The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres in Chicago and Toronto, Training Centers in those cites as well as Hollywood, 11 full time touring ensembles, thriving corporate communications and theatricals …

Since 1857, Chicago has been home to Iwan Ries & Co., the oldest family-owned tobacconists in the country. Now in our 5th generation of hard work and commitment to service, we are striving to ensure that …

Luxury Garage Sale is co-founded by partners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal. Childhood friends, Brielle and Lindsay always had a love of collecting; beginning with stickers and erasers, evolving to shoes and handbags. However, over the …

Where can you stand on top of $150 million dollars at 1,353 feet in the air, while overlooking four other states and swaying back and forth by six inches? Answer: The Willis Tower Skydeck .
The Willis …

The John G. Shedd Aquarium, a not-for-profit institution dedicated to public education and conservation, cares for more than 32,500 animals representing nearly 1,500 species from around the world. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, …

Centuries before Showtime put The Tudors on TV and Bring Up the Bodies topped the bestseller list, William Shakespeare exposed the devious world of England’s royal rake, Henry VIII. Now, 400 years after premiering at Shakespeare’s …

Enjoy the gorgeous views of the John Hancock Observatory while skating to your heart’s content at Skating in the Sky. Overlooking picturesque Lake Michigan this 99 square foot ice staking rink is a fantasy come true. …

The sign on the door says it all- NO CD’s!! Never had ‘em!! Never Will!! Dave’s is totally devoted to vinyl. Dave’s Records carry all speeds (33,45,even 78) all formats (7”, 10”, 12” single, EP , LP) all styles (rock, jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, house, disco, reggae, blues, folk, country, vocal, soundtracks, showtunes, classical, indie/alternative and every sub-genre you can imagine). If it’s on vinyl, it’s here now or it’s passed through the doors and in to someone’s crate. On any given day, there are at least 40,000 titles to choose from. Every day new titles freshen the racks. Dave’s Records sell both new and used. You’ll find both import and domestic new vinyl. You’ll find a wide assortment of new reissued vinyl. You’ll find out of print used vinyl that you’d thought was long gone. No matter what it is, you’re likely to find it in their bins. If you come to Chicago, check them out.

Hot Doug’s is a Chicago, Illinois-based restaurant specializing in a variety of hot dogs and sausages. The self-proclaimed “Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium” is in its second location at 3324 North California Avenue in the city’s Avondale neighborhood. Its first location, on Roscoe Street, closed after a 2004 fire. Hot Doug’s is frequently featured in local and national media for its unique menu, and its purveyor and head chef, Doug Sohn, has been noted for his work to create affordable gourmet food.

In the heart of River North, hidden behind large unmarked doors at 111 W. Kinzie, lies a restaurant and lounge like no other. Untitled invites you on a journey of discovery and surprise on many levels. Come experience intimate spaces and grand see-and-be seen rooms. Craft cocktails, beer and wine and bubbly from around the world complement Chef Joseph Heppe’s delicious yet approachable cuisine. Untitled pays homage to the vibrancy of supper club and speakeasy establishments of the Prohibition Era. The food, drink and entertainment you find at Untitled entices you to have a taste, tap your feet and wet your whistle.

Their son Peter George, our current owner, was born in 1936 and grew up in the store — literally. His father created a cradle in back of the candy case to hold the young one.
Peter George learned the fine art of candy making from his grandfather and started working at the shop “when I was old enough to be seen.” He has been here for more than 60 years. His teenage son George, “a great fudge maker,” is the fourth generation to learn the intricacies of the business, and the plan is for young George to take over the helm someday

In every performance of Supernatural Chicago, Neil Tobin, Necromancer introduces theatergoers to some of Chicago’s most well documented paranormal events, brought to life through spooky stories combined with interactive demonstrations of mindreading, magic and other phenomena that involve the audience in memorable ways. It’s sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic. And as one of the top Chicago attractions, it’s always a great start to the weekend.

