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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)

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.

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

Chicago, Explained

Kayleigh Padar

Do you ever look around the city and think to yourself, “Someone should make a board game about this?” Well, for the past eight years, the independent artists behind the gift shop 

, Transit Tees’ teams of creators enjoy the challenge of capturing all the things that make Chicago unique through interactive activities.

“We always want to have an insider’s angle, like, ‘If you know you know,’ and if you live here, you get it,” said owner Tim Gillengerten. “There’s so much joy here. We love celebrating Chicago and expressing that experience in our products so people can connect with the city.”

” players race to strategically visit five El stations and return to The Loop before anyone else.

“We had a family tell us that they draw their five destinations, play the game, and then make a day out of physically going to each of those stops and exploring those neighborhoods,” Gillengerten said. “I love that they found a way to use the game to expand their knowledge about the city.”

It typically takes the Transit Tees team about a year to design a game, but they usually repurpose some of the art to create lines of related gifts and apparel.

“It’s been really fun for us to draw and design the games, and to strategize about creating the gameplay,” Gillengerten said. “When we made The El, I laid out a map of the CTA in the office. We all grabbed stuff from our desks, like a box of Tic Tacs and a razor, just started strategizing about how we could turn the concept into a game.”

” — a drinking card game named after the classic dive bar combo of a shot of Malort and Old Style chaser. It’s filled with trivia questions and challenges based on common city experiences.

 about their next board game project, “Dibs,” where players can build a parking empire by saving spots with junk from the garage.

From board games about the city’s history to puzzles of iconic maps to card decks featuring local wildlife, Transit Tees’ teams of creators enjoy the challenge of capturing all the things that make Chicago unique through interactive activities. 

A board game that's centered around Chicago

How Transit Tees Turns Chicago’s Quirks Into Board Games

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I’m pretty sure any kid who has to return to spending their days inside deserves a little treat.

From vintage toys to a workshop series for aspiring toy inventors, I’ve compiled a list of places that’ll help you spoil the kids in your life as they get back into the swing of sitting still and studying.

Why buy toys off a regular, boring shelf when you could make an afternoon out of grabbing them with a claw machine? Claw It at 2252 S. Canal St. has 

 filled with plush toys, collectibles, Pokémon cards, candies, and soda. They also host kids’ birthday parties!

🧸 If you win a handful of smaller plushies and toys, you can trade them in for a bigger prize. 

 at 2532 W. Fullerton Ave. has over 2,500 square feet of “Vintage, Toys, Arts & Farts,” making it one of the largest vintage toy shops in the city. They specialize in toys from the 80s and 90s, and regularly host group art shows themed around toys and pop culture. And if you’re in the market for fake poop, they’ve got that too!

🪀 If you have an old bin of Barbies or My Little Ponies or Star Wars action figures lying around, you can sell them at the shop! Just 

 of items they’re looking for before you go.

, which has locations all over the city, offers an extensive selection of toys organized neatly into themes, like “blast from the past,” “planes, trains, and automobiles,” “unicorns, rainbows, and sparkles,” and much more. If you send them your budget and a description of what the kid in your life is interested in, they’ll curate a pre-wrapped box of goodies.

 that’s perfect for commemorating the first day of classes.

 at 4749 N. Lincoln Ave. curates the store based on his passion for child development. This fall, they’re hosting 

 for the “Young Inventors Challenge,” where kids aged 6-15 can turn an idea into a real toy or game, build a prototype, and pitch it to the toy industry.

📚 For a back-to-school season sale, Timeless Toys is offering 15% off on all books through Aug. 28. On the last day of the sale, 

From vintage toys to a workshop series for aspiring toy inventors, Here's a list of places that’ll help you spoil the kids in your life as they get back into the swing of sitting still and studying. 

Some of the Best Toy Stores in Chicago

Your Guide to Chicago’s Toy Stores

Even now, my dad always texts me when he sees the school supply sections pop up in grocery stores. So, think of this roundup as me passing along the favor.

Whether you’re actually going back to school soon or you just love analog hobbies, these local shops will help you find all kinds of stationery goodies you didn’t even know you needed!

I know they’re viral on social media, and there’s always a line out the door, but I’m here to promise you that 

 at 5208 N. Clark St. is worth the hype. This queer-owned small business recently expanded into a bigger space, and it’s filled to the brim with journaling supplies and hard-to-find international brands.

🎨 The owners are working to launch Paper & Pencil Creative Studio in their former retail space at 1480 W. Berwyn Ave. They plan to offer meetups, open studio hours, pop-up markets, and creative workshops. Check out their 

Buying art supplies doesn’t have to be expensive. 

 at 1754 N. Kimball Ave. is like a thrift store for art supplies. Last year, they kept more than 50 tons of craft materials out of landfills and provided them to local creatives at more affordable prices.

🧵Overwhelmed by all the choices? Pick your favorite type of craft, and they’ll 

 at 2321 N. Milwaukee Ave. designs and prints a full line of their own greeting cards and gifts that are sold in 750 stores throughout the country. In addition to their original creations, you can find a wide variety of planners, journals, coloring books, notepads, and writing materials.

🌃 I’m a sucker for anything Chicago-themed, and they have an entire 

If you’re looking for tools that feel luxurious, this is the place to check out. 

 at 1463 N. Milwaukee Ave. has a very elevated vibe and aims to offer products that fit seamlessly into your daily rituals. They also have a second location in Lincoln Park at 810 W. Armitage Ave.

, this Japanese company offers quality home goods that’ll make your desk feel fancier.

Some of the Best Stationary Shops According to Us

Your Guide to Chicago’s Stationery Stores

Emily Mack

Chicago is hot AF right now — and so is the dining scene. These recent openings have caught our eye.

This moody, velvety cocktail lounge is indeed dramatic. It’s also a new favorite of our own Michelle Navarro. Michelle likes the Offline Crush, a fresh cucumber drink with mezcal. (Personally, I enjoyed the candied kiwi that comes atop the Disco Pen.)

Turn Back Time is equal parts coffee shop and record store, designed for customers to browse and talk while sipping. Underscoring those community aspirations, it 

The coffee comes from Four Letter Word in Logan Square, and the tea is by Rishi Tea & Botanicals.

The upscale steakhouse reopened in late July following water and fire damage. Can confirm: This is a great spot if you’re trying to ball out for a special occasion. (At P&P, I once had the petit filet with wild mushrooms and partook in my first-ever seafood tower.)

An Englewood native opened this spot recently inside of an old dilapidated church — and it’s already drawing big crowds. The 

(and the name, of course) all honor Black roots.

Here’s what we’re trying on Roots’ menu

, I’m excited to try this casual burger stand. But I’m waiting for a wild night. Bumper 2 Bumper is open till 2 a.m. on weekends and takes up a prime location near the California Blue Line.

5 New Spots to Dine and Drink

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Chicago. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Chicago Food & Drink

Food & Drink

“Everyone will always need to buy pens,” is the mantra that inspired Brendan Schmidt’s great-grandfather to open 

 in 1939. For decades, the family-run shop delivered office supplies in bulk to offices in the Loop.

“In years where business in the city was good, you’d see a ton of sales for black ink, and in years when it was bad, red pen sales skyrocketed,” said Brendan, who co-owns the store at 227 W. Lake St. with his brother Brian Schmidt.

When most Downtown offices shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the store was suddenly forced to change its business model. For the first time in the family business’ history, people actually 

So, Brendan and Brian shifted their focus toward selling fine writing instruments and stationery to individuals. 

“When I joined the team back in 2018, I thought my job was going to be selling paper and staplers, like Dunder Mifflin style,” Brendan said. “So, you can imagine I was thrilled when we made the decision to pivot, because the stuff we sell now is way more fun to be around than copy paper.”

If you’re new to stationery like Brendan was, his advice is: keep an open mind. It’s normal not to understand why anyone would buy a $20 (

) pen until you’ve used one yourself, he joked.

“We have people who’ve finally bought a nice fountain pen, and come back a week later, like ‘What did you guys do to me?’” Brendan laughed. “Before you know it, they’ve got a ton of pens, and some stickers, and that collection grows.”

Over the past six years, the shop has grown rapidly because journaling as a hobby has grown in popularity. Many of Atlas’ regular customers buy supplies for “

,” a messy mix of scrapbooking and notetaking.

Whether you’re working with the finest materials or some random hotel pens from your junk drawer, the point of journaling is to set aside some time for yourself to slow down, Brendan said.

“Journaling is a form of art and creativity on its own,” Brendan said. “We don’t always have to rush and jot down a note and move on. We can enjoy the process. The best thing is that there’s no rhyme or reason to any of it. I know people who have a journal ecosystem, with three different notebooks that each have their own theme. You can really do anything you want.”

For decades, the family-run shop delivered office supplies in bulk to offices in the Loop.

Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades

Family-Run Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades

Even though my dog prefers to eat at home, I’ve compiled some outdoor patio spots that I think your dogs would love. I’ve included one spot that is dog friendly-ish, and one spot that is totally dog-free, just in case you want a night off!

If you’d like some more options, check out Block Club Chicago’s 

. They even have a checkbox that indicates if the spot is dog-friendly!

 at 3509 W. Fullerton Ave. boasts a 6,000-square-foot beer garden with plenty of tables, lawn games, and firepits. When your pup’s ready for dessert, offer them the

 made with yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter.

🥂Does your dog like brunch? Try Park & Field’s 

, and taste-test a selection of over 70 beers, cocktails, and spiked slushies.

After your dog dips their paws in the water at Montrose Dog Beach, head over to 

at 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr. for a quick refresh! While you enjoy a salad or fish & chips, your furry friend can order a chicken breast, hamburger patty, or cup of whipped cream.

 even includes craft beer. It’s non-alcoholic, of course, and comes in two flavors: beefy brown ale or chicken porter.

Okay, this is the part of the list where we’re slowly transitioning toward patios with fewer dogs. 

 at 1818 W. 99th St. found a way to make everyone happy. While dogs aren’t allowed on the patio itself, you can drop them off at the “Barking Lot”— a fully-fenced dog park where your dog can hang out while you grab a coffee.

🍋I LOVE when a coffee shop has homemade lemonade. Check out 

 which is freshly squeezed lemonade with strawberry and lavender syrups.

Even dog-parents need a night off once in a while. Take a break on this dog-free patio outside of 

 at 1711 N. Halsted St. This old-school Italian restaurant offers a quiet alcove that’s glowing with fairy lights, perfect for a peaceful summer night.

, which is a grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass filet served with vegetables, or 

, which features sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a cream sauce.

Want to enjoy patio weather, but hate leaving your pup at home? Check out our guide on the best dog-friendly patios in Chicago.

Dog-Friendly Patios in Chicago

Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Patios

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a 

. Since then, the venue has blended live music, performance art, and gallery spaces “for the good of art, entertainment, and events.”

“From the outside, people might think that we’re still a church with a practicing congregation, but once you go inside, you realize how unique it is,” said gallery director Vincent Uribe. “People are always blown away. It’s fun to see people come in and start to imagine all the things they can do with the space.”

,” features a stage that’s equipped to host shows of all kinds, from jazz ensembles to complex theatrical productions. Walk up a grand staircase to find “The Sanctuary,” a vintage room with 

vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows

 that’s suited for cabaret-style music productions, literary arts, comedy, and magic shows.

Nestled underneath the building, you’ll find “

,” which feature original stone walls, wood beams, and a dimly lit champagne bar.

 every season that are free and open to the public.

“We’re not a white-room gallery space, our space is multi-functional and every room is unique,” Uribe said. “We open all of the galleries at the same time so that you can have an adventure going upstairs and downstairs, and getting lost within the building itself while you discover the art and music.”

When booking artists and performers, Epiphany’s curators strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and foster a space where established artists can work alongside emerging artists.

“I notice people tend to be really excited for each other, and the community feels tight-knit,” Uribe said. “For me, what makes Chicago’s arts and music scene unique is how supportive the community is of one another.”

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a shuttered, historic church at 201 S. Ashland Ave. into Epiphany Center for the Arts. Since then, the venue has blended live music, performance art, and gallery spaces “for the good of art, entertainment, and events.”

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts

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.

I’m unsure what the nondescript white trailer across from 

 is called. But I know all I need: It serves an excellent (at times, lifesaving) beach dog.

You may need to haggle for all the Chicago fixings.

Okay, Relish is technically not a cart. But hey, it’s a seasonal shack and, with locations in the Loop and Streeterville, made for lunchtime crunchtime. It’s pricey — $8 dogs — but what can you expect downtown?

Again, not technically a cart, but functionally … these glorious metal boxes have 

. Coupling streetside vendor aura with the reliability of fixed, year-round locations, this parking lot feast is always a win.

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

Hot Dog Carts in Chicago

The Hot Dog Cart-icle

Back in April, I said every month feels like poetry month in Chicago. I feel the same way about Pride — this city stays bursting with queer energy. But, in honor of 

 Pride month, here are some local LGBTQ+ poets worth checking out.

 and all-around hometown hero. She’s also a decorated poet, often mining her Beverly upbringing for her work.

 you don’t fit in / everybody in your neighborhood color of white hen

Woods’ friendship with another local queer poet, Fatimah Asghar, inspired the series “Brown Girls.” 

Rachel Mennies is a Chicago-based writer whose poems get at queer longing. Her collection 

 is full of epistolary poems, written to the woman the speaker loves.

 / through my coat, enough to pool desire / where I most wanted you to touch me.

Britteney Black Rose Kapri is — I can attest — a great (though tough) poetry teacher. She’s published two books of poetry, including 

, as in dwelling, as in crib, as in where your inhibitions go to rest.

Born in Colorado, Katana Smith is now based in Chicago and previously served as Northwestern University’s artist-in-residence. Her poems 

 are an excellent package: petty and moving.

Maybe I was the only friend who would talk to you about him … I would have talked to you about literally anything.

Oli Rodriguez is an artist and writer born in Chicago whose intersectional work explores the AIDS pandemic.

 tells the story of a “sondaughter” raised in gay bars — and recalls the cruising hotspot that was Belmont Harbor.


📖 Read more Chicago poetry!

These local queer poets are worth checking out — during Pride month and beyond.

Chicago's Best

What's on Your Summertime Chi Bucket List?

City Cast Chicago staff

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Chicago's Best

Hidden Gem Swimming Spots

The Hot Dog Cart-icle

5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know

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Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

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Family-Run Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades

Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Patios

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts