Time Out Chicago editors

Although we adore our city’s endless restaurants, museums and attractions, a change of scenery is always nice. Luckily for us, the Midwest has plenty to offer with exciting destinations only a few hours’ drive from Chicago. You can lounge in transparent waters and hike sand dunes in the “Malibu of the Midwest,” recharge at a bed and breakfast on a farm surrounded by friendly sheep, and marvel at modernist architecture in a small southern Indiana town. Many of these places are also great for a day trip or family-friendly getaway. So if you're looking to skip town, here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from ChicagoHistoric Airbnbs near Chicago

Sometimes, you just want a little escape from the city. If a weekend getaway isn't possible but you're still looking for new scenery and an adventure, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go hiking near Chicago in a state park or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to museums and historic lighthouses. And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by Metra. So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Nothing screams summertime in Chicago like adimiring skyline views with a drink in hand. As the days get warmer, it's time to lean into the season's heat at the best rooftop bars in Chicago. Grab at bite to eat at rooftop restaurants situated on terraces high above the street and inside downtown hotels, or get away 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 best rooftop bars in the city.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to outdoor dining and drinking in Chicago

Tacos are a universally loved food, so we’ve searched high and low for the best ones in town. Swaddled in warm, handmade tortillas and packed with a variety of proteins and toppings, these amazing handheld bites are found in both tiny taquerias and fancy Mexican restaurants. The following list covers all of your taco cravings, including carne asada, al pastor, crispy fish, birria and even vegetarian-friendly options. Some of these spots are also among the city’s finest restaurants and best late-night haunts. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Wicker Park or Pilsen, you’re never too far from the best tacos in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago

Chicago is full of festivals, attractions and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. However, figuring out driving and lodging can often prevent that group trip from making it out of the group chat. Fortunately, a day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country. So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from 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 standards like pancakes and French toast to Southern staples like shrimp and grits to creative fusions such as royal breakfast pies, you’ll find brunch dishes at the best Chicago restaurants for every craving—or hangover. 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. So read on to discover our picks for the best brunches in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Find the best breakfast in Chicago

A trip to Southeast Asia from Chicago will take you nearly 24 hours of flying (and likely several thousand dollars, too). Fortunately, Chicago is full of excellent Thai restaurants that offer a taste of the region with considerably less hassle. You’ll go on a culinary journey and enjoy staples like crying tiger beef, tom yum soup and everybody’s favorite—pad Thai. Sure, you can't go wrong with these classics, but those dishes don't even scratch the surface of the wide range of the Southeast-Asian country's flavorful cuisine. From funky green papaya salad mixed with preserved crab to Northern Thai-style larb made of ground pork and intestines, intriguing bites are everywhere on the following menus. A lot of these spots double as the best vegetarian restaurants in town, or are some of the top restaurants for delivery. Dessert fiends will even find hand-rolled frozen treats at one of the most delightful ice cream shops. So satisfy your next noodles and sticky rice craving by checking out our guide to the best Thai restaurants in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Explore more of the best restaurants in Chicago

One of Chicago's greatest attractions is undoubtedly the comedy scene. Chicago is known for its second-to-none improv and sketch comedy empire, which has successfully launched the careers of legends like John Belushi and Gilda Radner and modern megastars like Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Stephen Colbert. But the city's comedy scene is far more rich, diverse and inventive than just those who make it to Saturday Night Live—on any given night you can see open mics or improv shows that you'll remember forever. So the next time you're in need of a hearty laugh or want to make last-minute date night plans, pay a visit to one of these unforgettable venues. Find yourself becoming a fan? Keep the good times going at one of these hilarious recurring comedy shows. RECOMMENDED: The best movie theaters in Chicago

Chicago is full of amazing attractions for kids' entertainment, from interactive museums where they can get hands-on learning to vibrant parks and playgrounds for fun in the warmer months. Local restaurants and classic culinary staples are just as family-friendly, offering dedicated kids menus, free meals and even cooking classes. The list includes Chicago institutions specializing in kid-friendly meals as well as celebrated chefs serving safe bets for young palates while providing some more adventurous options. Bust out the strollers on your search for the best kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways for families

