Lake Bluff, IL Food & Drink and More

publisher · 6.0K followers

One of Chicago's best fried chicken sandwiches is French

A few weeks ago, I got a DM on Instagram from a new restaurant. I get about a dozen of those every week, but this one intrigued me. The sender had trained at the Culinary Institute of America and apprenticed at The Inn at Little Washington, one of the country’s great restaurants. He’d spent five years in France (he fell in love with a girl there) before moving back to Chicago.

Chicago, IL · 23h

WBEZ

How a retired Chicago Army veteran found peace and purpose through baking

At 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, with most of Chicago still asleep, Quinton McNair already was in the kitchen. By 9 a.m., the 49-year-old had baked enough cookies, muffins and other treats to fill the display cases at his Hyde Park bakery. And McNair still had the rest of another long day ahead of him.

whatnow.com

Giordano’s Reopening in Lakeview Closer to Wrigley Field

Those in the neighborhood need not worry about the chain leaving for good. Giordano’s has just broken the news that a new location is on the way to Wrigleyville in the near future. An exact address has not been released, but fans can be assured it is moving closer to Wrigley Field. The opening date will be sometime in 2027.

Chicago, IL · 4d

fastfoodclub.com

Chicago’s Lou Mitchell’s Has Been Handing Out Free Milk Duds To Breakfast Crowds Since 1923

Some Chicago breakfast spots hand you a menu and a check. One downtown diner hands you a little gift before the first plate even lands, and it has been playing that generous game for more than a century. The doors first opened in 1923, back when travelers heading west needed...

southwestregionalpublishing.com

Summit’s Maple & Mozza pairs scratch-made brunch with Italian dinners

A new restaurant on Archer Road in Summit is serving the kind of food its owner says people would otherwise go to downtown La Grange to get. Maple & Mozza opened in October at 6151 S. Archer Road. It serves breakfast and brunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 to 10 p.m., with a happy hour and wine specials from 4 to 6 p.m.

Summit, IL · 6h

chicagocrusader.com

Black McDonald’s Operators Bring Thanksgiving Relief to 3,000 Chicago-Area Families

As families across Chicago prepare for Thanksgiving amid rising household expenses, the Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is continuing its longstanding tradition of giving back to communities in need. Through its 26th annual Food for the Body & Spirit initiative, the organization plans to...

Chicago, IL · 14h

whatnow.com

Jibarito Time in Des Plaines Reopening Under New Ownership

In the Chicago area, jibarito sandwiches are not losing popularity anytime soon. Jibarito Time in Des Plaines at 935 E Oakton Street is now under new ownership following its recent closure. The concept has become a destination for Chicago-style plantain sandwiches. Business consultant Will Santiago told What Now Chicago the team is hoping to open in the next 30 days.

Des Plaines, IL · 1d

everafterinthewoods.com

This Unassuming Illinois Spot Piles Pizzas High With Toppings And Serves Wings Worth Licking Your Fingers For

Sixteen first-place wins at Chicago’s WingFest is a lot of hardware for one modest neighborhood grill. Add four Best of Fest awards, and that shelf starts looking crowded. The place doesn’t stop at wings, either. Homemade tavern-style thin crust pizza comes out of the same kitchen, along with garlic buffalo wings that seem to have their own fan club.

Palatine, IL · 2d

takingthekids.com

publisher · 196.4K followers

People Bring Their Own Jars To Stock Up At This Illinois Bulk Food Store

Half of this little store is candy. The other half holds spices, flours, nuts, teas, and coffee, and you can scoop all of it into jars you carried from home. That detail alone made me want to know more. Shoppers bring clean containers, the staff weighs them, and you pay only for what goes inside.

Westmont, IL · 8h

rolling out

James Sanders on the best BBQ in Chicago that never reheats

James Sanders started his career at Ryan’s Steakhouse the day after he graduated high school. He set cooking aside to join the National Guard, then studied at Southern Illinois University, where late night backyard barbecues for friends turned a passion into a plan. Back in Chicago, he attended culinary school and worked as a prep cook for the Chicago Bears. He went on to own and oversee 22 Harold’s Chicken locations across the country, then launched Fuze Catering, the first African American owned catering company to cater events at the Art Institute of Chicago. Fuze also catered the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

publisher · 7.1K followers

Secret Chicago

Bears star D’Andre Swift names his 3 favorite Chicago restaurants—and launches a limited-time Philly-meets-Chicago menu

