Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine delivers an authoritative guide to life in one of America's greatest cities. From insight into the best dining and shopping to interviews with fascinating figures shaping the future of Chicago, every issue is your source for living city smart.

Chicago magazine

Prize Catches

INSIDE PEEK

Stadium Standoff • So we should accept a far worse fan experience to go see our team just because it gives a multibillion-dollar organization a better tax deal [“Hit the Road, Bears,” May]? You’ve lost the plot entirely. @bwalk.wav via Instagram

Q:Why are there so many bungalows in Chicago?

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

Farm to City • Belittling Chicago didn’t help Darren Bailey in his first run for governor. So if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

Artificial Connections • In the age of AI, Dana Suskind has a warning for parents: Don’t shortchange human interaction.

World’s Fair Wonder • A house inspired by the 1933–34 expo stands out in Berwyn.

MY NEIGHBORHOOD EDISON PARK

Kevin Boehm • Celebrated restaurateur, transcendental meditation fan, self-reinventor

Gospel Goddess • Mahalia Jackson was a pioneer in both music and civil rights. Here’s what we learned from a new biography.

Bare Greed, Chicago Bears

Sound Waves • Composer Stacy Garrop dives into Lake Michigan themes for a chamber piece premiering at Ravinia.

AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month

Funky Bunch • The artsy new Logan Square hangout Txa Txa Club, run by a couple of pop-up vets, serves an eclectic all-day menu.

Sweet Home Midwest • With recipes like sweet corn cream puffs and a giant cherry Pop-Tart, Martin Sorge’s cookbook has fun with local flavors.

Pawpaws • The custardy fruit is popping up in desserts and cocktails.

Mixed Grill • Stephen Sandoval’s Latin steakhouse Trino offers some nice dishes, but the menu doesn’t fully mesh.

Liberian Love

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

Present Perfect

The Vault That Wasn’t • Forty years ago, the on-air opening of Al Capone’s supposed subterranean stash was a bust. But it helped give rise to reality TV.

The Best Seats in Town • THE INSIDE DOPE ON WHERE TO PLANT YOURSELF IN SPORTS ARENAS, RESTAURANTS, THEATERS, CONCERT HALLS, PUBLIC SPACES, AND MORE

INSIDER GUIDE TO THE BEST SEATS AT STEPPENWOLF

The Best of Reddit’s Seating Tips

INSIDER GUIDE TO THE BEST SEATS AT WRIGLEY FIELD

Where to Sit to Never Miss a Pitch

The Worst Seat Money Can’t Buy

A Famous Butt Sat Here • Plant your posterior where prominent people once plopped theirs.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE RAVINIA LAWN • THERE’S NOTHING LIKE SETTING UP ON THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS IN HIGHLAND PARK, BUT NOT ALL SPOTS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

How to Score Seats at Top Restaurants • Chicago dining critic John Kessler shares his secrets for landing hard-to-get tables.

INSIDER GUIDE TO THE BEST SEATS AT RATE FIELD

A Seat for Inspiration

CHICAGO’S 50 Top RESTAURANTS • With picks ranging from tasting menus to food trucks, our critic ranks his favorite places to eat.

Sizing Up • Marc Nolan expands its shoe empire with a larger, snazzier West Loop flagship.

Class Acts • See how two Lincoln Park boutiques make the grade for back-to-school shopping.

Pool Cool • Summer’s must-haves bring whimsy to the water.

Jena Radnay’s Big Year • Thanks to a red-hot North Shore market, the @properties Christie’s associate tops our latest rankings of real estate agents.

Top Real Estate Agents • Rankings based on 2025 residential sales in the...