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.
Get to Know South Loop with Mr. South Loop
Sidney Madden
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)
Share article
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Neighborhood Guides
Where to Read in Chicago
It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...
Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries
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...
Is Avondale Really That Cool?
We investigated Avondale ourselves, and think that Time Out might be onto something.
Get to Know Bronzeville
Check out this guide on what to see, eat, and do in this historic Chicago neighborhood.
Walk Around the Bottom of Western With Me!
My stroll to the bottom of Western Avenue took me through West Morgan Park, Kennedy Park, and Beverly Woods.
Wander Through Ford City Mall With Me
Once a haven for young mall rats, Ford City Mall may soon become an industrial park. But it's not gone yet.
Scooter Another Mile Along Western With Me
Today, we’re zooming into the Tri-Taylor Historic District, starting on Madison Street and scooting to Roosevelt Road.
Walk (or Scooter) Down Western With Me
Western Avenue is Chicago's longest continuous road. Over the next few months, I'll be exploring the whole thing.
The latest in Chicago
Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town
The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic? And where can you find it around and th...
The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center
Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities
As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.
3 Questions With Chicago’s Poet Laureate
It’s National Poetry Month, and while you can find a variety of workshops and open mics in April, poets call Chicago home all year round.
Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?
If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.
Celebrate Poetry in Chicago
Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.
New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.