Every city has its own lingo, so if you're spending some time in Chicago, you might as well get acquainted with the local vernacular. From unique Chicago delicacies to nicknames for interstates, there's plenty of Chicago slang that might elicit a bit of confusion if you haven't spent much time in the Midwestern metropolis. While most people are familiar with "The Bean" and nicknames for other Chicago attractions, we've gathered some more essential Chicago slang—including terms you can use during your next visit to a Chicago hot dog restaurant. Bungalow (n.): One-story, single-family homes with slanted roofs that are found in neighborhoods throughout the city. Chicago handshake (n.): The local version of a boilermaker, typically comprising a pint (or can) of Old Style and a shot of Malört. Chicago Mix (n.): The salty-sweet combination of cheddar and caramel popcorn. You'll find it at Garrett Popcorn (where the scent usually wafts into the street) and pretty much every other popcorn shop in the city. Comiskey (n.): When the original Comiskey Park (the home of the White Sox) was demolished in 1990, the team's new ballpark went by the same name until it was renamed U.S. Cellular Field in 2003, and more recently Guaranteed Rate Field. Many fans still cling to the South Side stadium's original title. Coach house (n.): A small apartment located in the rear of a property. The construction of new backyard houses is currently prohibited under Chicago's zoning ordinance, making these vi

Chicago’s Chinatown is a neighborhood filled with seemingly endless pleasures. Located just off the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, it boasts block after block of restaurants and businesses. Numerous trips are needed just to scratch the surface of everything the area offers, which is why we’re here to help guide you to the best spots to grab a bite. You’ll discover cavernous dining rooms where dim sum can be enjoyed all day long, as well as dumpling specialists that provide little pillows of delight. Most of these places are perfect for delivery or takeout, and there are even some amazing bakeries. The bustling neighborhood is fully walkable, too, meaning you can hit up multiple spots in a visit. So spend a day exploring the many sights and then refuel at one of Chinatown’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best Chinese restaurants in Chicago

From first dates to anniversary celebrations, Chicago is the perfect city for embracing romance. If you can't book that romantic getaway out of the city in time, there's still plenty of options at home. Some of the best things to do in Chicago are also among the most romantic, which means it's easy to elevate a regular date night. Whether it's dining at the most romantic restaurants, relaxing in the most intimate spaces or attending memorable shows and performances, you'll never run out of ideas to keep that special someone wowed. So whatever the occasion, check out these romantic things to do in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best romantic hotels in Chicago

Chicago Loop Alliance's pop-up party series returns to alleys and other unexpected downtown locations this summer, giving you a good reason to hang out downtown after work. The final event of the season comes to Couch Place alley (170 E State St) for an evening inspired by improv and comedy. Local collective Hot Kitchen currates the lineup, which will feature performances, art installations, live music and a few surprises. Guests can RSVP to receive one free drink ticket when they arrive.

New Belgium Brewery brings its annual celebration of bikes and beer to Humboldt Park this year, setting up a stage by the park's iconic boathouse. L.A. alt-rock duo Best Coast headline the event, which features live entertainment, a bike pit filled with DIY creations and lots of New Belgium's signature beers available for purchase. While you're there, catch live entertainment from the likes of vaudeville performers Daredevil Chicken and circus act Handsome Little Devils. The day will kick off with Tour de Fat's bike parade, which allows cyclists to take a slow ride through the surrounding neighborhood.

The city’s top institutions have teamed up to present Museum Week, a nine-day celebration of culture, art and learning. Chicagoans and out-of-towners alike are encouraged to take advantage of special exhibits, discounts and so much more. Illinois residents receive up to 25 percent off admission at all museums, making it easy to check out the city's very best attractions. From culture to constellations, art to animals, this is your chance to experience Chicago’s most beloved institutions in a whole new way.

