Sure, the narrated tours that ply the Chicago River have their merits, so long as you understand that their marquee points of interest — the Riverwalk, the dazzling skyscrapers — are the architectural equivalent of church clothes, pristine and of little relation to Chicagoans’ daily life. For a fuller picture of the city, hop aboard the Chicago Water Taxi. … Read more
Nelson Algren turned Wicker Park into an unforgettable literary setting, but the neighborhood today is Chicago’s premier literary destination. Take the Blue Line to the six corners at Damen, North, and Milwaukee, check out Algren’s haunts and his last residence here (1958 W. Evergreen Ave.), then spend the afternoon browsing in one of the highest … Read more
There’s no better place to meditate in the city than the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park. Nestled just south of the Museum of Science and Industry, this hidden gem is steps from the rush of DuSable Lake Shore Drive but feels a world away. You’ll find this exotic garden on the north end of the Wooded … Read more
Allow Leon Rogers, cohost of The WGCI Morning Show, to explain: “Corey Gilkey and Diego Ross are about the culture, not only of hip-hop, but of the city. A lot of their pieces have that unique Chicago swag to it. It feels like the South Side yet translates to the North Side, far suburbs, and … Read more
When Vice President Kamala Harris visited Chicago in 2021 and stopped by Brown Sugar Bakery for a slice of German chocolate cake, she was just following in a long line of locals (and visitors) who had already discovered the joys of Stephanie Hart’s baked goods. But if you’ve yet to try the sweet pleasures of … Read more
Distillery visits are fun, but at this point, craft distilleries are common enough that you can find them almost everywhere. Know what you can’t find everywhere? A craft brandy distillery that makes liquor from local fruit and also features a tiny cocktail bar. Rhine Hall Distillery brings in literal tons of Midwest apples to make … Read more
Pier 31 Restaurant, Nikki Hayes’s entirely alfresco bar and grill, open Memorial Day to Labor Day, is a South Side summertime staple. With DJs spinning deep house music on Thursdays and bands playing jazz, R&B, and contemporary tunes Wednesdays and Sundays, plus reggae on Saturdays, it has a festive, family-friendly atmosphere as folks pack the … Read more
About two miles south of the renowned DuSable Museum of African American History is another cultural institution dedicated to preserving Black history. Theaster Gates’s Stony Island Arts Bank features two permanent installations that shine a light on some major contributors to Black Chicago culture. On the first level, browse the extensive collection of house music … Read more
In a restaurant scene that is constantly evolving, a meal at Calumet Fisheries is a reminder that some great things can last for decades. Head to this venerable shack on Chicago’s Southeast Side and order a garlicky, peppery salmon steak, which gets nice and smoky after a night in the smokehouse. You’ll also want to … Read more
Finding a great view in Chicago often requires a skyscraper’s observatory or a bar’s rooftop deck. But a short hike into Bridgeport’s Palmisano Park provides a surprisingly scenic perspective of the city, not to mention access to urban nature. In 2009, this former limestone quarry metamorphosed into a multitiered park district gem, now known for … Read more
