City Cast Chicago logo

A City Caster’s Father’s Day in Chicago

Posted on June 12, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

Lou Mitchell’s exterior

Lou Mitchell’s is my go-to diner with my dad. (Laura LaRose / Flickr)

Don’t have anything planned for Father’s Day Sunday? Neither did I until my editor assigned this article 😅 Here are some last-minute ways I’m celebrating the father figures in my life.

Dad

My dad and I usually go to Lou Mitchell’s in West Loop for the holiday, munching on doughnut holes while we answer trivia. But we’re switching it up and kayaking at Bubbly Creek! City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran’s enthusiasm for kayaking is contagious.

City Cast

Your Guide to June in Chicago

00:00:00

Grandpas

My maternal grandpa is happiest at home in the northwest suburbs, so I’ll bring him treats from the city: paczki to celebrate his Polish heritage and plants to add to the garden he tends in my grandma’s memory.

City Cast

How to Find Chicago's Best Paczki

00:00:00

I’m collecting mementos for the next time I visit my paternal grandpa’s grave. I want to bring a print of Rosebud on Rush, his favorite Chicago restaurant, and this Chicago keychain to remind him where most of his grandkids have ended up.

A golf course in the west suburbs of Chicago

My cousin wants to golf all over Chicagoland, including at this course in Sugar Grove. (Jonathan Ferrey / LIV Golf via Getty)

Cousin

My cousin is a new father and golfer, which is why I am texting other relatives to see who wants to go in on a Park District golf membership for him. I’m also looking for golf clubs for a toddler, so his kid can join the fun!

see more:sports

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Chicago

Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 15

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor

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

A composite photo of three people. On the left is a man in glasses and a dark suit. In the middle is a man in a blue suit, on the right is a woman wearing blue feathers and with white hair
Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 11

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

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

A large brick building with glass roof and intricate metal on the corners
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Sheep Cult Comics Celebrates Local Chicago Comic Artists

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

A large entrance in a store in the shape of a sheep. There are books along both sides of it
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Your Guide To Chicago’s Comic Book Stores

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board gam...

Comics on display in what looks to be a multicolored customized bookshelf
Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 8

Mayor Brandon Johnson Answers YOUR Tough Questions

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...

Two men sitting across from each other at a table looking at the camera. The man on the left has his arms crossed and is holding a piece of paper. The man on the right has a suit on and is showing a peace sign
Keep It LocalSeptember 3

Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got opti...

A woman singing into a mic. A man is holding up what looks to be a tv screen
Keep It LocalSeptember 3

The Art of Karaoke

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

A woman singing into a mic with her finger pointed up. There's a man behind her holding a screen
Neighborhood GuidesSeptember 1

Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago

A guide to things to do in Chicago in September 2026

Three excited men, The one in the left is in regular clothes and is smiling and clapping. The one in the middle is in a football jersey with a cheese grater hat. He is yelling and grating cheese. The one on the right is laughing and also wearing a cheese grater hat