Caleb Williams has already made it known that his favorite restaurant is Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna, calling his love for it “ the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. “ Now, fellow Bears star D’Andre Swift is sharing his own go-to Chicago restaurants —and his list offers plenty of inspiration for your next dinner out. D’Andre Swift shares his favorite Chicago restaurants While Williams’ pick might settle your next pizza order, Swift’s shortlist gives you a few more options for a night out: West Loop steakhouse Adalina Prime, Lincoln Park steakhouse & cocktail lounge The Bull Moose , and Asian bistro & nightclub TAO . For something a little more game-day-ready, though, you can try a menu the running back helped create himself. What’s on D’Andre Swift’s menu at Jake Melnick’s? Swift has teamed up with Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap on “Da Swift Picks,” a limited-time lineup that mixes Philadelphia-inspired flavors with Chicago favorites. Here’s what’s on the menu: High Step Hoagie Dip ($12.95): Salami, prosciutto, hot peppers, provolone, and cream cheese, served with fresh Sidewinder Fries. Swift City Wings ($19.95): Long hot pepper-garlic butter, giardiniera rub, parmesan, and a Cooper’s Wiz sidecar. Hometown Fries ($9.95): House-cut fries,

southportcorridorchicago.com

Giordano’s Returning to Wrigleyville in 2027, Closer to Wrigley Field

Giordano’s is planning a return to Lakeview in 2027, this time closer to Wrigley Field, as its longtime Belmont Avenue restaurant building is slated to make way for a new residential development. The Chicago deep-dish pizza chain plans to open a new Wrigleyville restaurant in 2027, according to a...

partner publisher · 38.3K followers

The Takeout

The Tangy Dipping Sauce You'll Find At The Best Chicken Shops In Chicago

Chicago may be famous for pizza and hot dogs, but residents also love a sweet, tangy dipping sauce on their chicken. Learn about this Windy City favorite.

Chicago, IL · 5d

Axios Chicago

partner publisher · 5.3K followers

Alley cafes and plants in the Pedway: 3 ideas to transform Chicago's State Street

From more green space to interactive installations, three winning proposals reimagine what could make Chicago's State Street "that great street" once again. Why it matters: The plans could help breathe new life into a part of the Loop that was once a retail, cultural and social attraction. Driving the news: The Chicago Architectural Club, World Business Chicago and other civic organizations on Wednesday announced the winners of this year's Burnham Prize . Context: In April, the groups called for ideas for "The Future of State" — ways to make State Street a vibrant, inviting and modern urban center. Zoom in: The three winning projects take different approaches to best utilize what already exists along State Street, as well as what new infrastructure is needed. Thickness: From Corridor to Urban Field focuses on the spaces between the buildings. It would turn parking lots into green space, alleys and the Pedway into spots to meet and drink and build elevated walkways to move through the Loop. Unlocking State Street centers on the Chicago Federal Center block, a Mies van der Rohe-designed complex surrounded by Dearborn, Clark and Adams Streets and Jackson Boulevard. The plan would move the security barriers that exist around

takemetotn.com

This Nostalgic Illinois Diner Serves Chicago Deli Classics With A Side Of Old-School Charm

The house potatoes here get cooked in beef tallow. That one detail alone made me sit up and pay attention. Then there’s the homemade root beer, poured at a spot that also serves matzo ball soup, lox, and a Reuben with a name you won’t forget. Breakfast runs all day, so pancakes at dinnertime are completely fair game.

Chicago, IL · 19h

juliescafebakery.com

7 Chicago Foods You Need to Try at Least Once (Beyond Deep-Dish Pizza)

Ask a Chicagoan where they actually eat and the answer rarely involves a knife and fork. It usually involves a paper bag, a cash-only counter, and a very specific way of ordering. These seven places keep coming up in local roundups, review sites, and Reddit threads. Each one comes with...

Chicago, IL · 20h

BevNET.com

Kava Haven Launches at Binny’s Beverage Depot

CHICAGO, IL — November 2026 — Kava Haven, the kava-infused non-alcoholic spirit redefining how people relax and socialize without alcohol, is now available at Binny’s Beverage Depot. The launch marks a meaningful milestone for the Chicago-based brand, expanding its Midwest presence through one of the region’s best-known...

whatnow.com

partner publisher · 393 followers

5918 Catering & Events Leases Kitchen Space in Hazel Crest

Soul food will soon be prepared out of a storefront in the suburb. Matanky Realty recently carried out the lease for 5918 Catering & Events, coming to 17503 Kedzie Avenue in Hazel Crest. The owners Anthony and Rhonda Williams have been serving the Chicago area at pop-ups and have been looking to prepare their meals out of a brick-and-mortar. Rhonda told What Now Chicago it is too early in the process to announce an opening date right now.

Hazel Crest, IL · 1d

Siliconera Nandemo

Chicago couple opens pizza from Keith Lee-recommended restaurant. Uh, that definitely shouldn’t be in there: ‘And its a knockoff? im ccryyinnn’

'I need ANOTHER pizza for FREE.'

pmq.com