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City Cast Chicago

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CTA riders at the State and Lake station in 2023. (

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune / Getty

Kayleigh Padar

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

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From a rehabilitated opera house to a theater with its own craft brewery, there’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of my favorite spots in town where you can check out acts ranging from the biggest names in music to your neighbor’s garage band.

Modeled after the Prague opera house, the original 

 finished construction in 1892 at 1807 S. Allport St. It was restored in 2013, and has since regained its reputation as a community gathering place. Stop by for a show, grab 

, or sit down at its in-house restaurant.

 and collects donations for the Pilsen Food Pantry. Attendees can experience live music and explore a market of local vendors.

 at 1035 N. Western Ave. has hosted musicians of all genres in a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. Personally, I spend most of my time here playing pinball in the lobby. I love that there’s a quieter alcove to hide away in whenever the music gets too loud.

a Lolla afterparty with indie acts After and (Chicago’s own!) Sunshy

 at 3520 S. Halsted St. is home to an indie music venue, craft brewery, and taproom. The owners live just a few blocks from the theater with their three kids. Look closely, and you’ll see signs that this 1,800+ capacity venue was once a movie theater over a century ago.

 that combines Latinx and Electronic music in an “immersive sensory journey.”

at 2011 W. North Ave. has been a cornerstone for live music in Wicker Park. The owner has worked to preserve the original features of the historic building, including an iconic chandelier that hangs above the dance floor. Originally built in the 1890s, the building once served as a brothel, bath house, and a wire room for gambling during the Prohibition era.

🏢 If you didn’t get enough of The Strokes at Lolla, check out the 

 featuring the band and their many rock influences, including Blondie, Talking Heads, Arctic Monkeys, and more.

There’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of our favorite spots in town.

City Cast's Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Michelle Navarro

Many cities can claim pizza or hot dogs as their specialty, but no one else can claim the Italian beef. That’s why I think it's funny that Chicago is only just now getting an Italian Beef Fest. 

The former Jeff Fest rebranded to focus on the simple yet delicious thinly sliced beef, dipped in gravy or 

of garlic, oregano, and other spice blends. You can add giardiniera, sweet peppers, and (arguably) cheese, all served on a white flour roll. To me, it’s perfect. And it certainly tastes better when someone isn’t in your ear saying they 

 about this for a while, but the truth is, I am the lone Italian beef lover on the City Cast team. Creative producer Emmi Mack is a hot dog expert — 

Jacoby Cochran took me to his favorite sandwich shop to try the sweet steak

. Both iconic, but I still think the beef takes it all.

Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites

,” Monica Eng and David Hammond point to three possible origin stories:

“the beef stand that launched the national sandwich of Chicago,”

 in Little Italy. At the end of World War I, Anthony Ferreri was at an Italian “peanut wedding” where they served a beef roast sliced by hand and made sandwiches out of it. He sliced the beef much thinner, cooked it in its juices, some secret spices, and the “Beef Sandwich” was born.

, the meat wholesaler, and to Lucca Bakery on South Western Avenue.

The third, less commercial origin story is that the idea came from working-class families at weddings, and so the glory belongs to them.

Before FX’s hit show “The Bear,” many non-Chicagoans had no idea what an Italian beef was. Now, out-of-towners, and probably locals alike, flock to Mr. Beef — the River North establishment “The Bear” is based on. Creator and showrunner Christopher Storer grew up in Park Ridge, where he would meet his childhood friend and later 

That’s my order. I grew up getting it at Nicky’s in Gage Park, and I don’t care if I get shamed for 

 once in a while! Here are a few other spots the internet loves:

Despite my love for Italian beef, I actually think the jibarito is the 

 Chicago sandwich. The Puerto Rican-Chicago fusion plantain steak sammy is usually up north, most popularly in Humboldt Park, but 

White Sox started to offer it in section 104

 this season, and the Cubs debuted them at Wrigley just last year. Please, keep the jibaritos coming to all parts of the city … Maybe next year, Jibarito Fest? 

We did rank our favorite Chicago sandwiches

 … but let’s not pit two beautiful meals against each other.

 None of these sandwiches would exist without immigrants' influence. 

Italian Beef Fest is coming up. Let's give the dish its due

Is the Italian Beef Chicago’s Most Original Sandwich? 

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

Two decades ago, The Recyclery at 7628 N. Paulina St. was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the Rogers Park shop has 

helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug,

" as program coordinator Tzippora Rhodes put it.

“It has expanded so much from an insular group of friends into lots of people who are motivated by our mission, love bikes, and love getting their hands greasy,” Rhodes said.

The nonprofit has refurbished more than 10,000 bikes that otherwise would’ve ended up in a landfill. You can also drop by the shop to borrow their tools and fix your own bike!

Through its Earn-A-Bike Program, the group has seen how putting bikes in people’s hands can make a powerful change in their lives. The Recyclery 

distributes 250 free bikes to the community each year

Whether it’s a teen who no longer has to ask their parents for rides or an adult who doesn’t have to rely on public transportation to get to work on time, bikes increase people’s autonomy and change people’s relationship with the city.