Building Blocks has been providing specialty toys to Chicagoland for over a decade and although we they be a small shop they have big ideas to help you find the perfect gift for any child. They pride themselves in offering a variety of toys that encourage childhood development mentally, physically and socially.
They also hope to provide an alternative to the plastic, batteries and video games by carrying classic wooden toys, board games and puzzles. There are arts and crafts for your child’s self expression as well as toys to allow them to explore their imagination.

Nestled on Randolph Street, Nellcôte has an ambiance that fits the bill; the chic space, a nod to a mansion in France once occupied by the Rolling Stones, drips with luxe details. Chef-shaken “kitchen cocktails”and well crafted Belgian beers also keep the pace hopping. The pillowy wood-fired pizzas, crafted with house-milled wheat flour, and the myriad small plates. Pastas and desserts leave you wanting more and more and more.

With a history spanning over three decades, Little Bucharest Bistro has opened with a new face in Chicago’s Old Irving Park area. Originally opened in 1970 and closed in 2004, the new Little Bucharest, which translates to “Little Paris of the East”, blends a touch of Romanian heritage with American contemporary fare in a vibrant and modern atmosphere.
“I wanted to bring the signature high-energy vibe of the old Little Bucharest into a new setting,” says owner Branko Podrumedic. “The bistro will present Romanian flavors in an approachable way to appeal to more of a mainstream audience.”

Comfort Me is a boutique in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago that was founded in 2011 by a mother and her two daughters. The idea for the concept of Comfort Me emerged a number of years ago from Melanie Thomas – the mother of the trio – a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose job and passion is to promote comfort, connection and health. She dreamed of a one-stop shop that could provide wonderful items of comfort for the mind and body. After several years her dream became a reality and, with the help of her daughters Alyssa and Bethany, Comfort Me boutique was born.

From the moment you walk through the front door, it is Mindy’s goal to provide you with an atmosphere that is comfortable and relaxed with exemplary service and an evolving array of high-quality, seasonal and locally-sourced food, drink and pastry.
They constantly search for new and exciting purveyors, ingredients and presentations. Through their network of artisan farmers and friends, they are able to connect the producer to the consumer and provide a uniquely enjoyable dining adventure.
Whether it is a casual lunch, a leisurely weekend brunch, a delightful dinner or a late night dessert rendezvous, Mindy’s Hot Chocolate continues to be one of Chicago’s most unique dining destinations.

This Wicker Park newcomer features 30 arcade games and pinball machines from the ’80s and ’90s, including Pacman, Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Streetfighter and Smash TV. There is no cover charge, and tokens cost 25 cents for one play. Games line the walls of the space and there are adjacent shelves to hold your drink while you play.

Celebrating 10 years of helping to transform the once desolate River North neighborhood into one of the most celebrated entertainment districts in the country with concepts like Rockit Bar & Grill (all-American comfort food), The Underground (elevated nightlife and mixology) and Sunda New Asian (innovative Asian cuisine), Rockit Ranch Productions announces the opening of its newest River North concept: Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ. With American BBQ complemented by Asian influences, plus an extensive cocktail list with a specialty moonshine collection, Dragon Ranch offers a unique perspective on the classic BBQ experience.

Tavernita, a sexy, spirited, modern restaurant that offers a diverse mix of dishes inspired in Spain and Latin American flavors. Designed to encourage sampling and sharing, the small-plates menu will offer something for every taste.

Pristinely fresh oysters, hand-selected for the restaurant from purveyors with whom the culinary team has formed partnerships over the past year, anchor the fish portion of the menu. From classic Belgian-style mussels to seafood stew to wood-roasted whole fish, the seafood is simple and straightforward yet eclectic in presentation.

Orchestrated ’50s mayhem recalls the diner in the old television series “Happy Days.” Ed’s is jam-packed with action: period decor and memorabilia, deejays spinning gems from the ’50s-’70s (“Tutti Frutti,” “The Twist”) and gum-cracking waitstaff, who shtick it up by dishing out rude comments to all — don’t worry; the sass is all in good fun and part of the joint’s appeal . The “”Route 66″ is available for private parties of up to 35 people, the “Elvis Room” handles groups of up to 40. The bustling corps of valet parkers outside are an amusement in itself. Ed’s is one of the city’s best bets for visiting families.

