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City Cast Chicago

Sidney Madden

llinois and the Midwest are really magical this time of year, with the leaves changing colors and beautiful sunsets. Here are some ways to take in the season:

Apples always taste a little sweeter when you pick your own, yeah? 

 was where I went growing up, but you don’t have to go all the way to the northern border. There are some 

 closer to the city.

You can also stay close to home for your yearly pumpkin picking. 

 in West Town brings the farm to you! Plus, axe throwing, a corn maze and food trucks!

Take in the scenic views along the Mighty Mississippi with an 

 that includes hot air balloons, wineries, hiking, and more from the Illinois tourism office.

City Cast's Carrie Shepherd at Edward's Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove. (Provided)

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.

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Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

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

Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.

 opened at 4105 N. Lincoln Ave. earlier this year

“Since there are so many bookstores in Chicago, we wanted to do something unique,” Jeff said. “It’s worked out really well for us because we get to stock the books that we want to read and focus on the genres that we’re most passionate about.”

Both of the genres feature familiar structures and are known for grabbing readers’ attention.

“They’re books that just keep rolling, you don’t really run into slow spots,” Amanda said. “There’s always something to look forward to, and you know that in the end, you’ll get a resolution in a thriller or you’ll get a happy ending with a romance.

Right now, the shop is full of books that take place during the summer, from beachfront mysteries to romantic road trips.

If you’re looking for a thriller, Jeff recommended 

, a twist-y thriller in which a woman travels to the remote island where her fiancé died in a tragic accident in order to uncover what happened to him.

If romance is more your style, Amanda suggested 

, which came out earlier this year and “had me giggling.” It follows a chronically ill woman who’s about to open a cannabis dispensary when she’s rudely interrupted by her next-door neighbor, a doctor with a lifelong vendetta against weed.

“I love that we specialize in two genres that are really meant to be an escape, they’re just meant to be fun to read,” Jeff said. “There’s no pressure to overthink, but you can still explore so many different topics.”

Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both. 

Partners In Crime Offers Mystery and Romance Novels

Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

We’re lucky to live in a city with nearly 100 independent bookstores, so I tried to focus on a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.

I hope this list will help you find inspiration for your next summer beach read, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

No matter where you’re sitting on the concrete beach, look around, and you’ll see a romance novel in someone’s hands. 

 at 2013 W Roscoe St. is the place to go if you want to find “tales of love and stories that feel like home.”

🌹 The Latina-owned bookstore aims to connect readers with romance novels, merch, and authors.

Are you the kind of person who’s always in the mood to learn something new? For about 30 years, 

 at 1727 E. 87th St. has specialized in Black history and books by African and diaspora authors.

🏛️ The genres range from mystery, esoteric, spiritual, new world order, health, fiction, and much more!

 at 1390 E. Hyde Park Blvd. is filled with books by authors of color and home to a variety of events, including open mics, author talks, book clubs, and trivia nights.

., Call & Response is hosting a book talk and signing with Shirlene Obuobi, author of “Die For Me,” a page-turning, paranormal romance that follows the only Black woman cardiologist at a local hospital and her love story with a mysterious younger man.

 specializes in literacy and resources for children from 6 months to 18 years old. Located at 119 E. 107th St., they aim to inspire young readers to engage with the magic of books and share their own stories through family events, writing workshops, book giveaways, and more.

📚 Since 2018, Burst Into Books has impacted more than 30,000 young readers and distributed over 60,000 free books.

Chicago has nearly 100 independent bookstores, so here are a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake. 

Bookstores to go to for this Summer

Where to Find Summer Beach Reads

It turns out that Chicago has A LOT of ice cream shops. You could spend each of July’s 22 remaining days trying out somewhere new. And honestly, I might.

I even found some vegan options, so there’s really no excuse to sit out of the month’s revelry.

This charming spot at 3739 W. Fullerton Ave. offers a variety of unique frozen treats. All of the ice cream at 

 is handcrafted, but it doesn’t stop there. From paletas and magonadas to smoothies and freshly squeezed juices, you’re sure to find something you like.

🍧 This summer, their five new flavors are: Piña Colada, Coco en Agua, Ferrero, Café de Olla, Pie de Limón, and Strawberry Cheesecake.

 at 8238 S. Racine in 2016 in honor of her grandparents, who ran a food and game room in the neighborhood throughout the 1980s.

Some of the shop’s most popular treats include: ice cream (duh), Italian ice, candies, and fresh chocolates. There’s also a second location in Brainerd at 1308 W. 95th St.