“It’s invigorating,” Rhodes said. “You’re outside among people. It changes your commute from a passive and often aggravating thing into a more energetic, joyful experience.”

The Recyclery offers bike repair and bike safety classes, so riders can feel more confident on the roads. It also partners with local schools to offer internships and is currently hosting 17 teen summer interns.

“I live really close to the shop, and it’s always been a bright light in the neighborhood,” said summer photography youth intern Denise Lee. “Whenever I’m here, there’s always someone who draws me into a conversation. I’ve learned a lot through the program, especially how to deal with anxiety around talking to people.”

Two decades ago, The Recyclery was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the shop has helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug," 

How The Recyclery Helps Chicagoans Catch the 'Bike Bug'

Repair and Refurbishment Help The Recyclery Spread the ‘Bike Bug’

From the lakefront to the 606 to the Major Taylor Trail to all the neighborhood bike lanes, Chicago’s a great place to 

. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

 It was founded by two women who wanted to create a supportive environment for women cyclists of all abilities. Their goal is to be the kindest, most approachable shop in the city.

💪 Training for a race? You don’t have to do it alone! BFF Bikes offers monthly triathlon

If you’re looking for the kinds of bikes professionals are riding during Chicago Grit, visit 

 at 2030 W. Hubbard St. The shop specializes in custom-designed and custom-built bicycles, high-quality replacement parts, and accessories.

, where you can learn anything from basic bike maintenance to professional bike building and repairs.

Working Bikes at 2434 S. Western Ave. is a 

 with tons of affordable refurbished bikes for sale. The nonprofit uses money raised in the shop to give away thousands of free bikes throughout the city and across the world.

🗑️ Since its inception in 1999, Working Bikes has saved more than 10,000 bikes from ending up in landfills every year.

 at 4710 N. Damen Ave. has helped riders repair their bikes and get back on the road. Even if you’re not in the market for a new ride, they encourage people to stop by and chat about cycling. (Can you tell these guys really like bikes?)

🔎 If you have no idea what kind of bike you want, Turin Bicycle’s in-house kinesiologist will 

do a full evaluation and recommend a style

 that best suits your body type and individual needs.

Not quite sure where to start? Check out this 

 that covers how to choose the perfect bike, offers maintenance tips, and provides even more recommendations.

Chicago’s a great place to navigate on two wheels. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

Bike shops in Chicago

Where To Buy A Bike In Chicago

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

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

Emily Mack

. 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

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

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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

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Riverside Plaza, aka the former Chicago Daily News building, is now an official city landmark. It’s Art Deco, 26 stories, and while it might not be super famous, it marked two historic firsts: the first local office building with a public plaza and the first built above train tracks.

Speaking of which, do you know your historic Chicago sites? Test your landmark knowledge.

Do you know your historic Chicago sites? Test your landmark knowledge.

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Federal and local law enforcement raided two massage businesses on the same street in Brighton Park last month. Two people were arrested and 

accused of running a prostitution operation out of a massage business front

The first raid took place after a worker approached a boy as he was passing the property. The second, down the street, occurred right next to Ald. Julia Ramirez's (12th) office.

, we speak with Ramirez on how these illicit businesses operate, how she and other officials are working to protect the women inside them, and why there seem to be so many in the area.

Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward

: In the Brighton Park raids, law enforcement found that women inside may have been forced to work. But human trafficking within illicit massage businesses isn’t unique to Chicago. An estimated 

9,000 illicit massage businesses operate in the country

, with many targeting undocumented immigrant women through deceptive recruitment, debt bondage, intimidation, and other manipulation tactics.

, it’s difficult to verify which are operating legally when just looking at a storefront. Often referred to as “massage parlors” or “massage spas,” these venues use the cover of legitimate bodywork and massage therapy to provide sexual acts to patrons.

 Ramirez says landlords need to be more diligent about who their commercial tenants are, what they intend to open, and whether they have the right licenses.

Last month, Chicago Police and the Department of Buildings also 

shut down an alleged brothel operating out of a home

 in Bridgeport. Ramirez says she and Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) have discussed the illicit massage parlors in their wards and suspect there are many across the city.

 There are, of course, legitimate massage businesses in Chicago, so how do we know when it's a front? Illicit massage parlors are often noticeably popular. Patrons may frequent them at all hours, including late at night.

 You can anonymously text tips to TXT2TIP; text the word CPD along with your tip to 274637; or text CPDTip to 738477, then utilize the response link. You can also submit anonymously online through the

Chicago's illicit massage businesses: how they operate and what to do if you see something suspicious.

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The latest in Chicago

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts

Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Is the Italian Beef Chicago’s Most Original Sandwich?

Repair and Refurbishment Help The Recyclery Spread the ‘Bike Bug’

Where To Buy A Bike In Chicago

Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels

Where to Find Summer Beach Reads

Hidden Gem Swimming Spots