Jeffy Mai

As fall turns to winter, area snowboarding and skiing spots are getting ready to take advantage of plunging temperatures. Plenty of places make their own snow, so even if nature hasn’t provided any, those looking for the best things to do outside this winter should plan on making a day trip to hit the slopes. Lessons for all skill levels and ages are available if you don’t have any experience or are rusty, and many destinations in neighboring states provide excellent options for weekend getaways with spas, restaurants and luxurious hotel rooms. So get a taste of cold weather adventure at the best destinations for skiing and snowboarding near Chicago. Skiing and snowboarding at these slopes is contingent upon weather conditions. Always call ahead or check resort websites.

Fall in Chicago is officially underway, which means it's time to turn your attention to all things spooky, ghoulish and pumpkin-filled happening throughout the city as we get closer and closer to Halloween. Hoping for a fright? Visit one of Chicago's most haunted places or wander through a ghostly haunted house. No matter the age, embrace the thrills and chills of spooky season with our guide to the best Halloween events in Chicago this year.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in Chicago

Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer something a bit more original, Chicago’s best pie makers are here to please. With a seemingly endless variety of fillings and toppings to choose from, there’s an option for every taste. Key lime fans can head to Joe’s or Bang Bang to get their fix, while those who want to step into a time warp should check out Spinning J. Even gluten-free pies are available, courtesy of Defloured. While many of these offerings are found at the city’s best bakeries, they also serve as tantalizing desserts at seafood restaurants and steakhouses. And you can usually buy them by the slice, but if you’re trying to be the MVP during the holiday season, grab a whole one for the family. So read on to discover the best pies in Chicago.

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Welcome to another weekend! Fall has arrived and if you're looking for an adventure outside of the city, go hiking or visit a pumpkin patch in the suburbs. Here in Chicago, you can get in the spooky spirit with Halloween-themed events, including a booze crawl through Pilsen, a costumed pet parade and a haunted ball. 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

Thanksgiving is coming up on November 23 and it’s time to start making plans. This year, let the experts handle all of the hard work while you and your loved ones sit back and enjoy a scrumptious holiday spread. Many Chicago restaurants, some of which are among the best in the city, will be offering special menus for the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a traditional turkey feast with all the fixins’ or want to switch things up with steak and fried chicken, the following places are up to the task. So add “not having to prepare a large family meal” to the list of things to be thankful for by securing a spot at the best Chicago restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Just don’t wait too long—they’ll book up quickly. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do over Thanksgiving

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You’ve come to the right place! Fall in Chicago means going to pumpkin patches or getting in the Halloween spirit with a haunted house. You can also enjoy an adults night out at Lincoln Park Zoo, celebrate the release of Taylor Swift's new album at a listening party or dress your dog up for a costume contest. 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

Welcome to November in Chicago! You've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas lights displays to the first days of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. And of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving in Chicago—we've got suggestions on where to eat at restaurants should you not feel like preparing a whole turkey this year. Hoping to avoid the holidays altogether? Take a spin on the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon or huddle away from the wintry weather at Chicago museums as temperatures start to plummet. Say goodbye to fall in Chicago with the help of our list of the best things to do in Chicago this November.  RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

Fall in Chicago has arrived, and with it comes a colorful burst of fall foliage throughout the city. According to this interactive guide, which uses an algorithm to predict when the leaves will change, local trees will start showing patchy colors the week of September 25 and hit their peak in late October. Hoping to go leaf peeping this year? Head to some of the more well-known Chicago parks and gardens to see towering oaks and fiery red Japanese maples, or take a contemplative stroll through a cemetery to watch yellow weeping willows drape over a leaf-filled pond. Plus, if you're itching to take a quick day trip from Chicago, you'll find several suburban conservatories and arboretums worthy of an afternoon leaf-peeping expedition. Take a look through our roundup of the best places to see fall foliage in Chicago and get ready for some scenic sights. RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage outside of Chicago

October 2023: With the arrival of fall, we're heading out to suburban pumpkin patches, apple orchards and corn mazes. Spooky season is also here and you can get your fright on at haunted houses. For sports fans, now's the time to grab tickets to a Bears, Bulls or Blackhawks game. There are plenty of food and drink options, too, so stay satisfied and busy with these fun activities in October. 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 50 best things to do in the world right now.

