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City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago staff

Now that it’s officially Summertime Chi, tell us what’s on YOUR Summertime Chi bucket list! 

Who is trying to eat Rainbow Cone this summer? (Jacoby Cochran / City Cast Chicago)

Emily Mack

Two Chicagoland spots just landed on the 

New York Times’ list of the best restaurants

 in America. Honestly, I’m surprised there are just two. We Chicagoans know the city is full of excellent new places to try.

Just what Logan Square needed: an upscale coffee-shop-bar! I kid. But the martinis are pretty damn good. And if, like me, you can’t stomach the $18 price tag, there’s a “tini” version available for $12. TBD on a coffee review — the line was too long when I went to try one.

The second Picadilly Market opened recently at the courtyard on the corner of Clark and Fullerton. It’s essentially a boutique (sorry, “European-style”) grocery store with an all-day cafe and bar. Local vendors include Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Publican Quality Bread, and Katherine Anne Confections.

 Bartender Andrew gave me a heavy pour of wine, and my friend enjoyed her spicy tuna sandwich.

From the team behind romantic French bistro Le Bouchon comes a very different kind of restaurant. This one serves rotisserie chicken on paper plates. And it’s working — lines stretch down Western Avenue. (It arrives in the original Taqueria Chingon space.)

This new spot by Bunoa is minimal in name and concept. The pop-up, walk-up window on Division Street serves, yup, Italian beef. (Okay, there’s also vegan beef, milkshakes, and chips. But still. Pretty sparse.)

Thai restaurant Taan is also a wine bar. The cozy interior truly evokes both. However, you might not find your Thai go-tos on this menu — there’s no basil chicken or pad thai. And that’s the point. Owner Chanita Chayaluk says 

. For now, the menu is made up of small bites.

This new arcade, inside former Rock Bottom Brewery, has 61 racing simulators, plus food and signature cocktails. The drinks are by James Beard Award-winning chef/bartender Julia Momosé, of Kumiko fame.

I really like the food at another River North gaming spot, 

 — don’t write off downtown arcade grub!

I recently walked past Thai spot Tarra — in a burger costume — but I haven’t gotten to visit yet. Luckily, a little birdie (aka the Hungry Hound’s daughter) told me just what to order when I do: crab curry, grilled chicken thighs, and fried shrimp cake.

Other new spots to dine 😋

Seven recently opened bars and Restaurants in Chicago

New Restaurants and Bars in Chicago

7 New Spots to Dine and Drink

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Over the weekend, Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

 previously teased his announcement with 

. He also talked about the wins of his progressive administration. However, his campaign launch comes 

, Illinois State Comptroller and former Chicago City Clerk, is using social media to amplify (

) her image. A centrist Democrat, Mendoza is pro-police and says Chicago is facing 

, Illinois Secretary of State, is generally considered to have improved office (and line) conditions … but in 2010, 

the collapse of his family's bank cost him the U.S. Senate election

. Giannoulias lost to Republican Mark Kirk.

, Cook County Treasurer, has served in that position since 1998 — though you may know her for her flamboyant clothes and damning property tax reports. She has 

. She’s also running to retain her seat in November.

, U.S. Representative (5th), is simultaneously running for reelection and mayor. He’s represented much of the Northwest Side in Congress since 2009. Recently, he

, Cook County Board of Review commissioner, and former 12th Ward alder, launched his campaign with a message that seemed relatively moderate — 

, former Chicago Housing Authority board chair, is an 

. Previously, Johnson attempted to remove Brewer as CHA board chair.

, a National Guard veteran and a nonprofit founder

, a real estate developer and progressive focused on tax reform

, the millionaire businessman running for the fourth time

, a cardiologist and public policy advisor

, an entrepreneur, former teacher, and wealth management firm CEO

, a businessman, lobbyist, and consulting firm CEO

, a traffic signal repairperson with the Chicago Department of Transportation

, a pro-Trump Republican and co-founder of Chicago Flips Red

Now remember: The field is almost certain to narrow after the Oct. 26 filing deadline, as petition challenges are likely to follow. The process of 

getting — then proving — signatures can be thorny

After that, remaining candidates will campaign until the citywide election Feb. 23 … not to be confused with the 

, during which Chicago will vote on its first-ever fully elected school board 👀

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

Candidates Running For Mayor in Chicago

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous City Cast Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

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

Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Kayleigh Padar

Stepping into Sheep Cult Comics, you’re surrounded by whimsical, winding caverns of cloud-like shelves, presided over by sculpted sheep heads.

