As a native Chicagoan, Lauren Brocato is still awed by her hometown, so much so that she’s dedicated her career to telling the stories of the people and places that inspire her each day. 

Lauren is the Food and Drink Editor at Time Out Chicago. She previously edited nearly a dozen lifestyle publications across the country and has helped people from New York City to the Bay Area discover the best of their cities. 

When she’s not bouncing between Chicago’s hottest restaurants and bars, you can find her biking along the lake, taking bar trivia way too seriously or hitting up an open-air concert at Navy Pier. 

Pitch her at lauren.brocato@timeout.com and follow her on Instagram (@laurenbrotaco) to experience Chicago’s buzzing food and drink scene through her discerning lens.

Lauren Brocato

Lauren Brocato

Food & Drink Editor, Chicago

Follow Lauren Brocato:

Articles (6)

The 24 best hot dog stands in Chicago, ranked

The 24 best hot dog stands in Chicago, ranked

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 September 2025: Mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, pickled sport peppers and celery salt. No more, no less. A classic Chicago dog is hard to beat, especially from one of these top 24 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 best hot dogs in Chicago is a thoroughly reported catalog of the best
The 20 best restaurants in Chicago right now

The 20 best restaurants in Chicago 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. September 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. Whether you're just visiting or a lifelong Chicagoan, there's something new and delicious to discover.  Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now h
The 21 best Chicago bars, ranked

The 21 best Chicago bars, ranked

In a city where faded Old Style signs swing outside of beloved dive bars and lines snake around the block at trendy cocktail lounges, the best bars in Chicago act as meeting places, date locales and venues for celebrations. With so many great places to grab a beverage, the list of our all-time favorite bars around town is expansive—and inclusive of taprooms at Chicago breweries, sultry wine bars uncorking bottles of reds and whites, and the finest cocktail bars Chicago has to offer. In a metropolis packed with places to sip and swirl, these watering holes shine extra bright and boozy. Take a look at the best bars in Chicago and find the perfect destination for your next night out. RECOMMENDED: The best whiskey bars in Chicago  September 2025: This month, we've refined the list to an exclusive ranking of the top 21 absolute best bars in Chicago. One new addition to the list this month is Three Dots and a Dash at number 19. Although it's not a new bar, we thought it deserved a spot on this list of Chicago's best bars. No matter how many times you visit, their over-the-top, tiki-style drinks never cease to impress. There's a bevy of hotspots to grab a bev in this town, so sip your way through these top spots (not all in one night, please), and discover the libations that have put Chicago on the map as a world-class mixology hub. 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
The 21 best rooftop restaurants in Chicago

The 21 best rooftop restaurants in Chicago

Nothing beats a Chicago rooftop. When you're looking for something a little more filling than cocktails at rooftop bars in Chicago, turn your attention to the city's top rooftop restaurants, where dinner comes with a side of amazing skyline views. We've rounded up rooftop dining options to suit every mood, including tucked-away rooftop terraces, sunny outdoor brunch spots and bites from some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Gloomy weather in the forecast? Several of these spots also offer indoor dining or covered patios to keep you safe from the elements while you feast. So get ready for a sky-high meal at the best rooftop restaurants in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor restaurants in Chicago August 2025: As soon as the forecast predicts anything above 70°, the city awakens, and, with a collective sigh of relief, we remember why we braved another Chicago winter. Everyone loves the glorious rooftop season because, really, what's better than wining and dining from a bird's eye view? During the high season, reservations go quickly, and you may need to set an alarm in order to snag one during a prime time. Especially if you're headed to one of these top spots, there's sure to be a crowd, but I promise it's worth the sweat. These rooftop restaurants showcase Chicago's world-class views from all angles and elevate the experience with top-notch food and drink. From the classics like Cindy's and LH Rooftop to niche spots like BiXi Beer and Chop Shop, there's no shortage of
The 20 best rooftop bars in Chicago

