Jeffy Mai

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! Spring is here, which means it's time to get outside and go hiking or plan an exciting day trip. Here in Chicago, you can check out a variety of film festivals, go on munch march ahead of 4/20 or get down to house music at Daley Plaza. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago this weekend

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

Welcome to another weekend! Take a load off by soaking in a spa or spending some time at the best Chicago attractions. One of Chicago's best dispensaries is hosting a festival to celebrate 4/20, and Rum Fest and Grilled Cheese Fest are happening as well. You can also watch street-style dancers battle it out at Red Bull Dance Your Style or catch screenings of award-winning films during the Chicago Palestine Film Festival. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now

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 

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

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

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, use the Time Out Market app (downloadable via App Store or Google Play) 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 vendors 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.

Spring in Chicago has officially arrived! It's time to get outside and explore. You can go hiking near Chicago or take a day trip to enjoy a quick getaway. April sees the return of several big events, such as C2E2 and EXPO Chicago, as well as the Chicago Latino Film Festival for cinephiles. If you're looking for food and beverage experiences, grab tickets to the Chicago Rum Festival or New Beers Eve. Later in the month, head to Merchandise Mart to shop unique, handmade goods from 350 vendors at the One of a Kind Show or check out the Joffrey Ballet's Midsummer Night's Dream. So celebrate the beginning of the spring season—and all the new beginnings that go along with it—with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this April. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

No matter the hour, Chicago restaurants never stop serving great food. For those who work late shifts or have spent a night out on the town, the following spots are life savers. They offer delicious bites into the early morning and are here for you when you need them the most. You can devour one of the city’s best burgers from Redhot Ranch or feast on affordable Indian cuisine at Ghareeb Nawaz. Local greasy favorites like Jim’s Original and The Wieners Circle are also nocturnal haunts. And, of course, the classic carne asada tacos from Los Comales or Coyotes. Just as important: these places are among the finest cheap eats in Chicago, too. So the next time you find yourself out past your usual bedtime, check out our guide to the best late-night restaurants for a satisfying meal before heading home. RECOMMENDED: The best late-night delivery restaurants

Cherry blossom season is a springtime rite of passage in Japan. Each year, both locals and tourists alike pour into city parks to post up with picnic blankets and admire the pale pink flowers—a tradition called hanami, or flower viewing—before they fall to the ground after just a few short days. Here in the U.S., Washington, D.C. is the most well-known destination for cherry blossom viewing (it was famously gifted more than 3,000 cherry trees by Japan in 1912), but you'll still find plenty of good spots for gazing at gorgeous spring blooms in and around Chicago. Jostle with crowds at one of the most beautiful gardens in Chicago, take a train to the suburbs or pack your bags for a flower-powered day trip from Chicago. Just make sure to plan your visit carefully, because you only have a few days to soak it all in once the blooms hit their peak! Here are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Chicago. When do cherry blossoms bloom in Chicago?  Cherry blossoms hit their peak anywhere from late March to early May, depending on weather conditions.  How long do cherry blossoms last in Chicago? Once the flowers hit peak bloom, they typically last anywhere from three to eight days before shedding their petals. 

April 2024: Spring is here and it's time to head outside! Walk through a beautiful garden, take a hike on a trail or go on an architecture boat tour. Plus, baseball is back on the North and Side Sides. There are plenty of other options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in April. No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We've searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now.

Originally conceived as a virtual venture that accepted orders through Instagram, 3 Little Pigs pivoted to operating out of a shared kitchen before eventually moving to its current home inside Molly's Cupcakes in the South Loop. Chef-owner Henry Cai whips up what he calls “untraditionally authentic” American Chinese cuisine and with his new brick-and-mortar location, both longtime fans and first-timers alike need not worry anymore about missing out due to limited availability. Cai smokes fatty pork butt to make the signature char siu—Cantonese-style barbecue pork—and finishes it off with a liberal dose of sweet and tangy sauce. The menu also features favorites such as fried rice studded with three types of pork and a unique salt and pepper fried chicken sandwich dressed with fried garlic, sautéed jalapenos and mayo.

The team behind longtime barbecue standout Smoque branched out in 2023 with the opening of a steakhouse. Aptly named Smoque Steak, the concept skips the excess and opulence typically associated with chophouses in favor of a more relaxed experience that puts the focus squarely on the beef. The steaks are first smoked, then cooked sous vide before being seared, resulting in perfectly done cuts that are packed with smokey flavor. And the prices won’t break the bank—options range from a beefy ribeye to a chuck tender bistro steak that’s less than $20.