The Bristol and Boka Restaurant Group have teamed up for this rustic Italian restaurant in the Landmark space in Lincoln Park, where a wood-burning grill and roasting spits work hard to turn out dishes such as cherry and duck bruschetta, whole grilled fish, pizza and panzanella.

Located near the main entrance to Navy Pier, Harry Caray’s Tavern waterfront location, family friendly menu, and Chicago’s premier sports museum combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests of all ages. The extensive menu includes flavorful sandwiches and wraps, pastas, fresh salads, and homemade pizzas.

An Earth-friendly vegan approach to contemporary dining. Our diverse menu features classic American dishes reinterpreted with innovative presentations but without the meat, fish, chicken or dairy. Bold flavors and imaginative combinations so satisfying you’ll never know what’s missing.

Trenchermen is headed up by Chef Mike Sheerin, the former Chef de Cuisine of Blackbird, and his brother Patrick Sheerin, the former executive Chef of the Signature Room. They teamed up with designer Kevin Heisner and restaurateur Matt Eisler. On their website, they define “Trencherman” as “a person who enjoys food; a hearty eater and drinker.” You can’t help but be a trencherman when you eat at this establishment.

Epic Burger features a limited menu of fresh chuck, all natural beef Epic Burger, a tasty turkey Burger, all-natural chicken breast sandwich, and the very veggie portabella sandwich, all cooked fresh to order and topped with Epic-sauce-lettuce-tomato-pickle-=grilled or raw onion.

Lissa has quickly become Chicago’s destination clothing boutique for hard-to-find, fashion-forward pieces. Catering to a discerning shopper seeking unique product, Lissa offers a well-edited selection from the industry’s emerging designers and ‘under-the-radar’ lines. The modern and sophisticated, edgy yet refined collections span the globe, from New York and Chicago to international destinations Brazil and Sweden.

The name Wolfbait & B-girls is a nod to historic Chicago. The 1950’s guidebook Chicago Confidential defines wolfbait as girls who moved to the city looking for success, and b-girls as what they sometimes turn into. Think B-movie, B-side, bad girl, Bruiser and Brazen judy. Wolfbait is not only for the shopper, but also for the artisan.

C. Dahlstedt When Carl Dahlstedt explains that he’s trying to make each of the pieces in his eponymous shop in Wicker Park “well-made, down to the details,” he’s referring to luxe finishings like Italian zippers, cashmere-trimmed Italian wool suits for guys, and cashmere hems for girls. The Detroit-native designer launches his made-in-Chicago mens- and womenswear line, with simple silhouettes such as A-line dresses and button-downs with notable details like twisted pleating, lots of pin tucks and hidden pockets.

The Underground’s interior is an avant-garde recreation of a top-secret, military hideaway complete with artillery cases as cocktail tables, illuminated world maps and lighting as soft and complimentary as it is dramatic. Upscale American cuisine complements the venue with a mouth-watering menu of late night bites to pair with our cocktail and Champagne list.

The Architectural Revolution’s goal is to create a store like no other right at the corner of Clark and Belmont in Chicago. With items ranging from spiritual to macabre we are dedicated to bringing you the strange and interesting, spiritual and mystical. The owner travels all over the world to bring unique items to you, our customer! He literally travels over 100,000 miles a year between visiting vendors, tradeshows, and every where else in between, worldwide.
An entire quarter of our store is dedicated just to incense and incense accessories from all around the globe.

Hubba-Hubba has built a large loyal customer base due to its unique inventory, exceptional sales team and clever promotional ideas like the birthday discount, Hubba-Hubba Loyalty Card and their fabulous Girls Night Out events.
At Hubba-Hubba customers can find items they won’t see everywhere else as well as awesome designs from Michael Stars tees & !IT Jeans, and a great jewelry selection. There is truly something for every girl!

C. Dahlstedt’s aesthetic is based on simplistic designs, with a strong focus on quality. What the collection achieves is a modern twist on timeless silhouettes, using unexpected details such as linings in cashmere and over-sized zippers, and a new take on the classic men’s button-downs. The line aims to be one of kind for Chicago, offering fine European fabrics with a Chicagoan sensibility.

Looking good while going green is easy with Em Bo, short for the Emerald Boutique. Heather George, an advocate for the environment and social causes, opened Em Bo in the Southport Corridor, and named it after a favorite emerald green dress. Em Bo offers the latest in eco-friendly clothing and accessories as well as vintage pieces, and everyday items that emphasize style while being green. The store features up and coming eco-friendly designers, green clothing items, and great vintage bags.

The legendary Alley Chicago store has become an infamous “landmark” destination for generations of the counter-culture.
The Alley Chicago through years of dedication and determination has become the Midwest’s premier one stop shop for bikers, punks, goths, rockers, and all other alternative lifestyles. The Owner, Mark Thomas, often states, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” This holds true for our core customer base and our store philosophy. Faces change, trends change, but who we are and who our core customer is will always remain the same.

The Museum is committed to broadening the visual arts by constantly searching for new national and international talent to exhibit rather than simply following suit established by larger institutions. To this end, the museum’s programming guides the public to a greater understanding of thought-provoking contemporary photography as well as an appreciation for traditional work that has not yet received critical acclaim.

The Adler is unique among Chicago museums in the variety of immersive theater programs it offers to visitors. From the Big Bang to the stars overhead tonight, the Adler’s theaters draw the audience into the experience.
Visitors at the Adler Planetarium will be transported to the distant corners of the cosmos and witness how the Universe evolved over 13.7 billion years – from the Big Bang to modern day. The Solar System is much more than a star and eight planets; it is home to a set of diverse and amazing objects that we are only beginning to understand. Explore the many worlds — planets, moons, dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids — that orbit the Sun.

Located along the southwest side of Grant Park, Agora is one of Chicago’s most recent and important sculptural installations. Comprised of 106 nine-foot tall headless torsos made of cast iron, the artwork derives it name from the Greek word for meeting place. The figures are posed walking in groups in various directions or standing still.

Kicking off Chicago’s winter season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open on Friday, November 16, 2012 and will remain open through mid-march 2013, weather permitting. For the last 11 years, the rink has drawn more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. The rink, located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets, will still offer skate rental for only $10.

Science Storms reveals the science behind seven natural phenomena—lightning, fire, tornados, avalanches, tsunamis, sunlight and atoms in motion. Investigate the basic scientific principles behind nature’s power as you try more than 50 amazing experiments that take two floors and 26,000 square feet to contain … barely. It’s a perfect storm of physics, chemistry and curiosity.

Street food is the great equalizer—no glamour required. Yakitori, when well-executed, is about the simple flavors of authentic street food. A hot grill provides intense flavors from seasonal proteins and vegetables, grilled to order over a chattering, hissing fire.

Beer, wine and sake selections compliment the fresh-grilled flavors. Craft cocktails, wines and spirits are chosen for customized meal pairings. Experiment and discover!

Store B vintage in Wicker Park contains some of the most sought after and luxurious vintage attire and accessories found anywhere in the city of Chicago. Since 2002, this trendy, upscale boutique has been satisfying customers with its eclectic mix of wearable fine quality vintage women’s and men’s clothing from the 1930s thru the 1970s.

n conceiving DucknRoll, Chicago’s newest addition to the food-truck revolution, Amy Le needed not look far for inspiration. She’d been preparing for it her whole life.

DucknRoll is a concept inspired by Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches, with a contemporary take on flavors from China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. The truck is a moving tribute to co-owner Amy Le’s restaurateur mother who immigrated to the United States as a Vietnamese refugee and features time-tested and adored family recipes and preparations. Le was raised in her mother’s eateries, where she learned how to prepare family recipes.

After graduating from Loyola University Chicago, Le had the opportunity to work under Chicago restaurateur Bing Zhou, owner of Chen’s and Koi Chinese & Sushi. Zhou is also a co-owner in DucknRoll food truck and brings his extensive experience and knowledge of authentic Chinese cooking to the truck.

Showcasing the elemental-influenced yin and yang of flavor notes common in Asian cuisines (salty, bitter, sour, spicy and sweet), Le and Zhou’s sandwiches are made with a baguette holding pate or varied meats and garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables— the standout among those in this case being the 5spice Duck Roll of DucknRoll’s namesake.

In many Asian cultures, duck is the main poultry served on holidays and during special occasions. It is considered a symbol of good luck. Le and Zhou hopes to share this good fortune with hungry Chicagoans across the city.

Dutch food is uncommon enough that most people won’t have a frame of reference for it (the possible exception being frites), and the names of some of these dishes may not inspire experimentation. Where it not …

Kayak Chicago is Chicago’s premier full service outfitter, offering the highest quality instruction and trips, with our fully certified instuctors and guides. We pride ourselves in giving you the best customer service, instruction and on-water experience. We love kayaking and want to share the fun and knowledge with you. Let us teach you the skills and techniques so you can get out on the water and explore life.

Enter Sepia and you feel like you’re stepping on set for some design show on TLC. This place is impeccably designed to perfection. As its name implies, sepia tones alight the ambiance with a sexy and …

Heritage Bicycles General Store was an idea, and it would have stayed that way if owner Michael Salvatore didn’t take the leap into entrepreneurship. After spending three years helping establish Bowery Lane Bicycles (BLB) in New York City with partners Sean Naughton and Patrick Benard, Michael wanted to bring these beautiful bikes to his home town, Chicago. As a fifth-generation Chicagoan, he decided to not only bring BLB’s Breukelen and Broncks line to the Windy City, but to also add Daisy, the first offering from the Heritage line.

ome observers consider Millennium Park to be the city’s most important project since the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. It far exceeded its originally proposed budget of $150 million. The final cost of $475 million was borne by Chicago taxpayers and private donors.

To put it simply, this hotel has it all. For the business minded, take advantage of over 30,000 square feet of event space, on-site meeting planners, and A-V techs. For those who consider shopping a sport, …

The Palmer House didn’t become a beloved downtown Chicago hotel by chance. It did so by design. Since 1871, the iconic Chicago hotel has been host to countless celebrated figures. Today, having undergone a meticulous renovation, …

Hubbard Street Dance isn’t just about putting on a good contemporary dance show that combines jazz, ballet, and modern dance. It’s also the place where over 300 students come to learn how to move. But if moving to the beat isn’t quite your thing but watching is, then take in a Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company show. Seventeen dancers will take the stage and show off their versatility in a fun performance. Every season brings in a new performance with new moves and stunning choreography, and occasionally the troupe will put on a special festival show.

Enjoy more time to have more fun inside an enchanted 170,000 square foot winter playground! Complete with majestic ferris wheels and soaring twinkling chandeliers, this wonderland is truly an enchanted place to spend the holidays.

Rick Bayless long ago set a precedent for quality, gourmet Mexican food in Chicago. And with its top of the line ingredients and flair for the traditional mixed with modern, Mixteco Grill impresses. Proportions for both appetizers and entrees are sizeable too, so no one will go hungry, whether you try the delicious guacamole (with cucumbers) for starters or the spicy camarones glaseados for your meal.

Who says gourmet dining is limited to the city? Paul Virant’s Vie restaurant in Western Springs, Illinois proves that quality food knows no bounds. In fact, there’s nothing the chef won’t try. While his menu always offers local food in innovative, beautiful, and delicious dishes, Vie also offers special dinner and weeks.

Finley Dunnes Tavern entices people indoors with their many drink specials. But in this dark, laidback, no-frills bar, it offers more than that. While watching the game — the bar will play just about anything you ask for, if a Chicago team isn’t playing — sit back with one of the many drink specials, either alcohol or beer, while enjoying some free popcorn.

