Quick, what’s your favorite place to drink outside in Chicago? Why? What are your secrets for snagging a table? I never, ever tire of this discussion, so please leave your answers below.

Meanwhile, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I want to go to Big Star whenever I feel like it, be seated immediately and without clawing anyone’s eyes out, drink lots of those $1 mini beers and order pork belly tacos to my heart’s content. You know, all while basking in comfortable breezes, people-watching for sport and conducting conversations at reasonable volumes.

Instead, we’re doomed to… read more »