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Between the rumblings of L trains passing nearby and the vibrations from bands playing downstairs, this fourth-floor South Loop rooftop isn’t for the faint-hearted. But what it lacks in refinement, Reggies Trainwreck Rooftop Deck — actual name — more than makes up for in unpretentious charm. Grab a spot at the bar, where friendly bartenders can walk you through … Read more
For people who love European-style offerings — from hefeweizens and Kölsches to smoky Grodziskies — Dovetail Brewery in North Center is heaven. Its relaxed vibe makes it approachable for imbibers of all types, but beer geeks can buckle down and sip through spontaneously fermented beers like fruity krieks, framboises, and funky bourbon-barrel-aged gueuzes while affable bartenders school you in … Read more
Over my 30 years as a sportswriter, sports bars have always left me wanting more — even in places where I’ve become the Black Norm. That’s until I visited Signature in the South Loop. It’s from former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and chef Stephen Gillanders, who met in 2018 when Idonije dined at Gillanders’s S.K.Y. The ambience … Read more
Whether you’re just getting into grown-up drinks or, like me, have a great appreciation for the standards done right, Moneygun in the West Loop is the place to dive in. All 30 cocktails on the menu are well-executed classics with tweaks for modern palates — and all are $15. Complete a punch card by trying each one … Read more
Having a beer before noon is generally frowned upon. But not at the Globe Pub, where on a weekend it’s not uncommon to find a line out the door before sunrise. That’s because the North Center bar is a destination for soccer fans, opening early in the morning to accommodate supporters of Arsenal, Aston Villa, … Read more
Say you are in town for a certain convention and have long admired the stylish fits of a certain former first lady. It’s time to get acquainted with Maria Pinto (that’s her, pictured above), Michelle O’s go-to designer throughout her husband’s presidential run (who can ever forget that ocean-blue 2008 DNC dress?). Pinto’s designs aren’t … Read more
Korean beauty is big right now. Still, those buzzworthy rice protein serums and volcanic clay masks can be hard to find beyond H-Mart. Which is why Leah Kim decided to open Choc Choc. Now in a new location in Lake View East, the shop attracts K-pop fans and beauty junkies alike. You may feel like … Read more
When I wanted Chicago-centric gifts for relatives in Germany, I knew where to shop — and it sure wasn’t on Navy Pier for Windy City shot glasses. No, I went to the Chicago Architecture Center’s Design Store. Amid books, games, and prints, you’ll find the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired earrings and tea towels featuring a modernist … Read more
POV: You’re strolling down Broadway when you spot a petite corner shop exuding an unmistakable je ne sais quoi. Marais, says the front, after the historic district in Paris. You enter an airy space, punctuated by the scent of fig and earth. Songstress Carla Bruni croons through speakers en français as you peruse the paper … Read more
Chicago is rich in record stores. But not all of them give you that satisfying passport-stamped feeling that 606 Records in Pilsen does. You won’t find the umpteenth reissue of your favorite classic rock or Blue Note jazz record (no shade on either). Instead, you’ll discover a shop dedicated to turning people onto many of … Read more