For its latest concept, DineAmic Hospitality celebrates 1950s Italian American cuisine with an opulent steakhouse in Fulton Market. The stunning 8,200-square-foot space is decked out in crystal chandeliers, fresh florals, booths dressed in lavender mohair, dark leather chairs and other elegant touches. This is a place to see and be seen, and chef Joe Rizza complements the experience with a menu that’s equally dazzling—Caesar salad is prepared tableside, squid ink pasta arrives topped with a whole lobster and the beefy steaks are grilled on a wood and charcoal hearth. The wine list boasts dozens of Italian bottles, while dessert is headlined by a slice of decadent chocolate cake.

This omakase newcomer from husband and wife Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee has arrived with much acclaim, including a Michelin star for Sushi by Scratch Restaurants’ outpost in Montecito, California. Tucked away below West Loop bar The Drop In, the 10-seat concept dishes out 17 courses across three seatings each night. You can expect plenty of luxe ingredients to be featured, as well as inventive nigiri—like a piece with unagi and roasted bone marrow drippings.

The team behind Logan Square spots Union and Lardon also operates this intimate and swanky cocktail bar. Housed in the same century-old building as the other two concepts, Meadowlark provides guests with a cozy den to hang out in—complete with low lighting, comfy leather couches and book-lined shelves. The drinks are all named after birds and there’s also an accompanying menu of small bites. Seating is limited, so get there early to snag a spot.

Looking for a laid-back spot where the vibes are good and you’re free to let loose? Then visit Way Out for fun times and reasonably-priced cocktails (every drink is priced at $12) like the Darkness Falls—a mix of gin, coffee liqueur, Campari and vermouth. Though the food menu mostly offers standard bar bites, you’ll definitely want to try the pizza potstickers. And for some friendly competition, check out the pool table in the back room. Every month, the bar also hosts a free burlesque show.

One Off Hospitality’s uber-popular Mexican restaurant expanded its scope in 2022 with the opening of a seafood concept. The menu features plenty of ceviches and fish tacos, but the star of the show is the pescado zarandeado, a whole grilled fish that’s been heavily marinated. It arrives alongside caramelized onions, smashed cucumbers, cilantro and tortillas for you and your friends to build tacos with. And don’t forget the pitcher of margs!

You’ll know this taqueria in Little Village takes tacos al pastor seriously the moment you walk through the door. The red-hued pork is on full display, beautifully stacked on a trompo in the kitchen and waiting to be sliced to order. Complement the marinated meat with chunks of pineapple and a generous splash of salsa for the perfect bite.

For those interested in traditional Chinese medicine, this bulk-goods store in Chinatown Square offers everything you’re looking for. Cure what ails you with a host of herbal teas and natural remedies. There are also dried goods ranging from scallops to mushrooms.

With hundreds of bottles to choose from, Rebel & Rye—named after the whiskey rebellion of 1794—can be an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, the able staff at this Southern-themed bar are more than happy to make recommendations for every palate and budget. American distilleries are the focus so expect plenty of bourbon and rye.

Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant Roka Akor took over the space next to its River North location and transformed it into a concept that pays tribute to the Macallan. The heart of the experience is the M Room’s tasting menu, which highlights the flavors and ingredients used in the Scotch-making process, plus complementary beverage pairings. But there’s also an a la carte selection of expensive and hard-to-find bottles, including pours from the M Collection and Fine & Rare Collection.

Part of a chain that originated in Canada, Planta Queen is perhaps Chicago’s swankiest plant-forward restaurant. The menu, crafted by executive chef David Lee, is home to Asian fusion delights, such as crispy gyoza filled with cabbage, carrots and mushrooms; jackfruit wings; and dehydrated watermelon nigiri. Not sure if a dish is suitable for your diet? There’s a handy allergen guide you can check so there are no unwelcome surprises. Fun cocktails, like the Sake to Me (sake, orange liqueur, watermelon, lime), complement the food. For vegans who want an upscale and trendy scene, there’s no better choice than Planta Queen.

Taylor Swift’s new album is just days away, and there’s a mystery teasing local Swifties ahead of its release. A mural with the words “Taylor Swift” and “The Tortured Poets Department,” plus a giant QR code has gone up on the side of a River North building at 33 W. Grand Ave, the Chicago Tribune reports. The code links to a 13-second short from Swift’s official YouTube account. The video simply displays the message “Error 321.” Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, is set to drop this Friday, April 19. The singer-songwriter announced the album during an acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards this past February, and is currently on the international leg of her record-breaking “Eras Tour.”  The QR code is made up of the letters “ttpd” and the number “13.” Swift considers 13 her lucky number—she was born on December 13—and has been known to hide Easter eggs in the liner notes of CDs and vinyls. Fans have gathered outside the last two days to watch the mural being put up and speculate as to what the video could be hinting at. Some have live-streamed the spectacle, while others have taken photos with it. It’s also not the only promotion for the album Swift has unveiled this week—a poetry library installation by Spotify is currently open in Los Angeles. Swift was in Chicago last June for three sold-out concerts at Soldier Field. She isn’t scheduled to perform here this year but will be returning to the Midwest for three Indianapolis shows in Novembe

One of the city's biggest culinary talents is coming to Time Out Market Chicago. Acclaimed chef Art Smith is bringing his new fried chicken concept, Sporty Bird, to the Fulton Market food and cultural hub on April 20. Combining his love of sports with his passion for Southern hospitality, Smith will delight guests with his signature fried chicken, hummingbird cake and more. “As a worldwide brand that unites food-lovers from all walks of life, Time Out Market provides the perfect platform for Sporty Bird to showcase its unique blend of flavors and fun. I believe that everybody loves fried chicken, and in a city like Chicago where food and sports are part of the fabric of everyday life, Sporty Bird is destined to become a beloved culinary destination,” Smith said. Photograph: Courtesy of Art Smith Diners can expect to enjoy a variety of tantalizing chicken offerings. The Chicago Hounds Sandwich features crispy breast dressed with beef bacon, Sporty sauce, lettuce, pickles and tomato, while the Bridgeview Sandwich sports crispy chicken with hummus, harissa, pickled red onions and tahini on taboon bread. For those who just want chicken, Chef Art's Famous Fried Chicken and the Sporty Bird Spicy Nuggets—served with choice of dipping sauce—will hit the spot. Dessert stars Smith’s famous hummingbird cake, an indulgent pineapple-banana spice cake with cream cheese frosting. “It’s quality fried chicken. It’s delicious and really well done. We marinate it and use a specific kind of fl

Next month will offer the opportunity to watch a rare natural phenomenon that won’t happen again in the contiguous United States until 2044. On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of North America. The last time the country experienced such an event was in 2017. Here’s everything you need to know. What is a total solar eclipse? A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking out the latter’s rays. The sky temporarily darkens, the air cools and stars appear for a few minutes in places along the path of the eclipse. When is the solar eclipse in Chicago? The Earth, Sun and Moon will line up on April 8. The first area to experience a total eclipse in North America will be Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 1:07pm. The eclipse will make its way northeast through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, before entering Canada. For Chicago, the eclipse will peak around 2:07pm, according to NASA. The next total solar eclipse over U.S. soil isn’t expected until August 2044. Photograph: Courtesy of NASA Where can I watch the total solar eclipse in Chicago? Chicago is not in the eclipse’s path of totality, meaning only a partial eclipse will be visible. The good news is that the city will still see 94 percent totality. If you want to view a total eclipse, parts of southern Illinois and central Indiana will be your best optio

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of the United States. This is one event you won’t want to miss as it’s not expected to happen again over American soil until 2044. Here’s a primer on how to get free glasses for safe watching, the best spots to view the natural phenomenon and more. RECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about the total solar eclipse in Chicago Where can I get free solar eclipse glasses in Chicago? Warby Parker is giving away free eclipse glasses at all stores until supplies last. The eyewear retailer has stores in Andersonville, Lincoln Park, West Loop, Gold Coast, Wicker Park and Lakeview, plus suburban locations in Naperville, Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Skokie. The Adler Planetarium will host a free outdoor Eclipse Encounter ’24 event on April 8. Attendees will receive a free pair of solar viewers (while supplies last). MyEyeDr., an eye health services provider, is giving out free solar eclipse glasses at all of its locations. You can find your nearest office here. Select Chicago Public Libraries across the city will hold eclipse viewings on April 8 and hand out free solar glasses, courtesy of the Adler Planetarium. Find a participating library here. Ice cream company Jeni’s has rolled out three new flavors—Nebula Berry, Cosmic Bloom, Purple Star Born—in celebration of the eclipse. Starting April 5, customers can also pick up a pair of complimentary eclipse glasses with purchase at any local Jeni’s scoop shop. How can I w

Spring and Summer Bar Menu Launch Time Out Market Chicago is welcoming in the warmer weather with a new drinks menu for the spring and summer seasons. Grab a spot on the rooftop and enjoy the good vibes while sipping a Sangria Paradiso (red wine, China-China liqueur, crème de cassis, lychee purée) or Purple Haze (vodka, lavender cola, sparkling rosé, lemon) cocktail, or keep the party going at night with an Espresso Martini. Beer lovers can try a variety of local options from Off Color, Half Acre, Dovetail, Revolution and more, plus Eris ciders. Spiteful Brewing Tap Takeover Launch Party Join the Market for a party on April 6 as Spiteful Brewing takes over the taps at Tony’s Rooftop Bar. Get ready to sip on some of the finest ales and lagers in town while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Fulton Market food and cultural hub. RSVP here. Comedy Kickback With Damon Williams Laugh it up with an evening of comedy at Tony’s Rooftop Bar on April 10, hosted by Damon Williams. A host of different comedians will take the mic and keep you on your toes. Cocktails from Rémy Martin will be featured. Tickets, available via Eventbrite, are $10 with a two drink minimum. Candle Making Class Enjoy an evening of candle making on April 15 led by Oak Park shop Einnim. Experts will be on hand to guide you through the process of creating a custom soy wax candle that’s uniquely scented from a blend of essential oils. Each candle comes in an 11-ounce glass vessel and provides 50-55 hours of burn

One of the biggest nights in the dining industry is just two months away, and now we know which Chicago nominees will be up for awards. The James Beard Foundation has just announced the finalists for its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The winners will be revealed during the 33rd annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Chicago will be represented by four nominees at this year’s awards. Lula Cafe, the farm-to-table pioneer, is up for Outstanding Hospitality. Chef Jason Hammel opened the Logan Square restaurant in 1999 and has dedicated the past 24 years to serving seasonal, market-driven dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lula Cafe is one of Time Out’s best restaurants in Chicago and Hammel has been a three-time James Beard Award finalist. Two Chicago chefs are nominated for Best Chef: Great Lakes—Sujan Sarkar of Indienne and Jenner Tomaska of Esmé. Sarkar’s contemporary approach to traditional South Asian flavors earned Indienne a Michelin star in 2023, with Time Out also praising the inventive tasting menu experience in our review. Tomaska has been awarded a Michelin star the past two years for his work at Esmé, where the menus are centered around complementing rotating artists. Elske’s Anna Posey is a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Anna and her husband David Posey have run the Scandinavian fine dining concept since 2016, with the former leading the dessert program. Anna was previously the pastry

Spoiler: Chicago is one of the world’s best cities for eating and drinking. Food & Wine has announced the winners of its Global Tastemakers Awards for 2024, and the Windy City was, predictably, feted. Chicago ranked No. 3 in the Top U.S. Cities for Food and Drinks, with the publication praising everything from Hermosa’s Cambodian fried chicken sandwich to the goat tacos at Birrieria Zaragoza.  “No matter your budget or appetite, Chicago’s wonderfully diverse food scene has you covered,” Food & Wine contributor Katie Chang wrote. Kasama—the modern Filipino hotspot that’s racked up numerous accolades, including a Michelin star and a James Beard Award for chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores—landed at No. 5 on the list of Top 20 Restaurants in the U.S. The all-day concept serves comforting Filipino classics and bakery items by day, transitioning into a tasting menu experience at night.  The city was also lauded for its baking scene, coming in at No. 4 for Top U.S. Cities for Bakeries. Thanks to an abundance of amazing bakeries in Chicago, locals are spoiled for choice. Whether it’s Mindy Segal’s exceptional pastries or Greg Wade’s award-winning loaves at Publican Quality Bread, there’s no shortage of tantalizing baked goods to enjoy. Three Chicago bars were honored on the list of 15 Top Bars in the U.S. Kumiko, the Japanese dining bar from Julia Momosé, was ranked No. 9; longtime cocktail temple The Violet Hour was No. 12; and chic cocktail lounge After—the sibling to Curtis Duffy’s

After announcing the closure of Parachute last month, owners Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark have revealed its successor. Later this year, Parachute Hi-Fi will take over the space at 3500 N Elston Ave in Avondale. The new concept will blend a high-fidelity music bar with creative Korean American cuisine, and serve as an expansion of the Parachute brand. “We want to grow Parachute. We want to allow ourselves to be as creative as we want to be. We believe that a restaurant can be expressive and agile, and it can be more than one thing in more than one space,” said Kim and Clark in a release. On the food front, expect an eclectic selection of dishes, from a pepperoni kimchi pizza puff and fish fillet sandwich with uni-tartar sauce to king oyster mushroom skewers. Parachute’s popular Bing Bread, which became a casualty of growing food costs, will make a return in limited capacity. The beverage program will offer unique cocktails featuring ingredients like parmesan cheese and octopus, as well as sool—Korean alcoholic drinks made from rice. Parachute Hi-Fi will be open for walk-ins only, and the interior will sport touches such as wood paneling and modern lighting and acoustics. The atmosphere and experience will, of course, center around music, with CDs and vinyl being spun and played through vintage equipment in an acoustically-tuned room. The bar also hopes to host guest DJs and other special programming. Parachute Hi-Fi is scheduled to debut this summer.

The newest season of Top Chef kicked off last week, bringing some of the nation’s top culinary talents to our neighbor up north, Wisconsin. And while it was originally announced that two Chicago chefs would be competing on the 21st season, it turns out a third contestant will be joining them this week. Soo Ahn, executive chef of Adalina, will make his Top Chef debut after the second episode airs on Wednesday, March 27. He’ll enter the competition as part of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen, which sees eliminated chefs battling it out head-to-head for the opportunity to return to the main show. Hosted by head judge Tom Colicchio, Last Chance Kitchen has previously featured three chefs who have gone on to earn their way back into the competition and win it all: new Top Chef host Kristen Kish, Brooke Williamson and Chicago’s own Joe Flamm, owner of Rose Mary. Hailing from Seoul, South Korea and Tacoma, Washington, Ahn leads one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. Prior to Adalina, Ahn worked at Band of Bohemia, where he helped the team retain a Michelin star. His arrival rounds out the cast at 16 chefs—three of which (Ahn included) are currently working in Chicago. Kaleena Bliss, the executive chef of the Chicago Athletic Association and Cindy’s Rooftop, and James Beard nominee and Jean Banchet Award winner Alisha Elenz are also representing the Windy City this season. Dan Jacobs, owner of EsterEv and Dandan in Milwaukee, is a Chicago native as well. To

The 21st season of Top Chef is just around the corner, and two Chicago chefs will be battling for the coveted namesake title. Premiering on Wednesday, March 20, Bravo's celebrated cooking competition heads to Wisconsin this season. Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons will be joined by chef and season 10 winner Kristen Kish, who replaces longtime host Padma Lakshmi.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bravo Top Chef (@bravotopchef) The new season features a collection of 15 rising talents from across the country. Representing Chicago will be chefs Kaleena Bliss and Alisha Elenz. Bliss has more than 18 years of experience working in renowned restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, and moved to Chicago last year to become the executive chef of the Chicago Athletic Association and Cindy’s Rooftop. Elenz is a two-time James Beard nominee and Jean Banchet Award winner, and currently runs her own private chef and events company. The cheftestants will travel around the Badger State this upcoming season, visiting cities like Milwaukee and Madison. The challenges will showcase local traditions and ingredients, from a cheese festival and a Door County fish boil to a supper club. Top Chef will also pay homage to Wisconsin native and famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright with a special challenge, and bring in Matty Matheson (The Bear) as a guest judge for a challenge involving chaos cuisine. The finale will take place in the Caribbean and include a sto

Thousands gathered downtown over the weekend to celebrate one of Chicago's most beloved annual traditions—the dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day. Every year, Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 dumps about 40 pounds of orange-red, vegetable-based powder into the water on the Saturday before or of St. Patrick's Day, turning it a bright shade of emerald green. If you missed the action, or if you just want to relive the good times, keep scrolling to check out Time Out Chicago's coverage of all the festivities. Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out   Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out   Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out Photograph: Jesus J. Montero for Time Out

It’s official—Chicago is home to one of the coolest streets in the world. 18th Street is No. 21 on Time Out’s annual rankings of the Coolest Streets in the World. The Pilsen thoroughfare is filled with many of the city’s best restaurants and bars, as well as an assortment of local businesses and art galleries. And despite struggles with gentrification in recent years, the corridor is still a main hub for the city’s Mexican American community.  Photograph: Clayton HauckThalia Hall From tacos and conchas to gorgeous murals and concerts at a historic venue, 18th Street offers a wealth of exciting options. It’s all part of what makes Pilsen one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, and why Chicago is among the Best Cities in the World.  Photograph: Courtesy of Carnitas Don PedroCarnitas Don Pedro What makes a street cool, exactly? Well, for one, there’s much more to do than just walking. You could spend entire days exploring the avenues on the list, which boast bold, creative new ventures in the food and beverage scene, plus tons of nightlife and culture. Topping this year's rankings is High Street in Melbourne, Australia, followed by Hollywood Road in Hong Kong and East Eleventh in Austin, Texas. Here’s the full list of Time Out’s 30 Coolest Streets in the World: High Street, Melbourne Hollywood Road, Hong Kong East Eleventh, Austin Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires Commercial Drive, Vancouver Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur Rua da Boavista, Lisbon Arnaldo Quintela, Rio