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City Cast Chicago

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Emily Mack

May kicked off with a jolt on Friday as Chicagoans turned out to celebrate May Day all across the city. I expect the energy will stay high all month long — a lot is going on!

, true Chicago farmers market season begins in May. Twelve seasonal markets start back up this month, stretching across the city from 95th Street to Uptown. 

Maxwell Street’s Sunday market returns May 17

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is AAPI Month. Here’s how Chicago is celebrating:

 | May 7 | Experimental Station | Woodlawn | Free

 | May 26 | Davis Theater | Lincoln Square

📆 Stay tuned all month long for more AAPI events!

catch “The Sun Never Sets” and director Joe Swanberg

 on May 17. Speakers include Padma Lakshmi, Peter Sagal, Mary Beard, John Waters (!!!), and Rep. Lauren Underwood (14th).

 have already returned to the side of Merchandise Mart. This month, the projection features works by current School of the Art Institute and Chicago Public Schools students. Catch it Thursday through Sunday evenings.

, all eyes are on the Chicago Sky. The Sky’s 

. Meanwhile, White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is riling fans up with his home-run hot streak. The team recently had its highest April attendance for a non-opener in 19 years. 

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, twice-weekly fireworks return to Navy Pier. Catch them Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. Chicago’s beaches open May 22. 

 returns to its original home in Lincoln Square. Grab a pint and get ready for warmer months ahead. Prost!

May kicked off with a May Day jolt, and I expect the energy will stay high.

City Cast Guide to May 2026

Your Guide to May 2026 

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

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an 

However, our recs on where to find and read books in Chicago are timeless.

City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is on a mission to hit all of Chicago’s public libraries before 

Chicago’s oldest public branch, Blackstone, looks like it could sit on Museum Campus. It's got impressive columns and a dome with 

The modern Chinatown and Northtown branches

Stretching across the building’s entire facade, Edgewater’s mural nicely frames the library sign. 

Murals at the Merlo, Greater Grand Crossing, Bessie Coleman, and Little Village branches.

Legler Regional is a big, busy branch, and the staff is attentive through all the hustle and bustle. Employees walked Jacoby through the library’s public art and food pantry.

Branch manager Valerie Carter of the Bessie Coleman Branch 💕

Da Book Joint boasts plenty of social events every month. This Saturday, cap off Indie Bookstore Day with 

Indie bookstores are undeniably romantic. Take the fantasy one step further at The Book Cellar with a glass of pinot noir. Their cafe (and patio!) is a longstanding Lincoln Square social hub.

Non-profit Open Books recently closed its Logan Square location (RIP), but Chicagoans can still score great deals in Pilsen and West Loop. The stores sell used books, plus like-new books at similarly cheap prices.

Secret World Books celebrates its two-year anniversary, I want to shout out Owner Gayle Brandeis, who has published nine books. I also know she’s a fabulous writing teacher — she was mine!

🚶🏼‍♀️ Best Stretch: Hyde Park to South Shore

 this Saturday. Each sounds fun, but we think their South Side crawl has it all, hitting 

It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicagoland.

However, our recs on where to find and read books in Chicago are timeless.

Where to Read in Chicago

City Cast Chicago staff

It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it 

the “most equity-centric” legal cannabis law in the country

. The idea was to center people who had been harmed by cannabis-related enforcement, especially Chicago’s Black and brown communities.

the rollout of social equity licenses has been rocky

. But you can support these Black-owned and employee-owned dispensaries to meet your 4/20 needs.

The state’s first-ever queer, Black, Latino-owned dispensary opened in 2024. Sway sources many of its products from Black- and women-owned businesses. You can join their rewards program, 

, for what they call “brownie points.” They are planning on opening in 

Grasshopper Club was Chicago’s first Black-owned dispensary. Founded by a South Side family, they later opened another site in South Loop, which is the dispensary I frequent the most. You can join their Cloud Club loyalty program for perks like member-only discounts and birthday benefits. Chat with “cannicierges” if you need some help looking for something in particular.