🐝 Did you know that the shop’s mascots, Grandpa Bee and Grandma Bee, represent the family business’ origin story?

Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream (Pullman)

 at 11033 S. Langley Ave. has brought the city homemade speciality flavors. Seriously, think of any flavor, and they’ve probably already turned it into an ice cream. From Rum Raisin to Sweet Potato Pie to Orange Dream Crush, all of the shop’s flavors share one key ingredient: happiness.

🍌Check out this summer’s special flavor, Original Banana Pudding. They say it “tastes better than the real thing!”

If you and milk don’t really get along, don’t worry! I’ve still found a way for you to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. Well, actually, it’s the owner of 

 at 608 W. 31st St. who deserves the credit.

She learned she’d developed an intolerance to milk while working in her family’s 50-year-old ice cream shop and wasn’t ready to give up her favorite dessert. Thus, Runaway Cow was born. All of the ice cream is made from an oat milk base, which gives it a creamy and rich flavor.

🍦Try a speciality sundae like the Fluffernutter, which is vanilla ice cream topped with marshmallow, peanut butter, nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Where to get ice cream in Chicago this Summer

City Cast's Guide To Chicago’s Ice Cream

Your Guide To Chicago’s Ice Cream

Emily Mack

Every month, we bring you news about the newest 

 … and this month, they’re all cafes!

The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe just opened downtown. It’s 8,000 square feet, two stories tall and, you guessed it, pink. Very pink. The space also features a speakeasy-style Bow Room, 

, matcha horchata, affogato, sandwiches, and more to McKinley Park. It’s located on 37th Street between Archer and Leavitt and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The sibling duo that runs Tawney initially 

 — then out of a car. Now, Tawney is back at its permanent space on Pope John Paul II Drive, following 

. Finally, there’s one in Logan Square, in the former Infuzed Cafe. And good news for night owls, it’s open till 10 p.m.

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Colectivo has been expanding across Chicago for years. The newest location opened yesterday in the Southport corridor, following delays and a 

Inside luxury furniture store Design Within Reach, California-based Canyon Coffee is operating a pop-up shop through July 26. It also features pastry from Logan Square’s popular 

As if there wasn’t enough to explore inside the Fine Arts Building, Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens there July 20, next to the former Artist’s Cafe storefront. It will serve food from West Loop bakery Good Ambler.

🍽️ More places to sip and dine!

Every month, we bring you the newest restaurant openings across Chicago. This month, they’re all cafes!

Seven new cafes in Chicago

7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes

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

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 in Ravenswood, I check to see if the giant pink inflatable bear is out on the roof. It turns out I’m not the only one.

“Teachers are always telling me that they’ve got all these kids coming into class and all they want to do is talk about the bear on my roof,” said owner Ted Pirpiris.

Well, I have some intel. They put the bear up on the roof when the wind speed is lower than 15 miles per hour.

And no, the crew of neighborhood teens who work there aren’t climbing onto the roof under the cover of night. Pirpiris confirmed they just flip a few switches in the back, and the bear inflates on its own.

Pirpiris opened the ice cream shop in 2022 in the strip mall his family has owned since 1968. He takes pride in the fact that thousands of kids will remember the shop as their childhood ice cream spot.

The store regularly partners with local elementary schools and sponsors youth sports leagues. Two years ago, Pirpiris even invited a group of about 40 preschoolers to come behind the counter and scoop their own ice cream.

“Seeing all the kids come in is always the best feeling,” Pirpiris said. “It was so funny watching them all pulling on and hanging off the soft serve handles trying to make their own cones.”

Every Teddy's treat comes with the shop's signature Teddy Graham on top. But don't sleep on the soft-serve: It's made with 10% butterfat instead of the 6% industry standard, and Pirpiris swears you can taste the difference.

The fun doesn’t stop in Ravenswood. This year, Teddy’s opened a second location in Lincolnwood at 3910 W. Touhy Ave.

“I love when we get the Greek music jamming at night and see people out on the patio dancing and just loving the vibe,” Pirpiris said. “It’s just a fun, family-friendly place to be.”

Why Kids Love Teddy’s Ice Cream and Its Giant Inflatable Bear

Jacoby Cochran

When “relationship-to-table” restaurant Feld opened in 2024, early reviews had me concerned. Beyond the $225-per-person price tag, early reviewers noted uninspired plating, inconsistent flavors, and under-salted dishes. One such Substack went viral, when the seasoned reviewer called it 

one of the worst fine dining experiences they had in 20 years

Two years, a Michelin star, and a glowing review from friend and Tribune food critic Louisa Chu later, and I was looking forward to finally trying the Ukrainian Village hotspot. Our group arrived at Feld Friday night, right before a massive thunderstorm moved through Chicago. From the moment we walked in, we were completely tucked away from the outside world: no windows to track the traffic, time, or thunder.

The space accommodates just 20 people seated around the prepping station in the middle of the room like a theater in the round. The leather-bound menus, assortment of stunning dishware, and dope music at a reasonable volume all worked well together to create a calm and relaxing environment.

Now to the most important part: the food. I was lulled in with a refreshing round of tea and an opportunity to peruse the drink menu without feeling rushed. Once the glasses were full, the show began.

I had honestly forgotten that Feld features a 30-course tasting menu, some of which included:

Halved cherries with an array of emulsion blends,

And a strawberry-stuffed mussel that stole the show.

The dishes ranged from simply plated to technical masterpieces. And the accompanying stories heightened the entire experience. Cheese from an award-winning farm in Wisconsin, lobster from a stubborn fishing boat in Maine, custom pottery from a Japanese artisan they stumbled upon during a separate farm visit. It sounds pretentious here, but in the moment, each of the seven or so chefs who visited our table throughout the night brought an individual style and energy that felt polished, intentional, and accessible.

I learned this is what “relationship-to-table” means in practice. The most unexpected highlight of the night was the pea flight: pea soup, grilled peas, chilled peas, pea tofu, and pea panna cotta. Sure, I know peas are in season. I go to the farmers market. But it was clear how much the staff appreciated, admired, and relied on their various providers and partners. The menu felt like a dance between the chefs, the vendors, and the available seasonal ingredients!

I absolutely loved 27 of the 30 courses I received. I’d love to tell you what dish to look forward to, but the menu changes weekly, if not daily.

Seeing owner/chef Jake Potashnick visit every table, serving, and even holding the umbrella for us as we exited the restaurant for our Uber was refreshing. I would suggest this restaurant to anyone on the fence: You will not regret the experience.

What it's like to eat at the restaurant Feld.

A review of Feld

Feld Review: Don’t Listen to the Haters

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

Chicago has no shortage of good bites around town. That’s why we’re highlighting the best new restaurants opening in the city.

, matcha horchata, affogato, sandwiches and more to McKinley Park. It’s located on 37th Street between Archer and Leavitt and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Following a soft opening, the ribbon-cutting for K and Jay’s is June 6. 

 recommend the salmon-cream cheese egg rolls, wings, catfish, and turkey chop. Stay tuned for official hours and note that it’s take-out only.


With its lush art deco interior, this cocktail lounge doesn’t exactly resemble an apothecary. However, the menu 

 divided into remedies, prescriptions, etc. My advice is skip the food but take your medicine: I enjoyed the cachaca-based Oi Lindo and Tuck Me In, a springy vodka drink.

 is open, resurrecting the name of the bar that stood there for 40-plus years. Now, it’s a large tavern restaurant with an upstairs steakhouse.

For about a year, I’ve passed this expansive Bucktown space and wondered when Origin would finally open. Well it’s here! The Afro-fusion restaurant offers red stew, jollof rice, red snapper, and more — I can’t wait to try. Also (very) exciting: 

Portage Park is becoming a food destination, and three new spots are adding to the hype:

 and stay sharp: hours vary and food sells out!

 operates inside of Emerald Isle with a big mission: “to ruin all other burgers for people.” I admire the confidence.

is a Colombian restaurant specializing in ajiaco, arepas, empanadas, patacones, and fresh juices. 

At the new Labriola, I was delighted by the candied-orange cannoli and crunchy thin-crust pizza (though deep dish and 

 are also available). Pizza Lobo, meanwhile, has opened just around the corner. Both spots are third locations for the local chains.

 is now open in Lakeview. It recently ranked among the 

 gained a fast following in Portage Park. Now, it’s expanded to Bronzeville, on the 

. Fusion highlights include a lamb cheesesteak torta and chicken pastor tacos.

.: “Delicious, fresh-made halal food on the Northwest Side. Best biscuit in the city to boot.”


Like its former location inside the Emily Hotel, Bad Butter’s new standalone spot in Bucktown is 

. I tried to skip all that by going on my lunch hour, but alas! This bakery is only open till 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Good luck!

