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Why Chicago Libraries Got It All. Plus, Are The Bears Still Ours?

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Chicago, ExplainedJune 5Two posters on a building. One reads "This could be a grocery store! Housing! A Cafe!" The other reads "Imminent Domain, Imminent Decay"

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Food & DrinkJune 4Emmi Mack holding half a bagel to the camera while putting the other half in her mouth

Bagel Battle in Wicker Park

In Wicker, Bro Bagel's owner is taking on Call Your Mother. But which bagel is best?

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Food & DrinkMay 13A dining area lined with tables and chairs. There is a lot of natural light illuminating the area

Chicago’s Indoor/Outdoor Bars

Here are some of our favorite bars that offer outdoor patios to grab a drink.

Food & DrinkMay 12A hot dog with a pile of caramelized onions and a pepper on top. On the side there's a bag of fries

Jim’s and the History of the Maxwell Street Polish

After nearly 90 years in the Maxwell Street Area, Jim’s Original is moving to Pilsen. The stand popularized the Maxwell Street Polish.

Neighborhood GuidesMay 4Two people posing for a photo at their booth. There is a sign that says "eggs for sale" and an assortment of flowers, and fruit at the stand

Your Guide to May 2026

May kicked off with a May Day jolt, and I expect the energy will stay high.

Chicago, ExplainedApril 28An aerial shot of chicago's bridges during the day time

Chicago Bridges Quiz

Think you know Chicago bridges? Test your knowledge!

Chicago's BestApril 28A dark bar with a backlight on the bottles. The TVs read "dB" on them

Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin

Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.

Chicago's BestApril 24A self with memorabilia at the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic?

Neighborhood GuidesApril 23A white building with pillars, on the street there are cars parked in front of it

Where to Read in Chicago

It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...

Chicago, ExplainedApril 22Emmi Mack at Lincolnwood mall

The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center

Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.

Neighborhood GuidesApril 20Three people standing in a room. In the back is art work. There are 4 paintings across, and 3 paintings down

Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries

It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most...