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City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago staff

Now that it’s officially Summertime Chi, tell us what’s on YOUR Summertime Chi bucket list! 

Who is trying to eat Rainbow Cone this summer? (Jacoby Cochran / City Cast Chicago)

Emily Mack

It’s officially fall — which means it’s officially cuffing season. Normally, I do not partake. But when my best friend Cori signed up for 222, an AI-curated meet-up app, curiosity (and FOMO) took over.

I’ve now explored multiple types of singles mixers across the city.

. After paying the hefty monthly fee, users answer a questionnaire that runs the gamut from Ye vs. Taylor Swift to your thoughts on abortion. Then the app invites you to group events matching your profile.

. I attended a seated dinner, which meant I spent almost two hours with machine-selected tablemates. Cori turned out to be the only female at her table. (My dream, her nightmare.)

My table’s gender ratio was mixed. Our conversations, though cordial, felt somewhat forced. Things got friendlier once we all moved to a nearby bar. Drinking might have helped.

Next, Cori and I tried Offline Dating Night, a happy hour at the Goose Island Taproom in West Loop. At the very least, I figured, a Google employee might buy our beers.

The bar offered three cup types: green (“Come talk to me”), yellow (“Proceed with caution”), and red (“I’m here by accident”). The showing wasn’t terrible, about 25 people, but most men were holding red cups.

Green cups in hand, Cori and I mainly talked to each other. Other women appeared to do the same. One man approached us — no connection. It seemed people were mainly there for the $3 Honkers. 

I did, however, meet a cute guy at the spot we went after to debrief …

The second Thursday of every month, Butch McGuire’s in Gold Coast turns into a sloppy, flirty mess. Entertaining to witness, but the crowd skewed 

. (Hence the sloppy flirtiness.) “Wow, you look good for 28,” someone told Cori.

The gender divide seemed even throughout the crowded rooms, and people took advantage, leaning in close to chat over loud music. Drinks were spilled. Phone numbers were exchanged. “We have nothing like this in Montana,” one out-of-town visitor told me, gushing.

I also made friends in the bathroom! It really was like being 22 again.

The singles mixers I attended were primarily straight, but plenty of queer events are coming up:

Got recs for singles like me? HMU!

Ahead of cuffing season, I explored Chicago's "singles" scene. I am still single.

Are Singles Mixers Worth It?

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

So, I jumped in the Chicago River. Considering 

, you might think me brave. Or stupid. But ever since 

, I’ve wondered, viscerally, what it would be like to wade in.

 was a fundraising effort for ALS research and swim education. On Friday, I took a small part in the festivities, jumping in alongside other passionate Chicagoans, some politicians, and former Bear Charles “Peanut” Tillman.

And I gotta say: Come on in, the water’s fine! Well, mostly.

As a multitude of speakers assured us before the jump, the water quality had been tested repeatedly. That didn’t 

 assuage my nerves — “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” But I took a literal leap of faith.

Once I jumped in, I immediately forgot about the river’s nasty reputation. The water was perfectly warm. It smelled only slightly metallic. And I gotta say, floating on your back while staring up at Marina City towers is downright dreamy.

Sure, after the swim, I couldn’t stop thinking about 

. There’s a reason swimming in the Chicago River is technically prohibited. But ongoing efforts to clean the river show.

When I told my friends I planned to jump in the river, they shuddered. Visibly shuddered. 

 It was once the “Stinking River,” flowing (slow and brown) into Lake Michigan, sickening Chicagoans.

Famously, the flow was reversed in 1900. But that didn’t mean the water was suddenly clean. Treated as a dump for decades, 

 until the 1970s. That’s when the Deep Tunnel Project began to 

Fifty years later, the project is still underway, expected to complete in 2029. Who knows? By then we might be meeting each other for a dip in the Loop.

I jumped in the Chicago River. It was quite warm!

So, I Jumped in the River

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous City Cast Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events in Chicago? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

As the city gears up for the Bears’ first home game of the season, don’t sleep on college football games playing across the city.

Chicago State University’s Division 1 football team

 — that technically makes them Chicago’s only Division 1 team. (Sorry, Wildcats.) And 

But if you’re cheering for another Midwest alma mater, here are some sports bars to watch from. (Perhaps unsurprisingly, most are around Lincoln Park.)

A guide on where college football games are playing across the city.

City Cast Guide on Where to Watch College Football

Where to Watch College Football

Kayleigh Padar

 for help setting the scent vibe for any situation you find yourself in this fall.

Co-owners Mark Towns and Stephen Pearlman opened their store in 2022, after spending years experimenting with scents and making their own candles at home in a crockpot. (Fun Fact: The first time the couple ever sold their creations was in 2016 at the annual Edgewater neighborhood yard sale!)

Without further ado, here are Mark’s scent recommendations for every mood!

 is our bestselling scent for a good reason! Many people love the scent and say it's just the thing for relaxation.”

 scent is a beautiful ode to fine pencils, and might be just the thing for a study mindset.”

 is a woodsy spicy scent, and I love it for its clean and sharp aroma.”

You’re hosting (or attending) a dinner party: 

 scent is one of our most popular host gift candles, and it's easy to see why! People tell us they can almost feel the effervescence when they smell this one.”

 is a cozy dream. It leans more towards luxurious than gourmand, while still balancing warm spices and sandalwood.”

. All day, all night, 24/7, 365! I love this scent with all my heart — I bathe with our Palo Santo body wash, and even use our Palo Santo Rollerball to spread a little oil and scent in my hair!”

I reached out to the experts at Edgewater Candles for help setting the scent vibe for this fall.

Edgewater Candles Has Scents For Every Mood

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

Whether you want to make your own candles, get a new one every month, or search for a Virgo’s last-minute birthday gift — there’s a candle shop out there for you!

 at 2021 S. Western Ave. was founded by a massage therapist who wanted to create soap that would be safe for her clients’ sensitive skin. Since then, she’s created over 30 scent variations!

🕯️ Workshop Apothecary mostly sells soaps, fragrances, and lotions, but they offer a 

This family business upcycles the bottoms of empty wine bottles and uses them as vessels for their homemade soy wax candles! Chicago Candle Co. at 1100 W. Cermak Rd. is run by a couple with two young sons who help out with imagining new and creative scents.

 collection, featuring intoxicating scents like 

Next time you’re looking for a gift, you should stop by 

at 3728 West Montrose Ave. In addition to 

, they sell home decor, jewelry, fancy soaps, and much more. And they’re opening a 

, you can also book additional experiences like a private yoga session (in their studio next door) or a tarot card reading.

 at 11336 S. Michigan Ave. was founded by a family who used the art of making candles together as a way to heal and grieve the unexpected loss of a loved one. Through their shop, they hope to help others use aromatherapy to find peace.

📦 Overwhelmed by all the options? Max Candle offers a 

! For $65 a month, you can receive a rotating selection of seasonal scented candles in the mail.

Whether you want to make your own candles or get a new one every month, there’s a candle shop out there for you!

City Cast's Guide To Chicago’s Scents

Your Guide To Chicago’s Scents

Two Chicagoland spots just landed on the 

New York Times’ list of the best restaurants

 in America. Honestly, I’m surprised there are just two. We Chicagoans know the city is full of excellent new places to try.

Just what Logan Square needed: an upscale coffee-shop-bar! I kid. But the martinis are pretty damn good. And if, like me, you can’t stomach the $18 price tag, there’s a “tini” version available for $12. TBD on a coffee review — the line was too long when I went to try one.

The second Picadilly Market opened recently at the courtyard on the corner of Clark and Fullerton. It’s essentially a boutique (sorry, “European-style”) grocery store with an all-day cafe and bar. Local vendors include Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Publican Quality Bread, and Katherine Anne Confections.

 Bartender Andrew gave me a heavy pour of wine, and my friend enjoyed her spicy tuna sandwich.

From the team behind romantic French bistro Le Bouchon comes a very different kind of restaurant. This one serves rotisserie chicken on paper plates. And it’s working — lines stretch down Western Avenue. (It arrives in the original Taqueria Chingon space.)

This new spot by Bunoa is minimal in name and concept. The pop-up, walk-up window on Division Street serves, yup, Italian beef. (Okay, there’s also vegan beef, milkshakes, and chips. But still. Pretty sparse.)

Thai restaurant Taan is also a wine bar. The cozy interior truly evokes both. However, you might not find your Thai go-tos on this menu — there’s no basil chicken or pad thai. And that’s the point. Owner Chanita Chayaluk says 

. For now, the menu is made up of small bites.

This new arcade, inside former Rock Bottom Brewery, has 61 racing simulators, plus food and signature cocktails. The drinks are by James Beard Award-winning chef/bartender Julia Momosé, of Kumiko fame.

I really like the food at another River North gaming spot, 

 — don’t write off downtown arcade grub!

I recently walked past Thai spot Tarra — in a burger costume — but I haven’t gotten to visit yet. Luckily, a little birdie (aka the Hungry Hound’s daughter) told me just what to order when I do: crab curry, grilled chicken thighs, and fried shrimp cake.

Other new spots to dine 😋

Seven new bars and restaurants in Chicago — including two hot Thai spots. 

New Restaurants and Bars in Chicago

7 New Spots to Dine and Drink

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Chicago. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Chicago Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Over the weekend, Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

 previously teased his announcement with 

. He also talked about the wins of his progressive administration. However, his campaign launch comes 

, Illinois State Comptroller and former Chicago City Clerk, is using social media to amplify (

) her image. A centrist Democrat, Mendoza is pro-police and says Chicago is facing 

, Illinois Secretary of State, is generally considered to have improved office (and line) conditions … but in 2010, 

the collapse of his family's bank cost him the U.S. Senate election

. Giannoulias lost to Republican Mark Kirk.

, Cook County Treasurer, has served in that position since 1998 — though you may know her for her flamboyant clothes and damning property tax reports. She has 

. She’s also running to retain her seat in November.

, U.S. Representative (5th), is simultaneously running for reelection and mayor. He’s represented much of the Northwest Side in Congress since 2009. Recently, he

, Cook County Board of Review commissioner, and former 12th Ward alder, launched his campaign with a message that seemed relatively moderate — 

, former Chicago Housing Authority board chair, is an 

. Previously, Johnson attempted to remove Brewer as CHA board chair.

, a National Guard veteran and a nonprofit founder

, a real estate developer and progressive focused on tax reform

, the millionaire businessman running for the fourth time

, a cardiologist and public policy advisor

, an entrepreneur, former teacher, and wealth management firm CEO

, a businessman, lobbyist, and consulting firm CEO

, a traffic signal repairperson with the Chicago Department of Transportation

, a pro-Trump Republican and co-founder of Chicago Flips Red

Now remember: The field is almost certain to narrow after the Oct. 26 filing deadline, as petition challenges are likely to follow. The process of 

getting — then proving — signatures can be thorny

After that, remaining candidates will campaign until the citywide election Feb. 23 … not to be confused with the 

, during which Chicago will vote on its first-ever fully elected school board 👀

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

Candidates Running For Mayor in Chicago

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor

Tell us your goals, plans, and dreams for the summer.

What's on Your Summertime Chi Bucket List?

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

. Everyone has their go-tos, naturally, but consider hitting some potentially underrated spots this summer.

Solana, on the sixth-floor rooftop of the Robey hotel, technically has the only pool in Wicker Park. It’s not big, but hey, it’s a pool! And the frozen margaritas are solid.

Tucked away in quiet Edgebrook, Whealan is essentially the ultimate splash pad. There’s also a full pool with a slide.

Everyone knows the skyline is better from the South Side, and no beach has a more beautiful view than Rainbow. It’s also arguably the city’s most historic beach, the site of 

Somewhat surprisingly, this beach has a lot of shade! It’s the perfect place to stretch out for the day if you want to alternate between sand and water, reading … or splitting a six-pack.

While not exactly “hidden,” I don’t think all Chicagoans have experienced 

A biased pick, since I’ve been leaping off here my entire life. Bonus: The curve around the sanctuary is a simple meeting point that’s not (usually) too crowded.

Open seven days a week, this pierside restaurant features a different style of music and dancing 

Right along South Shore beach and near the South Shore Cultural Center, this six-acre-plus sanctuary includes dune, wetland, woodland, prairie — and more — types of habitat. Make a day of it!

 — but don’t forget you can also swim at the park’s manmade beach. It’s Chicago’s only inland beach.

Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.

Swimming Spots in Chicago

Hidden Gem Swimming Spots

Back in April, I said every month feels like poetry month in Chicago. I feel the same way about Pride — this city stays bursting with queer energy. But, in honor of 

 Pride month, here are some local LGBTQ+ poets worth checking out.

 and all-around hometown hero. She’s also a decorated poet, often mining her Beverly upbringing for her work.

 you don’t fit in / everybody in your neighborhood color of white hen

Woods’ friendship with another local queer poet, Fatimah Asghar, inspired the series “Brown Girls.” 

Rachel Mennies is a Chicago-based writer whose poems get at queer longing. Her collection 

 is full of epistolary poems, written to the woman the speaker loves.

 / through my coat, enough to pool desire / where I most wanted you to touch me.

Britteney Black Rose Kapri is — I can attest — a great (though tough) poetry teacher. She’s published two books of poetry, including 

, as in dwelling, as in crib, as in where your inhibitions go to rest.

Born in Colorado, Katana Smith is now based in Chicago and previously served as Northwestern University’s artist-in-residence. Her poems 

 are an excellent package: petty and moving.

Maybe I was the only friend who would talk to you about him … I would have talked to you about literally anything.

Oli Rodriguez is an artist and writer born in Chicago whose intersectional work explores the AIDS pandemic.

 tells the story of a “sondaughter” raised in gay bars — and recalls the cruising hotspot that was Belmont Harbor.


📖 Read more Chicago poetry!

These local queer poets are worth checking out — during Pride month and beyond.

5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know

 opened to the public Saturday — perhaps you know it as The Belmont, the name dominating its exterior marquee. Or, like my friends, you’re simply referring to it as New Berlin.

Taking up the space of the former queer club Berlin, comparisons are inevitable. They’re also welcome, according to manager Marcus Devin, who was a Berlin regular.

“We’re back, but not really. It’s not the same, but it feels the same,” he said of Decibel, which operates from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Perhaps the biggest difference from Berlin is that the space operates a cocktail bar, called The Belmont, 

Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.

Chicago's Best

What's on Your Summertime Chi Bucket List?

City Cast Chicago staff

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Chicago's Best

Hidden Gem Swimming Spots

5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know

Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago

Where You Can Still Bowl in Chicago

Your Guide to April 2026

The latest in Chicago

Are Singles Mixers Worth It?

So, I Jumped in the River

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Where to Watch College Football

Edgewater Candles Has Scents For Every Mood

Your Guide To Chicago’s Scents

7 New Spots to Dine and Drink

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor