When you win numerous BBQ awards after learning how to cook from your grandmother Lillie, and pit master dad, there's a reason your place gets packed. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
The scalloped edges of their muffins, the notes of honey in their chocolate-chip cookies and of course, it always helps when a bakery also offers a bacon flight. Read more.
The best of Lolla + reviews and photos all weekend: http://tmoutchi.us/Rit17o
This small but comprehensive military library is known for its excellent lecture series. An exhibit space shows off guest artists; exhibitions rotate with a focus on war imagery. -MN Read more.
Check out our top picks for the fest + reviews and photos all weekend: http://tmoutchi.us/Rit17o
Head to this funky spot smoking with hickory and applewood to score all the major ’cue food groups: spice-rubbed baby backs, tender Texas brisket, and juicy pulled pork. Read more.
Erin Nelson uses tricked-out elastic bands to pull clients’ locks into softly textured chignons and other “organic, undone” upstyles (from $75).
While at the Art Institute, make sure to check out their self-guided movie-themed tour. Click the link that follows this tip to view the PDF. Read more.
Have time to kill? The closest thing to a mall in NYC, the shops at Grand Central Station run the gamut from high-end lingerie to French pastries.
One of Brooklyn’s most treasured vintage spots offers trendy finds for affordable prices. Myf Shepherd dropped $60 in ten minutes and walked out the door with a full outfit!
A leopard-print handbag will instantly update your daily wardrobe. It’s on-trend now, classic enough for later. Look for a ladylike one with some structure.
To set the experience apart, stick with the beautiful housemade pastas and take advantage of the well-executed cocktails from the accomplished bartender, Tim Lacey. Read more.
Perfection is: French toast that’s crisp and browned on the outside, custardy on the inside and topped with a blueberry-peach compote that tastes fresh even in winter. Read more.
The menu has hits and misses, but crispy pork belly, corn fritters and housemade tofu are must-haves. Order liberally from the sake, beer and especially the cocktail list. Read more.
Thought you’d want to know: Lillie’s Q has been nominated for Best New Restaurant and Best New Barbecue in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
The programming is often experimental and incredibly hit or miss, but there's no denying the youthful, infectious energy that pervades the place. Read more.
The Mac is a mess of a sandwich, just like all the others. And yes, the combination of Merkts cheddar, American cheese, elbow noodles and the cutest cup of spicy tomato soup is very hard not to like. Read more.
The Playground Theater is one of the country’s only not-for-profit improv theaters. It's a completely artist-led theater company and features all forms of improv on weeknights. Tickets are $5 & $10.
If you can't squeeze into the front, stake out a spot just in front of the soundboard. The view's decent, the sound's perfect, and best of all, you're beer-line adjacent for the whole show.
A Road trip must: This "classic yet modern pub" that sports kobe meatballs with creamy polenta and parsley pesto. Bonus: A 6 bedroom inn for when the food coma sets in. Read more.
Try the Full English fry up from our 100 Best list: Hands down, this British pub is putting out one of the best brunches in the city, from the ornate coffee service to made-in-house seasonal scones.
Logan Square's gastropub, with a kick-ass whisky selection, has made national headlines and even got a Michelin star. Like a nose-to-tail approach? So does chef Jared Wentworth. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Try the The Bedford Bloody Mary from our 100 Best list: The kimchi actually belongs in this drink. It adds a pleasant background of earthiness to what otherwise would be just tomato juice and spice.
Chicago: Old timey gentleman's club meets young, clubby arts scene in Wicker Park's historic flat iron building. We hear Monday nights here are the best. -IFC Viewer
