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City Cast Chicago

Adrian González

It’s Black History Month, so we’re testing your knowledge of local Black history.

A souvenir from the annual Negro League All-Star Game. 

Kayleigh Padar

Seeing Chicago’s vibrant queer community come out in full force as the whole city launches into summertime always reminds me why I love living here.

I’m especially looking forward to the Pride Parade on Sunday. This year is particularly special because it falls on my birthday! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than putting some glitter on my face and soaking up thousands of people’s sheer joy.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite LGBTQ+ owned businesses that keep Chicago bright and colorful all year long. For even more recommendations, check out City Cast Chicago contributor Anna DeShawn’s 

Iced coffee, bagels, and tarot, oh my! This community-centered coffee shop has quickly become a staple in the neighborhood. I swear, every time I walk by, there’s a line out the door. It offers a wide range of pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options, and they create a new zodiac-themed drink every month. The cafe hosts a slew of community events, from crafting meetups to comedy shows to tarot readings.

Open since 1980, it’s one of the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores and a place that’s easy to get lost in. Its multiple rooms of winding shelves are home to an unparalleled collection of LGBTQ+ literature, plenty of fiction and poetry, and an extensive section on sale. This 

 shows how the bookstore has evolved in the last 45 years.

This vintage shop has been “making Bridgeport weirder since 2022,” with its wide selection of clothing, art, and everything in between. The owners remake, remix, and repair antiques to give new life to timeless treasures. New items drop in-store every week, and you can also buy 

On a quest to increase the dwindling number of lesbian bars throughout the country, one queer couple opened a neighborhood cocktail lounge “for every friend of Dorothy.” The subterranean, 70s-inspired speakeasy is known for its arts-focused events, including silent reading nights, open mics, movie nights, and more. It’s a little tricky to find the first time, but don’t let that deter you. Look for the unmarked red door on Chicago Avenue just west of the “2500” painted on the building.

LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Chicago

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Keep It Local with City Cast Chicago

 became the local chain of thrift stores we know today, it took shape as a series of garage sales created in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Howard Brown Health founded the organization because so many people were dying and leaving behind entire homes full of belongings. Many families refused to take their things due to the stigma surrounding the disease, so the LGBTQ+ clinic stepped in.

Brown Elephant moved into its first storefront in 1982, and is now located in Northalsted at 812 W. Belmont Ave. and Andersonville at 5404 N. Clark St.

“Our name comes from the Brown in Howard Brown Health, and at the time, AIDS was known as the elephant in the room, so that’s why we’re Brown Elephant,” said Northalsted store manager Matt Talaga-Roman.

Ever since then, Brown Elephant has sold donated furniture, clothing, and household decor to raise money for Howard Brown Health, which serves more than 40,000 people each year.

“There have been times throughout Howard Brown Health’s history when funding from the Brown Elephant was the reason the organization survived,” Talaga-Roman said.

In the past fiscal year, Brown Elephant has provided more than $100,000 in vouchers for clinic patients and young people experiencing homelessness who visit Broadway Youth Center. The vouchers are exchanged for items at the store.

“It’s our way of giving back directly to our local community,” Talaga-Roman said.

Plus, as a shopper, there’s a lot to love. Brown Elephant accepts and sorts more than one million pounds of donations, making it the perfect place to find an emergency dress or a housewarming gift.

New items are added to the stores every day. Both locations run a “Monday Mayhem” sale every week, when all clothing is 50% off.

All this to say, you can feel good when you pick up that new-to-you crystal dish you don’t really need.

Before Brown Elephant became the local chain of thrift stores we know today, it took shape as a series of garage sales created in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Brown Elephant’s Legacy of Giving Back

Emily Mack

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.

5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

Michelle Navarro

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is happening today through July 19 across North America. It starts today at 2 p.m. when Mexico and South Africa play, and South Korea and Czechia play at 9 p.m. Even though Chicago isn’t a host city, there are plenty of sports bars and watch parties to experience the World Cup matches and energy.

Chicago was seen as a prime location to host World Cup matches— we have the third-largest population, a travel hub, and the historic Soldier Field. But

 then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel withdrew the city’s bid

 in 2018, his final year in office. Emanuel didn’t want the cost to fall on the city and taxpayers when it came to transportation, security, and safety. The last straw? There was a chance FIFA could request a dome built over Soldier Field at the city’s expense.

: Gov. JB Pritzker expressed a similar sentiment for why he didn’t want 

in West Loop, which will include a giant screen, a DJ, happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m., and patio vibes.

Latina Sweat Project World Cup Viewing Party

 in Pilsen with a live DJ, soccer-themed face paintings, cotton candy, popcorn, and aguas frescas.

 in Logan Square is opening earlier for the match. Their full burger and beer menu will be available.

are playing matches in Spanish using live cinematic audio and video.

I’m rooting for Mexico 🇲🇽! Reply to this email and tell us where you’re watching and who you're rooting for.

Chicago has plenty of spots to catch World Cup matches.

Where to World Cup in Chicago

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

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Wicker Park is a full-on bagel battlefield right now. Call Your Mother, a Montreal-style bagel chain from Washington, D.C., just moved into the former Dimo’s space. Nearby, a locally owned bagel shop is not having it.

Bro Bagel owner Bill Jacobs (who also owns Piece Pizza) slammed CYM’s private equity backing in 

The post, which garnered thousands of likes, sparked a larger conversation about 

corporate versus independent businesses in Wicker Park

. Both chains and small business ebb and flow in the pricey area that was 

But let’s be honest, we really just want to know which bagel tastes better.

Around 8 a.m., Bro Bagel was empty save for a couple coffee runs — I could see why Jacobs might feel fired up. Manager Rosa seemed equally passionate and offered me all her recs as I ordered an Atomic Bagel Sandwich, plus a toasted sesame bagel with butter.

The sesame was fine, not seedy enough for me. I merely nibbled it to save room for the Atomic Bagel, which features delicious, fiery-hot sausage 

 and bland. The bagel was nicely chewy but a tad salty. I didn’t care. I savored every bite of the hot links, subtly enhanced by melted pepperjack.

With ample colorful seating, Call Your Mother feels nothing like counter-only Bro Bagel. “It’s giving millennial ice cream shop,” my buddy RJ remarked. 

People seemed into it. A line formed quickly behind me as I placed my order: one Bacon Sun City, plus my control, a toasted sesame bagel with butter.

The sandwich tasted like something from a solid New York City bodega. The everything bagel was deeply toasted; the American-cheddar blend, gooey and rich; the bacon was strong yet crunchy. The eggs, too, undoubtedly beat Bro Bagel’s, folded neatly and sunshine yellow. But unless you like a fruity kick, I’d skip the hot honey.

The sesame bagel, meanwhile, was seedier than Bro Bagel’s but totally under-toasted. And the house strawberry jam tasted more like fruit punch. 

As for whether I’ll return … not for what I ordered. It simply wasn’t unique enough. (Although a tuna melt bagel did catch my eye.)

We’ve documented Chicago’s bagel boom before — folks 

, it singlehandedly reintroduced bagels into my morning routines. (Yeah, yeah, I went to college in New York.)

TBH, El Bagelero’s chorizo El Machismo is the strongest breakfast sandwich in the area. But from Bodega Bay to Mindy’s Bakery to Helfeld’s Deli, there’s bagel competition around every corner — with and without private equity.

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

Bagel Battle in Wicker Park

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.

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.

 opened in Bronzeville in 2019. Now, a third location has come to Lakeview. The menu draws from the owner’s family’s 

, with dishes like Creole fish and honey-butter muffins.

. The latest spot, Black-owned Brûlée, offers a comfort food take. Think fried-lobster-tail-sweet-potato waffles. And don’t worry if you sleep in — Brulee is open till 4 p.m. Non-breakfast highlights include a brisket grilled cheese.

Once the “it” cookie of New York City, Levain expanded to the West Loop in 2022, then River North. Now, there’s a third Chicago location in Lincoln Park. In addition to famously gooey chocolate chip cookies, the chain began offering savory sandwiches and flatbread this fall.

After 15 years in Chicago kitchens, Ecuadorian brothers Enrique and Luis Calderon opened their own, Savanna, in 2018. Now, it’s expanded to four locations. The newest is in North Center on Western Avenue. All serve brunch — working at the former (beloved) Ina’s Restaurant, Enrique earned the nickname 

, New York slices are great on the go. (Sorry, it’s true!) That’s exactly what Chomp Pizza is serving, straight out of a window inside the 18th Street Pink Line ‘L’ station. Portability aside, I hear it’s pretty damn good.

It’s hot pot weather. (Honestly, I’ll take anything hot at this point.) And Tasty Pot, a new Taiwanese spot in Chinatown, makes it extra accessible by focusing on 

 and Canada, but this location on Jefferson Street marks Illinois’ first.

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

The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center opens Juneteenth — a day with plenty 

events across Chicago. And that’s all in addition to Pride, the end of the school year … and more. This month is PACKED.

As we jump into June, here’s your official guide to keep everything straight.

 is June 20 and 21 in Northalsted, headlined by Durand Bernarr on Saturday and G Flip on Sunday.

Finally, the big parade is June 28. It starts at 11 a.m. on Sheridan and Broadway and ends on Diversey. 

Chicago Public Schools are out Thursday! By now, the kids in your life probably have their summers scheduled, but the parks are full of 

 (for free). Meanwhile, we’ll be keeping our eye on the 

upcoming school board elections and the district’s major budget concerns

The birthplace of Juneteenth is Galveston, Texas, but the holiday has plenty of 

. Celebrate Black Chicago throughout that week:

 | DuSable Black History Museum | Washington Park

Boxing Out Negativity Juneteenth Celebration

Multiple events through the National A Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

, across 19 acres of Jackson Park, opens officially to the public June 19. Museum slots for the weekend are full, but there’s availability on 

 for free activities and performances on the campus. Register ASAP!

As you all know, summer in Chicago is fest season. They’re really ramping up this June — but don’t forget to 

 all month long for additional street (and non-street) parties.

 | Lincoln Avenue between Irving and Berteau | North Center

 | American Writers Museum and Harold Washington Library | Loop | Free

 | Clark Street between Foster and Gregory | Andersonville

 | Randolph Street between Peoria and Racine | West Loop

The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center opens Juneteenth — a day with plenty more events across Chicago. And that’s all in addition to Pride, the end of the school year … and more. This month is PACKED.

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