Elizabeth Atkinson

Just a stone’s throw away from Logan Square, Avondale is one of Chicago's most up-and-coming neighborhoods for dining. The Northwest Side community area is backed by an impressive lineup of restaurants and bars, many of which have sprouted up in the past few years. From the finest Korean cuisine to the coolest cocktail bars, there’s a plethora of places to enjoy for the first or tenth time. Want to be wowed? Head to Parachute HiFi or Eden, where the chefs use quality, seasonal ingredients to create extraordinary dishes. If an unfussy burger is more your style, Kuma’s and Ludlow Liquors are happy to oblige. You can even grab a snack or a full meal while shopping for groceries at Joong Boo Market. The options are virtually limitless, so check out our guide to the best restaurants in Avondale and see what the buzz is all about. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Avondale September 29. 2025: Avondale's dining scene is having a moment—and that calls for a thorough refresh of our best restaurants in Avondale list. These top spots are our favorites in the neighborhood, from the neighborhood watering hole Chief O’Neill’s Pub and newbie Little Lark, a pizza place courtesy of the team behind The Meadowlark, to our highest-ranking restaurant, Anelya, which offers a poignant translation of old-world Ukrainian cuisine from chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratin

Sometimes, you just want—sometimes need—a little escape from the city. If a full-blown weekend getaway isn't in the cards but you're still yearning for a change in scenery, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go hiking near Chicago in one of Illinois' stunning state parks or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to eye-opening museums and historic lighthouses. And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by Metra. So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Avondale is not only home to an incredible lineup of restaurants, but a great drinking scene as well. The neighborhood is packed with bars that cover every niche. Fancying an expertly stirred craft cocktail? Then head to Ludlow Liquors or Mother’s Ruin for a variety of creative concoctions. There are plenty of dives and opportunities to show off those karaoke skills, too. And when the weather’s nice, sipping on a cold pint at a beer garden should definitely be on the bucket list. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try to hit a couple of the following spots all in one evening for the ultimate bar crawl. So check out our guide to the best bars in Avondale and get to drinking. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Avondale September 18, 2025: A recent development boom has Avondale buzzing right now. Luckily, there are plenty of places to grab a bite and a beer while you're here. We've updated our list of the best bars in Avondale with our favorite neighborhood watering holes, ranging from classic dives to the state's largest brewery and taproom. There's something to suit everyone's vibe, so drink your way through one of Chicago's coolest `hoods with the help of this comprehensive guide. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. Our food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’ve also standardized how most listings are structured. For more on

The hot dog is in the pantheon of iconic Chicago foods, right up there with deep dish pizza and Italian beef. And you probably don’t have to go very far to get a good one, as there are esteemed hot dog vendors in all corners of the city. Whether you’re a traditionalist who believes ketchup should be a banned condiment or a Michigander who prefers a Coney Island hot dog, the following places are sure to satisfy your craving for a hot dog in Chicago. Some have been around for a long time and are among the most iconic restaurants in the city, while others offer the best cheap eats. There’s even a local mini-chain of stands located inside Home Depot stores, as well as Korean-style corn dogs coated in unique toppings. So there’s no need to wait until your next cookout or ballgame to enjoy a wiener; our guide to the best hot dogs in Chicago will show you where to get one any time you desire. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Chicago right now September 2025: Mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, celery salt and pickled sport peppers. No more, no less. A classic Chicago dog is hard to beat, especially from one of these top 24 spots. Whether you're grabbing a bite during a game at Wrigley or devouring one at The Wiener's Circle after a night out on the town, there's never a bad time to enjoy a Chicago red hot. Featuring everything from downtown spots like Devil Dawgs to suburban gems like Gene & Jude's, our latest ranking of the best hot dogs in Chicago is a thoroughly reported

Whether you’re craving scrumptious dim sum, a multi-course Peking duck dinner or spicy Sichuan specialties, Chicago’s top Chinese restaurants—which are among the best restaurants in Chicago—have you covered. While Chinatown is an obvious place to start, there are plenty of excellent options all across the city, from Uptown to Bridgeport. You can expect to find enticing dishes like crackling roast pork, fluffy barbecue pork buns and supple dumplings filled with lamb and pork. There are even hot pot experiences, complete with wagyu beef and robot servers, among our picks. So check out our guide to the best Chinese food in Chicago and prepare to feast on a variety of delights. The latest additions to our list include hot pot specialist Haidilao and Bridgeport favorites JM Seafood and Four Seasons Dumpling. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best Chinatown restuarants in Chicago

Move over, Tabasco. If summers in Chicago aren't hot enough for you, we have just the thing to turn up the temperature. We tested, dissected and rated house-made hot sauces so you know which chef-level flavors to bust out at your own backyard barbecue.

Between work, life and adulting (the worst), it’s rare that Chicagoans have time to explore our own magical city. Visitors travel from across the globe to experience Chicago's best restaurants, iconic attractions, festivals and luxury hotels—and we deserve to indulge in some R&R, too. From spas with Dead Sea-like float pools to the "Mexican Magnificent Mile" to a 1920s-themed burlesque cabaret, you can enjoy a vacation without having to sit in traffic on I-90 or suffer through delays at O’Hare. So pack a bag and get ready to explore the city like never before with help from our guide to the best things to do on a Chicago staycation. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best day trips from ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Chicago

Bloody Marys and mimosas not your thing in the morning? Get your morning buzz on with an Irish coffee, which of course, contains hot coffee, but also contains whiskey and is always topped with cream. You don’t even have to travel to Dublin to get them, as Chicago boasts some really great ones. You can try them at one of the city's best Irish pubs and top cocktail bars, or stop by one of our choices for the best Irish coffees in Chicago.

Sometimes, the things we want to do are simple. We just want to sit at a wine bar with a glass of something delicious with fantastic bar snacks. Cheese and charcuterie serve as the perfect indulgence, simple and elegant—from funky bleu cheeses to creamy bries, chicken pâtés and duck rillettes. So we picked our favorites, from the city's best wine bars to a small spot on the corner of California and Augusta.

Love it or hate it, it’s hard to escape the rush of pumpkin beer at liquor stores or your favorite craft beer brewery. In fall, pumpkin beer is as ubiquitous as halloween candy. With so many out there now, we decided it was time for an epic taste test to determine which were worth our time and money. We rounded up nearly two-dozen options—all from craft beer producers—to find the very best pumpkin beer. Note: Beer availability depends on area, so call your local liquor store before heading out for something specific.

Too often the daiquiri gets a bad rep for being overly sweet—but a great daiquiri is perfectly balanced, a bright mix of rum, citrus and cane syrup. It's easy enough to replicate at home, just pick your favorite rum and lime juice, and if you like it like Hemingway did, add a bit of grapefruit juice and a maraschino cherry. Watch our video above to see top Chicago bartender Paul McGee of Lost Lake, the Game Room and Cherry Circle Room demonstrate how to stir up this island favorite. Daiquiri recipe: Ingredients:2 oz. rum1 oz. fresh lime juice3/4 oz. cane syrup Instructions:Pour all ingredients into shakerAdd ice to shaker and shakeFine strain and serve RECOMMENDED: See America’s best cocktails

Dating back to World War I, the French 75 is named for its strong gin kick. The cocktail may still be strong, but if you're looking for a spritzy drink that's simple to make with a solid gin backbone, this may be the drink for you. Learn how to make one from Meghan Konecny at Scofflaw in Chicago. French 75 recipe: Ingredients:1/2 ounce 1-to-1 simple syrup1/2 ounce lemon juice1 ounce dry ginSparkling wine Directions:Add simple syrup, lemon juice and gin to shaker, shake with ice, strain, top with sparkling wine, garnish with lemon swab. RECOMMENDED: See America’s best cocktails

When we first walked up to 5 Rabanitos, my date asked if we were in the right spot—the signage doesn’t provide a lot of promise that it’s going to be a great meal, but once we were in the door, his attitude changed immediately. It’s nothing fancy, but the green walls and a sparse dining room with old Spanish love ballads playing in the background give it a charm that’s perfect for devouring as much Mexican food as possible. Chef Alfonso Sotelo, a XOCO alum, helms the kitchen, providing delightfully comforting dishes with just the right amount of personality. His dishes are flavorful and heartening—if I could sit and eat his food for hours I would. This is definitely a spot where you can hunker down and order a huge plate of tacos without breaking the bank—each is only $2.25. I’d pick at least two of the carnitas tacos, but there’s no doubt in my mind that all varieties are delightful. The only question our server asked after running through our large order was if we also wanted an order of guacamole (the answer is always yes). The refreshing and creamy dish came out on a beautiful plate garnished with radish slices. Actually, everything here is garnished with radishes as a tribute to the restaurant’s name—“rabanitos” is Spanish for radishes. The rest of the menu doesn’t disappoint, whether you’re having the ceviche verde with avocado tomatillo lime salsa, dotted with bits of jicama and cucumber and pieces of tender calamari and shrimp, or the caldo de res, a delicious soup wi

Walking back through Intro to Naoki Sushi feels like navigating a secret passageway to tender sushi and thoughtful dishes. Unlike its sister restaurant, Naoki offers a more laid-back atmosphere that still feels high-end—but maybe not so posh—and complements that with candid, savvy servers. Hidden behind the kitchen of Rich Melman’s Intro, the warmly lit sushi bar is the latest project from Naoki Nakashima (who also runs the sushi program at Shaw’s). Whether you’re a sushi veteran or just starting to explore dishes beyond tuna rolls, Naoki Sushi offers familiar items and interesting, original plates. Before diving into the sushi, the appetizers are a must, ranging from traditional to fun—like addictive tuna tacos made with crisp wonton shells and truffle chawanmushi, an egg custard with a dashi broth. You can’t go wrong by following your servers’ recommendations for the rotating sashimi and nigiri specials. On my visit, options included a slightly sweet and tender kinmedai topped with dehydrated yuzu lemon, to complement the fish. A melting salmon nigiri crowned with smoked soy and shallot is a great choice in the classic nigiri section. While the maki provide heartier portions, it’s easy to stick to nigiri and sashimi. Still, ordering the fatty yet delicate hamachi maki with scallion, cucumber and yuzu is anything but a miss. If there’s one thing to skip on the menu, it’s the main course—the seabass, while tender and buttery with soft bok choy, is too heavy next to a menu of

Enter through a narrow alleyway and you'll find yourself inside this rustic Pilsen brewpub, where the taplines are surrounded by a wall of green moss and guests sit at wooden benches. Alulu's beer list is all over the place (in a good way), with dark lagers and IPAs presented alongside more adventeruous creations like a farmhouse ale brewed with green peppercorns and smoke-forward rauchbiers. If you're having trouble choosing, a five-beer flight makes it easy to sample a range of options—you can even add a shot of Italian liqueur for an additional $5. Don't sleep on the in-house food menu either, which features charcuterie, small plates, beer bread and more substantial entrees like burgers, wings and poutine.

The Fifty/50 Group’s Benjamin Schiller is one of Chicago’s most imaginative bartenders, so it should come as no surprise that he’s crafting out-of-this-world cocktails at his new post at Apogee inside Dana Hotel. Served in seashells, horns and giant glass mushrooms, the drinks at this River North rooftop are served with a side of whimsy. The expertly designed space extends outdoors to a pristine perch that’s outfitted with with a sleek, modern firepit. Come for the wildly creative drink menu and stay for the stunning visuals and top city views. Vitals: Atmosphere: The typical rooftop bar is all grown up with neat light fixtures, gorgeous furniture and stellar views. What to eat: There aren’t any snacks here, but you’re a stone’s throw from Quartino, Eataly and Portillo’s. What to drink: Apogee specializes in large-format cocktails, and we loved the Fibonacci with Flor de Cana rum, North Shore aquavit, raspberry and lemon. For individual cocktails, showstoppers include the rummy Panda Party with sesame seeds and orange powder and the Fifth Char with rye, anise and coconut ash. Where to sit: Since this is a ticketed seating, you won’t have much of a choice, but it never hurts to ask if you can hang outside.

The newest spot from 4 Star Restaurant Group pairs friendly service with beautiful plates in cozy digs. Grab a bench at the bar (that’s right, there are tall, two-seat benches practically made for couples) and order a round of cocktails. We’re particularly fond of the gimlet with gin, lime cordial and elderflower liqueur. Opt for dishes like a creamy confit potato with pickled mustard seeds and dill. This surprisingly elegant spot makes the perfect backdrop for date night. Vitals: Atmosphere: This chic restaurant is ideal for a spendy date night or drinks with friends if you’re looking to impress. What to eat: We’re fans of the pizza and veggies; the yogurt and seasonal fruit makes for a gorgeously refreshing dessert. What to drink: Cocktails are light and fun, but the servers are happy to point you in the right direction if wine is more your speed. Where to sit: We loved those cozy booths at the bar—a no-brainer for couples who love watching bartenders in action.