The 20 best rooftop bars in Chicago

Nothing screams summertime Chi like admiring the impressive skyline views with a drink in hand. When the sun comes out, it's time to lean into the season at the best rooftop bars in Chicago. Grab a bite to eat at rooftop restaurants situated on terraces high above the street and inside downtown hotels, or escape to hidden patios and gardens for a cocktail away from the crowds. We know how great the beautiful months of warmer weather in Chicago can be, so make them even better at these cloud-skimming, top-rate rooftop bars in the city.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to outdoor dining and drinking in Chicago August 2025: Our latest roundup of Chicago's best rooftop bars features 20 top spots, from popular locations such as Cindy's and LH Rooftop to lower-key haunts like Gene's Sausage Shop & Delicatessen. Whether you're a local or are here on holiday, these rooftops won't disappoint. And as all Chicagoans can attest, these views never get old.  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 standardized how most listings are structured. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out.
These are the 15 best brunch spots in Chicago

These are the 15 best brunch spots in Chicago

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

Listings and reviews (7)

Three Dots and a Dash

Three Dots and a Dash

3 out of 5 stars
Located in the underbelly of River North, Lettuce Entertain You's Three Dots and a Dash is a beloved downtown haunt. It will take a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of the underground space (no, really, it's very dark down there). The cavernous tiki bar is great for small groups, who would be wise to order a themed shared drink like the Sippopotamus (tequila, Venetian aperitivo, passionfruit, pineapple and lime), which is served in a smoking punch bowl from a hippopotamus' agape mouth, or the Treasure Chest, a literal chest of punch (rum, Perrier-Jouët brut Champagne, passionfruit, guava, lemon and tangerine), which will run you a cool $250. No matter what you order, oohing and aahing is guaranteed. 
Dimmi Dimmi

Dimmi Dimmi

4 out of 5 stars
What happens when a chef trained at Carbone opens an Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park? I went to the recently debuted Dimmi Dimmi to find out. This intimate spot on the corner of Armitage and Seminary Avenues took over the former Tarantino’s space. (Word is that a handful of former Tarantino’s employees are now on staff at Dimmi Dimmi.) There are very few reservations available over the next few weeks, but I managed to get one of the two high-tops at the window by walking in just before 5pm on a Tuesday. The bar was already filling up with singles and groups of no more than three. Light chatter and easygoing, nondescript music bounced around the space, which became increasingly louder as the evening went on.  Dimmi Dimmi, from Cornerstone Restaurant Group (Urbanbelly, Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse), is helmed by chef Matt Eckfeld, whose culinary career began here in Chicago. Eckfeld worked under Bill Kim at Urbanbelly and cut his teeth at high-end spots like Carbone and ZZ’s Club in New York. It’s no surprise that for this homecoming, he tackles Italian-American fare from a Chicago perspective. The menu is robust with all the expected classics: salads, pastas, pizzas, fish and meat dishes. Portions are not massive, but they’re enough for a family-style meal, which seems like the protocol here. Thankfully, the dining tables are spacious enough for this type of dining. I’m immediately impressed by the Caesar salad, which is crunchy, creamy and delightfully lemon-forward. The li
The Cellar Door

The Cellar Door

3 out of 5 stars
Tucked in the back of Napa Valley-inspired restaurant Oakville Grill & Cellar is an intimate, six-seat tasting room dubbed The Cellar Door. Here, guests are guided through a 90-minute tasting experience led by Wine Director Grant Barnow. Each month, the Oakville team selects a California winery, ranging from lesser-known names to beloved favorites, to spotlight during that month's tastings. More than 750 bottles are on offer, and the selection process is intricate and intentional, allowing guests to discover something new and exciting each month. Thanks to Barnow's prowess and enthusiasm, plus the Oakville's connections with myriad wineries across California, The Cellar Door is a standout tasting program.
The Oakville Grill & Cellar