Do you love Chicago? (If you’re reading this, we have to assume the answer is yes.) Great—but do you really love Chicago? Are you constantly on the hunt for new restaurants and bars to try? Do you keep a calendar of upcoming events you’re itching to check out? And do you have a vision for how to get folks excited about going out to experience the latest and greatest Chicago has to offer? If you’re nodding your head right now, we just might have a job for you. Time Out Chicago is looking for an experienced Chicago-based editor and writer to spearhead our editorial coverage across multiple platforms—including digital, social and video—with an eye toward expanding our audience with engaging new content.  The ideal candidate is passionate about all things Chicago (especially those related to events, culture, food and drink) and has a demonstrated track record of telling stories that engage and inspire readers. As editor of Time Out Chicago, you’ll work with another editor and a freelance budget to develop a calendar of editorial content, and serve as an ambassador for both Time Out Market and Time Out values. The editor will also work closely with the Time Out Market team to tell stories about the food and cultural offerings at the Market, and to advise on its ongoing curation.  Interested? To learn more about the position and apply, qualified candidates can head to LinkedIn or the Time Out careers page. If you seem like a potential fit, we’ll be in touch!

Time Out Market Chicago is reopening soon in Fulton Market, and we can't wait to dine with you again. (Seriously, it's so close we can practically taste it!) To help celebrate and welcome you back in style, we want to treat you. How does a food- and drink-fueled VIP experience sound? Our fully loaded prize pack includes a $300 Time Out Market Card, a private table for you and your friends and tons of Market swag. You can spend the day slurping ramen, munching on pizza, twirling pasta and tucking into barbecue. And don't forget a scoop or two of ice cream for dessert! Are you already thinking about who you'd invite? That's what we like to hear. Simply fill out the form below for a chance to win between now and June 29. Good luck—and see you soon at Time Out Market Chicago! This competition has closed. Please see terms and conditions here.

After a year as tough as the one we just lived through, the arrival of 2021 offers some glimmers of hope. And while we're not out of the woods yet when it comes to the pandemic that's still wreaking havoc across the globe, there are some genuinely exciting things for (masked and socially-distanced) Chicagoans to look forward to in the coming months. Here's a look at some of the biggest arrivals, openings and other happenings that are scheduled to take place in Chicago this year—mark your calendars and let's hope for the best! 1. The high-tech ‘Immersive Van Gogh’ exhibition arrives Assuming that museums are able to reopen their doors in the coming months, the biggest exhibit of the year (that we know of!) will be wowing guests this February. "Immersive Van Gogh" comes from the Italian creative team that worked on the "Atelier des Lumières" exhibitions in Paris, using projectors to cover the walls of a gallery with animated versions of the Dutch painter's most famous works. The Chicago version of the exhibit is taking over the 35-foot walls inside the Germania Club Building in Old Town—and it's only the first in a line of high-tech shows that will be hosted in the space. 2. Southwest begins flying out of O’Hare Midway has long been the only Chicago airport where you can catch a flight on Southwest Airlines, but that's all about to change. On February 14, the low-cost airline will begin offering nonstop flights from O'Hare International Airport for the first time, with routes

Before we say goodbye and good riddance to 2020, we'd like to propose a toast. This year was devastating for so many Chicagoans, but over the past 12 months, our hearts have swelled with pride as we've watched our city rally against the odds. It's been far from easy—and we still have a ways to go—but there's a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. We'd be remiss if we didn't salute the folks who have made Chicago a better place along the way. RECOMMENDED: Time Out's Love Local campaign champions small businesses Throughout the year, we've witnessed locals come together to share food and everyday necessities, raise money for Black-owned restaurants and support out-of-work musicians. Even in the depths of the state's stay-at-home order, Chicagoans ordered takeout and delivery and shopped local every chance they got. They stood up for each other by flooding city streets in protest of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless other Black people who were killed at the hands of police. And then there are the businesses themselves—the lifeblood of Chicago—that have kept us nourished, entertained and inspired despite the challenges stacked against them. They handed out free meals, put on virtual events and flipped their business models upside-down. "Thank you" doesn't even begin to cut it. As we contemplate the new year in Chicago and ring in 2021 from home, we feel hopeful about the eventual return of the things we love: art, food, culture and travel. We'll conti

There's a lot of things to worry about these days, but finding a table at Time Out Market Chicago shouldn't be one of them. That's why—for the first time ever—we're rolling out reservations for indoor and outdoor dining. Yes, that includes the massive sidewalk patio out front. And because we've reconfigured every dining space with the latest social distancing guidelines in mind, you never have to worry about brushing shoulders with nearby parties. To make a reservation, simply tell us your name, digits and email address and decide when you'd like to dine. Time Out Market Chicago is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9pm, Friday from 4 to 10pm, Saturday from 9am to 10pm and Sunday from 9am to 9pm. We'll even let you select where you'd like to sit—from the first-floor patio to the main dining room to the wraparound second floor. (Our favorite seats in the house are upstairs, where you can get a bird's-eye view of the action.) We collect a $15 deposit per person, which is returned to you upon arrival in the form of a TOM card, the equivalent of Monopoly bucks at Time Out Market—you can use the card to shop any of our vendors or bars. Parties are capped at six people per table in accordance with city guidelines. Once you've made your reservation, start browsing what's for dinner: Time Out Market has eight kitchens, including Arami, Dos Urban Cantina, Duck Inn Dogs and Mini Mott. A bar on the first floor serves cocktails, beer and wine, and the third-floor rooftop deals in view

Put down the scissors and step away from the at-home dye kit. Chicago salons could reopen in Phase 3 of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's five-step plan to ease out of the statewide "stay-at-home" order. Starting no sooner than the end of May and dependent on how effectively the city can curve the spread, Phase 3 will "cautiously reopen" the city, allowing some appointment-only services to resume. It's worth noting that Chicago is currently in Phase 2 of the plan, dubbed "stay-at-home." Still, with the tentative date looming just weeks away, salon and barbershop owners across the city are preparing for the possibility that they could reopen sooner rather than later. At Bronzeville Barber Salon, owner Andre Love says that he's in a good place to reopen when the city gives him the go-ahead: He already has a reservation system in place to control the number of people in his shop and his professional training has equipped him with advanced knowledge of cleanliness and sanitation. He already wears personal protective equipment when working on clients. The one thing he's still trying to wrap his head around is how he'll maintain social-distancing guidelines in his small, eight-seat shop. "If I was to downsize, I might have to give up three stations to follow social distancing. That's the biggest thing," Love says. At Logan Square's Logan Parlor, owner Jamie DiGrazia has come to terms with concessions her business will have to make to safely reopen. Several chairs have already been removed to

No matter how much you love the city you call home, it's always easy to find something to complain about. Whether it's unreliable public transit, a long wait for a table at your favorite restaurant or the putrid scent wafting out of the alley behind your apartment, Chicagoans love to grumble about the downsides of life in our Midwestern metropolis. But after being locked down in our apartments during the Illinois "stay-at-home" order, we've all gained some perspective on the things we used to whine about constantly. In fact, there are a few things we'll do our best to never again complain about (audibly, at the very least) once this is all over. 1. Waiting in line for a porta-potty at a street festivalWe’ll be happy for the chance to pee in something that isn’t our home toilet. 2. Having to wait an extra 10 minutes for the busThe bus tracker is back to its usual antics, but at least we get to enjoy some fresh air. 3. Pulling up a stool next to a couple on an awkward first dateMiraculously, months spent in isolation have us craving plodding conversations between strangers about jobs, college and vacations. 4. The loud groups of Cubs and Sox fans on the Red LineAt least baseball, ballpark hot dogs and 7th-inning–stretch sing-alongs are back! 5. The crowds of tourists jockeying for selfies around the BeanAfter looking at Instagrams of folks stuck inside over the past few months, it's great to see some outdoor scenery. 6. The three-hour wait for a table at Au ChevalSure beats the