From the owners of lesbian hotspot Dorothy comes Fathom, which aims to be a queer neighborhood dive. According to the 

, there are just 36 — yup, you read that right — lesbian bars nationwide. “ So when we see a place like Fathom coming to life in our city, it’s something we ought to celebrate,” 

says City Cast Chicago contributor Anna DeShawn

Replacing Golden Teardrops, a limited-hours bar under Lonesome Rose, Culebra is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The Puerto Rican and Caribbean cocktail bar maintains the speakeasy atmosphere — and adds 

. Opening night was packed, but I managed to snag two delicious daiquiris.

Congrats to 28-year-old owner Diego Garcia-Gonzalez, who spent years bartending upstairs. A Logan Square legend!

You might recognize Schneider Deli as the picturesque, old-fashioned eatery attached to Ohio House Motel. Now, a second location has opened in Lincoln Park. The corned-beef reuben is excellent, though I didn't notice any giardinieragia kick when I visited opening week.

, this all-day cafe is open to all. It offers coffee, cocktails, and light bites, including a popular breakfast sandwich.


Indgō Mrktō is a new food hall and event space in Pilsen featuring four restaurant concepts: a coffee shop, a multicultural seafood spot, a street food bistro, and a late-night cocktail bar. They’re all by the same chef. And there’s a chilaquiles torta on premises 👀

Crying Tiger has been generating buzz since it opened in the fall — now there’s a swanky cocktail bar in the basement: Kitty’s. The addition marks another step in 

Unsurprisingly, the food at Chubby Skewers comes on a stick. From the folks behind Chubby Cattle, it’s another cook-it-yourself spot.

Oooh Wee! IT IS! Smothered Potatoes Breakfast Bar

Oooh Wee! IT IS!, a popular soul food restaurant that closed in 2024, has a soft reopening Saturday in a new Chatham location. Formerly located on 83rd Street, this new spot is in the old Reggio’s Pizza space on Cottage Grove Avenue. Although it has 

Award-winning bartender and Speed Rack champion Katie Renshaw has opened her own bar — and it’s buzzy. The interior literally glows. The menu, meanwhile, features send-ups of classic cocktails and elevated bar bites. (I’m actually checking Bar Bambi out tonight, so I’ll keep ya posted.)

I’m skeptical of dive bar overhauls (lookin’ at you, Small Bar) but Belmont Tavern seems truly laid back. That’s a feat considering I visited on a jam-packed Friday night. And while cutesy, 

the interior doesn’t feel overly curated.

 It’s naturally eclectic. Extra points for carrying bison grass vodka!

Hero’s sub shop was an institution, and seeing the shack sit empty since 2017 hurt my soul. Now, new life has sprung in the form of Retro Pizza. The take-out only shops serves square Roman slices of ‘za plus coffee. 

. But avoid visiting on school day afternoons or face the mobs of Lane kids — a Hero’s tradition.

Tune-Up, in a former auto body shop, doesn’t 

 live up to the name. Although drink names like Anti-Freeze and Brake Fluid are fun to order, the space, affixed with flittering disco balls and mirrors, leans away from its blue collar roots. However, Tune-Up is bound to turn up — it’s open till 5 a.m. on Saturday nights. Yes, 

Logan Collective is the neighborhood’s newest coffee shop with home-roasted beans and extremely reasonable prices. $3 for a drip coffee? Hell yeah! With a comfy couch and relaxed vibe, it’s also an excellent spot to write a daily newsletter from … On that note, shout out to barista Keillor!

The return of the $10 cocktail. That’s how Radicle, a new bar in Logan Square, is billing itself. And I have to say, it’s quite the hook. Radicle arrives in the former Daisies space — find that 

 a couple blocks away — but the focus really is 

. My favorite was the ESOO, with rye and balsamic olive oil.

Carmine’s, one of Chicago’s most old-school Italian restaurants, has reopened in its original Rush Street location after 

 If you missed the red sauce, you’ll be happy to know Carmine’s 

participating in Restaurant Week. (Pasta, plus an app, salad, and dessert 

If the pared-down name didn’t tip you off, 

 is serving classic brunch in, yep, Portage Park. Located near Milwaukee and Montrose, the opening marks another boost for 

. It comes from two chefs who met working at the popular 

Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos expands beyond in Pilsen

 has opened a location in Chinatown Square, marking its first expansion to the midwest. Naturally, this place is for shrimp lovers (

) but there are plenty of seafood and non-seafood options alike, ranging from shrimp broth noodles to prawn buns to chicken rice bowls.

Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.

Chicago's Best New Restaurants and Bars

New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

llinois and the Midwest are really magical this time of year, with the leaves changing colors and beautiful sunsets.