Zach Long

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

When you want some fresh tunes for your turntable, tape deck or CD player, there's no better place to find them than at Chicago's best record stores. Whether you're trying to prepare for a concert coming up at a Chicago music venue or feeling an old-school vibe, these shops have what you're looking for. Many have been in business for years, selling new and used vinyl, CDs and tapes—and making recommendations when you need them. From the latest albums in indie rock, hip hop and contemporary R&B to vintage jazz, blues and Chicago house records, Chicago's best record stores offer it all. RECOMMENDED: The best thrift stores in Chicago

Sure, going to one of the best bars in Chicago is always fun, but there's something exhilarating about having a drink outdoors. And after making it through another winter in the city, we rightly deserve to order a few cold ones while basking in the sun. If you're looking for a Saturday rager or calm post-work happy hour, these excellent wine programs or a beer garden have everything you might be looking for. We've tracked down waterfront patios, hidden gardens and dive bar backyards where you can mix a little bit of alcohol with a lot of fresh air. Make a reservation (if needed), pack some sunscreen, hit up the group chat and prepare to spend an afternoon at one of the best outdoor bars in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in Chicago

  If you’re anything like us, most often when you’re dancing, you’re also drinking. So hey, it’s no surprise that a large number of tunes out there are about doing just that – booze! And we’ve rounded up the best of the boozy best, right here, from Rihanna to Chumbawumba (you know the one we mean). So fill up that cup and wack on this playlist: it’s time to dance. Here are the best songs about drinking to wet the whistle.  RECOMMENDED:🎉 The best party songs🎤 The best karaoke songs🕺 The best pop songs of all time😃 The best happy songs🍆 The best sexy songs Written by Michael Chen, Brent DiCrescenzo, Sophie Harris, Oliver Keens, Andy Kryza, Hank Shteamer, Kate Wertheimer, Zach Long, Matthew Singer, Leonie Cooper and Camille Bavera. 

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

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

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

Renowned naturalist and journalist Jerry Sullivan said that in Chicago, “we can enjoy the riches of life in one of the world’s greatest metropolises and connect ourselves to the natural world.” Chicago may be the country’s third largest city, but there are plenty of options for camping and exploring beautiful state parks all within a few hours’ drive. Whatever your version of connecting to the outside world—whether it’s pitching a tent or cozying up in a cabin—there are campgrounds ranging from rustic to full outdoor resort. You can camp a few feet away from the Midwest’s best hiking and biking trails or spend lazy days reading and relaxing near a lake. Here are the best campgrounds near Chicago for seasonal and year-round tent sites, RV and trailer-accessible sites, cabins and recreational activities. RECOMMENDED: The best lakeside Airbnbs near Chicago

Just west of Edgewater and north of Uptown, Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood embraces its history while offering plenty of things to do that reflect the lively and contemporary life in the area. Andersonville has thrived in recent years, thanks to its mix of natural beauty, independent stores, local theaters and a burgeoning dining scene (we have some favorite Andersonville restaurants). Walk down Clark Street and you'll find one of Chicago's best record stores, thrift shops packed with bargains and a beloved Chicago plant shop. If you want to find out what makes it one of the best Chicago neighborhoods, plan a visit and check out the sheer variety of things to do in Andersonville.

Summertime Chi is around the corner, and as you're packing your calendars for the city's best summer events and festivals, don't forget about the glory that is farmers market season. From Andersonville to Woodlawn, neighborhoods across the city bring in Midwestern vendors selling fresh fruits, veggies, meat and more. Get inspired by ingredients from the same farmers that serve Chicago's best restaurants, or enjoy the live music and other free activities these markets have to offer. Protip: many of Chicago's best farmers markets are also near the most beautiful parks, so take your wares and have an incredible picnic afterwards.  RECOMMENDED: Things to do in the summer in Chicago

Chicago is at its best when the sun shines an hour longer, the birds sing a little louder and the breeze off of Lake Michigan is just a bit warmer. This is also when Chicagoans' calendars start to fill up with plans to lounge at some of Chicago's best beaches, gather for a meal on a stunning rooftop or plan time to explore the city's beautiful parks. There are so many things to do outdoors within the city limits, from hopping on a bike trail to free movies in the park. You may even want to escape the city for a breath of fresh air with an adventurous hiking trail or daytrip to what feels like another planet. So if you're up for some fun in the sun, these are our recommendations on the best things to do outside in chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor bars in Chicago

Known for its Swedish roots and large LGBTQ+ community, Andersonville is a hip neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side packed with charming shops, small theaters and a wide variety of bars and restaurants. You can find one of the best burgers in Chicago, an Irish pub with a lengthy whiskey list, and plenty of great options for brunch so you can have a hearty meal before spending the day shopping or visiting the Swedish American Museum. Whatever you’re hungry for, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Andersonville. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Andersonville

Chicago's notorious frigid winter temperatures and the possibility of snow don't stop the Empty Bottle from throwing an outdoor concert in February. The Music Frozen Dancing block party sets up a stage outside of the Ukrainian Village rock club, fires up some heat lamps, stocks the coolers wil Goose Island beer and presents an afternoon of live music that you can take in while bundled up in your warmest winter coat. This year's lineup features local indie rock band Lifeguard, St. Louis synth punks The Mall, glam rock 'n' rollers Nancy and much more. And if you need to warm up, DJs will be playing jams inside the Empty Bottle all day long. As usual, admission to Music Frozen Dancing is free, but the Empty Bottle will collect donations for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless at the gate.

Happy-sack piano pop crooner Ben Folds has been on a progressive kick as of late, but still expect plenty of thumpingly fine and melodically sussed collegiate pop.

Taking place on the same street occupied by some of Chicago's best-known restaurants, this West Loop fest boasts six blocks of food, drinks and music. You'll find bites from more than 16 restaurants (on Randolph Street and beyond) as well as two stages packed with performances throughout the day. This year's lineup includes local DJ Derrick Carter, singer-songwriter Jamila Woods and hip hop trio Digable Planets peforming Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) in honor of the album's 30th anniversary. Proceeds from the festival support the West Loop Community Organization.

Listening bars originated in Japan, conceived as places where guests could listen to music on expensive sound systems in acoustically-tuned rooms—and enjoy a drink or a snack while doing so. The concept has spread across the world, inspiring restaurants and bars in London and New York where the soundtrack being pumped into your ears is equally as important as the things you’re putting into your mouth. Of course, there are plenty of bars with killer audio equipment in Chicago (the new speakers at the California Clipper come to mind), but the Listening Room is one of the first restaurants to put the aural experience front and center. One of a trio of concepts that DMK Restaurants has opened on the ground floor of the historic Railway Exchange Building (designed by Daniel Burnham’s architecture firm), the Listening Room is the most understated of the three distinct sections of the Exchange. It doesn’t boast the soaring glass ceiling of the Atrium or the expansive bar and bottle-lined shelves of Theo’s. True to its name, the defining elements of the Listening Room are its turntable, record collection and hi-fi speakers. When my dining companion and I entered on a blustery winter night, we were greeted by the opening strains of “Dirty Little Girl” from Elton John’s classic album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The remainder of the record played as I sipped a punch made with spiced rum and orange juice (the One Two Punch) and picked at a crusty country loaf, baked in-house at the Excha

Wilco's seminal studio album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was technically released on September 18, 2001 when the band began streaming it on its website (a rarity in the days before Spotify). But the group is about to observe the 20th anniversary of the record's physical release on April 23, 2002, which only came about after Wilco was dropped from its record label and signed with Nonesuch Records. The messy story behind Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is well-documented—the Sam Jones film I Am Trying To Break Your Heart does a good job summing up the interpersonal conflicts and music biz chicanery surrounding the album's recording and release. But the indelible impact of the music contained on the resulting record can't be overstated. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was Wilco's most effective expression of the band's experimental inclinations to-date upon its release, earning it a hallowed place in the group's catalog—and it just happens to have Chicago's Marina City Towers on its cover. To commemorate the album's 20th anniverary, Wilco is playing a trio of shows at the Auditorium Theatre (after a four-night run in New York City), performing Yankee Hotel Foxtrot in its entirety. The concerts will serve as a prelude to an archival re-release of the record later this year. We're not sure what to expect (A rendition of lost track "Cars Can't Escape"? A surprise appearance by producer Jim O'Rourke?) but we're sure that these concerts in the city where Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was built will be something special.

Café Marie-Jeanne only inhabited the building on the northeast corner of California Avenue and Augusta Boulevard for five years, but it’s hard for me to walk into its former dining room without conjuring up memories of croque madames and duck frites. The French-inspired restaurant was one I ate at with some regularity, and it’s sudden shuttering in the midst of the pandemic was just one of many disappointing permanent closures in Chicago. But I’m happy to report that Segnatore is a worthy successor, serving creative Italian fare that maintains the approachability favored by the space’s former tenant. The blackboards that once displayed Café Marie-Jeanne’s menu are gone, replaced by vintage oil paintings, candelabras and hanging bundles of dried flowers—a decorative theme inspired by the Italian folk healers that serve as Segnatore’s namesake. While it’s not overtly telegraphed by the restaurant’s decor, Segnatore’s Italian influences comes into focus as soon as you sit down at a candlelit table and peruse a drink menu that’s predominantly sourced from the boot-shaped, from the spirits used in cocktails to a long list of wines. Order some of the cherrywood smoked olives to snack on while you decide, because there’s no shortage of options. Building on years spent serving Italian fare at spots like Three Aces and Charlatan, chef Matt Troost compiles a menu that’s reverent in its technique (particularly the handmade pasta) but decidedly playful in its presentation. No dish exempl

For three decades Clifton Collins Jr has been bringing a memorable spark to relatively small parts in everything from Capote to Pacific Rim. Jockey is his turn in the spotlight, giving the veteran character actor a nuanced lead role to inhabit in a slice-of-life racetrack drama. From the outset, it’s easy to see where the film’s narrative is headed. Collins Jr is Jackson Silva, a lifelong rider who has been racing horses for decades. His line of work has left him with a litany of serious injuries and little more to his name than the RV that he calls home. His glory days are behind him and an uncertain future lies ahead. Yet Silva is unable and unwilling to quit the only job he knows. Even when confronted with his rapidly deteriorating physical condition, an aspiring jockey who claims to be his son and the encouragement of a co-worker with his best interests at heart, he refuses to hang up the saddle or settle for a new life as a mentor.  Shot on a racetrack in Arizona with non-actors appearing alongside a small cast of professionals, Jockey brings a heightened sense of reality to the unfamiliar world of horse racing. A scene in which a group of real-world jockeys rattle off the injuries they’ve sustained is particularly harrowing, providing a stark reminder of the traumas that come with the turf. Finally, Clifton Collins Jr gets his turn in the spotlight  While the script from writer-director ​​Clint Bentley is disjointed at times, most of the rough edges are smoothed over by

The stretch of Sheridan Road that borders Loyola University's campus in Rogers Park has long been home to student-friendly restaurants like Blaze Pizza and Taco Bell. Located just up the street (near local institutions like the New 400 Theater) Semilla’s Latin Kitchen casts a wider net—there’s a daily happy hour that caters to frugal undergrads and a sizable menu for diners seeking something more authentic than a Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Husband-and-wife co-owners Jose Roque and Patricia Norabuena are Chicago restaurant industry veterans—Roque was a founding partner at Wicker Park’s Amaru, while Norabuena formerly worked in the kitchen at the Pump Room. The menu at Semilla’s Latin Kitchen draws on Roque and Norabuena’s respective Mexican and Peruvian heritages, packed with dishes that demonstrate hallmarks of each country’s cuisine. Take one look at the appetizers served at Semilla’s and you’ll get a feel for the breadth of its offerings. There’s the hearty hummus-like tontoli (a traditional Mexican recipe that Roque’s mother often prepared) that’s made using ground cashews, pepitas and sesame seeds, served with pita bread for dipping. A Peruvian ceviche exemplifies the country’s seafood-heavy cuisine, with chunks of mahi-mahi that are likely larger than you’re accustomed to, accompanied by onion and sweet potatoes. While Semilla’s offers plenty of meat and seafood, vegetarians will appreciate a variety of dishes that make animal protein optional, including an array of quesadil

Combining bluegrass instrumentation with adventurous chamber music arrangements, the Punch Brothers make forward-looking folk music that respects traditions, but isn’t beholden to them. After a stint hosting a music-focused live show on NPR, frontman Chris Thile returns to the group reinvigorated, working on a tribute to the late Tony Rice's seminal bluegrass album Church Street Blues. Originally intended as a gift to Rice, Hell on Church Street takes his influential arrangements of songs by Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot and reimagines them with plenty of mandolin, banjo and fiddle.

Armed with a sharp wit and a penchant for shredding, Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett has quickly become one of indie rock's guiding lights, graduating to increasingly large festival stages and collaborating with the likes of Philadelphia rocker Kurt Vile. Her latest album, Things Take Time, Take Time, strips back some of the studio gloss of her previous release in favor of more direct songs that confront the trials of everyday life with laconic turns of phrase. "Time is money, and money is no man’s friend," she observes on the record's opening track, earnestly imparting the kind of wisdom that seems obvious, but bears repeating. Similarly eloquent singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin opens the show.

Like many folks, prolific rocker Ty Segall hunkered down during the COVID-19 lockdown and tried to put the downtime to good use. His 2021 release, Harmonizer, is the result of a series of solo recording sessions, during which Segall built tracks around synthesizers as well as his usual array of guitars and drums. He debuted some of his new electronics-tinged tunes at last summer's Pitchfork Music Festival and he's returning (accompanied by his Freedom Band) to perform them again during a two-night stand at Thalia Hall. Local garage rockers Axis: Sova support.

Not far from the glitzy dining and shopping destinations that line Rush Street in River North, Adalina is yet another high-profile Italian restaurant that has quickly become a hot reservation. Boasting a prominent chef (Soo Ahn, formerly of Michelin-starred Band of Bohemia) and ownership with experience running local nightclubs and steakhouses, it’s a spot with pedigree to spare. And if you enjoy a lively scene with your meal, Adalina might offer your kind of dining experience—if not, you’re in for a rude awakening. Upon entering Adalina’s second-floor dining room, it quickly became clear that my date and I would quite literally be rubbing elbows with our fellow diners (even late on a Tuesday night). Tables are crammed into the space, forcing you to squeeze through narrow lanes when you need to get up from your seat. The sheer number of people in the restaurant also makes for a noisy meal—even when my date and I moved closer to one another, it was difficult to hear above the din. I felt sympathy for the tuxedo-clad servers, all of whom clearly had to do a bit of lip-reading while taking some orders. Once we’d successfully transmitted our order to our server and food began to arrive, our first bites didn’t exactly get the meal off on the right foot. The cacio e pepe arancini made with forbidden black rice sounded great on paper, but the fried rice balls had a somewhat unpleasant gummy texture to them—at least by the time they arrived at our table. A caesar salad was laden with

It’s been more than four years since the redevelopment of the Morton Salt building was announced, and plenty of folks have had their eye on the reliable Kennedy Expressway landmark’s weathered rooftop mural ever since. On Tuesday night, the first phase of the project opened to the public, as the outdoor portion of Salt Shed—Chicago’s newest music venue from the team behind Thalia Hall and the Empty Bottle—hosted its inaugural concert. Local drummer and bandleader Makaya McCraven headlined a jazz-focused bill, which included British saxophonist Nubya Garcia and the final Chicago performance from soon-to-be-disbanded avant-garde act Sons of Kemet. And while lots of people showed up to listen to the music, many were also there to take in the new venue and to try to catch a glimpse of the still-unfinished indoor portion of the Salt Shed, set to open sometime in 2023. Tuesday night’s show wasn’t sold out, so it’s unclear exactly how cramped the Salt Shed gets when it reaches its 4,000-person capacity (upcoming sold-out shows on the venue’s summer schedule will be a better test). The outdoor space feels a bit like a much smaller, standing-room-only version of the Northerly Island amphitheater, complete with concrete beneath your feet and a view of Chicago’s skyline behind the stage. Here’s what to expect when you venture to the Salt Shed this summer, from the quality of the sound (it’s pretty good) to the price of a beer (it’s kind of expensive). Photograph: Elizabeth De La Piedra

Last year, Time Out readers named Chicago the second most beautiful city in the world and the second most fun city in the world. What distinctions will the city earn this year? We'd like you take a survey to help us find out! We’ve just launched the Time Out Index 2022, our fifth annual poll of city-dwellers around the globe, and we want to find out all about life in your city post-pandemic. What’s the restaurant scene like? The bar circuit? How easy is it to date? To make friends? What do you think of the art and nightlife? Plus where, dare we say it, is the coolest part of town? How have things changed in your city now we can all detect the sweet smell of normality? For those of us who live in cities, that hint—still stronger in some places than others—of a return to the good times is a big relief. Doing stuff is why we’re here, after all. We came for the food, for the culture, for the nightlife. We came to find new friends or because our friends were already here. And many of us stuck around throughout the pandemic for all those very legit reasons, too. The survey only takes five minutes, and at the end we’ll tell you exactly how much you love your city. As ever, we’ll be using all your responses to come up with our annual rankings of the world’s best cities and coolest neighborhoods. So go ahead, do your city some justice—and take part in the ultimate stock take of city living in 2022. Ready to tell us your opinions? Take the Time Out Index survey and be brutally honest