  シカゴのノース・ミシガン・アベニュー646に、スターバックスの新たな大規模店舗、スターバックス・リザーブ・ロースタリー・シカゴが2019年11月15日（金）にオープン予定だとシカゴ・トリビューン紙が報じた。 建設されるのは、以前インテリアショップ のクレイト＆バレルがあった、4万3,000平方フィートの敷地だ。4階建てで、この建物自体が観光名所となるような造りとなる。 店では限定のドリンクや、希少な豆、店舗内での焙煎（ばいせん）、スターバックスと提携するプリンチのピザやサラダ、デザートのフルメニューを提供する。また、地元住民をひきつけるため、シカゴで有名なバーテンダーのジュリア百瀬（オリオール、クミコ）や、アニー・ビービ=トロン（ファットライス）、レイチェル・ミラー（コミュニティ・タバーン）らが開発したカクテルも提供予定だ。 この種の店舗としては最大となるが、リザーブ・ロースタリー自体は新しいアイデアではなく、既にニューヨーク、シアトル、ミラノ、東京、上海でその店舗をオープンしている。私たちに馴染みの「街角のスターバックス」とは違い、ロースタリーは「コーヒーへの情熱に捧げられた劇場的で体感型の殿堂」である。 客はシングルオリジンコーヒーを飲み、バリスタに夢中になり、名物のカクテルやピザを口にしてから店を後にすることとなるのだ。 スターバックス・リザーブ・ロースタリー シカゴは、11月15日に開店。月曜から木曜の7時から23時まで、金曜と土曜は8時から24時まで、日曜は8時から22時まで営業する。   原文はこちら『The world’s largest Starbucks will debut on Michigan Avenue in November』

Lollapalooza attendees were treated to an idyllic weekend in Grant Park, complete with sunshine, sunsets and a storm-free forecast. They thanked Mother Nature by rocking their best fashion looks at the four-day festival. Our photographer crawled the crowd in search of statement-making outfits and was rewarded with feathered crop tops, neon hues and plenty of Western-inspired pieces. RECOMMENDED: Check out more photos from Lollapalooza 2019 Take a look at the 24 best outfits we spotted at Lollapalooza this weekend, and start plotting out your ensemble for next year: Lollapalooza 2020 will hit Grant Park July 30 through August 2. Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

Lollapalooza is typically a hot and sweaty affair in Grant Park, and this year was no exception. As temperatures approached 100 degrees, Chicagoans and out-of-towners found creative ways to stay cool while still rocking some awesomely fashion-forward looks. Attendees pranced from set to set in checkered trousers, colorful jumpsuits, metallic fringe and florescent fishnets. RECOMMENDED: See more photos from Lollapalooza If you thought the four-day fest was all about basketball jerseys and crop tops, take a look at the outfits that caught our eye. After all, there's still time to pull together a Instagram-worthy ensemble for one of the final music festivals of the summer.   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photogr

PAWS Chicago, the city's largest no-kill shelter, will host adoption events this weekend in hopes of relieving its maxed-out facility and freeing up space for incoming pets. The shelter will waive adoption fees for dogs and cats that have been in their possession the longest—eligible animals are identified on the PAWS website with yellow "Summer Lovin'" tags.  "Summertime is an exceptionally critical time of year in animal welfare," reads a PAWS media release. "With so many litters being born, in addition to the abundance of homeless pets in need of a loving home, even more animals are at risk of euthanasia in our community’s open admission shelters." The event will take place at the Lincoln Park Adoption Center (1997 N Clybourn Ave) on July 28 and 29 from 11am to 6pm daily. In addition to finding cats and dogs forever homes, organizers are also calling for foster families to provide temporary shelter for available animals. Ready to bring an animal into your life? Be sure to read up on PAWS's adoption requirements before heading to the event. Take a look at some of the eligible good boys and girls available at this weekend's adoption event below. Photograph: Courtesy PAWS Chicago   Photograph: Courtesy PAWS Chicago Photograph: Courtesy PAWS Chicago   Photograph: Courtesy PAWS Chicago   Photograph: Courtesy PAWS Chicago Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

Cloudy skies and a rainy forecast couldn’t put a damper on the most original fashion-forward looks we saw at this year's Pitchfork Music Festival. As crowds gathered to catch sets from the likes of The War on Drugs, Chaka Khan and Ms. Lauryn Hill, we kept our eyes out for the trendiest fest gear in Union Park. RECOMMENDED: See more fashion and photos from Pitchfork Music Festival Attendees of the annual indie-skewing event tend to go above and beyond the jean shorts and crop tops that dominate Lollapalooza, favoring vintage pieces, bold accessories and statement-making jumpsuits. This year, we saw plenty of funky looks that redefine fest fashion. Take a look at our favorite outfits from the 2018 edition of Pitchfork Music Festival, and get some inspiration for the remaining Chicago music festivals coming to town this summer.     Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas     Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas   Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Photograph: