics, microfibers, microfilms and microfragments across the tested sites. These tiny, sometimes invisible to the naked eye, pieces of litter come from single-use plastics, fast-fashion production and stormwater runoff from nearby factories that use plastic pellets (also found in the waters). RECOMMENDED: The historic Chicago River Swim is coming back in September Should I worry? Not immediately. The presence of plastics and other forms of litter are so widespread that there’s no simple fix. Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would require plastics manufacturers to better control runoff stormwater around their factories. The state also introduced a law in 2023 that bans Styrofoam food containers at state buildings.  Can I still go in

The weekend we’ve been waiting for is finally here. This Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, when the city comes alive once again. There’s a lot to do over the three-day weekend, but luckily, there's time to fit in a little bit of everything. Read on for the best Memorial Day events in Chicago.  1. Attend the Memorial Day Parade and wreath-laying ceremony Sat After a wreath is laid at the eternal flame in Daley Plaza at 11am in remembrance of those who died serving in the U.S. armed services, Chicago's annual Memorial Day Parade marches down State Street (from Lake to Van Buren streets) beginning at noon. Crowds line the street waving flags and paying their respects as part of this Chicago tradition, which dates all the way back to 1870. 2. Watch the Navy Pier fireworks show Sat Photograph: ShutterstockFireworks During the summer, the Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with stunning views available from across Navy Pier’s public spaces. During the winter months, the pyrotechnics return for a much-needed encore. If you're feeling weary of crowds, you can also take in the show from nearby beaches or while cruising along the Lakefront Trail. 3. Run the Soldier Field 10 Sat You may never get to enter the gridiron with the Chicago Bears, but you can take off on a 10-mile run from the team's home turf. The Soldier Field 10-Mile begins and e

When Etta closed the doors to its Bucktown location last fall, the restaurant’s chef, Jake Peterson, took over the two-level space on North Avenue to transform it into a lavish steakhouse. Dēliz, which translates to “delicious” in Italian, is the city’s latest addition to the already-dense steakhouse scene. Partners Peterson and Steve Gogolab, who helped open the ritzy STK restaurants across the country, introduced Dēliz in December and have since garnered hype and genuine praise for both its food and ambiance. Billed as an Italian steakhouse with la dolce vita flair, Dēliz actually does offer a social setting, unlike some restaurants that promise the same experience but often fall flat. On the first floor, tables are situated close enough to eavesdrop, which can sometimes feel distracting, but here, it encourages conversation with your neighbors, whether it’s inquiring about which drink they ordered or sharing awe over the theatrical dessert oozing with smoke at the table beside you.  RECOMMENDED: The best steakhouses in Chicago Cocktails like a cannoli-infused espresso martini and the smooth, mezcal-based Vivace with lavender honey syrup do the job, but wine is the way to go here. With a heavy focus on Italian makers, the curated wine program offers an extensive selection of pours. Photograph: Courtesy Garrett Sweet/DēlizDēliz is appointed with ruby-red decor For an immediate introduction to how Dēliz does things, start with the pan brioche: a light, flaky and blissfully

Every year, well-meaning people resolve to give up alcohol for a month. As winter drags on, boredom creeps in and social outings tempt, they waver and fall off the Dry January train. It’s a tale as old as time.  This year, though, there are plenty of zero-proof cocktails, spirit-free alternatives and low- to no-alcohol options (ever heard of Damp January?) to get you through the month. With these zero-proof drinks and alcohol-free events on deck, you'll be questioning why you didn't give this whole sober thing a try sooner.   So no matter what your plans may be, these drinks and events are sure to get you through Dry January.  RECOMMENDED: The best Chicago bars—the essential spots, ranked Arbella View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arbella Chicago Cocktail Bar (@arbellachicago) Cocktail den Arbella in River North has one of the best Dry January lineups in the city. With six zero-proof cocktails, like the ice-cold Smoking Kills (bubbly rose kombucha, ginger beer and lime), you won’t even miss the alcohol. Dearly Beloved On Sunday, January 18, Dearly Beloved is celebrating Dry January with its Spirit-Free Cocktail Fest. Head to the River North spot from 7 to 10pm to indulge in eight inventive zero-proof drinks, courtesy of some of Chicago’s top mixologists. Tickets are limited, so grab one here to guarantee your spot.  Foxtrot View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foxtrot Café & Market (@foxtrotmarket)

Who said galas have to be stuffy? This month, Strength in the City is back with Chicago’s most thrilling soiree, Rebels For A Cause, featuring a curated food and beverage experience and high-intensity boxing matches between notable Chicagoans. On Thursday, January 22, leaders from the city’s hospitality, fitness and wellness industries will take the ring at Time Out Market Chicago in the heart of the West Loop. The evening is about more than just seeing notable Chicagoans hit one another (though we’re definitely excited about that)—Rebels For A Cause will raise money and awareness for four Windy City nonprofits. Each ticket supports Wellness 4 Every 1, a school and corporate program that provides inclusive access to health and wellness programs; Re-Connect Chicago, which empowers youth through mentorship and community engagement; Healthy Hood Chi, an organization that creates health equity in underserved communities; and Box United, which promotes unity, confidence and connection through boxing education. View this post on Instagram A post shared by REBELS FOR A CAUSE | Black Tie | Charity | Boxing (@rebels_foracause) Doors open at 5:30pm, followed by live music performances, dining and cocktails, before boxing bouts begin at 7pm. It’s bound to be an unforgettable night, so grab your tickets (starting at $65) here, and get ready for one of the most exhilarating galas Chicago has ever seen.