Every Chicagoan has a favorite deep-dish pizza—and will defend that choice until the bitter end. If you’re still searching for yours, consider Burt’s Place in Morton Grove, Illinois. After closing nearly two years ago, the iconic pizza parlor reopened earlier this year, much to the delight of its longtime fans. Burt’s still takes phone orders ahead of time (highly recommended), but it has done a gut rehab of the building, adding a bar with several draft taps. Of course, you can also take your chances as a walk-in, but be prepared to wait. From the city, a relatively quick Metra ride will get you there in a jiffy, making Burt’s a must on any pizza lover’s deep-dish checklist. Vitals: Atmosphere: A little done up from the old Burt’s Place, this spot boasts a small bar and tchotchkes galore. What to eat: The pizza, duh. Fill it however you’d like, though no one has ever gone wrong with sausage, mushroom and veggies. What to drink: There’s a small selection of rotating beers (think your run-of-the-mill Half Acre and Revolution pours), but IPA pairs nicely with pizza. Where to sit: We snagged seats at the small bar, but there are booths for larger parties. You won’t have much of a choice in the matter, but there’s not a bad seat in the house.

The team behind Dusek’s and Saint Lou’s Assembly is here to make your lunch hour a little sweeter (and boozier). The bright, airy shop opens early with coffee and pastries for morning commuters before transitioning to sandwiches and adult beverages for the lunchtime crowd. Diners will find funky and classic sandwich options detailed on a roll of brown paper mounted to the wall, including a salmon po’ boy with creamy special sauce and pickles or a stacked Reuben on rye. For something extra, grab light sides (such as pickles and potato salad) from the fridge to compliment your sandwich. You can also spice up your lunch routine with a cocktail; we liked the Barracuda, a summery pineapple-heavy rum drink. Vitals: Atmosphere: Sunny, bright and perfect for lunch. What to eat: Pick your favorite sandwich and be sure to grab a pickle on the side.  What to drink: The Barracuda is rummy and sunny with a side of pineapple, but we also enjoyed the tall Michelada. Where to sit: You’ll have your pick of the litter at the Ruin Daily, but a sunny seat near the window will suit you well for lunch.

You’ll have to hike to Beverly to visit this spot, but it’s worth the journey. Wild Blossom Meadery is set inside a massive building with a gigantic taproom boasting tall ceilings, sunny windows, honey-themed decor and a large outdoor patio in the works. The tap list is long, but Wild Blossom has been producing mead for a long time and the bartenders are happy to point you in the right direction or fashion up a flight of samples. There’s no food here, so be careful with your consumption—mead packs a similar ABV to wine and can creep up on you if you're not careful.  Vitals:  Atmosphere: Airy and sunny with a back patio in the works—perfect for summer sipping. What to eat: There’s nothing to eat here, but you won’t go hungry in Beverly (Horse Thief Hollow and Top Notch Beefburgers, anyone?). What to drink: The bartenders are happy to point you in the right direction, but we’re big fans of the hibiscus mead and any other taproom-only selections. Where to sit: The bar is always our first choice, but there’s an array of high-tops that’ll do the trick too.

If Honey’s is the gold standard for upscale minimalism, its new upstairs speakeasy, the Hive, is the perfect picture of maximalism. The opium den-like space is filled to the brim with colorful velvet couches, cozy armchairs and ornate candlesticks. The bar itself is tiny and lined with four chairs from the ’70s, giving the spot a lived-in living room feel—if, of course, you had thousands of dollars to throw at vintage furniture. More enticing still is the intimate, one-on-one service. There’s no menu here; fix your gaze on the blackboard overhead for three cocktail options that rotate daily. Don’t fret if those drinks aren’t calling to you. Instead, opt for the “dealer’s choice,” which is tailored to fit your needs—just pick a spirit and let your bartender guide you to cocktail zen. Once your order is up, retreat to the cozy couches behind the bar and soak in the gorgeous space. (Pro tip: If you can, arrive promptly at 7pm, when the Hive opens, to have your pick of the couches and ample light to get the right ’gram.) While we’re still fawning over the Hive’s deep, leather tufted couch, it’s worth noting that the $12–$13 cocktails here aren’t revolutionary, and that’s not a bad thing. On our visit, we enjoyed twists on classics, like a gin gin with Rhine Hall pear brandy and a smooth paper plane with amaro. We stuck around for a few dealer’s choice cocktails as well, sipping a funky, pineapple-infused daiquiri and a negroni-esque number with rhubarb amaro. Unlike other West Lo