Co-owners Emma Akins and Trevor Hormel opened the shop this year because they wanted to create a space where local artists of all experience levels can sell their work and receive a fair cut of the profits. They 

“I feel like our biggest accomplishments are the times a 13-year-old kid comes in with a zine they made,” Hormel said. “You can get some really unique stuff from people who might be considered outsiders. It’s exciting to see people get to create something and put it out into the world for the first time.”

Hormel designed and crafted free-form sculptures for the store’s displays based on drawings that Akins made. He used wooden shelves as a skeleton, then constructed frames around them with chicken wire, burlap, and concrete.

“I grew up going to a lot of roadside attractions because my dad loved them,” Hormel said. “So, I really wanted to create something like that, where it doesn’t necessarily look good, and it just looks like someone built something.”

Akins and Hormel said they’re stocking “anything you wouldn’t find in the Barnes and Noble across the street.”

low-budget DIY zines printed off home computers

$30 one-of-a-kind hand-risographed art anthologies

, Sheep Cult Comics sells all kinds of printed works with a focus on autobiographical stories, photo zines, poetry, and comics.

“What I love about comics is that we artists have gotten really good at portraying an emotion in just one panel,” Akins said. “It gives you a moment in time where you can just be with the character in whatever they’re feeling, and I think that makes us feel less alone.”

Sheep Cult Comics also regularly hosts makers’ markets, comedy shows, and 

Sheep Cult Comics Celebrates Local Chicago Comic Artists

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board game. Most of these stores also host regular events where you can meet fellow nerds 🤓

 (duh), you’ll find AlleyCat Comics at 5304 N. Clark St. It’s full of graphic novels and trinkets featuring all your favorite characters. Head to the back of the store to dig through 

⛱️ Catch them during the last few weeks of summer if you want to read your new comic on their back patio!

comic book shop and board game store had a baby

, it’d look like Goblin Market at 2868 N. Lincoln Ave. On the store’s first floor, you’ll find a curated selection of graphic novels and comics, plus an extensive section of supplies for roleplaying games, like Dungeons & Dragons. The basement is home to board games and stationery from local artists.

🏳️‍🌈 On the second Friday of every month, Goblin Market hosts a 

. Visit the shop tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. to meet new people who love all things comics, sci-fi, and games.

Dark Tower Comics (Lincoln Square and Logan Square)

Dark Tower Comics at 4835 N. Western Ave. and 2641 N. Kedzie Ave. offers hundreds of new comics and thousands of trade-ins, plus 

. The Logan Square location has an extra room in the back where people regularly 

🎲 Every Saturday from 11 a.m -7 p.m., the Logan Square location hosts 

 where you can try out some of their games for free!

First Aid Comics (Little Italy and Hyde Park)

 at 1142 W. Taylor and 1617 E. 55th St. stocks a wide variety of comics and graphic novels from Marvel, D.C., and independent publishers. They also have trading cards, role-playing games, and board games!

👀 New releases are available every Wednesday. Check out their 

 to get a taste of what you’ll find in the shop.

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board game. Most of these stores also host regular events where you can meet fellow nerds

Some of the Best Comic Stores in Chicago

Your Guide To Chicago’s Comic Book Stores

Mayor Brandon Johnson told City Cast Chicago he’ll announce whether he’s running again Sept. 13. And that’s not all he said. We sat down with the mayor at City Hall for a candid conversation — 

Mayor Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions

, Johnson attributes part of the lingering deficit to progressive policies quashed by City Council last year — namely, his 

However, he doubled down on policies that passed like the social media amusement responsibility tax, which is, indeed, 

, though funds remain tied up in escrow due to legal trouble. They’re slated to go toward mental health care.

“I'm gonna continue to fight hard to protect the interest of working people,” he said, but acknowledged it will take cooperation from Springfield. “ There's only a few levers that I have absolute control over.”

On data centers and the forthcoming quantum campus:

, Johnson supports the ongoing construction of a quantum campus on Chicago’s Southeast Side. He emphasized the need to build in an area that has lacked development since the steel mills closed decades ago.

When asked, point blank, whether he’d want a quantum campus in 

 neighborhood, the mayor said, “What I want is development.” He added that it will also require work from state lawmakers to ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of residents.

Similarly, regarding data centers, Johnson said it will take multiple bodies of government to prevent them from growing in Chicago.

Recently, the Chicago Board of Education passed a budget that avoided layoffs proposed by Chicago Public Schools, as the district faces persistent shortfalls. Meanwhile, concerns over under-enrollment linger. If it were up to him, Johnson said school closures would be off the table. However, the mayor no longer has much power in that arena.

Chicago votes on its first-ever fully elected school board this November, a change which Johnson said he fully supports (though he 

Stay tuned for more on that front — and check out our 

🎧 Listen to our talk with the mayor

Mayor Brandon Johnson told City Cast Chicago he’ll announce whether he’s running again Sept. 13. And that’s not all he said. We sat down with the mayor at City Hall for a candid conversation — full of YOUR questions.


A conversation with Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson Answers YOUR Tough Questions

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got options! For even more inspiration, check out our guide to the 

My biggest karaoke fear is searching up the song I’ve been planning to sing all week, and finding out the bar’s machine doesn’t have it. 

 at 1659 W. North Ave. will never let that happen! Their digital karaoke system can instantly download any song of your choice. Plus, it’s free to sing in front of the whole bar after 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

👯 Do you ever get stressed out singing alone? Louie’s Pub has a solution for that too. Their professional 

 will do your backup vocals upon request!

Green Light Korean Pub & Karaoke (West Ridge)

 at 2519 W. Peterson Ave. is my friends’ favorite place to host their birthday parties, in part due to their wide selection of soju. They offer private karaoke rooms, so you can spend the night putting on an exclusive show for your friends.

💵 You pay by the hour to reserve a room for up to 20 people. On Thursdays, they offer a 

 — small rooms (up to six people) are just $15 an hour and the largest rooms (up to 20 people) are $30 per hour!

If you can’t decide whether you want to jam out in a private room or delight a room of strangers with your beautiful voice, don’t worry! 

 at 610 W. 24th Pl. is the best of both worlds.

 is ready to help you create the perfect gathering, whether it’s for a corporate outing, a birthday party, or even a wedding reception. Their space can accommodate up to 200 people!

If you close your eyes and picture a karaoke bar, it probably looks something like 

 at 3556 W. Belmont Ave. It’s got the wood paneling of a classic Chicago dive bar, and it’s lit up with neon pink lights. Karaoke starts at 10 p.m., but make sure to put your song in early because it gets busy!

😴 If you love going to bed at a reasonable hour, Alice’s Lounge hosts a 

! The karaoke machine’s available from 7-10 pm and drink specials include a $10 Alice’s Sour cocktail and $4 beers.

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got options! For even more inspiration, check out our guide to the best karaoke bars in town.

City Cast Chicago's Guide to Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Karaoke is pretty serious business, and I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Karaoke Bars vs. Private Rooms vs. Neighborhood Bars

The karaoke ecosystem is vast, and it helps to know what kind of vibe you’re looking for.

If all your friends were in show choir, you’ll have a great time taking over a bar where you can sing to the entire room. But if your group leans shy, double-check to make sure there are private rooms so it’s easier to peer-pressure the wallflowers to pick up the mic.

For a more casual vibe, check out your local neighborhood bar. Here are a few spots that have karaoke nights throughout the week:

The best karaoke songs are short and sweet.

 Everybody knows the lyrics. They’re easy to sing along with. I’m so sorry, no one wants to hear you sing “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” for eight minutes. (Unless you have a private room, in which case, the night is yours!)

