Your Daily Guide

Body-Cam Footage Released in Fatal Humboldt Park Police Shooting

“I’ll kill you,” a Chicago police officer appeared to have yelled at fleeing driver Derek Jordan before firing six fatal shots. The shooting made headlines in March after Jordan, who was wanted in connection with another shooting, struck a CTA bus and squad car. The officer fired within 19 seconds of arriving on the scene. [Block Club]

Will the DNC Come Back? Plus, Chicago’s Late-Night Bites

DNC officials are wrapping up a three-day visit as the city is a finalist to host the 2028 and 2032 conventions. On today’s podcast, we discuss the likelihood of it coming back. Plus, the feds are investigating Illinois school districts, and we share our favorite late-night eats in the city. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

What Is ‘Die-80’ in SW Burbs?

More than 146 million square feet of warehouse space has been built since 2000 around Chicago to satisfy the growing demands of online shopping. Along I-80, that means 20,000 trucks per day, spewing out fumes and causing deadly crashes. [Sun-Times]

Chicago’s Native Garden Registry Open for Applications

Approved by the city council in 2021, the registry was created to protect gardeners who faced tickets for violating Chicago’s weed ordinance. Alders also just passed an amendment to the ordinance to allow plants up to 36 inches tall, up from the previous limit of 10 inches. [WTTW]

• Listen: Chicago’s conservation efforts are actually paying off. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

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.

The Hi-Lo in Humboldt Park

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.

Friends of Friends in West Town

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. Check out their Instagram for restaurant pop-ups and events.

Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar in Bridgeport

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 Kimski, the Korean Polish street food restaurant. Kimski is celebrating 10 years with an all-day party 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.

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

Pilsen Yards in Pilsen

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.