Modern design and delectable dining converge with state-of-the-art cinematic technology for a feast of the senses. ShowPlace ICON Theatre is an entirely new technology for a feast of the senses. Relax and have a drink and …

Diego Rocha is a Brazilian born handbag designer. He began his career in the finance field in Sao Paulo before making the transition to designer. Fortunately for Diego, fashion is in his genes. His mother was …

Fork is the kind of place to go when you want gourmet food, but you also want to be in a relaxed, casual environment. While those dining in Fork will be seated in chairs, there’s …

The fountain was commisioned in 1927 by Kate Buckingham to honor her late brother Clarence. She had frequently traveled to Europe, where she admired the huge public fountains and wanted to bring some of Europe’s monumentality …

It was the dance and music show that entertained generations of young people in its decades-long run. Soul Train helped launch some of the biggest names in music. Now, on the 40th anniversary of the show’s …

For more than two decades, the Museum has presented a vast range of educational exhibitions that have continued to offer a vibrant and comprehensive picture of Mexico’s art and history, and of Mexican communities in the …

With Gleaming white deli cases, rolls of perfectly waxed butcher paper, brightly colored stickers, and open-air wicker baskets to display our freshest selection of tees. They selected homegrown American Apparel brand shirts, and started to stock …

it’s easy to get lost in this enormous tri-level River North rock bar and music venue from the Eat Well Drink Better group.

The newest addition to Lincoln Park boutiques is all about the skin. Autrepart Nature owner and French native Julie Sanatine only sells her favorite all-natural or organic skin and cosmetic products from Europe, especially France. In …

While Dark Horse calls itself an English pub, it’s more than that, considering they have $1 Taco Wednesdays, among other non-British food specials. Plus, even when the Wrigleyville crowd at Dark Horse Tap spills outside into …

Art isn’t meant to be kept inside the box, or on the canvas for that matter. At Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the curators try to put their chosen pieces in context, as much as the …

Don’t be fooled by Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s small theater space with only 40 seats. The stage might not be big, but the laughs will be, especially considering the theater is BYOB. Home to a handful of …

Just a couple blocks from Wrigley Field on Addison, Guthrie’s is pretty unassuming compared to other bars in the area. But this small tavern served as big inspiration to the (now cancelled) TBS comedy “My Boys,” …

The Chicago ‘L’ system has long been the way tourists and locals alike have travelled miles across the city, whether it be to Wrigley Field or downtown for work. Since 1999, there’s also been another use …

Situated on the corner of Milwaukee, Grand, and Halsted, you don’t expect to find a beautiful Italian restaurant. But that’s what you’ll get — along with outstanding service, meals, and wine — at Piccolo Sogno. While …

Seasons 52 may be a chain of restaurants, but that doesn’t mean it’s like all the other chains out there. As the restaurant’s name implies, it specializes in seasonal fare so the menu changes as the …

Is it a bar? Or is it a restaurant? Old Town Social, headed by Chef Jared Van Camp, prides itself on being both, all the while maintaining a casual but refined ambiance. The menu reflects this …

Spice up your night with some Cajun sizzle. Before even stepping into this Southport corridor bar, Blue Bayou, the New Orleans inspiration is evident everywhere you look, and not just because beads drip from the ceiling. …

Rarely do we ever see a beautiful garden anywhere in the city but in a park, if we’re lucky, or someone’s back yard. Not so in Lincoln Park’s Jayson Home and Garden. Unlike cookie-cutter gardening stores, …

Where did Miss O’Leary’s cow supposedly start the Chicago fire? Learn all that and so much more on Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises, which run about 45 minutes as you travel down the Chicago River. While the architectural …

In a quiet part of the River North neighborhood, it’s somewhat surprising to discover how hopping Timothy O’Toole’s is. Tucked away at the bottom of a staircase, the spacious Irish sports bar offers more than just …

Decollage may be a resale store, but that’s not all it is. In addition to vintage, owner and former model Kelsey Tanner O’Connor also sells high-end designer pieces, and that includes more than just clothing. Kelsey …

There’s lots of ways to get around the city, but the segway is the only one that requires a bit of balance. Even so, it’s a fun way to whiz around the city, all the while …

The Southport corridor isn’t just about clothing boutiques. String A Strand joined the neighborhood this Spring and offers a variety of beads, gems, and stones to make–as the store’s name implies–a strand of jewelry. The store …

Lizzie McNeill’s may be a decidedly Irish bar, but it’s location along the Chicago river makes it the perfect spot to hang out in the warmer Chicago months, too. Escape the hubbub of Navy Pier and …

To get a reservation in the famed Stephanie Izard restaurant, Girl and the Goat, it’s true: you’ll need to call ahead by at least four months. Even for an outdoor alfresco table. But, the wait is …

As a neighborhood Irish pub, Glascott’s Saloon isn’t all about the dance music and a DJ. Rather, pick out your own jams on the jukebox TouchTunes and sit back to enjoy a draft or bottled beer …

It’s Oktoberfest all year round in Mirabell Restaurant. From large beer steins decorating the shelves to murals spanning the walls, this lounge and bar is about more than just the atmosphere. The traditional not overly-sour sauerkraut …

Carhartt opened in mid-April 2011 at 1518 N. Milwaukee Avenue, launching only its third American storefront. Like the Salt Lake City and Portland locations, the iconic store features classic work wear gear popular with everyone from …

When a bar needs an overhaul, there’s only one place to turn to: John Taffer and his new SpikeTV show “Bar Rescue.” Blue Frog 22 received the Taffer touch in April 2011, when it got an …

The low-lighting in Maude’s Liquor Bar may make this French-inspired restaurant feel a bit cozy, but the smashes–cocktail drinks–are what will warm you up. The smokey violet is a top-seller and for good reason; the bizarre …

Just as the name implies, Roscoe Village’s Viaduct Theater is tucked away under an overpass on Western. This hidden playhouse’s stage is small, but the productions have a big storylines that take over more than just …

Una Mae’s Freak Boutique isn’t just about the vintage in great condition, although that’s how the store got it’s start. It also has a contemporary vibe to everything it sells, from men and women’s branded clothing, …

Hipsters must enter through the back, or so the sign says right outside Kuma’s Corner front door. Be prepared; those taunts aren’t the only thing patrons will face. Heavy metal blasts through the speakers as diners …

Step into Salvage One and step back into history. There’s four floors of treasure here, and this isn’t your grandmother’s yard sale by any means. All the salvaged antiques are organized in some sort of fashion, …

Tucked next to the Paulina brown line el stop, Waterhouse is the local watering hole that changes atmospheres depending on the day of the week. On weeknights, expect a laid-back bar with plenty of specials, from …

Fado may be a national chain, but it’s also an authentic Irish pub that plays everything from Chicago baseball to English football on its TV screens. In Chicago’s Fado, the perfect pint is always poured on …

Perchance Boutique offers something special on the Southport boutique strip in Chicago.The local store carries some unique brands–like Blake Standard and Wolford, just to name a few–that shoppers won’t find elsewhere. Worried it will sell out …

With five locations–three of which are on Ashland Avenue–what’s not to love about these Mexican joints? La Pasadita defines quality, cheap Mexican food in Chicago, whether during lunch break or for those late-night booze-colored hours. Despite …

A big reason for the latest trend in the encased meat world, gourmet hot dogs, is Lincoln Park’s Franks ‘N’ Dawgs and its chef, Joe Doren. Many of the menu items are house-made, including the …

Blue Man Group is the interactive show that is continuously mesmerizing audiences. It’s a full sensory experience of performance art, music, comedy and multimedia theatrics. The men in blue are making a splash, literally.
Best known for …

The decor is both urban and southern at the same time (no easy feat). The tables have bottles of sauces already on them ranging from smoky, hot smoky, one called carolina and one called ivory. …

Lori’s hands-on, personal approach to her business and her policy that customers walk in as customers but leave as friends has held true for over 20 years. The success of Lori’s is driven by her loyal …

The brands significant focus is on creating a comfortable, inviting and hospitable atmosphere for customers. Seating is available in store with water available. During special events food and refreshments, and catering are occasionally offered. Customers who …

A little refinement never hurt any city’s image. And it’s our hope that the clothing and jewelry designers we carry will start to move the community spotlight from deep-dish and dogs to Chicago fashion – a …

Be By Baby fits right into the West Lakeview/Roscoe Village neighborhood, offering trendy clothing options for the smallest of humans. Socially aware parents, too, have a variety of parenting supplies in this high-end boutique, from baby …

Hidden away in Andersonville, Great Lake is worth finding. With only 11 seats, the intimate BYOB pizzeria offers a limited menu, serving just three kinds of pizzas, on limited nights. It’s only open Wednesday through Saturday.
All …

Don’t let ‘grocery’ in the name deceive. Using some of the items it also retails, Southport Grocery & Cafe creates homemade-like brunch every weekend. The also sell-out spots to their monthly secret supper that takes over …

Akira has locations in downtown Chicago, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and most recently Andersonville, among others.

Forget Chicago’s famous deep-dish stuffed pizza. Ravenswood’s Spacca Napoli Pizzeria is all about Neapolitan pizza perfectly toasted in a wood-fire oven.
While Spacca is known for its super-thin crust pizza–forget a fork and just roll it …

Shop for seafood where Chicago restaurants shop. Isaacson and Stein Fish Market sits inside the West Loop food corridor and resembles an open-air market.
All shoppers need to do is slip on some plastic gloves and they …

Even when every seat is taken in Hopleaf, it’s considered a slow night. But when patrons pack inside for the extensive beer list and gourmet restaurant menu, things really get hopping at Hopleaf. Despite the busy …

Contemporary art, culture, and events at the MCA and beyond

We bring you Men and Women’s designer clothing in a full range of sizes (not just 0′s and 2′s). We’re known for our personal service and our great deals. Up to 90% off retail!
New York and …

Housed in the W Chicago City Center, IPO offers Chef’s signature small plates and captures the elegant energy of the hotel’s 1928 beaux-arts architecture. With the bustle of the financial district, millennium park and theatre district …

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2011 – March 12, 2011 at noon: Chicago has a rich Irish background, and it comes to the forefront on St. Patrick’s Day. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest in …

an independent boutique nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast brings to you an eclectic, hand-picked collection of clothing, shoes and accessories. Dedicated to showcasing collections from emerging fresh talent as well as the best …

Located at the border of Wicker Park and the Ukranian Village, Penelope’s is a hip boutique that celebs love to peruse when they’re in town. It’s low profile but full of sweet finds for both sexes.
Around …

OK so we admit, NV Penthouse Lounge has a point: we’re envious. Who wouldn’t be of their 600 square foot terrace on the penthouse floor over looking the entire city of Chicago? Thankfully this place is …

When you think Chicago and pizza, the image of a 100 pound deep dish usually conjures. Not the case at Piece Pizzeria and Brewery in Wicker Park. Nope. Here slices of just about anything you want …

Yes Chi-town is a funny freaking city. Ever stop to think how many native Chicagoans star on SNL and are the comedic stars of the big screen? And when SNL is ready for new cast members, …

In a time when it’s hip to be old school (what with the economy and all), it’s better to preserve your classics and opt for long standing treasures in lieu of trends du jour. Alas, Chicagoans …

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Citybuzz Chicago November 2010

Sexy, hip and in your face, Ontourage splashed on the Chi-town scene in a big way with its super techy sound from the future. The only club in the US to use JBL “Custom Shop Dance …

With Brazil in the spotlight for its booming economy and upcoming major events: World Cup 2014 and Summer Olympics 2016, there’s never been a better time to tap into your inner Brazilian. Plus it makes you …

Just a quick and easy ride on Chicago’s CTA Green Line westbound to Harlem will bring you to the idyllic suburb of Oak Park. Here you may feel you’re walking on a movie set as the …

New to the Chicago dining scene and perfectly placed on S. Michgian Avenue, Henri fills a void for the need of more upscale dining near Millennium Park and for nearby workers of S. Michigan and environs. …