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City Cast Chicago

The latest on the hottest places to eat, drink, socialize, and talk about in Chicago.

Chicago has no shortage of good bites around town. That’s why we’re highlighting the best new restaurants opening in the city.

You might recognize Schneider Deli as the picturesque, old-fashioned eatery attached to Ohio House Motel. Now, a second location has opened in Lincoln Park. I’m visiting soon to try the giardinera-Russian-dressed reuben and will report back 🫡

, this all-day cafe is open to all. It offers coffee, cocktails, and light bites, including a popular breakfast sandwich.


Indgō Mrktō is a new food hall and event space in Pilsen featuring four restaurant concepts: a coffee shop, a multicultural seafood spot, a street food bistro, and a late-night cocktail bar. They’re all by the same chef. And there’s a chilaquiles torta on premises 👀

Crying Tiger has been generating buzz since it opened in the fall — now there’s a swanky cocktail bar in the basement: Kitty’s. The addition marks another step in 

Unsurprisingly, the food at Chubby Skewers comes on a stick. From the folks behind Chubby Cattle, it’s another cook-it-yourself spot.

Oooh Wee! IT IS! Smothered Potatoes Breakfast Bar

Oooh Wee! IT IS!, a popular soul food restaurant that closed in 2024, has a soft reopening Saturday in a new Chatham location. Formerly located on 83rd Street, this new spot is in the old Reggio’s Pizza space on Cottage Grove Avenue. Although it has 

Award-winning bartender and Speed Rack champion Katie Renshaw has opened her own bar — and it’s buzzy. The interior literally glows. The menu, meanwhile, features send-ups of classic cocktails and elevated bar bites. (I’m actually checking Bar Bambi out tonight, so I’ll keep ya posted.)

I’m skeptical of dive bar overhauls (lookin’ at you, Small Bar) but Belmont Tavern seems truly laid back. That’s a feat considering I visited on a jam-packed Friday night. And while cutesy, 

the interior doesn’t feel overly curated.

 It’s naturally eclectic. Extra points for carrying bison grass vodka!

Hero’s sub shop was an institution, and seeing the shack sit empty since 2017 hurt my soul. Now, new life has sprung in the form of Retro Pizza. The take-out only shops serves square Roman slices of ‘za plus coffee. 

. But avoid visiting on school day afternoons or face the mobs of Lane kids — a Hero’s tradition.

Tune-Up, in a former auto body shop, doesn’t 

 live up to the name. Although drink names like Anti-Freeze and Brake Fluid are fun to order, the space, affixed with flittering disco balls and mirrors, leans away from its blue collar roots. However, Tune-Up is bound to turn up — it’s open till 5 a.m. on Saturday nights. Yes, 

Logan Collective is the neighborhood’s newest coffee shop with home-roasted beans and extremely reasonable prices. $3 for a drip coffee? Hell yeah! With a comfy couch and relaxed vibe, it’s also an excellent spot to write a daily newsletter from … On that note, shout out to barista Keillor!

The return of the $10 cocktail. That’s how Radicle, a new bar in Logan Square, is billing itself. And I have to say, it’s quite the hook. Radicle arrives in the former Daisies space — find that 

 a couple blocks away — but the focus really is 

. My favorite was the ESOO, with rye and balsamic olive oil.

Carmine’s, one of Chicago’s most old-school Italian restaurants, has reopened in its original Rush Street location after 

 If you missed the red sauce, you’ll be happy to know Carmine’s 

participating in Restaurant Week. (Pasta, plus an app, salad, and dessert 

If the pared-down name didn’t tip you off, 

 is serving classic brunch in, yep, Portage Park. Located near Milwaukee and Montrose, the opening marks another boost for 

. It comes from two chefs who met working at the popular 

Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos expands beyond in Pilsen

 has opened a location in Chinatown Square, marking its first expansion to the midwest. Naturally, this place is for shrimp lovers (

) but there are plenty of seafood and non-seafood options alike, ranging from shrimp broth noodles to prawn buns to chicken rice bowls.

 opened in Bronzeville in 2019. Now, a third location has come to Lakeview. The menu draws from the owner’s family’s 

, with dishes like Creole fish and honey-butter muffins.

