Lauren Brocato

When the clock hits 2am in Chicago, your night on the town doesn't have to end. While most bars in the city have to close up shop two hours after midnight, a few local watering holes are able to stay open until 4am each night (and until 5am on Saturdays!). These late–night establishments are scattered throughout the city, but you'll find dive bars, a few karaoke bars and some nightclubs where you can keep the party going until just before the sun comes up.  Do your future self a favor and bookmark this tab for the next time the clock strikes 2am and you're looking for your next move.  RECOMMENDED: The best late-night restaurants in Chicago September 30, 2025: I'm not proud to admit it, but I'm somewhat of a subject matter expert when it comes to the best late-night bars in Chicago. I familiarized myself with the top spots (for research, of course!) plenty of times in my early twenties, and now, I bestow upon you our expertly reported guide to Chicago's best late-night bars. Our recent revision of this list features one major change: the omission of beloved 60-year-old Lincoln Square karaoke bar Hidden Cove, which unfortunately shuttered earlier this month. There are plenty of other places to sing your heart out, though, like Alice's Lounge and Uptown Lounge (which now also operates as a daytime cafe), as well as more chill spots like Elixir.  Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star rating

Just a stone’s throw away from Logan Square, Avondale is one of Chicago's most up-and-coming neighborhoods for dining. The Northwest Side community area is backed by an impressive lineup of restaurants and bars, many of which have sprouted up in the past few years. From the finest Korean cuisine to the coolest cocktail bars, there’s a plethora of places to enjoy for the first or tenth time. Want to be wowed? Head to Parachute HiFi or Eden, where the chefs use quality, seasonal ingredients to create extraordinary dishes. If an unfussy burger is more your style, Kuma’s and Ludlow Liquors are happy to oblige. You can even grab a snack or a full meal while shopping for groceries at Joong Boo Market. The options are virtually limitless, so check out our guide to the best restaurants in Avondale and see what the buzz is all about. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Avondale September 29. 2025: Avondale's dining scene is having a moment—and that calls for a thorough refresh of our best restaurants in Avondale list. These top spots are our favorites in the neighborhood, from the neighborhood watering hole Chief O’Neill’s Pub and newbie Little Lark, a pizza place courtesy of the team behind The Meadowlark, to our highest-ranking restaurant, Anelya, which offers a poignant translation of old-world Ukrainian cuisine from chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratin

Chicago isn’t anywhere near the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find great seafood here. One of the most iconic restaurants in Chicago is Calumet Fisheries, a James Beard Award-winning spot where customers eat house-smoked sable and trout right in their cars. You can also explore seafood traditions from around the world with Baja-inspired, striped bass tacos at Leña Brava, sushi at Shaw's Crab House, Grecian sea bream from Andros Taverna and Peruvian ceviche at Kayao. So whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner, satisfy your cravings for crustaceans at the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Chicago right now September 25, 2025: When a restaurant does seafood, the bar is high. Cold dishes must be cold enough, hot dishes need to be cooked to perfection and, above all, the fish has to be fresh. In order to direct you to Chicago's top fish spots, we've revisited our list of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. They range from humble shacks in the burbs to fine-dining establishments downtown, and they're guaranteed to offer something for every kind of diner. So if you're all in on raw fish or you're more comfortable with something deep fried, these Chicago seafood restaurants have you covered. 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,” a

Ramen is perfect comfort food, whether you’re seeking a bowl of hot and spicy broth to clear the sinuses or just need a hearty bowl of tonkatsu and chasu to warm up on a chilly day. The best Japanese restaurants in Chicago offer the chance to slurp noodles accompanied by dumplings, sushi and Japanese fried chicken, but there are also plenty of dedicated ramen shops where customers sit at a counter for quick satisfaction. While many spots specialize in broths made from slowly cooking beef and chicken bones, there are options for vegetarians and vegans incorporating tofu and plenty of veggies as well. So test your spice tolerance at High Five Ramen, enjoy a bowl from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka while shopping at Mitsuwa, or dip your own noodles at Chicago Ramen—our guide to the best ramen in Chicago will help you find the perfect bowl. RECOMMENDED: The best soups in Chicago September 22, 2025: There's no shortage of ramen shops in Chicago, but with so many options, it can be difficult to decipher which restaurants are worth the hype. That's why we've revisited our ranking of the best ramen in Chicago, just in time for the cold weather ahead. We've omitted E Ramen in Bridgeport from this list, as the restaurant is temporarily closed. In the meantime, there are plenty of other superb spots to slurp down a hearty bowl of ramen here in Chicago. Whether you're a ramen purist or are looking for an out-of-the-box dining experience (hello, Hell Ramen from Strings), there's something for ev

Avondale is not only home to an incredible lineup of restaurants, but a great drinking scene as well. The neighborhood is packed with bars that cover every niche. Fancying an expertly stirred craft cocktail? Then head to Ludlow Liquors or Mother’s Ruin for a variety of creative concoctions. There are plenty of dives and opportunities to show off those karaoke skills, too. And when the weather’s nice, sipping on a cold pint at a beer garden should definitely be on the bucket list. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try to hit a couple of the following spots all in one evening for the ultimate bar crawl. So check out our guide to the best bars in Avondale and get to drinking. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Avondale September 18, 2025: A recent development boom has Avondale buzzing right now. Luckily, there are plenty of places to grab a bite and a beer while you're here. We've updated our list of the best bars in Avondale with our favorite neighborhood watering holes, ranging from classic dives to the state's largest brewery and taproom. There's something to suit everyone's vibe, so drink your way through one of Chicago's coolest `hoods with the help of this comprehensive guide. 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

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 your craving for a hot dog in Chicago. Some have been around for a long time and are among the most iconic restaurants in the city, 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 dogs in Chicago will show you where to get one any time you desire. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Chicago right now September 2025: Mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, celery salt and pickled sport peppers. 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

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

Deep dish pizza is one of the most iconic Chicago foods, and if you eat like a local, you'll likely be pulled into the debate over who makes the tastiest pie. Chicago’s best pizza spots include institutions that have been using the same recipes for decades, as well as newcomers putting their own spins on the indulgent dish. There are tiny mom-and-pop spots, big chains that ship pies across the country and even vegan and gluten-free options that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re ordering takeout or delivery, or catching up with friends while digging into a cheesy slice, these are the best places in Chicago for deep-dish pizza. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Chicago right now September 2025: Contrary to popular belief, a Chicagoan's go-to pizza order is usually not a deep dish. We prefer tavern style, or anything less messy, really, but when we do order deep dish, we don't cut corners. This revised list of the best deep dish pizzas in Chicago is your ultimate guide to finding the best pies around town, from downtown institutions like Gino's East to suburban hot spots like Louisa's Pizza and Pasta. One major update to note is the removal of Bucktown's beloved My Pi Pizza, which unfortunately shuttered this summer after 54 years in operation. 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 st

Chicago is far from the oceans, but that doesn’t mean locals can’t get great sushi. The city’s premier restaurants import the most premium ingredients—often from overseas—so that you can indulge in the finest bites. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a fancy omakase menu or just want to satisfy that sushi craving with a couple of affordable maki rolls, the following places have you covered. They’re among the top Japanese spots and seafood specialists in town, and are helmed by talented chefs who know how to expertly carve up fresh fish. Celebrating a special occasion? Then snag a reservation at Kyōten and watch as Otto Phan uses deft techniques on high-quality products to make truly exceptional nigiri. But if you want to feed a group without breaking the bank, head to Lawrence Fish Market for a party tray. There’s even a sushi bar, hidden inside a Chicago hotel suite, that serves 17 courses in just over an hour. So choose your own experience with the help of our guide to the best sushi restaurants in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Chicago right now September 2025: Chicago is home to many major players when it comes to Japanese cuisine, and, more specifically, sushi. This refined list of the best sushi restaurants in Chicago showcases the top spots, ranging from classics like Shaw's Crab House to newer names like AJI Omakase. A majority of these restaurants have high demand for the limited number of reservations they can accommodate, so be sure to plan your n

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

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

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.

The vibe: A buzzing underground bar near the Mag Mile and Loyola University. The food: Nothing here, but there's a McDonald's down the street. The drinks: Despite its wide selection of drafts on tap, regulars (a youngish, button-down crowd) at Streeter's Tavern suck down $7.50 Coors bottles, listen to the classic-rock-fueled jukebox and play table tennis, pool and foosball. Keep the good times going well into the early morning until 4am at this no frills, just vibes bar. Time Out tip: Streeter's Tavern has a TouchTunes-like jukebox, but you might have to join the queue.

The vibe: Although Alice's Lounge is no longer owned by its Alice herself, it's nearly unchanged since the new owners took over in 2022. Hammock Hospitality (Avondale Tap, Aberdeen Tap) made minor changes like ditching the buzzer entry system, and now, you can belt karaoke here seven nights a week. The food: N/A—It's all about the drinks here. The drinks: A selection of inventive cocktails like Alice's Sour, Party Punch and Buck Season match the upbeat vibes of this bar. Looking for shots? Try the Tie Bomb (vodka, black coffee liqueur and soda) or the Love Bomb (lime vodka and watermelon Red Bull) Time Out tip: Karaoke starts at 10pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Boka Restaurant Group’s dimly lit new pizza joint, located inside the former GT Fish & Oyster space on the corner of Grand Avenue and Wells Street, attracts the cool kids of River North. The vibe: The lively spot is impeccably designed, with modern checkered tiled floors and walls, moody green hues and exposed brick. The crowd ranges from folks bellied up to the bar during a sporting event to couples out for date night, all of whom can appreciate the vibey playlist that includes flavors of everything from the `80s to current hits. The food: Chefs and partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira, Swift & Son’s Tavern) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop) serve a simple—but packed—menu. Specialty pizzas, which can be made half-and-half and with one of three dips (Calabrian chili oil, hot honey and garlic ranch), are the main draw, but the salads and pastas are not to be overlooked. The ricotta gnocchi is rich, pillowy and practically melts in your mouth. The drinks: The drink menu is very bubbly, as is en vogue right now, with standouts like the crisp Cucumber Spritz (Vodka, Cocchi Americano, St. Germain, lemon and cucumber soda) and Soda Rossa (Matchbook Strawberry, lemon and cola), plus zero-proof sips like Green River soda and Sprecher root beer. Time Out tip: I would never let a loved one dine at Zarella without ordering the vanilla malt soft serve. Undoubtedly my favorite item on the entire menu, the soft serve ice cream is lightly sprinkled with cookie crumble

The vibe: Among the framed drawings of regulars cluttering the wooden walls of this dim saloon-style staple are posters boasting that you’re in “le premiere dive bar” of Chicago. We don’t know where this place gets off speaking French, but it’s been around since 1958, so we’ll grant it bragging rights. Plus, it's a favorite among celebs like Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray and John Belushi. The food: None to speak of. The drinks: Take a look at the wall behind the bar and you'll see the massive selection of sips served at this cash-only dive. Drafts, bottles and cans, and ciders are on offer, as well as your classic cocktails and mixed drinks.  Time Out tip: One of the best parts about Old Town Ale House is admiring the eclectic and often crude paintings. The backstory is fascinating—ask your bartender.  

The vibe: This subteranean Lincoln Park bar has everything you expect from a dive in the area: Free popcorn, $4 beer specials, Black Crowes blasting from the speakers and post-frat boys high-fiving the night away. But, if you need a place to hole up for an extra two hours at the end of the night, there are certainly worse late-night bars that you could end up at. The food: Soak up the alcohol with some free popcorn.  The drinks: Each month, Ravens offers a $4 Beer of the Month, so be sure to ask your bartender what they're pouring. Time Out tip: Ravens is open every day of the year, and at the time of writing this (Sept. 29, 2025), they've been open for 9,833 consecutive days! Check out the counter on their website to see the most up-to-date number.  

The vibe: As soon as you walk into this place, it’s obvious that everyone has had enough drinks to consider you their best friend—and they know every single lyric to every single song. The first floor caters to the hip-hop/Top-40 crowd, while the lower level gives you sing-along ’80s rock. If you can maneuver your way through the late-night dancing crowd, you’ll agree: This place always delivers a good time. The food: Just drinks here, but the Hangge-Uppe-to-Taco Bell pipeline is real. The drinks: All your classic canned seltzers, mixed drinks, beers, and shots...lots of shots. Time Out tip: This place charges cover, up to $20 at times, so be prepared to pay at the door. They take card, so you don't need to hit the ATM on your way over.

The vibe: Take in views of the Chicago River from the terrace or through one of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows while you dine on bone-in swordfish ribeye or charcoal-grilled black bass at the seafood king of the RPM restaurant empire. The food: Start your meal in spectacular fashion by ordering a seafood tower featuring prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs and East and West Coast oysters.  The drinks: The drink menu emphasizes tequila and mezcal cocktails but also offers plenty of bubbly by the glass if it's a festive occasion. Time Out tip: If the weather permits, you'll want to reserve a seat on the outdoor patio. The views of the river from the prime location between the Clark and Dearborn bridges are unmatched.  

The vibe: One of our go-to spots for seafood downtown, Shaw's Crab House has been a Chicago classic since opening in 1984. Choose from two seating experiences: the traditional white-tablecloth–equipped dining room or the lively oyster bar  The food: You'll want to order a few things here—suck down bivalves, crack open crab claws and dunk lobster tails in butter for the full experience. The menu also includes a terrific lobster roll, bound up with the barest hint of mayo, and sushi and sashimi.  The drinks: Pair your seafood feast with a local beer or a classic martini, which goes perfectly with oysters. Time Out tip: For a more casual experience, reserve a spot in the old-school oyster bar, where you'll find coworkers mingling over after-work drinks, visiting professionals grabbing oysters at the bar and small groups catching up at a high-top over a shrimp cocktail.

The vibe: When the temperatures drop, it’s hard not to want to escape to somewhere remote and exotic. After one (or four) slushies in this hidden oasis under Green Street Meats in the West Loop, you can almost pretend you’ve been transported to a gritty basement ramen shop in Tokyo.  The food: Reminiscent of the cautioning one might find from a buffalo wing-centric sports bar, the menu begins with a stern warning of how spicy the soup can be—and spicy it is, but worth the momentary pain. Balance the flecks of chili in the classic High Five Ramen with one of the milder bowls like the Shoyu or Special Ramen, which are still impressive without the seductively creamy tonkotsu broth. The drinks: The bracingly chilly bite of the fruity slushy cocktails will help tame the heat, too. Japanese beer, sake and cocktails are also on offer. Time out tip: Check out the Japanese Whisky menu, which features an impressive curation of sips like Hakushu 12 and 18 years, and Toki.

We’ve seen plenty of modern Greek restaurants pop up across the city over the past few years, and most of them have garnered major buzz. On the surface, it seems like Chicago’s Greek scene is alive and well, right? Not quite. I’ll be the first to say it: Chicago doesn't really need new Greek restaurants right now. Greektown, on the other hand, certainly does. If you head to the West Loop neighborhood, you’ll see far too many vacant storefronts and the bones of what were once buzzing culinary hubs. Today, Chicago’s Greektown—one of the last of its kind in the country—is in dire need of a serious revival, and Ithako Estiatorio may be just what it needs. The opening of Ithaki, located inside the former Parthenon space, marks the return of founder Kosti Demos, whose family ran the beloved institution Costa’s Greek Dining and Bar (a favorite of Barack Obama, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston) before a fire destroyed the space in 2015, and it was later sold and replaced with a high-rise.  From the moment I walked into the new eatery on Halsted Street, it was clear that this was exactly what the neighborhood needed. Exposed brick walls, wooden beams and light-washed flooring frame the sprawling bar that wraps 15 feet around the front of the 180-seat restaurant. Delicate pink bougainvillea flowers and greenery throughout evoke the breeziness of the Mediterranean coast, and an open kitchen peels back the curtain on the wood-fired hearth and grill in the back. Greek transplant and exec

The team behind Meadowlark, Lardon and Union strikes again with Little Lark. The indoor/outdoor spot is part of the social club and coworking space Guild Row in Avondale. Serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, shared apps and interesting drinks, Little Lark is equal parts restaurant and neighborhood hangout. The menu by chef Will Conner (Elina's) is small but mighty, and the vibes are superb. Tunes ranging from Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes" to "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder mingle with the scent of the fire pit burning at the front of the patio. Inside, the massive wood-fired oven, sourced from Italy, is on display as pizza dough is tossed behind the bar. As for the food, the Neapolitan pizzas are the star of the show. We recommend ordering anything with meat, as the toppings are sourced from the restaurant group's other spot, Lardon. 

Hidden behind the door of what looks to be just another room at the Hotel Lincoln, Sushi Suite 202 from Sushi by Bou offers a luxe omakase experience in the heart of Lincoln Park. The living room-like space, which spans only 500 square feet, features a six-seat cocktail bar and a six-seat sushi bar where the main event takes place. The intimate group is guided through a thoughtfully paced, 17-course tasting featuring bites like miso black cod, albacore and lean bluefin tuna, as well as optional beverage pairings. 

Chef Christian Hunter has gotten used to making headlines lately: he was a James Beard Award Finalist in 2022 for his work at a restaurant in Connecticut, and in 2023, he received the Michelin Young Chef Award and his Lincoln Square restaurant, Atelier, earned a Michelin star. Although his resume reads like an industry veteran, Hunter is just getting started, and his next move is his most ambitious—and most personal—project yet. This fall, the Kentucky native introduces his first solo concept, Hooligan, a vibrant 50-seat seafood and wine bar inside Time Out Market in the West Loop. Hooligan will, as Hunter describes, flip the script on what a Midwestern seafood bar can be. The à la carte menu is polished yet playful, featuring plates such as peel-and-eat shrimp with barbecue sauce, mild-dance mayo, and Old Style; dressed oysters with potato, soy, and hen-of-the-woods XO sauce; and bycatch crudo with albacore, squash aguachile, and pepita oil. Locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood anchor the menu, and dishes are bold, flavorful and inventive yet approachable and are crafted to be enjoyed in the Market’s casual environment without pretense. Much like the food offerings, Hooligan’s wine program is designed to highlight regional producers with a curated selection of natural wines, bubbles, pét-nats, chilled reds and acid-driven whites. Bottles will rotate seasonally to complement the menu du jour.  “It’s oysters and wine, but with a little mischief and a lot of hear

All eyes are on Chicago’s Northwest Side neighborhood Avondale, as the lively locale was recently named the fifth coolest neighborhood in the world, preceded only by towns in Japan, Belgium, Brazil and the UK. In honor of the distinction, our team at Time Out has revisited our ranking of the best restaurants in Avondale—and a new entry has claimed the top spot. Photograph: Courtesy of Anelya Anelya is an exceptional Ukrainian restaurant from chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim of Parachute HiFi, which happens to be our second-favorite restaurant in Avondale. The 50-seat spot is cozier than its bright predecessor, Wherewithall, Clark and Kim’s now-shuttered concept, and serves modern-meets-traditional Ukrainian fare—fulfilling, heavy on root veggies, oily fish and grains, and often slightly sour bites from naturally fermented ingredients. Since its debut in late 2023, Anelya has garnered plenty of buzz, and unlike many restaurants in Chicago, it’s managed to live up to the hype. Clark draws on his Ukrainian roots for what is a poignant translation of old-world cooking. Fish and meat, dumplings and noodles and zakusky (small plates) complement spirit-forward cocktails with house-fermented kefir, an all-Eastern European wine list and spirit-free kvass (a traditional house-fermented beverage resembling kombucha).  Photograph: Courtesy of Anelya 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 Tim

The restaurant world’s biggest names gathered at the Wynn in Las Vegas last night to celebrate the release of the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The ranking spotlights North American restaurants at the top of their game right now, judged by a group of more than 300 independent leaders from across the region, who are each selected for their expert opinion of each region’s culinary scene.  Fine dining restaurant Smyth, helmed by chef John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, was named the fourth best restaurant in North America, making it the best restaurant in the Midwest and second best in the U.S. Preceded by the top-ranking spot Atomix in New York and two Canadian restaurants, Smyth was honored for its “inventive dining with a progressive, farm-to-table approach.” It’s been a busy time for John and Karen: Smyth also reclaimed its third Michelin star last year and remains one of just 16 restaurants in the U.S. with the same status, and its downstairs sister spot, The Loyalist, was recently honored for serving one of the best burgers in the world. RECOMMENDED: This Chicago bar has been named on the World’s 50 Best Bars longlist But the praise for Chicago doesn’t stop there—Kasama was ranked the 31st best restaurant in North America. Husband-and-wife team Time Flores and Geniw Kwon’s Michelin-starred Filipino-American bakery and fine-dining spot in the East Ukrainian Village was lauded for its fare that “explores what it means to be Filipino in America today.”

Swifties, the countdown is on—TS12 is almost here. In honor of Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl, Streeterville Social at the Loews Chicago Hotel is hosting a dazzling listening party on Oct. 4.  RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s biggest country bar is throwing a Taylor Swift-themed bash, complete with a Travis Kelce lookalike contest In Our Showgirl Era: An Exclusive Fan Listening Party is taking over the third-floor terrace bar from noon to 4pm in full showgirl fashion with a red carpet and showgirl host, glittering cocktails and sips from Streeterville Social’s signature Fizz Cart, and all of Taylor Swift’s new songs. Live sketch artist kdornbier illustrations will be on-site to capture guests’ best showgirl poses, and DJ Hannah Heavin will be mixing in some of Taylor’s classic hits.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Streeterville Social (@streetervillesocial) The best part? You could win a free stay at the Loews Hotel. Three lucky guests will win a stay and the new Life of a Showgirl album. And of course, there will be plenty of photo ops at this rooftop rendezvous.  Space is limited, and the Swifties always show up in full force, so do yourself a favor and make a reservation through Resy before the big day. 

“Working for the Michelin Guide is like working for the CIA,” proclaims one anonymous inspector in the exhilarating trailer for Apple TV+’s forthcoming docuseries Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars.  The eight-part series, out Oct. 10, takes viewers into the kitchens of some of the world’s most esteemed restaurants as they work to earn—or retain—a coveted Michelin star. Chicagoans might notice a familiar eatery featured prominently on the show: Esmé.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fresh Audio (@freshaudio.tv) Husband-and-wife team chef Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo opened Esmé on the corner of Clark Street and Webster Avenue in 2021 before quickly earning a Michelin star the following year (they’ve since retained it) for its innovative rotating tasting menu inspired by an evolving cast of local artists. The series spotlights the well-oiled machine that is Esmé as they prepare to learn if they’ll keep their star or if they’re able to earn a second when Michelin announces the results on Nov. 18. Photograph: Sandy Noto Produced by Gordon Ramsay, Knife Edge offers a raw and rare look at the nail-biting pressures these restaurants face each day, knowing that any one of their guests may be a Michelin inspector. A trio of anonymous inspectors shares classified insights into the mystified process they use to judge restaurants while remaining anonymous, like making reservations under fake names and phone numbers. Michelin-starred Uptown restau

How often do you get rewarded for drinking? In honor of World Negroni Week (Sept. 22-28), Time Out Market Chicago is serving five variations of the classic drink—with a competitive twist. RECOMMENDED: This West Loop rooftop party has an espresso martini ice luge and free tequila If you drink all five different kinds of Negronis at the Time Out Market before the end of the day on Sunday, Sept. 28, you’ll be entered into a raffle for the chance to win a Negroni-making kit and a Time Out Market gift card. Grab a Negroni Passport punch card at the main bar on the first floor of the market, and sip your way through the five versions: The classic Negroni: Gin, Campari, vermouth and orange garnish Boulevardier: Essentially the same as a classic Negroni but with whisky instead of gin White Noise: A light, floral riff on the Negroni Negroni Primavera: A bitter orange-flavored Negroni Negronito: A tequila-based version of the Negroni with Aperol, vermouth, coffee liqueur and orange bitters Once you’ve finished all five, you’ll be entered into the raffle. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 30. It’s no small feat, but if anyone can succeed in competitive drinking, it’s a Chicagoan. Cheers!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for (Rainbow Cone) ice cream—because the iconic South Side spot is expanding to Michigan Avenue. The 100-year-old ice cream shop, which started in Beverly in 1926, is opening the doors to its 26th location at 163 N. Michigan Ave. next week. RECOMMENDED: The best ice cream shops in Chicago Directly across the street from Millennium Park, the Bean and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the new Original Rainbow Cone location, inside a former Protein Bar, is a welcome addition to the bustling area just down the street from the Theater District and the Chicago River.  Photograph: Courtesy Rainbow Cone Rainbow Cone will be serving its signature sliced—never scooped—five-flavor cones, featuring a mountain of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries), pistachio and orange sherbet ice cream.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Original Rainbow Cone (@theoriginalrainbowcone) Shakes, sundaes, pints, quarts, cakes and other sliced ice cream creations will be on offer at the new location. The brand is known for its out-of-the-box collaborations with restaurants like Giordano's and Buona Beef, so follow their Instagram to stay up-to-date with their latest activations and sweet seasonal offerings.

They run the bars that A-listers like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Post Malone frequent, and now, Authentic Hospitality is working its magic on River North bar and cafe Broken Shaker. The hospitality group behind iconic NYC spots like Pete Davidson’s Pebble Bar at the Rockefeller Center and Ray’s Hometown Bar, which is backed by Justin Theroux and Nicholas Braun (a.k.a. Cousin Greg), has completely redesigned the bar inside the boutique Freehand Chicago hotel lobby. Originally debuted as a pop-up in Miami 12 years ago, Broken Shaker has locations in Miami, NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago, all of which have been reimagined under the dynamic Authentic Hospitality group.  Photograph: Courtesy Broken Shaker/Jeremy Yap RECOMMENDED: The best Chicago bars, ranked The River North location, at 19 E. Ohio St., was redesigned by prolific hospitality interior designer Melissa Bowers, who used chic yellow velvets, sika stools, vintage punch bowls and lush greenery to nod to the Broken Shaker brand’s signature al fresco experience and Miami roots. The space exudes a sultry speakeasy vibe via the black bar, accented by warm tones, ambient lighting, vintage ceramics, and black-and-white photography throughout.  Photograph: Courtesy Broken Shaker/Jack x Li Guests will also notice the revamped cocktail menu, courtesy of Authentic Hospitality’s head bartender Tim Sweeney. Gracing the Lilly (bourbon, Aperol, mango puree, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup and orange bitters), Up On The Roof (mezcal, Chambo

After a thorough voyage across the globe in search of the world’s best burgers, the results are in: Chicago’s own The Loyalist serves the 19th absolute best burger in the world.  Beating out patties from heavyhitters in London, New York, Italy and beyond, the OG Cheeseburger from The Loyalist is one of the 25 best burgers in the world—but we already knew that, it’s ranked number one on Time Out’s list of the best burgers in Chicago. Chicago and New York were the only U.S. cities to make the list, which includes burgers from Dubai, Sydney, Buenos Aires and Stockholm. New York's Sip & Guzzle claimed the 13th spot, the highest U.S. ranking, for its A5 Wagyu burger, of which only a dozen are made each day. Popular Korean-American spot Nowon, from chef Jae Lee, came in at 15 with its double-patty dry-aged burger, followed by candlelit Red Hook Tavern in 21st place with its no-frills Red Hook Tavern Burger, and 4 Charles Prime Rib steakhouse in the 23rd spot with the double Wagyu cheeseburger. According to the judges, The Loyalist's OG Cheeseburger is “a burger that is both approachable and masterful. With its careful composition, rich flavour and unfussy presentation, it has earned its place among Chicago’s finest. This is a burger that shows how a simple concept, executed with precision, can become unforgettable.”  We couldn’t agree more.

New fine dining restaurant Atsumeru is opening this week—but it’s actually been in development for years. During the pandemic, chef Devin Denzer launched his pop-up dinner series Loon, serving Nordic-Japanese tasting menus in private homes across Chicago. Since then, the Minnesota native has honed his craft—and diners can finally get a taste of it at the newly minted brick-and-mortar. Located in the former Michelin-starred Temporis space in West Town, Atsumeru offers a 10- to 12-course Nordic-Japanese tasting experience with seafood-forward fare like sablefish, monkfish and oysters sourced from Scandinavia and Japan. Showcasing the simplicity of both cuisines and drawing from Denzer's time spent training in Tokyo, Copenhagen and across the U.S., the evolving menu features constants like imami-laced seaweed used as seasoning and Japanese citrus like yuzu and sudachi in place of standard acids.  Photograph: Courtesy Atsumeru “Atsumeru’s menu is a reflection of the places and flavors that have shaped me and my culinary journey,” Denzer says. “I’m bringing together the clean, natural elements of Nordic cuisine with the depth and precision of Japanese ingredients and techniques. I like to focus on simplicity and balance, letting each ingredient speak for itself while exploring unexpected flavor combinations.” Each of the three seatings per night will begin and end with drinks and bites in the first-floor lounge, while the main attraction happens at the eight-seat dining area ups

The new smoothie lineup from clean-eating restaurant Vitasana features six inventive drinks that taste as good as they look. With locations in the Loop and at the Time Out Market in the West Loop, there are ample opportunities to get a taste of the vibrant new drinks. RECOMMENDED: Here's where Gen Z is going for functional health drinks in Chicago The eatery from husband-and-wife duo Jorge and Adriana Kaum (Gutenberg, JK Chocolates, also in the Time Out Market) serves healthy fare influenced by Adriana’s background as a nutritionist with a focus on integrative health. Photograph: Keni Rosales for Time Out Naturally, the smoothies are crafted to promote energy, detox and calm, which is evident in the drinks’ names: Purple Zen, Jungle Glow, Tropical Sunset, Acai Berry Bliss, Banana Mocha, and my personal favorite, Pink Bloom. Made with strawberries, blackberries, Greek yogurt, almond milk, rose water and raw honey, the vibrant pink drink is a mood-lifter with antioxidants and a delicate dusting of rose petals. It’s fruity, perfectly tart, and is complemented by the Greek yogurt’s smooth texture. Plus, it’s really pretty. Purple Zen is another standout. Banana, blueberries, oat milk, coconut cream, agave and blue spirulina give it a galactic look and a refreshingly subtle berry taste. No matter which smoothie you choose, it’s sure to do numbers on Instagram.

It’s that time of year again—the swanky Mile High Cocktail Club at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is returning to the hotel’s 46th floor this fall. Mile High is once more partnering with world-renowned Handshake Speakeasy, a Mexico City bar that claimed the top spot on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list. Inside a suite-turned-speakeasy, the intimate 30-seat space is the highest speakeasy in Chicago.  Before heading upstairs, guests will indulge in a welcome drink at the seventh-floor Adorn Bar. One short elevator ride later, plush leather banquettes and a dazzling bar overlooking the city offer a warm welcome into the luxe speakeasy, where Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban and bossa nova tunes set the mood throughout the night. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Chicago DJs switch up the vibe with live sets. Photography: Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Chicago The menu highlights craft cocktails and elevated bites influenced by Handshake’s Mexico City roots and the Mexican upbringing of the hotel’s chef, Olimpia Calderon Ibarra. Expect drinks like the popular olive oil gimlet, the Tarragon Fizz and Patron cocktails, complemented by fare such as oysters with tequila lime granita and octopus tostadas.  Mile High will be open for a limited time from October 2 through December 31. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation in advance and lingering is not encouraged: the maximum seating time is 1.5 hours.