The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4 out of 5 stars
This Napa Valley-inspired eatery in the heart of the West Loop is probably the closest thing to Southern California you'll get without hopping on a plane. Bright, airy and accented by lush greenery, the interiors set the scene for a pleasant upscale dining experience. The bill of fare from executive chef Tim Havidic (Eden, Gilt Bar) features an extensive array of high-end classics like light and fresh salads, pizzas and burgers, as well as standout sides like three-cheese blend mac n cheese and creamy mashed potatoes delicately sprinkled with chives. Personally, I would never allow a loved one to visit The Oakville without trying the grilled avocado, drenched in California olive oil and togarashi, and the Costa Mesa salad, made with roasted corn, avocado, queso fresco and lime vinaigrette. But in true Napa fashion, the wine program is the star of the show. Wine director Grant Barnow's thoughtful curation of more than 750 high-quality bottles showcases a diverse selection of wineries ranging from lesser-known names to notable classics. At The Cellar Door, an intimate six-seat tasting room at the back of the restaurant, Barnow guides guests through a 90-minute tasting experience focused on a rotating selection of producers each month. 
Rooftop at Nobu Hotel

Rooftop at Nobu Hotel

3 out of 5 stars
The crown jewel of this luxury hotel in the West Loop is the Rooftop at Nobu, a sprawling outdoor terrace located 11 stories above the street. Complemented by east-facing skyline views, the rooftop's design is streamlined and minimalistic, with modern Japanese touches that are equally stylish and intimate. The menu includes a selection of shuko, or small snacks, like crispy rice, shishito peppers and edamame. Guests will also be able to order the hotel's signature nigiri, sashimi and maki. On the booze front, expect a menu of wines by the glass and bottle, specialty cocktails and a wide range of sake. A word to the wise: Don't try to come here without a reservation, especially on the weekend. You'll get stuck waiting with a gaggle of other eager bargoers for God-knows-how-long. 
Z Bar

Z Bar

3 out of 5 stars
The Peninsula's stunning rooftop lounge has it all: sweeping city views, globally inspired cocktails and a roster of delicious, shareable snacks. Sip cocktails like the Bangkok Jam, with Herradura blanco tequila, makrut lime leaf, lemongrass, ginger, lime and Thai chili, or opt for a spirit-free beverage like the Fade Out Lines, which features tea infusions of hibiscus, berries, elderflower and lemon. On the food front, there are plenty of crave-worthy snacks: daikon frites, sliders and chorizo queso fundido. 
Bar Avec

Bar Avec

4 out of 5 stars
Located above the Avec River North location, Bar Avec channels the Iberian Peninsula with a breezy, open-air patio on the 8th floor and a menu inspired by the seaside cafes of Spain and Portugal. There's no sea (or lake) in sight here, but the 1,200-square-foot space is decked out with summer-ready coastal decor that does a serviceable job of mimicking the real deal. As for food, the ultra-fresh roasted beet and strawberry salad with burnt chili vinaigrette, smoked yogurt and lentils offers a refreshing crunch on warm summer nights. The falafel-seasoned fries with harissa aioli are also a crowd-pleaser, as well as the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates with bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce. Complete the experience with a round (or two) of cocktails. We recommend the popular Side to Side, featuring Banhez mezcal, aperol, grapefruit jarritos and habanero shrub, or the fruity Ibisco D’amorita, crafted with hibiscus-infused tequila, Mallorca melon, urfa pepper and lime.   

News (10)

This powerhouse hospitality team strikes again with new Avondale eatery

This powerhouse hospitality team strikes again with new Avondale eatery

Things are heating up at Guild Row, the buzzy coworking space and social club, opened in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood in 2020. Joining the bustling 20,000-square-foot campus this summer is Meadowlark Hospitality’s newest culinary concept, Little Lark at 3130 N. Rockwell Street. The team behind Chicago institutions like Michelin Bib Gourmand winner Lardon, Union and The Meadowlark is at it again, this time with a playful twist on Italian classics.  Photograph: Courtesy Little Lark/Chris Peters RECOMMENDED: The 18 best restaurants in Avondale Prepped in a massive wood-fired oven sourced from the homeland and topped with meats from the group’s Logan Square salumeria and cafe Lardon, neo-Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas and Roman pinsas (squares) will complement shareables like burrata and stone fruit, and handhelds like toasted focaccia sandwiches.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Lark (@littlelarkchicago) The beverage program, helmed by Meadowlark beverage director and Violet Hour alum Abe Vucekovich, is not to be overlooked—especially with the spot’s 2,600-square-foot patio offering the perfect place to throw a few back. 
River North steakhouse Hawksmoor debuts new London-inspired bar—and it's swanky

River North steakhouse Hawksmoor debuts new London-inspired bar—and it's swanky

There’s no shortage of steakhouses in Chicago, so it was not surprising when the UK’s famed Hawksmoor opened its doors at the iconic LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse last year. The more than 16,000-square-foot restaurant landed in River North following a New York City debut in 2021.  RECOMMENDED: The 20 best Chicago bars, ranked This month, Hawksmoor introduces Beef & Liberty Bar, an all-new, 40-seat bar and lounge on the restaurant’s second floor. Drawing inspiration from the motherland, the London-style cocktail den is outfitted with exposed brick, glossy paneling, plush booths and moody decor reminiscent of swanky Soho watering holes.  Photograph: Courtesy HawksmoorHawksmoor bartender Katie Renshaw Chicagoan Katie Renshaw, 2019 World Class US Bartender of the Year, serves as lead bartender, alongside bar director and Hawksmoor veteran Liam Davy. “This menu takes its cue from the cocktail renaissance that swept through London in the late `90s and early `00s,” says Davy. “It was glamorous, but with real London swagger. Rockstars, supermodels, gangsters and geezers, side-by-side in dark Soho basements sipping new drinks, many of which have become modern classics
 The new [bar] channels this cultural and cocktailing vibrancy of London at the turn of the millennium.”  Photograph: Courtesy Hawksmoor Drinks like the Park Lane Cosmo and ‘Ello Treacle (rum-spiked Old Fashioned) nod to Hawksmoor’s UK roots. Also on offer will be the new Duke’s Martini, served at a chilling -2
Van Leeuwen is opening its first Chicago location—and, yes, there will be Malört ice cream

Van Leeuwen is opening its first Chicago location—and, yes, there will be Malört ice cream

Something sweet is coming to Chicago. Cult favorite ice cream shop Van Leeuwen is making its Midwest debut in September with a new shop in Wicker Park. Located at 1555 N Damen Ave, the ice cream shop is set to open on September 12, with a second location coming to the Willis Tower later this fall.  RECOMMENDED: The 26 best ice cream shops in Chicago In honor of the occasion, Van Leeuwen will be serving $1 scoops from 11am to 1pm on opening day, and the first 100 customers will take home an exclusive tote bag. The best part? You can get a taste of their limited-edition Malört ice cream, available exclusively at the Chicago locations.  Photograph: Courtesy Van Leeuwen The shop will serve more than 30 flavors, including classics like vanilla bean, honeycomb and a selection of vegan options, as well as sundaes, housemade waffle cones, milkshakes, root beer floats, ice cream sandwiches and to-go pints.  “We’re so excited to welcome Van Leeuwen to Chicago the best way we know how—with Malört!” says Tremaine Atkinson, CEO of CH Distillery, owner and producer of Jeppson's Malört. “We’re honored to bring our two brands together to give Van Leeuwen a true Chicago welcome in ice cream form. It’s a bold treat, and we can’t wait for Chicagoans to try a scoop.” Will the Malört ice cream be as controversial as the liqueur? Probably. But we’ll try anything once. 
Chicago has a new No. 1 rooftop restaurant, according to Time Out

Chicago has a new No. 1 rooftop restaurant, according to Time Out

Here at Time Out, we’re constantly updating our restaurant and bar rankings to ensure we’re recommending the best that Chicago has to offer. This month, we’ve revisited our ranking of the best rooftop restaurants in Chicago, as well as the best bars in Chicago and the best restaurants in Chicago.  Based on our recent reporting, Cindy’s has risen to the number one spot and has been named our top rooftop restaurant in Chicago.  Photograph: Courtesy Cindy's Rooftop/Neil Burger Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it can be difficult to snag a reservation, but for very good reason. On every visit, we know there will be inventive cocktails, like the Stalk Exchange (vodka, caravedo pisco, falernum, arrack, lime, celery, and Scarborough bitters), top-notch contemporary American fare, and primo city and lake views from the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. Photograph: Courtesy Cindy's Rooftop/Neil Burger A range of factors go into determining the rankings, and if you’d like to know more about that process, check out how we review at Time Out. The bottom line is that Cindy's truly embodies what we’re looking for when someone asks about the best rooftop restaurant in Chicago.  While we’re still always on the hunt for the hottest spots and shiniest hidden gems in Chicago, we also remember the classics like Cindy’s. Go forth, and enjoy a rooftop dinner at Chicago’s newly named best rooftop restaurant—and don’t forget to grab a skyline photo for Instagram.
You might fall in love at this R&B rooftop party in the West Loop

You might fall in love at this R&B rooftop party in the West Loop

Who said Sundays have to be scary? With event series Sundays Are For Lovers, Chicagoan Matthew Brooks is reimagining the traditional Sunday Funday. As he says, “Sundays Are For Lovers is a celebration for the grown-up and sexy.” This weekend, the function is taking over Time Out Market’s rooftop at 916 W Fulton Market on August 31. Photograph: Courtesy Sundays Are For Lovers/Gerald Blanc These popular day parties offer a space for R&B fans to connect, dance and revel in smooth tunes played by some of the city’s hottest DJs. “The name Sundays Are For Lovers came to me in a conversation I was having with a friend,” Brooks shares. “They said there were no feel-good parties on Sundays. At that moment, I felt like I had to create a vibe for people who love the genre.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sundays Are For Lovers (@_sundaysr4lovers_) R&B music in every form, from beloved classics to totally fresh tracks, sets the mood for a swoonworthy evening. “I hope people walk away from Sundays Are For Lovers falling in love again and remember how it felt to have butterflies in your stomach, singing your favorite R&B songs at the top of your lungs without a care in the world,” Brooks says. “You can expect a damn good time from some of the best DJs in the city. Period.”  The party kicks off at 4pm on Sunday, August 31. You can purchase tickets and make bottle service reservations here. 
A major new restaurant is coming to the Chicago riverfront

A major new restaurant is coming to the Chicago riverfront

Powerhouse hospitality group DineAmic (Prime & Provisions, Siena Tavern, Lyra) is bringing a splashy new Mediterranean restaurant to the Chicago River next summer. Joining neighboring River North hotspots like RPM Seafood, Pizzeria Portofino and River Roast, the eatery will be located below Chicago Cut Steakhouse at 300 N LaSalle Drive.  Photograph: Courtesy Irvine Company The new restaurant is part of California-based real estate investment firm Irvine Company’s extensive $37 million renovation of the tower. DineAmic will operate the elevated waterfront restaurant/bar, which will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner; a Greek-inspired coffee and pastry bar, serving from-scratch pastries, sandwiches and craft coffee, on the lobby level; and a private lounge and event space on the river level.  “We’re thrilled to partner with Irvine Company to bring our culinary expertise to customers and guests at 300 N LaSalle,” says Luke Stoioff, DineAmic Hospitality co-founder. “The three upcoming dining offerings at this iconic trophy tower in the heart of River North will create unique dining experiences for office-goers and visitors alike.” The unnamed restaurant and lounge space are slated to open in the summer of 2026, while the coffee bar is expected to debut early next year.
Fine-dining restaurant Next ventures into the cosmos this fall

Fine-dining restaurant Next ventures into the cosmos this fall

Few Chicago restaurants can say they’ve earned the accolades that Next has racked up since its debut in 2011: a Michelin star for four consecutive years from 2020-2024, a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in America and immense critical acclaim.  Photograph: Courtesy The Alinea Group The Alinea Group’s dynamic darling continues to captivate diners with a completely reimagined theme and menu multiple times each year. This fall, the group’s chef/owner, Grant Achatz, and his team will guide diners on a journey through the final frontier with the upcoming theme, Space. We expect cuisine inspired by the cosmos, glittering edible works of art and an interstellar level of creative dining. According to the restaurant’s announcement, “interstellar dining” is “envisioned on Mars, in a rocket ship, or in a galaxy far, far away.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Next Restaurant (@nextchicago) In previous years, they’ve transported guests to the World’s Fair via fare crafted among Ferris wheels, lightbulbs and other innovations of the era, and even to childhood through gourmet cuisine served in a lunchbox with Oreo-esque sweets and a handwritten note from mom. If Space is anything like their previous concepts, it will certainly be immersive.  Photograph: Courtesy The Alinea Group   Bookings will open on September 13 through Tock. Guests can choose from three dining locations: the main dining room for parties of 3-4; the Kitchen
Sub shop J.P. Graziano is bringing back cannabis-infused giardiniera

Sub shop J.P. Graziano is bringing back cannabis-infused giardiniera

Take your sandwich game to another level (literally) with cannabis-infused spicy giardiniera from West Loop sandwich king J.P. Graziano. Created in collaboration with local family-owned retailer nuEra Cannabis, GiardinuEra features the eatery’s classic giardiniera recipe, packed with fiery peppers and crisp vegetables, complemented by a balanced dose of high-quality, lab-tested cannabis extract.  Photograph: Courtesy Page and PlateSpiked giardiniera from J.P. Graziano and nuEra Cannabis The spiked giardinera sold out quickly after the duo’s initial drop in late 2024. The first innovation of its kind, GiardinuEra proved immensely popular among Chicagoans (no surprise there). It’s hard to believe a fresh JPG sub could taste any better, but this very well may be the secret.  Photograph: Courtesy Page and Plate Starting Aug. 29, two oz. jars of GiardinuEra are available in 25mg ($10) and 100mg ($20) doses at all nuEra locations and select cannabis dispensaries across Illinois for a limited time. 
This iconic Midwestern ice cream shop is opening its first new location in five years after a near-closure

This iconic Midwestern ice cream shop is opening its first new location in five years after a near-closure

For Midwesterners who grew up with a rotating collection of empty glass Oberweis milk jugs in their pantries, the news that Oberweis declared bankruptcy last year was a punch in the gut. The iconic ice cream parlor and dairy store is a beloved locale for nights spent chatting on a bench outside the shop over melting cones and splitting massive shakes with your crush at the checkers tables. But, luckily, this was not goodbye. Private equity firm Hoffmann Family of Companies revived the 74-year-old brand after acquiring it for a whopping $21.25 million at auction last summer. RECOMMENDED: The 26 best ice cream shops in Chicago The new owner plans to open a dozen new locations throughout Illinois, Missouri and Florida in the next two years. The expansion kicks off with the debut of the first new Oberweis location in five years, set to open at 510 Winnetka Avenue on the North Shore later this month. The new shop will pay homage to iconic Oberweis signatures—red and white interiors, checkerboard tables and the mouthwatering smell of fresh waffle cones—with a modernized twist on classic ice cream parlors.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oberweis (@oberweisdairy) “We wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the Oberweis brand while staying true to what our guests know and love,” says Adam Kraber, President and CEO of Hoffmann Oberweis Dairy. “We’re reintroducing beloved elements while also adding exciting new touches, including a full-service
Here's where Gen Z is going for functional health drinks in Chicago

Here's where Gen Z is going for functional health drinks in Chicago

If there’s any group that’s going to stray from the status quo, it’s Gen Z. Outspoken, expressive and generally open-minded, they do what they want, and for that, I commend them.  Perhaps it’s the obscene amount of extreme self-care content (mouth taping, looksmaxxing, castor oil patching) flooding their feeds or the barrage of TikTok “doctors” “exposing” the “truth” about whatever health hacks are popping off at the moment, but these young adults are creating their own viral movement: drinking less alcohol. A lot less.  A new Gallup poll revealed that 53% of U.S. adults say moderate drinking negatively affects their health, compared to last year’s 28% who said the same thing. Those aged 18-34 are also the most likely to stay sober compared to their elders. Their hyperfixation on health risks and ample safer options like mocktails and functional health drinks have caused a shift in drinking trends here in Chicago—and Gen Z is all in. From authentic matcha to mushroom tea, the city has it all. So, take a page out of Gen Z’s book and discover these popular spots for functional health drinks in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: The 40 best coffee shops in Chicago Gathers Tea Bar The drink of the summer is matcha, and Gathers near UIC is one of Gen Z’s favorite spots to sip the beloved Japanese tea. Celebrated for its high-quality boba, Gathers also crafts a selection of delectable matchas mixed with strawberry, mango, banana and ube. However, due to the recent “Matcha Boom,” as Japanese fa