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City Cast Chicago

The latest on the hottest places to eat, drink, socialize, and talk about in Chicago.

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.

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. 

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.

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.


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.

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

Emily Mack

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

I went to Schuba’s on Saturday for a final pint of Schlitz — they were long out. As soon as news broke that 

, patrons flocked to bars associated with the classic beer.

“People were stealing the Schlitz glasses!” my bartender Michaela told me. I get the hype. Not only is Schlitz cheap, it’s embedded in Chicago history.

: bars that, once upon a time, could only serve one kind of beer. In Chicago, it was usually Schlitz — you might recognize those sites by their iconic globes.

After the Great Chicago Fire, the Schlitz plant in Milwaukee sent down clean water. Soon, they were sending beer, too. The brewery’s first Illinois distributor opened in 1888 with the help of Charles Wacker — yes, 

. The famous businessman lent money to Louis Glunz to start up distribution and open 

 on Wells Street, which still stands today.

During World War II, Schlitz sent one-fifth of the cans they produced to soldiers. They came back with a taste for it, according to Louis Glunz Beer Inc. president Jerry Glunz. “For many of them, it was the first beer they tried.”

Glunz is the fourth generation of his family to distribute Schlitz across Chicagoland. Simon’s, Long Room, and Green Mill are among his beloved customers.

Schlitz is technically on hiatus — Pabst, which absorbed Schlitz in 1999, 

, Chicagoans are fighting for their fill. 

 recently held a Schlitz funeral. This Friday, there’s a final brew party up in Milwaukee.

, and glowing signs. “Schlitz is ingrained in us,” said Glunz.

For decades, my mom Chris worked for the distribution company. We even sang a special Schlitz song growing up that came right after “Happy Birthday”: “Birthdays come but once a year and when they come they bring Schlitz beer!”

I’ll think of it longingly next time I’m forced to drink PBR 🙄

Production of Schlitz beer has ceased. Here's how Chicagoans are paying homage to the cheap beer.

Chicago Says Goodbye to Schlitz

Michelle Navarro

The weather is warming up this weekend. For how long… who knows? But if you are as eager as I am and looking to take advantage, here are some of my favorite bars that offer outdoor patios to grab a drink.

This neighborhood cocktail bar has a beautiful half-enclosed patio bigger than your parents' backyard. The outdoor space lends itself perfectly for larger groups, while inside feels more intimate. Their menu offers two types of house cocktails — their “lo” picks for all-day sipping and “hi” picks for something a bit boozier. My favorites are their frozen Naked and Famous and the refreshing Cucumber Rickety — both on the stronger side.

On the corner of Grand and Damen, this cocktail bar came to West Town about a year ago and has become a local favorite. Their bar is dark, inviting, and spacious. It transitions into a proper patio with a fire pit at the back. Their $14 house cocktail names tell you exactly what to expect — my favorite is the Bright and Velvety. 

Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar

Bridgeport’s beloved Maria’s is a 30-year-old liquor store-slash-bar that offers two patio spaces — one directly behind the bar and another that it shares with 

, the Korean Polish street food restaurant. Kimski is celebrating 

 May 16 with different Chicago restaurant pop-ups and DJs. Did you know Maria’s and Kimski are a family affair? The brothers who run Kimski are Maria’s sons.

We might even call Maria’s a “slashie.”

Pilsen Yards has an open-air concept in the back with a half-enclosed patio and bar. It’s the perfect spot for a patio dinner. Their weekly specials, particularly their half-off Nayarit-style mussels on Wednesdays, are worth paying attention to. As a proud 60608 resident, I love their neighborhood nights when they offer neighbors a discount.

What’s your favorite patio in the city?

Here are some of our favorite bars that offer outdoor patios to grab a drink.

Chicago’s Indoor/Outdoor Bars

After nearly 90 years in the Maxwell Street area, 

. The stand popularized and very possibly invented the flea market’s famous street snack: a sausage smothered in grilled onions, mustard, and sport pepper.

, I always encourage them to try a Maxwell Street Polish too. It’s got heft. An addictive garlicky finish. The glistening peel shines like a beacon.

Maxwell Street Market was founded by Jewish immigrants in the late 1800s, but the Maxwell Street Polish as we know it today emerged around 1939. That’s when Jim’s Original opened in its first location on Maxwell and Halsted.

Founder and Macedonian immigrant, Jimmy Stefanovich is generally considered the inventor, according to 

 though nearby Express Grill maintains its own claim. On Harrison Street, there’s also the popular Original Maxwell Street.

My mom, Chris, who emigrated from Austria with her family in 1956, fondly remembers Maxwell Street’s open-air sausage stands, too. “The smell of grilled onions was so …” she trailed off, trying to think of the right word. “It made you hungry.”

, there was a griddle in the middle of the classroom, caramelizing onions. I couldn’t focus on anything else.

Jim’s Original stood at 911 W. Maxwell St. till 2001, through the decline and 

. What was once a mecca for street vendors, blues music, and, yes, encased meats, diminished greatly under Mayor Richard J. Daley’s 

In 1957, construction of the Dan Ryan Expressway cut Maxwell Street in half. The following decade, Daley championed the opening of the University of Illinois at Chicago nearby. In 1966, the city formally deemed Maxwell Street 

 opening a path for UIC to exercise eminent domain there.

UIC expansion pushed Jim’s Original onto Union Avenue in 2001. There, it maintained its legacy and found a hungry fanbase in the UIC community.

Now, UIC is forcing Jim’s Original to move again. The school owns the restaurant property and wants to develop. Back in 2021, landlord UIC also forced Jim’s Original to 

With the move, we lose one more Maxwell Street remnant on the Lower West Side. But with plans to increase the hours back to 24 in Pilsen, new memories surely await.

After nearly 90 years in the Maxwell Street Area, Jim’s Original is moving to Pilsen. The stand popularized the Maxwell Street Polish.

Jim’s and the History of the Maxwell Street Polish

, but the Nashville hot chicken trend is 

 across the city. In honor of Hot Chicken Day — 

 — here’s the story of the dish, plus where to find it.

, “hot chicken” is spiced with cayenne pepper, fried in lard, covered in more cayenne, and served on white bread with pickles.

The recipe has a pretty great origin story, according to Prince’s, 

Nashville’s original, Black-owned hot chicken joint

. In the 1930s, founder (and womanizer) Thornton Price spent a long, philandering night out, and his girlfriend was pissed. So she cooked him his favorite meal … with a 

“devilish amount of peppers and spices.”

, hot chicken remained a staple in Nashville’s Black neighborhoods. It became popular throughout Nashville more broadly in the early 2010s, in no small part due to 

 … call it hot chicken’s gentrification era.

In Chicago, the rise of hot chicken seemed to coincide with 

. Remember when Popeye's released a fried chicken sandwich so popular that 

 in 2019? That sandwich, along with other fast-food copycats, could be ordered regular or spicy.

Around the same time, smaller chains boasting Nashville hot chicken 

. While the trend may not be as buzzy as it once was, there are still plenty of local places to celebrate Hot Chicken Day.

 has locations in West Town, Portage Park, and Lincoln Park, in addition to several suburbs. 

TODAY THEIR NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH IS $5!

 has locations in Chatham, the Old Post Office and Sterling Food Hall in the Loop, and, 

, in Lakeview. I thought their Popeye’s Ain’t Sh!t had a nice, tangy heat, and my friend really enjoyed the buttermilk mac and cheese.

 in Bridgeport pulls from Chinese, as opposed to Nashville, tradition for a salt-and-pepper fried chicken sandwich

, in Bronzeville, Lakeview, and the Loop, hot honey chicken sandwich isn’t Nashville-style, but 

 in Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, and Oak Brook

, also halal, in Lincoln Park and several suburbs

, two locations are left in Logan Square and Lincoln Park, both with spicy options.

Chicago has plenty of its own famous sandwiches, but the Nashville hot chicken trend is still going strong across the city. 

Food & Drink

Feld Review: Don’t Listen to the Haters

New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago

Bagel Battle in Wicker Park

Latest articles

Chicago Says Goodbye to Schlitz

Chicago’s Indoor/Outdoor Bars

Jim’s and the History of the Maxwell Street Polish

Hot Chicken in Chicago

Beloved Breweries That Still Exist

A Literally Green Bar Crawl

Where You Can Still Find Pepper-and-Egg Sandwiches