. The latest spot, Black-owned Brûlée, offers a comfort food take. Think fried-lobster-tail-sweet-potato waffles. And don’t worry if you sleep in — Brulee is open till 4 p.m. Non-breakfast highlights include a brisket grilled cheese.

Once the “it” cookie of New York City, Levain expanded to the West Loop in 2022, then River North. Now, there’s a third Chicago location in Lincoln Park. In addition to famously gooey chocolate chip cookies, the chain began offering savory sandwiches and flatbread this fall.

After 15 years in Chicago kitchens, Ecuadorian brothers Enrique and Luis Calderon opened their own, Savanna, in 2018. Now, it’s expanded to four locations. The newest is in North Center on Western Avenue. All serve brunch — working at the former (beloved) Ina’s Restaurant, Enrique earned the nickname 

, New York slices are great on the go. (Sorry, it’s true!) That’s exactly what Chomp Pizza is serving, straight out of a window inside the 18th Street Pink Line ‘L’ station. Portability aside, I hear it’s pretty damn good.

It’s hot pot weather. (Honestly, I’ll take anything hot at this point.) And Tasty Pot, a new Taiwanese spot in Chinatown, makes it extra accessible by focusing on 

 and Canada, but this location on Jefferson Street marks Illinois’ first.

Sourcing tea and coffee from different Asian-owned businesses, HAIBAYÔ is a nexus for Asia on Argyle. The cafe operates within the space of the HAIBAYÔ nonprofit, which aims to bring more visitors into the cultural area. As the name suggests in Vietnamese: “One, two, three, cheers!”

Pilsen brunch hub Azul 18 has opened a second location at 1230 W. Taylor St., bringing Mexican-American flavors to the heart of Little Italy. Azul 18 serves breakfast, lunch, brunch — and, for now, the spot is BYOB. Get your at-cost bubbly on while you can!

It’s all women’s sports all the time at Babe’s, a new rosy-hued sports bar on Armitage Avenue. It’s Chicago’s first sports bar of its kind, featuring eight TVs for game-watching and chile margaritas. Think Sporty Spice.

Andersonville mainstay Marty’s Martini Bar closed in 2024. Now, its former manager has opened his own neighborhood watering hole: Wil’s Martini Lounge. The featured fall cocktail with cardamom bitters sounds especially cozy.

Crumbs.nd.Creams is Chicago’s first shop specializing in silvanas: Filipino sandwich cookies. These cookies are made of frozen cashew meringue and coated in cookie crumbs. They’re also filled with buttercream — Crumbs.nd.Creams offers 10 flavor options.

Midōsuji is as much an experience as it is a meal. Tucked away inside an old speakeasy space within the Chicago Athletic Club, Midōsuji is intimate, serving just two seatings of eight per night. The “nouvelle omakase” tasting menu featured 11 rotating courses for about $200 per person — beverage pairings will run ya extra, but you’re gonna want to try the tomato martini. The crab salad with miso egg yolk is another unique standout.

Located inside the multi-floor Hawksmoor steakhouse, Beef & Liberty is a dimly lit cocktail bar with English noshes like Scotch eggs and Yorkshire pudding. Drawing inspiration from Soho bars, it’s more upscale than your typical pub — but just as cozy.

Van Leeuwen’s recent Chicago opening made news for two reasons: $1 scoops and a (strong) Malört flavor. While both of those specials were temporary, it’s still worth trying the velvety smooth treat that’s had East Coasters buzzing for years. The new shop is located 

 because it’s a new Greek place in Greektown. 

 However, don’t expect an old-school, family-style Greek feast at Ithaki. It’s a modern take on the taverna

 get flaming saganaki, though, and that’s what’s really important.

Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.

Chicago's Best New Restaurants and Bars

New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

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

Emily Mack

, but the Nashville hot chicken trend is 

 across the city. In honor of Hot Chicken Day — 

 — here’s the story of the dish, plus where to find it.

, “hot chicken” is spiced with cayenne pepper, fried in lard, covered in more cayenne, and served on white bread with pickles.

The recipe has a pretty great origin story, according to Prince’s, 

Nashville’s original, Black-owned hot chicken joint

. In the 1930s, founder (and womanizer) Thornton Price spent a long, philandering night out, and his girlfriend was pissed. So she cooked him his favorite meal … with a 

“devilish amount of peppers and spices.”

, hot chicken remained a staple in Nashville’s Black neighborhoods. It became popular throughout Nashville more broadly in the early 2010s, in no small part due to 

 … call it hot chicken’s gentrification era.

In Chicago, the rise of hot chicken seemed to coincide with 

. Remember when Popeye's released a fried chicken sandwich so popular that 

 in 2019? That sandwich, along with other fast-food copycats, could be ordered regular or spicy.

Around the same time, smaller chains boasting Nashville hot chicken 

. While the trend may not be as buzzy as it once was, there are still plenty of local places to celebrate Hot Chicken Day.

 has locations in West Town, Portage Park, and Lincoln Park, in addition to several suburbs. 

TODAY THEIR NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH IS $5!

 has locations in Chatham, the Old Post Office and Sterling Food Hall in the Loop, and, 

, in Lakeview. I thought their Popeye’s Ain’t Sh!t had a nice, tangy heat, and my friend really enjoyed the buttermilk mac and cheese.

 in Bridgeport pulls from Chinese, as opposed to Nashville, tradition for a salt-and-pepper fried chicken sandwich

, in Bronzeville, Lakeview, and the Loop, hot honey chicken sandwich isn’t Nashville-style, but 

 in Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, and Oak Brook

, also halal, in Lincoln Park and several suburbs

, two locations are left in Logan Square and Lincoln Park, both with spicy options.

Hattie B’s just opened a spot in Wrigleyville

Even more Nashville in Wrigleyville 🤠

Chicago has plenty of its own famous sandwiches, but the Nashville hot chicken trend is still going strong across the city. 

Where to Find Hot Chicken in Chicago

Hot Chicken in Chicago

. But breweries are closing all over the city and suburbs.

 announced immediate or imminent closures:

 in Back of the Yards (makers of Le Tub saison) closes March 29

: Half Acre Beer Co. and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery. However, they say both taprooms will remain open and flagship brews Daisy Cutter and Son of Juice IPA won’t change. (

All the news coincides with declining drinking rates nationwide and rising operating costs. (

 skyrocketed last year.) Owners also blame a “saturated market.”

But here in Chicago, we love and appreciate the sheer number and diversity of breweries. These are some of our favorites.

Simone, City Cast Chicago Executive Producer

 in Ravenswood is basically Simone’s second home. She’s there at least once a week playing games, and it's her friends' go-to gathering space. “There's always horror or Miyazaki on the TVs, they're often bringing in food trucks and pop-ups, and they've got reliable N/A options. I’ve also become quite the saison expert,” Simone says.

Jacoby appreciates the beautiful brick of 

in Pilsen: “The space is great for a chill day reading a book or a party with a mariachi band.”

, founded by the mother and brother of late Chicago artist Juice WRLD, is also a great meet-up according to Jacoby: “The food is worth the trip out south!”

, a worker-owned brewery that opened just last year — especially its High Rise Farmhouse ale. The co-op brews out of 

Michelle appreciates the expansive beer menu at 

 in McKinley Park — plus Taco Sublime operates inside. “They also have cantina night on Tuesdays where they play loteria!” Michelle says.

Emmi, Newsletter Editor — Wait, That’s Me!

 in Logan Square is a sunny hang: great for reading during the week, plus there’s a 

. (Be warned: it’s packed during weekend pop-ups.) Also, a pour of Lü Kölsch costs just $5!

Not long ago, Chicago was the nation’s brewing capital, but ​​several local breweries recently announced closures.

Beloved Breweries That Still Exist in Chicago

Beloved Breweries That Still Exist

is coming up this weekend. You can join the mayhem downtown, 

you can DIY a green-bar bar crawl. Personally, that’s my plan (plus 

We’re starting up north at the Green Mill and working our way south. The Green Mill may seem unusually classy for St. Patrick’s Day, but you don’t want to be 

rowdy when you arrive to this live jazz spot. The bar opens at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday — just 

don’t expect to see Al Capone’s ghost

Green Eye is a solid stop for any bar crawl: cheap, large, and 

conveniently located next to Arturo’s Tacos

). It’s also pretty cheap, and there’s cool Chicago art all over the walls!

Make your way downtown toward another historic stop: Green Door Tavern bills itself as Chicago’s oldest tavern. It opened in 1921 and survived the prohibition era as a speakeasy — there’s still one located inside, but I’m not telling you where. The building also famously leans … you’ll be leaning too on the way to the next bar.

Closing out the bar crawl in Pilsen is ideal, mere steps from 

. But first you gotta try Green Room Tap’s frozen Irish coffee with creme de menthe whipped cream 🤤

If booze isn’t really your thing, don’t worry, you can try a mini dispensary crawl:

🪦 I’d also like to acknowledge a green bar we recently lost: The Green Post. Now open as 

, you can still find Irish pub food there. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Check out this selection of green bars to visit for St. Patrick's Day, which is being observed this weekend.

A Literally Green Bar Crawl in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day

A Literally Green Bar Crawl

Lent may mean 40 days of restraint but in Chicago, we get to pig out on pepper-and-egg sandwiches. The yearly tradition isn’t 

strong as it once was, but there are still plenty of spots citywide to find this no-meat, no-frills fix. 

As Catholics eschew meat on Fridays during Lent, what’s a Chicagoan to do with all their greasy Italian beef peppers? 

. The simple combo of scrambled eggs and bell peppers on French bread was popularized by Italian immigrants in Chicago during the late 19th Century.

Now, I’m no Catholic, but I know my sins … and I’m a glutton for pepper-and-egg sandwiches. They’re sweet, fleeting, and a (somewhat) light alternative in 

. Sadly, famed pepper-and-egg deli Fiore’s closed in 2021. Al’s Italian Beef no longer partakes. And Portillo's is back to only offering the sandwich seasonally after 

 … but this Lent, we’ve got Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican! Bring on the peppers and eggs! 

 in West Town, but don’t expect the traditional roasted peppers here. These are finely chopped in with the eggs.

 in Lakeview. Their pepper-and-eggs are better than their hot dogs IMO.

 in Old Irving Park. (A true time capsule.)

Got pepper-and-egg recs? Send ‘em my way 😋

This Lent, we’ve got Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican! Bring on the peppers and eggs! 

Where to Find Pepper-and-Egg Sandwiches in Chicago

Where You Can Still Find Pepper-and-Egg Sandwiches

“Yee-ros,” “jai-roh,” “guy-roh” … Chicagoans have many pronunciations for the dish piled high on pita. The original Greek word, “gyros,” means “to turn.” Historically, in Greece, gyros was seasoned pork turned on a rotisserie. Of course, Chicago put its own spin on the spinning meat.

Now, I’m on a quest to find the best in town.

, the gyros recipe changed to reflect our beef-loving town, evolving into a lamb-and-beef combo. It became more popular once 

local engineer and Greek immigrant Peter Parthenis

 designed a sturdier meat rotisserie. And that’s not all he innovated.

In the early ‘70s, Parthenis started mass-producing frozen meat cones that restaurateurs could easily warm and slice off the spit. Parthenis opened Grecian Delight, which later merged with Kronos — still the world’s largest gyros manufacturer and still headquartered in Chicagoland, 

Whether you’ve realized it or not, you’ve seen (and smelled) this meat turning in diners and hot dog stands across the city. Despite Kronos’ ubiquity, however, not all gyros are the same.

I started my gyros journey at Central Gyros in Belmont Cragin simply because it’s been around for 52 years. I figured, after those decades, their strategy must be perfect.

Ambience-wise, it was: the casual sit-down blasted Greek string music and boasted friendly service. My waiter, Osvaldo, explained that while many restaurants get meat from Grecian Delights Kronos, Central Gyros and others order unique blends. Central Gyros uses more beef than lamb, which helps retain a smooth shape. (Only 

A pita sandwich, including tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki, costs $10.75. (That doesn’t include fries, but of course I needed fries. The lunch meal deal costs $15.75.) Worth it if only for the massive amount of meat crammed in — that was one beefy sandwich, no pun intended. The strips weren’t as well done as I personally prefer (l love a near-crunchy gyro) but the tzatziki was smooth and fresh, effectively cutting the greasiness.

It wasn’t the best gyros I’ve ever had, but I had a great time in the old-fashioned dining space, shouting “

at noon on Wednesday. Yes, I tried the saganaki. (I had to!) It was crisp and excellent.

Got gyros spots to recommend? I’m hungry for more: chicago@citycast.fm.

Gyros, as we know it, is a Chicago invention. Now, I’m on a quest to find the best in town.

A Search for Chicago's Best Gyros

, a new bar in Logan Square, is billing itself. I have to say, it’s quite the hook in 

. But the $10-or-less cocktail isn’t dead. In fact, many restaurateurs say 

, we talk $10 drinks (and a bunch of other stuff for $10 or less).

Radicle arrives in the former Daisie’s space and is owned by the same folks, but don’t show up 

. The focus really is $10 cocktails. The menu features 12 options, and my favorite was the ESOO, made with rye, balsamic olive oil, and bay leaf.

Also in the news: the $8 Bears Bomb from 

 in Wicker Park, which is essentially orange-flavored vodka and Yellow Edition Red Bull served in a rocks glass. 

Luckily, Chicagoan Lauren Keene has done the lord’s work and put together 

$5 house vodka cocktails, Bloody Marys, and mules from 

And here are some of our own all-day suggestions:

 in Roscoe Village ($11 for top-shelf liquors)

$10 house Cocktails and Green Room Micheladas from

 … we’re counting it, cause it includes ice cream 😋

As for happy hour deals … I’ll get back to you after (more) on-the-ground research. Cheers!

🤑 Other deals under $10

You CAN find cocktails for $10 or less across Chicago. Radicle, in Logan Square, is one new bar offering deals. 

Cheap Cocktails All Around Chicago

Don’t kick off the new year hungover in bed! We’ve got event options down below — including 

a silk pajama brunch at St. Regis Chicago

. But you can wear whatever you want to these go-to brunch spots, all open on New Years Day.

 says, “in Chicago every five years a fresh group of women in their 20s think they discovered cafe ba ba reeba and I think that’s beautiful.” Well, it’s true. But some things are classic for a reason. Kill your hangover with brunch tapas at the OG 

Taqueria Moran is my casual go-to. I love their huevos a la Mexicana and their chilaquiles torta. (Yes, chips on bread. Deal with it.) But I 

, also in Logan Square, is closed New Years Day but is hosting 

Don’t kick off the new year hungover in bed! We’ve got brunch options open all over the city.

Food & Drink

New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

Hot Chicken in Chicago

Beloved Breweries That Still Exist

Latest articles

A Literally Green Bar Crawl

Where You Can Still Find Pepper-and-Egg Sandwiches

A Search for Chicago's Best Gyros

Cheap Cocktails All Around Chicago

Where to Brunch on New Year’s Day

Your Guide to Chicago’s Michelin Guide

Pop Out to These Festive Winter Pop-Ups