Every 3rd Thurs. of the month, Adler Planetarium opens up its doors for Chicagoans to mingle & peruse exhibits with cocktails & appetizers in hand. This week, DJ D-Rek spins everything music.
The original Gene's opened in 1972. Last year, the Luszcz family opened this second location across town. The new Lincoln Square satellite is a two-story specialty grocery, ideal for grabbing picnic p Read more.
Don't miss the caramelli, a Tootsie-Roll-shaped pasta, stuffed with butternut squash and tossed with sage, amaretti crumbs, and brown butter sauce at this fine-dining Italian restaurant in the Loop. Read more.
Krakow has amassed a following large enough for the MCA to feature his work during a month-long exhibit. Stop in this month to browse the exhibit, and check out live performances on Tuesday, May 11th. Read more.
The lamb is delish and their skillet cornbread will make your heart stop. -Dave Martin, Top Chef
Say hello to the Original "Deep Dish" pizza. I'm sure you have been to a Uno's before, but there is something going to where it all started. This is definitely a Dew Tour favorite
Who serves the best hot dog in Chicago? The competition is fierce, to say the least. Our vote, though, goes to this upstart Lincoln Park spot from owner Alex Brunacci and Chef Joe Doren. Read more.
When to go: If you're looking to linger with a cocktail, stick to the weeknights: On the weekends, Lincoln Parkers invade. Read more.
Both the four-ounce griddled burgers and eight-ounce charbroiled ones are excellent. So are the fries dusted w/ truffle salt & Parmesan. Don't miss ultra-creamy "Five Dollar" milk shakes that cost $4. Read more.
Carrie, the owner and chef, is fabulous. Sit at the bar for the best bar menu in town! -Rick Bayless, Top Chef
Another Dew Tour fav. Great for live music, sports, and drinking tons and tons of beers. Show your check-in see if you can get anything for free. Worth a shot.
When to go: Wednesday night is open mike night, but cover acts are discouraged. Read more.
Sandra & Mathieu Holl were known for their pastries & quiches @ the Green City Market. Here they serve more ambitious fare, such as croissants, bread pudding, cookies, and locally sourced sandwiches. Read more.
Hidden gem where you must be in the know to get in. Great cocktails with cool infusions. -Mike Isabella, Top Chef
Rick Bayless' counter spot specializes in tortas (think Mexican sandwiches), churros, and after 3:00 p.m., incomparable caldos—soups filled with short ribs, pork carnitas, or wood-roasted chicken. Read more.
Where else can you watch Pillow Fight Club’s Golden Pillow Burlesque World Championships with wisecracking comedian commentary? Read more.
Say what you will about the club scene, but Chicago’s outpost of the international party abode has stuck around largely due to top-tiered talent and dedicated regulars. Cue Crobar.
Daniel M. Soref Planetarium here is the largest and most modern in Wisconsin. It uses the Digitar 3 system, which is the latest in 3D digital planetarium technology. Take an out of this world trip! Read more.
You can't beat Paul Kahan's Wicker Park hot spot. Tacos stuffed with lamb shoulder, pork belly, and non-gringo ingredients like beef heart are only a few bucks. Read more.
Best on Sunday at lunch, when the chef features a special noodle menu. Shoyu ramen with braised pork, barbecued egg, and marinated bamboo shoots in a rich pork and chicken stock is a steal at $13. Read more.
Local, organic, good food. Funky and arty. Wonderful Logan square restaurant. -Rick Bayless, Top Chef
Here in Chicago, you're never too far from an unassuming watering hole w/ cheap beer on tap. This Bucktown institution tweaks that formula while attracting a mix of artists and professionals. Read more.
Ensures an in-the-know crowd will be packed in nightly due to only 45 seats. Grab a handcrafted drink or nosh on Mediterranean small plates while enjoying the ambiance. If you can get in, that is. Read more.