Setting New Year’s resolutions that you’ll actually stick to can be tricky. We all say we’re going to journal more this year or finally start reading the book that’s been collecting dust, or, everyone’s favorite resolution, that we’re going to exercise and get in shape this year.  This weekend, sticking to your self-improvement resolution is easy thanks to the massive Winter Wellness festival at Time Out Market Chicago. On Saturday, January 10, from 9am to noon, High Society is taking over the Market’s second floor and all-seasons rooftop with immersive classes, including sound bath and meditative movement, DJ Pilates sculpt, yoga, and Reiki. After class, head down to the second floor to explore a curated vendor marketplace packed with wellness products and services, such as cryo facials, compression therapy, hair braiding, ear seed acupuncture, and so much more.  A single-class ticket ($55) gets you a spot in one of the three classes: Live DJ Yoga + Sound Bath at 9am, Live DJ Pilates Fusion at 10am or Live DJ Pilates Sculpt at 11am. View this post on Instagram A post shared by High Society (@wearehighsociety) Can’t choose just one? All-access passes ($155) allow entry into all three classes and come with a $15 Time Out Market gift card, so you can indulge in a balanced brunch at the Market afterward—we recommend grabbing one of Vitasana’s dreamy smoothies. Just be sure to bring your own mat. Space is limited, so grab your tickets early on High Society

The countdown to 2026 is on. As we approach one of the biggest party nights of the year, one year-end bash takes the crown for the most anticipated party of the night: Midnight Fever. The epic New Year’s Eve event is returning to the Fulton Market to take over all three floors—including the rooftop—at Time Out Market Chicago. House music icon DJ Derrick Carter is headlining the evening, with an exclusive disco set, in addition to performances by Pinto (NYC), Branzino Boys, Jess D and more. RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s newest Christmas bar is taking over this West Loop rooftop General admission tickets (from $50) are on offer, as well as a GA + Open Bar (from $118) ticket, which gets you access to mixed drinks, beer, seltzers, wine and Champagne until midnight.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by PHASE 3 (@phase3presents) Those looking to ball out this New Year’s might opt for the Premium VIP ticket (from $249), which includes express entry, open bar access, a private viewing area overlooking the stage, and complimentary small bites like oysters and caviar bumps from Michelin-recognized chef Christian Hunter’s new restaurant, Hooligan.  Whether 2025 was your year, or you’d rather move on and never look back, there’s no better way to send it off in style than at Midnight Fever. Tickets are selling out, and prices may increase, so be sure to grab yours via Posh.

After one of the snowiest days in Chicago’s history, there’s no doubt about it—winter is finally here. One of the best parts of winter in Chicago is the holiday pop-up bars, and this year, a brand-new one is debuting in the West Loop. Snowed Inn: A Christmas Bar Experience is taking over Time Out Market Chicago’s rooftop bar through December 30. Glittering lights illuminate the space overlooking the city, as holiday classics set the vibe for a wonderful wintertime experience. RECOMMENDED: The best Chicago bars—the essential spots, ranked Sip on festive drinks like Santa’s Naughty Nightcap (tequila, orange juice, cranberry and ginger beer), Rudolph’s Red-Nosed Refresher (whiskey, cherry, maple and bitters), The Mistletoe Mojito (rum, mint, cherry, lime and glitter) and Winter’s Kiss (vodka, mint liqueur, crème de cacao and rosemary). Photograph: Courtesy Time Out Market Chicago For those who are looking to beat the chill, opt for the Boozy Hot Coco Flight, which features four steaming versions of hot chocolate: peppermint, cherry-raspberry, spicy and coffee. The best part? There is no cover, and tickets or reservations aren’t required. The pop-up opens at 4pm Monday through Friday and at 11am on Saturday and Sunday.  Photograph: Courtesy Time Out Market Chicago

Kinan Moufti spends a lot of time standing under the Belmont stop in Lakeview. He’s been handing out free sandwich vouchers for his new restaurant at 953 W Belmont Ave—and he’s documenting the entire journey on social media. Moufti is a partner at Hot Chi, along with brothers Amer and Mutaz Abdullah, a Nashville hot chicken-slinging restaurant with locations in the South Side neighborhood Chatam, the Old Post Office, Sterling Food Hall in the Loop, and soon, Lakeview. The trio’s culinary portfolio also includes Cedars, a 33-year-old Mediterranean eatery in Hyde Park.  “Documenting the journey has been a wonderful way to kickstart our relationship with the Lakeview community,” Moufti says. “It started as a way to show others a real BTS of what it takes to get a restaurant up and running, and it’s turned into a way to meet hundreds of locals, commuters and nearby business owners.” @kinan.moufti Episode 1 in the books. Intentional marketing based on primary research. 3 months is an awesome timeline to make a huge splash when we open #chicagotiktok #restaurantmarketing #restaurantowners #smallbusinessowners #lakeview #lakeviewchicago #northsidechicago original sound - Kinan Launched in 2021, Hot Chi is best known for its chicken wings and sandwiches, like the hot honey butter chicken sandwiches and the “Popeye’s Ain’t Sh!t,” made with whipped garlic sauce. All creations are influenced by Middle Eastern cuisine. With man-on-the-street style videos and countdowns to th