A century-old holiday tradition came back to Chicago’s lakefront on Saturday, as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw delivered more than 1,200 Christmas trees to Navy Pier for families in need. Crowds gathered along the dock shortly after sunrise, bracing against the wind as the ship made its approach. Volunteers — some wrapped in scarves...
Organizers and vendors are voicing serious concerns after Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration began strictly enforcing sharply reduced capacity limits at the market. The change came without warning—officials say they were informed just 12 hours before opening day that attendance would be restricted far more tightly than expected. The shift is dramatic. While the market was...
Alinea, long considered Chicago’s most famous fine-dining destination, was knocked down from three Michelin stars to two last week — an unusual setback for a restaurant at that level. The news immediately prompted the same question across the culinary world: why now? Michelin offered no explanation. The guide never reveals details of its decision-making, keeping...
Chicago’s West Loop is no stranger to culinary ambition, but few restaurants have defined it quite like Smyth. This year, the acclaimed tasting menu destination has been named the fourth-best restaurant in North America by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants — and the highest-ranked in the entire Midwest. It’s a recognition that feels less like...
Chicago is known for many things — from its steep living costs and recognizable local accent to its notoriously harsh winters. But the cold season in the Windy City isn’t all bad news. In fact, a recent study from financial consulting firm WalletHub suggests Chicago may actually be one of the best places to visit...
A magician might guard his secrets, but the creators of a new downtown Chicago venue are lifting the veil on theirs. The historic McCormick Mansion, an 1880s architectural gem just west of the Magnificent Mile, is in the midst of a $50 million transformation that will turn it into The Hand & The Eye—an immersive...
Nine years. Same title. Endless reasons why.Chicago has once again been named the Best Big City in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler — marking an incredible nine-year winning streak that no other city can touch. More than 750,000 travelers cast their votes, celebrating Chicago’s perfect mix of architecture, culture, food, and...
Chicago’s dining scene just scored another major win on the continental stage. Two local favorites—Smyth and Kasama—have been named among the 50 Best Restaurants in North America, a brand-new list unveiled during a splashy ceremony in Las Vegas. At number four, Smyth continues to lead the city’s fine-dining scene. Run by chefs John and Karen...
Chicago’s hotel scene just earned a standing ovation from Michelin. In its newest list of top U.S. stays, the famed guide—known for its restaurant stars—handed out Michelin Keys to the country’s most exceptional hotels, and Chicago came out shining. Three of the city’s finest—The Langham Chicago, Pendry Chicago, and The Peninsula Chicago—each received two Michelin...
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s shaky grip on the City Council was exposed once more on Thursday, when his much-touted committee reshuffle collapsed in disarray. Hours of backroom negotiations yielded no results, and his reorganization plan never even made it to a vote. What was meant to be a display of leadership instead highlighted Johnson’s inability to...