Hyde Park is one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods and its dining scene has been rapidly evolving over the past several years. From acclaimed newcomers to enduring classics, you've got plenty of great options that cover all types of cuisines. There's comforting Southern fare from Erick Williams, amazing Italian restaurants, mouthwatering burgers and much more. Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, grab breakfast, brunch or dinner at the best Hyde Park restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

The official start of fall in Chicago might be in September, but the season doesn't really hit its stride until October—a month replete with crisp air, colorful fall foliage and a heaping helping of spooky fun. Take advantage of everything autumn has to offer by exploring the best pumpkin patches near Chicago, attending an apple-themed neighborhood fest, getting lost in corn mazes or staring up at the changing leaves at your local park or garden. And of course, celebrate Halloween in Chicago with spooky pop-ups, haunted houses, horror movie marathons and even more ghoulish events. Ready to embrace autumn? Check out the rest of the best things do to in Chicago this October.  RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

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.

Chicago may be the best big city in the United States, but it’s also the rattiest. Pest control company Orkin has revealed its annual rankings of the most rat-infested cities in the country, and Chicago tops the list for a ninth year in a row. Los Angeles reclaimed the No. 2 spot while New York fell to No. 3. Washington, D.C. and San Francisco round out the top five. The rankings were based on the number of new rodent treatments performed on both residential and commercial buildings between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023. Orkin estimates that rats and mice invade 21 million homes in the U.S. each fall looking for food, water and shelter from the cold.  “Rats are capable of squeezing into spaces through holes as small as a quarter, which makes it especially important to seal cracks from the outside,” said Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist, in a news release. To commemorate Chicago’s infamous title, Orkin also released a limited-edition t-shirt with a design specifically made for the Windy City. Keep reading to see the Top 50 Rattiest Cities List for 2023. What are the most rat-infested cities in the United States? Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA New York, NY Washington, D.C. San Francisco, CA Philadelphia, PA Baltimore, MD Denver, CO Detroit, MI Cleveland-Akron, OH Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN Seattle, WA Boston, MA Atlanta, GA Indianapolis, IN Pittsburgh, PA Hartford, CT Columbus, OH Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL Houston, TX Charlotte, NC Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Raleigh-Durham, NC Mi

Here today, gone tomorrow. That's the unfortunate reality every business and its customers face. Although there are plenty of newcomers to be excited about, many local favorites have shuttered over the years, several in part due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked on Facebook, X and Threads which iconic Chicago spots readers would like to see revived and received a wide range of replies that included everything from the city's best restaurants and bakeries to bars and nightclubs. The following were some of the most popular answers—so as painful as it may be, take a trip down memory lane and pay tribute by scrolling through our list of businesses Chicagoans want to bring back from the dead. 1. Marshall Field’s Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas Chicago’s iconic department chain is gone but certainly not forgotten by countless Chicagoans. Founded in 1852 as a dry goods store, Marshall Field’s was a local institution. Its flagship location on State Street, housed inside a landmark building, spanned 13 floors and an entire city block. It was also where the company’s signature Frango mints were produced. In 2005, New York-based Macy’s purchased Marshall Field’s and rebranded it the following year. The famous green corner clocks are still on display, though, serving as a symbol of what once was. “Best department store ever!! The State Street store at Christmas was magical,” Anne Bieda wrote on Facebook. 2. Hot Doug's Photograph: RosieTulips/Flickr This famous hot

Few things in life are better than pizza … unless it’s free pizza. Coca-Cola is teaming up with legendary deep dish pizza maker Lou Malnati’s to offer free slices to anyone who brings in an empty plastic bottle (including non-Coke products) for recycling. The event is part of Coca-Cola’s “Toss In, Take Out” campaign, which sees the company partnering with beloved pizzerias in Chicago, New York and Atlanta to help reduce waste. The promotion will take place on November 7, between noon and 8pm, at Lou Malnati’s West Loop location (1235 W Randolph St). Guests will receive a slice of cheese pizza, as well as a Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar or Dasani in a 100% recycled plastic bottle. Coca-Cola is expanding the availability of its bottles made from 100% recycled plastics to Chicago, Atlanta and the Pacific Northwest. The initiative was first launched  in 2021 across California, New York and Texas. The company estimates this new change will reduce over 39,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually in the U.S.—the same as taking 8,418 cars off the road for one year. Still hungry for more pizza? Check out Time Out Chicago’s list of the 32 best pizzerias in the city.

The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 have just been revealed, and one Chicago spot made the cut. Kumiko, the West Loop cocktail bar from acclaimed mixologist Julia Momosé, lands at No. 82 on this year’s rankings. It was also named the eighth best North American bar by The World's 50 Best Bars this past spring. “The place to be at this Japanese-inspired venue is in one of the eight seats at the bar, enjoying the sophisticated cocktails of creative director Julia Momose. At the bar or at one of the few tables in the minimalist omakase-style dining room, Japanese ingredients are showcased in the drinks as well as the compact selection of small plates,” The World’s 50 Best Bars wrote. In Time Out Chicago’s review of Kumiko, critic Maggie Hennessy wrote, “Julia Momosé's elegant West Loop bar pairs Japanese omakase with bespoke cocktails—and the results are sublime,” while awarding it five stars. The top 50 winners were announced at a live ceremony in Singapore. Taking home the crown was Sips in Barcelona, followed by New York’s Double Chicken Please and Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City. Overall, the U.S. had five bars honored in the top 50—three in New York, one in Miami and one in New Orleans.  Take a look at The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 to see the full list of winners.

Fall in Chicago means heading out to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and also digging into some comforting fare. At Time Out Market Chicago, we've gathered the city's best chefs and restaurants together under one roof so that you can try a variety of delicious offerings. Whether it's longtime favorites like Bill Kim Ramen Bar or newcomers such as County BBQ and Lizzy J Cafe, you'll find plenty of seasonal specialties on your next visit to the Market. Here's a taste of what to expect. County BBQ - Brisket chili Photograph: Courtesy of County BBQ Fall is the perfect time to dive into a comforting bowl of chili, and County BBQ’s version can’t be beat. Packed with hunks of house-smoked, Texas-style brisket, the hearty stew is topped with cheddar, jalapenos and sour cream. Bill Kim Ramen Bar - Pork ramen  Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas For those chilly autumn days, a warm bowl of ramen is just what you need. Chef Bill Kim offers several options, but the pork ramen is a crowd pleaser that fans keep coming back for. Savory pork broth arrives teeming with wavy noodles, kimchi-braised pork, crispy shallots and an egg. You can also sub in tofu noodles or add extras like shrimp if you’re feeling ravenous. Sua - Angus steak sandwich Photograph: Time Out Market Chicago Michelin-trained chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze brings the flavors of Basque Country to Fulton Market at Sua. Paying homage to the comfort and warmth synonymous with the region, the menu focuses on wood-fired dishes, such as

Chicago was recently named the best big city in America, and now it’s also home to one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. Hyde Park, the vibrant South Side community area, has been ranked the 19th coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out. The 2023 edition of the list features 40 neighborhoods, which are spread across six continents. How does the process work? Time Out surveyed thousands of readers from around the globe about the coolest spots in their cities and used that data—along with expert input from our editors—to compile the final rankings.  Taking the crown this year is the neighborhood of Laureles in Medellín, Colombia. Hyde Park is joined by other U.S. hubs like Mid-City, New Orleans (No. 7); the Arts District, Los Angeles (No. 13); and Forte Green, New York (No. 15). Chicago neighborhoods that have previously been honored include Avondale (2022), Andersonville (2021), Uptown (2020), Pilsen (2019) and West Loop (2018). RECOMMENDED: The 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world So what exactly makes a neighborhood “cool?” It’s certainly a subjective quality, but the entrants on the list all share some similar features—great food and beverage options, cutting-edge culture, a lively nightlife scene and a strong community atmosphere. Hyde Park exemplifies the best of Chicago, with the spirit of a small town, yet the many amenities of a bustling metropolis. You can dine at the neighborhood’s top restaurants and enjoy everything from award-winning Southern fare and po

The holiday season is still weeks away, but those who are already counting down the days until Christkindlmarket will be happy to know there’s a way to skip the long lines this year. The German-style Christmas bazaar, which sets up shop in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville (as well as Aurora) every November, has announced a new weekend fast-entry pass. For $25, you can bypass the large crowds on Saturdays and Sundays and stroll right into the marketplace at Daley Plaza without waiting. Guests must select a 30-minute time slot for entry when purchasing their tickets; admission also includes a complimentary souvenir mug—a beloved collectible that has a different design each year.  Started in 1996, Christkindlmarket is one of the city’s most popular holiday attractions, drawing more than a million visitors annually. Inspired by the classic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, it features a variety of gift vendors and food stalls selling everything from ornaments and steins to mulled wine and schnitzels. Christkindlmarket will return for the season on November 17. The Daley Plaza location will be open 11am-8pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday. The Gallagher Way outpost in Wrigleyville will run from November 17 to December 31, with operating hours of 3pm-9pm Monday through Thursday, 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am-7pm on Sunday. Admission on weekdays, and non-express entry on weekends, remains free. Fast-entry passes are on sale now via Eventbrite.

The Michelin Guide has just announced eight additions to its list of recommended Chicago restaurants.  The revered guide—considered by many to be the most prestigious authority on dining—has given several new spots a “recommended” status, bringing the total number of featured restaurants in the Windy City up to 166. Michelin uses anonymous inspectors to evaluate a restaurant’s quality, and annually awards one-to-three coveted stars to the best of the best, as well as a Bib Gourmand designation to places that are a good value. The recipients of those honors will be revealed on November 7 during a ceremony in New York.  While we wait to see who joins the group of Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago, take a look at the latest entries to the overall guide and what the critics had to say. Atelier  Photograph: Christian Hunter “In full view of the dining room, Chef Christian Hunter and his team chart new waters, ever determined to make their own mark on this intimate space. Working quietly and seamlessly, the kitchen delivers a carefully calibrated tasting menu supported by nearby farms and packed with flavor and originality.” Boonie’s   Photograph: Kim Kovacic “Pork, in fact, is all over this small menu, arriving as crispy belly or marinated with herbs and spices or presented as sausage. Tender filets of steelhead trout swimming in a burnt tomato and tamarind broth offer a delicate reprieve from the meat. Dessert is a must: A creamy plantain comes wrapped as a spring roll,

There’s no better time to visit Time Out Market Chicago than right now. The food and cultural hub in Fulton Market recently added several new vendors to its lineup—from Lizzy J Cafe to County BBQ—and will host a variety of exciting events throughout the month of October. Here’s what you can expect in the coming weeks. Cocktail for a cause Time Out Market Chicago is offering a special cocktail this month and donating $1 from each sale to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of Ceta Walters, a Chicago fashion influencer. Dubbed La Ceta, the drink features FRÏS Vodka, pomegranate liqueur, lime juice, spiced cranberry orange cordial and simple syrup. High Vibrancy art exhibit Head to the second floor of the Market to find High Vibrancy, a new art exhibit by Emma Lyons. Through life-giving colors, Lyons’ playful and abstract work invites viewers to explore the world around them with uninhibited wonder. You can meet the artist and check out her collection of prints at an opening reception on October 5 from 6-9pm. High Vibrancy will be on display through November. Octoberfest Break out your dirndls and lederhosen because the Market is hosting an Octoberfest party on October 7. The festivities will include a pop-up beer bar, stein hoisting contests, beer sampling, kids storytelling and live music from German band Die Musikmeisters. Hungry? Pair your lager with a heaping helping of Octoberfest specials from Market vendors. Zum wohl! Taylor Swift paint and sip Calling a

For the seventh year in a row, Chicago has been named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler. Using input from more than 520,000 readers this year, the luxury and lifestyle publication once again crowned Chicago as the nation’s top city in its 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The Windy City beat out San Diego, Milwaukee, New Orleans, San Francisco and others for the honor.  “A world-class destination known for its impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene, it’ll take several repeat visits to get through your list of must-dos,” Condé Nast editors wrote. With a wealth of amazing restaurants and things to do, it’s easy to understand why Chicago is loved not just by locals, but tourists as well. According to Choose Chicago, this past summer’s hotel revenue totaled $825 million, an all-time record for June, July and August. Over one million hotel room nights were filled each month during the summer, totaling 3.24 million room nights, a four percent increase from 2022. Overall, year-to-date hotel room demand is 13 percent higher than the same period in 2022. International visitation also rose by 13 percent compared to summer 2022. You can see all the winners from the Readers’ Choice Awards on Condé Nast Traveler’s website. Check out the full list of Best Big Cities in the U.S. below. Chicago, IL San Diego, CA Milwaukee, WI New Orleans, LA San Francisco, CA Boston, MA New York City, NY Nashville, TN Washington, D.C. Mia

Time Out Market Chicago stars many of the city’s best culinary talents and restaurants under one roof and later this month, it’ll host an acclaimed, Dubai-based chef for an exclusive dining experience. On Sunday, October 22, Reif Othman comes to the food and cultural market in Fulton Market as part of Time Out’s Chefs on Tour series. Launched earlier this year, the series brings together Market chefs from around the globe for unique collaborative dinners. Othman will work with chef Rodolfo Cuadros of Lil’ Amaru to create an eight-course menu that showcases both their brands of cooking. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with Chef Rodolfo and bringing our different cultural cuisines together while also leaning into his passion for plant based eating and getting to know his culinary traditions. This will be a one-of-a-kind experience and I can’t wait to serve our guests the incredible menu we have come up with together,” Othman said. Othman, who is originally from Singapore, is the mind behind Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in Time Out Market Dubai. Specializing in clever twists on Japanese street fare, the concept has garnered numerous accolades like a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2022 and a spot on the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list. Cuadros is the executive chef and owner of several Chicago restaurants—Amaru, Bloom Plant Based Kitchen and Don Bucio’s Taqueria—and focuses on pan-Latin and plant-based cuisines.  The dinner will offer guests the

Raise a pint, Chicagoans—Guinness Open Gate Brewery is now open. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Chicago (@timeoutchicago) The long-awaited project from the Irish brewing company has arrived in the West Loop at 901 West Kinzie Street. Housed in a former rail depot, the 15,000-square-foot concept boasts a brewery, taproom, restaurant and cafe. This is Guinness’ second brewery in the U.S. and first bakery globally.  On the beer front, expect 12-16 rotating experimental draughts—most of which will be brewed on site—alongside signature pours like Guinness Draught Stout, Guinness Extra Stout and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. The initial offerings will include Corn Maize Cream Ale produced using local corn, a Kinzie Street Pale Ale and a Mango Chile Ale.  Complementing the drinking is a food menu developed by chef Taylor Bischof, who draws inspiration from the brand’s Irish roots and also reimagines Chicago classics. The cafe will feature a selection of freshly-baked goods, pastries from Aya Pastry and Intelligentsia Coffee. Guinness Open Gate Brewery will donate 10,000 loaves of Brewers Bread to the Greater Chicago Food Depository each year as well.  Guests will be able to brunch on the weekends or drop in to grab some beer and merch to go. And when weather permits, there’s a patio for al fresco dining. Check out the space, food and beverages below.  Photograph: Kendall McCaugherty/Guinness Photograph: Kendall McCaugherty/Guinness Pho