This Black-owned and social equity dispensary was inspired by a local market shopping experience. Founded by a group of women, the name celebrates the nation’s first state legalization of medical cannabis in 1996. Join the 

This 100% employee-owned dispensary was opened by a social equity cannabis license recipient. Spark’d opened a location in South Loop in 2024. Their locations in Richmond and Winthrop Harbor are also consumption lounges. They have plenty of events at both, like their Garden Party today at 

There are no consumption lounges where you can smoke flower in Chicago, yet. There are a few outside of city limits.

This majority Black-owned dispensary opened its doors in Bucktown in 2022 and its Logan Square location in 2024. Join their 

 for exclusive perks, like cash-back purchases, and a thank you Tuesday discount.

What’s your favorite Chicago dispensary?

It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most equity-centric” legal cannabis law in the country. The idea was to center people who had been harmed by cannabis-related enforcement, especially Chicago’s Black and brown communities. 

Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries

, my friends (and coworkers) laughed. Maybe it’s because Avondale feels a little tame. Maybe because the 20-somethings there look like Logan Square overflow. 

Time Out’s “cool” criteria covers culture, food and drink, community, livability, street life, nightlife, and “that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.” Ok, fair: Avondale’s culture is historically Polish and Mexican. That also means great food. There’s 

 are ongoing. Avondale is right off the Blue Line. 

 (between Diversey and Belmont) has vibrant, unique storefronts. 

As for “nowness,” two new buzzy bars did open last month: 

. And nightlife is the criteria I personally swear by, so you know I had to check them out.

On paper, Tune-Up fits the bill of cool. A bar in an old auto body shop? Let’s go. “Anti-freeze” cocktails? I’ll take two. The renovation misses the mark, though, favoring wood paneling over industrial edge. But hey, Tune-Up is open till 4 and 5 a.m. That 

Conveniently, Avondale is already home to one of the best! Alice’s Lounge, a beloved karaoke bar, has been around 

Rick Homuth already visited Belmont Tavern

 and lauded the eclectic addition to the neighborhood. It arrives next to the Belmont Blue Line, in the space of a former Polish dive bar that’s sat dormant for 25 years. Adjacent Logan Square has plenty of overhauled (aka fake) dive bars — like Small Bar and Quality Time, both owned by 

 — but Belmont Tavern felt distinct as soon as I walked in.

It still smelled like sawdust. The drinks were $12, 

. And it was freaking packed. Every time the door opened, a “Cheers” moment broke out as friends found one another. 

I feel like this might be a genuinely cool, laid-back new hang! Good job, Avondale! 

Other cool Avondale recs (as judged by me):

 — stay for pitchers of beer if you can’t get a lane

What do YOU think is Chicago’s coolest neighborhood?

We investigated Avondale ourselves, and think that Time Out might be onto something.

Is Chicago's Avondale really the world's fifth-coolest neighborhood?

Is Avondale Really That Cool?

Sidney Madden

Wonder where Black History Month originated? The Wabash YMCA in Bronzeville.

 had been a place for Black residents to temporarily stay after coming to Chicago during the Great Migration, getting education and job training. The surrounding neighborhood became densely populated at the same time. Dubbed the city’s “

,” a thriving cultural scene was born with prominent artists like poet Gwendolyn Brooks and author Richard Wright.

The Renaissance Collaborative, a social services group that has worked to restore and preserve the Wabash Y, shared spots to explore in the area.

 is an art gallery on 47th Street that centers Black and brown curators.”

, opened in 2008, is a Black-owned restaurant in the heart of Bronzeville on 39th Street and King Drive.”

 The Renaissance Collaborative is hosting 

“These Walls Don’t Talk — People Do” on Feb. 28

 at the historic Former Wabash Y. This free, open-house and storytelling event will explore the historic center’s legacy and invite everyone to contribute to the building’s living history with photos, documents, and audio or video interviews.

historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas’ Bronzeville tour

Check out this guide on what to see, eat, and do in this historic Chicago neighborhood.

Get to Know Bronzeville, Chicago

Get to Know Bronzeville

Western Avenue is the city’s longest continuous road, stretching from Howard to 119th Street. I’ve been exploring those 24+ miles, bopping around 

Today, I headed south — way south — to the bottom of Western Avenue. My stroll took me through West Morgan Park, Kennedy Park, and Beverly Woods, all along the dividing line of Morgan Park.

, possibly the cutest grocery store ever, full of countrified farm stands and stuffed chickens. I picked up a small bucket of fresh Chicago Mix popcorn — just $3 — and chowed down for the rest of my walk.

, but didn't have time to stop. I had to make it to the bottom of Western! Heading south, I passed 

 a dramatization of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night in Memphis. It runs from Jan. 15 to 18. Across the street, at 

, which provides uniforms to civil servants, seamstresses were hard at work.

 that stood on Western for 35 years. Then, finally, I got my hot dog. 

, near 115th Street, provided a solid hot dog in a pillow-soft bun, with fries, for $3.75. Can’t complain!

 — the gem of this trip and a time portal to another era. Current owner Jack Dreznes has worked there since returning from the army in 1975. Excitedly, he led me around the crowded shop, jam-packed with wooden crates full of vinyl. Dreznes says classic rock vinyls sell best — Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin — but 

. Rare photos and collages of Holly cover the back wall.

Dreznes, whose parents opened Beverly Records in 1965, remembers when the shop took up two storefronts and hosted karaoke sessions. He remembers raising his children in the neighborhood and his family’s old costume shop, down the road. He remembers bar crawls from 99th all the way to 119th, saying there used to be 40 or so bars on the West side of the street.

As I left, “That's Just the Way It Is” by Phil Collins played. Across the street, I saw people pulling up for lunch at 

. And when I squinted, just a bit further, I could almost make out the end of Western Avenue.

My stroll to the bottom of Western Avenue took me through West Morgan Park, Kennedy Park, and Beverly Woods.

Walk Around the Bottom of Western With Me!

A developer is eyeing Ford City Mall to build an industrial park. At a recent meeting, many neighbors agreed it should close with Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th) saying the Southwest Side is in 

The truth is, the mall is pretty much already dead. I say having recently visited — 

I grew up finding solace in the third spaces of malls all over Chicagoland, so I was excited to see what’s still kicking at Ford City Mall. Although the majority of the mall is empty, remaining stores include:

JC Penney. This is the only anchor store in Ford City Mall, and its lease ends early 2026.

 bought a comic-print suit, pictured below.

The Vault, though it was closed when I was there.

The Shop, which occupies two separate storefronts

Golden Design Jewelers, which took up three consecutive storefronts

Rainbow, a dependable destination for baddies nationwide

Two cell phone repair stores: Connect Cell and We Fix It

The cell phone trend was strong among the kiosks as well. The day I explored Ford City Mall, I counted five active kiosks: Always Cellular, Cell Phone Fix, iFix, Lyla, and Noor. The latter two sell jewelry.

Food, meanwhile, was limited. The food court was full of vacant stands. Two of them, Sweet Honey Tea and New Cajun Grill, appeared to be in business, but neither was open on a Monday afternoon. Auntie Anne’s was my only option. Luckily, their cinnamon bites hit the same way they did in eighth grade.

 isn’t attached to the mall, but the fully functioning megaplex is just across the parking lot.

Neighboring strip malls offer more stores and restaurants than you’ll find in the actual concrete mall — mainly chains. Old Navy and Marshall’s are technically considered part of the general Ford City Mall shopping center. A bit further, on LaCrosse Avenue, there’s a Kohl’s.

 is less than two miles away — walkable depending on your mood! (I’m always in the mood for Vito & Nick’s.)

At least these Chicagoland malls that still exist 🛍️

Once a haven for young mall rats, Ford City Mall may soon become an industrial park. But it's not gone yet.

What's Still Left at Ford City Mall in Chicago?

Wander Through Ford City Mall With Me

Western Avenue is the city’s longest continuous road, stretching from Howard to 119th Street — and even further in the burbs. I’m exploring those 24+ miles to offer different Western Avenue guides.

I bopped around Western and Armitage Avenue

Today, we’re zooming into the Tri-Taylor Historic District, starting on Western and Madison Street and scooting to Roosevelt Road.

The Blue Line to Western on the Forest Park Branch at 430 S. Western Ave. 

to be confused with the O’Hare Branch Western Blue Line.

Bus No. 49 on Western; No. 20 on Madison; or No. 12 on Roosevelt

This journey has a buzzy start: the office of former Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., just a few doors north of Madison. 

Burnett represented the 27th Ward for 30 years and recently stepped down. Mayor Brandon Johnson just tapped Burnett’s son, 

, to replace him. City Council must approve the pick. 

 become the next alder — and keeps dad’s office space — he’ll be right next to 

, which has been serving up diner classics for 

.) When I visited Wednesday, the counter was packed. Cooks were churning out delivery orders and singing along to R&B on the radio. My breakfast potatoes were perfectly done.

. There, I got a massive ground beef taco for $4 and feasted over the expressway at the lovely Claremont Park. On the way, I passed 

After a relaxing lunch in the shade, you might want to recharge at 

, a coffee shop full of cozy couches that doubles as an art gallery space. Eclectic paintings cover the exposed brick walls.

Just beyond Muse, we’ll allow ourselves to venture off Western for a few short blocks to the Vietnam Veterans Survivors Memorial on Oakley Boulevard.

I’d never heard of this memorial, which effectively functions as a quiet park. It was 

cobbled together by Chicago preservationist Bill Lavicka

 in 1987 to honor fellow, often struggling vets. Today, the tile lettering on the ground is half-rubbed away.

, its front window a classic collage of Chicago street food, and beyond that, 

Today, we’re zooming into the Tri-Taylor Historic District, starting on Madison Street and scooting to Roosevelt Road.

Scooter Another Mile Along Western With Me

Western Avenue is like the Nile of Chicago. The city’s longest continuous road stretches from the North Side boundary at Howard Street to 119th Street on the South Side. (It continues further in the burbs.)

Over the next few months, I’ll be exploring those 24+ miles and bringing you different Western Avenue guides. Today, we begin on Western and Armitage Avenue.

Today: Western between Armitage Avenue and Cortez Street (aka Margie’s to Empty Bottle).

We recommend ~10 things to do in that mile.

The Blue Line to Western on the O’Hare Branch at 1900 N. Western Ave.

to be confused with the Western Blue Line on the Forest Park Branch at 430 S. Western Ave.

Bus No. 49 on Western; No. 56 on Milwaukee; or No. 73 on Armitage Avenue

The start of this walk is pretty legendary: 

 has been on Western and Armitage since 1921, serving up decadent sundaes in addition to the titular candy. (For me, it’s that hot fudge … 🤤)

But if it’s too early for sweets, head across the street to 

. Yes, you can go to Arturo’s while the sun is out. The famed night-owl taco joint is (usually) open 24 hours on weekends, the last restaurant standing in its longtime late-night rivalry against the ol’ Lazo’s Tacos.

Across the street, there’s a new breakfast option on the scene too: 

. Their bagels are perfectly chewy, seedy, and light.

, which serves street-style Thai in a lively dining room. (Sometimes there are robot waiters 🤖) Go another block and you’ll find Challengers Comics, a colorful, double-storefront comic shop. (

 A “Godzilla” author will visit Aug. 2.)

Another block and you’ll hit a 606 entrance on Bloomingdale Avenue. Head on up to find 

first restaurant with direct access to the walkway

. On the ground floor, smell their fancy flower bouquets before heading toward North Avenue. 

Just a couple doors west of Western, on the south side of North Avenue, is 

. (There’s no website, but I’ve got the pics to prove it.) Ask for Mario. He’ll hook it up.

Now keep on trekking toward Cortez. On the way, you’ll pass many dentists, several salons, Roberto Clemente high school, 

, an unassuming diner with pop-up Filipino specials.

Finally, past Division, you’re in Ukrainian Village … pretty much at 

. This reliable rock venue has a solid bar — try their Earth Juice with vodka — and free concerts on Mondays. This Thursday, catch the talented (Chicago native) 

Western Avenue is Chicago's longest continuous road. Over the next few months, I'll be exploring the whole thing. 

Neighborhood Guides

Your Guide to May 2026

Where to Read in Chicago

Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries

Latest articles

Is Avondale Really That Cool?

Get to Know Bronzeville

Walk Around the Bottom of Western With Me!

Wander Through Ford City Mall With Me

Scooter Another Mile Along Western With Me

Walk (or Scooter) Down Western With Me

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