Festivals and events are poised to make a big comeback this summer—and one of Chicago's most beloved teams is getting in on the fun. This morning, the Chicago Bulls announced the inaugural Bulls Fest, which will take place outside of the United Center on September 3 and 4 during Labor Day weekend. Don't worry about scoring a ticket, because this two-day event will offer free admission to all fans. The centerpiece of the street festival will be a 3v3 basketball tournament for youth, teen, adult and wheelchair basketball teams. Taking place on courts set up in one of the United Center's parking lots, you'll be able to check out games throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. If you're interested in participating in the tournament, you can find more details about registration on the Bulls Fest 3v3 Tournament website. Just be prepared to fork over a registration fee—early-bird prices are in effect through April 30. The Bulls are also partnering with Logan Square art gallery All Star Press to host a showcase of local artists in the United Center Atrium called the "1966 Gallery," filled with creative interpretations of the Bulls brand. Next door at the Madhouse Team Store, Bulls Fest attendees will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise, with a portion of proceeds supporting Chicago Bulls Charities. Bulls Fest will also feature local food and drink vendors as well as live music throughout the weekend, including appearances from the Bucket Boys, the Bulls DJs, the Incredibulls a

As spring draws tantalizingly close, new dining options are sprouting at Time Out Market Chicago. On Wednesday, March 16, Evette's will begin serving a menu of fresh Lebanese fare in Fulton Market, including shawarma wraps, fries covered in garlic sauce and salads made with thoughtfully-sourced produce. With owner Mitchell AbouJamra at the helm, the Evette's location at Time Out Market Chicago will join the original Evette's in Lincoln Park and an outpost that serves customers at Spilt Milk in Logan Square. Recently, AbouJamra opened All Too Well in the storefront next to the original Evette's location in Lincoln Park, offering a selection of sandwiches, salads and deli items. The menu at Evette's is inspired by AbouJamra's "Teta" (Lebanese Arabic for "grandmother"), who passed down recipes built around bold Lebanese flavors. The centerpiece of the Evette's menu is chicken or beef shawarma and halloumi, served in a wrap or on a plate. You'll also be able to try Super Garlic Feta fries topped with pink garlic sauce, feta cheese and za'atar mayo as well as a Pretty Salad made with romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, fried pita, pomegranate seeds and a sumac lemon dressing. “Many of our recipes have been passed down many generations, but not all of them are traditional,” AbouJamra said. “We’ve added a twist to the classic items and just like my Teta, all of our dishes are implemented with the best of intentions to optimize what our guests are eating—nourishing, tasty a

After making a temporary move to September in 2021, Pitchfork Music Festival will return to its usual weekend in July this summer, taking over Union Park from July 15–17. The summer music festival revealed its complete lineup this morning, including headlining acts the National (originally scheduled to perform at the canceled 2020 festival), singer-songwriter Mitski and The Tonight Show house band the Roots. RECOMMENDED: Check out photos and reviews of Pitchfork Music Festival Other notable artists on this year's lineup include symphonic rock collective Spiritualized, indie-pop outfit Japanese Breakfast, rapper Earl Sweatshirt, reunited emo rockers Karate and jazz fusion combo BadBadNotGood. Of course, there are plenty of returning acts, such as Duluth-based noisemakers Low, unpredictable hip-hop artist Tierra Whack, Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon and Danish punk rock band Iceage. Local musicians are also represented on Pitchfork's 2022 lineup, including rapper Cupcakke, singer-songwriter KAINA and hip-hop activist Noname. Former Chicagoan Jeff Parker (best known for performing with post-rock outfit Tortoise) will also appear at the festival, accompanied by his band the New Breed. “Our goal was to highlight a diverse group of artists who are taking their musical genres to new heights, and I’m proud of how it’s come together,” Pitchfork editor in chief Puja Patel said about the festival's 2022 lineup in a statement. According to a release, Pitchfork Music Festival 2022 wi

It's been nearly two years since visitors have been able to take in a show at the Grainger Sky Theater, gaze up at scale models of the planets contained in our solar system or look inside the tiny Gemini 12 capsule that brought a pair of astronauts to space and back. That will change on Friday, March 4 when Adler Planetarium officially reopens, welcoming guests back to the popular Museum Campus attraction—in fact, it's the final major Chicago institution to reopen after closing at the onset of the pandemic. Like the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium, masks and proof of vaccination won't be required to visit the Adler Planetarium, thanks to the repeal of Chicago's mask and vaccine mandates on February 28. A release states that Adler is "mask friendly and we strongly support your choice to wear a mask." The Alder Planetarium is also debuting new hours, open from 9am–4pm daily, except on Wednesdays when the museum will remain open until 10pm. Admission on Wednesday nights (beginning at 4pm) will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency), though you'll still need to reserve your complimentary tickets through the Adler Planetarium's website. Moving forward, you'll need to purchase all Adler Planetarium tickets in advance via the institution's website. There's also a new ticket option for frequent visitors: The Star Pass, which offers one year of unlimited access to Adler Planetarium exhibits, visits to the Doane Observatory and sky shows in the domed theater. A St

Before he helped set a template for contemporary sketch comedy with the HBO series Mr. Show with Bob and David and was cast as slimy lawyer Saul Goodman in the hit series Breaking Bad (and its subsequent spin-off, Better Call Saul), Bob Odenkirk was just a kid from Naperville, IL who got a taste of Chicago's thriving comedy scene when he attended a show at the Second City as a teenager. That formative experience—and a chance meeting with improv guru Del Close—are expanded upon in the opening chapters of Odenkirk's new memoir, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama, which looks back on his career as a writer, comedian and unlikely action movie star. This week, Odenkirk returns to Chicago in support of his book, chatting with fellow Saturday Night Live alum Tim Meadows at the Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, March 2 during an event presented by the Chicago Humanities Festival. Ahead of his appearance, we had a quick chat with Odenkirk about his memories of Chicago and his cravings for Al's #1 Italian Beef. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.  In your mind, why was Chicago the best place to begin your career? I was very lucky to have grown up in Naperville near Chicago, and as a result have a neighbor bring me to Second City—and that was pretty much all the reason you need to start your career in Chicago, if you love comedy and sketch comedy. But the truth is, Chicago was and is a great city to start your career because it has a thriving theater scene, and people actua

When it was initially announced last November, the latest show at the Lighthouse ArtSpace inside the Germania Club Building was titled “Frida: Immersive Dream.” But organizers clearly decided that there's a certain amount of brand recognition after the success of “Immersive Van Gogh,” recently renaming the Frida Kahlo show to fall in line with the established “Immersive [INSERT ARTIST NAME HERE]” template. As it turns out, the initial “Immersive Dreams” descriptor was very appropriate, considering the often surreal nature of the show's source material. This set of projections celebrating Kahlo's work manages to harness the emotional and sometimes political nature of her work—in many ways, it makes better use of the experiential format than the Van Gogh display. If you attended the aforementioned Van Gogh show in Chicago, you're already familiar with the venue within the Germanic Club Building where the display is presented. I didn't notice any major changes in the space itself, which comprises two larger rooms, a pair of smaller rooms and a balcony that overlooks the largest room. No matter which room you choose to stand it, you'll see some of the same images on display, though the projections look most impressive where they're spread across the 35-feet-tall walls of the two larger rooms. The two best places to immerse yourself in the projections are still from the floor of the largest room or from the balcony that overlooks it. Admittedly, it's been more than a year since I

Beloved Humboldt Park bar the California Clipper closed during the pandemic, but the vintage light fixtures inside the tavern are glowing red once more. On Thursday, February 24, the bar's new operators Orbit Group (Good Measure, Segnatore) will open its doors for the first time since 2020, allowing guests to order a cocktail and slide into one of the red leather booths. Don't worry—not much has changed at the Clipper. “There is a fresh coat of paint, the sign has been updated and there's new carpet on the stage. Other than that the space is the same on purpose, because as far as we were concerned the space is perfect,” general manager Carly Brown explained. The one major addition is a new lounge located in the adjacent space that formerly housed coffee shop C.C. Ferns, which is currently being called "The Little Clip." Local firm Siren Betty Design handled the renovations to the space (along with some small upgrades to the main bar), building a custom sapele wood and Formica bar featuring a curved back and mirrors that echoes the design of the original bar. The lounge's old linoleum floor was replaced with a new material that matches the original's coloring and the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling were sourced from the recently shuttered Southport Lanes in Lakeview. According to Brown, the small room will pay homage to Danny's—the defunct Bucktown bar where some of the Clipper's current staff once worked—equipped with a DJ booth and an intimate space for late-night da

There's a new Batman movie opening in theaters on March 4—simply titled The Batman—and if you've seen the recent trailer, you'll know that coffee plays a role in the Dark Knight's latest cinematic outing. In fact, it seems that the new iteration of the Riddler (played by Paul Dano) is being set up as a talented barista with a knack for question mark-inspired latte art. To celebrate Robert Pattinson's upcoming turn in the point-eared cowl, local roaster Dark Matter Coffee is partnering with Warner Bros. Pictures to give away Batman-themed lattes this weekend. You'll need to head to Dark Matter's Electric Mud cafe (by the Western Blue Line station) on Saturday, February 26; Sunday February 27; or Monday, February 28 to score your free drink. From noon to 6pm each day, guests will be able to claim a gratis Batman Latte (a rather stoic honey latte with cinnamon) or a Riddler Latte (an intriguing chocolate, honey and habanero latte with cinnamon). Each drink comes topped with the Riddler question mark—made with cinnamon instead of foam—and is available on a first come, first served basis. Electric Mud will also have a selection of The Batman T-shirts, hats, puzzles and posters to give away to guests throughout the day. It's rather fitting that you'll be able to sip a dark brew fit for a Dark Knight in Chicago, where The Batman filmed several exterior shots and a motorcycle chase back in 2020. While New Yorkers might think otherwise, Chicagoans knows that our city is the real Gotha

For the first time since 2019, the James Beard Foundation will hold its James Beard Awards ceremony on June 13, recognizing some of the most talented chefs, bakers, bartenders, sommeliers and restauranteurs in the United States. The awards ceremony will take place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, but the James Beard Foundation revealed its semifinalists this morning—and there are plenty of familiar faces up for awards. Chicago is well represented among the semifinalists for the Best Chef: Great Lakes award, which recognizes an outstanding chef based in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or Ohio—a Chicago chef has taken home the award during the past four ceremonies. There are a total of nine Chicago chefs up for the 2022 Best Chef: Great Lakes award, listed below: Rodolfo Cuadros, Amaru, Bloom Plant Based Kitchen and Lil Amaru at Time Out Market Chicago Diana Dávila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojería Paul Fehribach, Big Jones Jason Hammel, Lula Cafe Dave Park, Jeong Darnell Reed, Luella’s Southern Kitchen Noah Sandoval, Oriole John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth Erick Williams, Virtue Restaurant & Bar The complete list of semifinalists for the Best Chef: Great Lakes award includes chefs based in Indianapolis, Detroit, Cincinnati, Dearborn, MI and Lakewood, OH. Chicago restaurants and bars are also semifinalists in other James Beard Awards categories, including Parachute and Oriole in the Outstanding Restaurant category; Kasama in the Best New Restaurant category; and Nobody's Darli

Named after chef Darnell Reed's great grandmother Luella Funches, Luella's Southern Kitchen has been serving po' boys, gumbo and barbecue shrimp since the restaurant opened in 2015. And while Reed has usually offered a menu of Louisiana-style dishes in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, it hasn't been possible to celebrate Fat Tuesday at the Lincoln Park spot for the past few years, because Luella's is usually closed on Tuesdays. You won't be able to dine at Luella's on Fat Tuesday this year (it's closed!), but diners will be able to find some of Reed's favorite dishes inspired by his travels in New Orleans at Time Out Market Chicago. From February 25 through March 1, Luella's Southern Kitchen is taking over a kitchen at Time Out Market Chicago, serving a wide array of Mardi Gras-appropriate fare, including muffuletta, crawfish étouffée and king cake. “The Muffaletta is definitely my favorite sandwich to eat,” Reed said, talking about his preferred New Orleans dishes. “We're serving it hot or cold, which is something I hadn't seen until I went to Johnny's Po-Boys in New Orleans.” Served on focaccia that Reed and his team bake in-house, Luella's muffuletta is a traditional take on the sandwich that Italian immigrants introduced to New Orleans, stacked with salami, mortadella, deli ham, provolone, mozzarella and muffuletta relish. For those who aren't familiar with New Orleans cuisine, Reed recommends sampling his chicken and sausage gumbo, which draws on a variation of the d