City Cast Chicago logo

Get to Know South Loop with Mr. South Loop

Posted on September 7, 2022   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

Shedd Aquarium, followed by Alex Linardos holding a silver number 2 balloon, and a brunch meal from Honeyberry Cafe

Shedd Aquarium, Alex Linardos celebrating two years of his blog Mr. South Loop, and brunch at Honeyberry Cafe. (Jacoby Cochran / City Cast Chicago; Alex Linardos / Mr. South Loop)

Alex Linardos is Mr. South Loop. The full-time Southwest flight attendant just celebrated two years of his blog this week, a pandemic project meant to bring more attention to the small businesses and attractions in the area.

Ahead of the Printers Row Lit Fest this weekend — where City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran is performing (!) — here are some spots to check out. 

Something to eat: “Honeyberry Cafe. My personal favorite is the mile high skillet: eggs, hashbrowns, peppers, cheese, and ham. Plus, it comes with a side of pancakes! Make sure you upgrade to the specialty pancakes: The cinnamon roll pancakes are delicious!”

Something to see: “Museum Campus. The 57-acre park houses the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Soldier Field. My personal favorite is the Shedd! Make sure to stop by and see the penguins.”

Something to do: “Tight Ship Comedy at Half Sour is a standup show every Thursday featuring up-and-coming comedians from across the country — get there early to secure a seat!”+ Tell us about YOUR neighborhood! What should we eat, see, and do near you? Fill out this form, and we'll share with other readers.

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, ExplainedAugust 28

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.

An older photo of Dolly Parton singing into a mic with a purple background
Keep It LocalAugust 27

How To Start Growing Your Own Food

Amid a summer of foodborne illnesses, intense weather, and ever-rising grocery prices, many Chicagoans are exploring ways to grow their o...

A man in a bucket hat and glasses holding vegetables in a large garden
Keep It LocalAugust 27

Your Guide To Chicago’s Garden Shops

From expansive gardening centers to little shops packed with houseplants, it’s not hard to find all the supplies you need to bring some m...

A garden with an assortment of big leafed plants
Keep It LocalAugust 20

How Transit Tees Turns Chicago’s Quirks Into Board Games

From board games about the city’s history to puzzles of iconic maps to card decks featuring local wildlife, Transit Tees’ teams of creato...

A person writing on a gridded paper that says "Chicago 1893" There's also a board game with an assortment of different houses for the board game on it. There is also A bowl of popcorn and a soda on the table
Keep It LocalAugust 20

Your Guide to Chicago’s Toy Stores

From vintage toys to a workshop series for aspiring toy inventors, Here's a list of places that’ll help you spoil the kids in your life a...

A table with an assortment of different stuffed animals
Keep It LocalAugust 13

Your Guide to Chicago’s Stationery Stores

Whether you’re actually going back to school soon or you just love analog hobbies, these local shops will help you find all kinds of stat...

A large group of people inside a store. They are looking at an assortment of items
Food & DrinkAugust 13

5 New Spots to Dine and Drink

Chicago is hot AF right now — and so is the dining scene. These recent openings have caught our eye.

A room with velvet drapes on every wall. On the ceiling there are chandeliers and people are sitting at a booth
Keep It LocalAugust 13

Family-Run Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades

For decades, the family-run shop delivered office supplies in bulk to offices in the Loop.

The outside of a brick building, the sign says "Atlas Stationers Inc"