90% of karaoke is about being a good audience member!

 Bring the energy and get in the mindset to be your friends’ biggest hypeman.

 to prevent stage fright! If you know microphones make you flighty, have a song ready in your back pocket or lock down a duet with your most confident friend.

It’s super easy to get lost in the sauce in a private room. The servers don’t want to awkwardly stand there while you scream-sing Miley Cyrus’ "Wrecking Ball." (No matter what you’re going through.) Consider designating a few friends to 

manage drink orders and work together to gather empty glasses.

Karaoke is pretty serious business, and I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. 

City Cast's Guide to Karaoke

The Art of Karaoke

Tell us your goals, plans, and dreams for the summer.

What's on Your Summertime Chi Bucket List?

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

. Everyone has their go-tos, naturally, but consider hitting some potentially underrated spots this summer.

Solana, on the sixth-floor rooftop of the Robey hotel, technically has the only pool in Wicker Park. It’s not big, but hey, it’s a pool! And the frozen margaritas are solid.

Tucked away in quiet Edgebrook, Whealan is essentially the ultimate splash pad. There’s also a full pool with a slide.

Everyone knows the skyline is better from the South Side, and no beach has a more beautiful view than Rainbow. It’s also arguably the city’s most historic beach, the site of 

Somewhat surprisingly, this beach has a lot of shade! It’s the perfect place to stretch out for the day if you want to alternate between sand and water, reading … or splitting a six-pack.

While not exactly “hidden,” I don’t think all Chicagoans have experienced 

A biased pick, since I’ve been leaping off here my entire life. Bonus: The curve around the sanctuary is a simple meeting point that’s not (usually) too crowded.

Open seven days a week, this pierside restaurant features a different style of music and dancing 

Right along South Shore beach and near the South Shore Cultural Center, this six-acre-plus sanctuary includes dune, wetland, woodland, prairie — and more — types of habitat. Make a day of it!

 — but don’t forget you can also swim at the park’s manmade beach. It’s Chicago’s only inland beach.

Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.

Swimming Spots in Chicago

Hidden Gem Swimming Spots

Chicago is a hot dog town — with very few hot dog carts.

 is licensed to cook hot dogs on a city sidewalk. Within parks, just around nine hot dog carts are licensed citywide. Similar legislation prevents many food trucks from opening … It’s all a far cry from the open-air sausage-slinging that once defined 

But on this National Hot Dog Day, let’s celebrate the hot dog carts feeding Chicago my favorite food, despite the ketchup-colored tape. 

This stand continues the legacy of Kim and Carlo's, a staple during my adolescent trips to Museum Campus. After Kim and Carlo's closed in 2024, its longtime manager opened a Chicago-Style Hot Dog Store with the goal of keeping everything the same — though she’s added jalapeño cheddar franks.

Sonia was the star student of Hot Dog University 

. It’s no wonder why: She previously learned all about the trade at Kim and Carlo’s! Now a master of the craft, Sonia’s opened her own cart, which will remain in Palmisano Park through October.

The proprietors of this lovely parkside cart are, you guessed it, former colleagues of Kim and Carlo’s! Their Chicago dog includes sliced red onion, and multiple flavors of agua fresca are available. "Chicago style is Chicago style, but to stand out, you gotta do something different,” co-owner Lalo said.

Inspired by the neighborhood hot dog vendors of their youth, two cousins opened this Armour Square Park cart in 2019. They also offer food truck-style catering.

at hot dog stands, but Lincoln Dogs is literally run by one. Lincoln enrolled in Hot Dog University when he was just 13. Now 17, he runs a cart near the tennis courts in Oz Park. It’s usually open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and runs through Labor Day.

With a (seemingly rare) permit from the city to sell ready-made hot dogs, Austin’s Street Wieners operates weekend afternoons on Christiana and Diversey, March through October. It’s affordable, too: $4 hot dogs with many free dog days throughout the season.

Hot dog carts are rare in Chicago. Consider visiting one this National Hot Dog Day! 

Chicago's Best

What's on Your Summertime Chi Bucket List?

City Cast Chicago staff

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