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McCook, IL · Lifestyle

WGN News

partner publisher · 99.2K followers

Poet Luis J. Rodriguez honors journey from gang life to service award

Growing up in East Los Angeles, Luis J. Rodriguez joined a gang at 11, battled heroin addiction and spent time behind bars, but today he's one of the country's most celebrated poets.

Chicago, IL · 1d

97ZOK

partner publisher · 51.9K followers

Joliet Rock Club The Forge Ends Nine-year Run As Chicago Venues Shift And Expand

The Forge in Joliet is closing its doors after nine years as a go-to spot for heavy music fans, while Chicago's Salt Shed is planning a massive expansion across the street with a new 15,000-seat outdoor stage.

Chicago, IL · 2d

unearththevoyage.com

website

This Wheaton French Bistro Serves English Tea Scones So Proper You’ll Forget You’re in Illinois

I walked in expecting a quick crepe and walked out planning my next visit before I even reached the car. Tucked on a quiet downtown street in suburban Illinois, this cozy little spot looks modest from the sidewalk. Inside, though, warm scones arrive with lemon curd and clotted cream like...

Wheaton, IL · 2d

WGN News

partner publisher · 99.2K followers

Digital price tags at grocery stores raise surveillance pricing fears

From websites to brick-and-mortar stores, it’s easier than ever for companies to target shoppers with prices based on their personal data. Now, a recent change at many grocery stores is raising concerns about so-called surveillance pricing.

Chicago, IL · 2d

Secret Chicago

publisher · 7.1K followers

Hooters permanently shuts its 35-year-old Chicago outpost on Wells Street as neighborhood development pushes the wings chain out

After 35 years of wings, game days and loyal customers, Hooters has closed its River North restaurant. The location at 660 N. Wells St., which opened in 1991, ended service October 18. A notice posted at the restaurant said its lease was ending . In a statement to NBC Chicago , a Hooters spokesperson also pointed to changes in the surrounding neighborhood. “Increasing development and neighborhood changes have transformed the area, leading us to the difficult but considered decision to leave this location,” the spokesperson said. What happened to the building? The closure comes about a year after the property changed hands , according to Block Club Chicago , which cited Cook County records; the building sold for approximately $4.1 million in October 2025 to GW Wells LLC. Are there other Hooters locations in Chicago? The River North closure doesn’t mean the chain is leaving the Chicago area entirely. Hooters still lists its location near O’Hare at 8225 W. Higgins Road, while its takeout-focused sister concept, Hoots Wings, has a South Loop location at 1238 S. Canal St. In other news: Chicago’s newest pizzeria has cozy Italian vibes, milk glass chandeliers, and a front-row seat to the pizza-making

Chicago, IL · 2d

storiesfromthe78.com

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Gibsons Tavern Brings Old-School Chicago Charm and Modern Steakhouse Dining to Fulton Market

Chicago has never been short on great steakhouses or neighborhood taverns. But what happens when you bring those two traditions together under one roof? That’s exactly what Gibsons Restaurant Group is doing with Gibsons Tavern in Fulton Market, a restaurant that combines old-school Chicago character with a modern approach to dining.

Chicago, IL · 1d

unearththevoyage.com

website

This Family-Run, Cash-Only Illinois Bakery Still Draws Fans For Its Famous Cheese Sticks

Some of the best food in Illinois hides behind plain storefronts you could drive past a hundred times. I almost did, until the smell of warm bread and the line at the door made me pull over. Inside, there were trays of pastries, towering cakes, and a buttery, cheesy treat...

Chicago, IL · 1d

Country Herald

publisher · 10.0K followers

Wheaton, IL Beer Festival This Saturday Nov 7 Supports Homeless Veterans

Cantigny's Brew it Forward returns Nov. 7 with 10 breweries, family activities and veteran support.

Wheaton, IL · 2d

Fun 104

partner publisher · 12.2K followers

Milwaukee Food Festivals And Madison Dining Culture Earn National Recognition

Madison and Milwaukee both cracked the top 55 foodie cities in America according to new rankings. Milwaukee landed at number 24, known for its major food festivals, while Madison came in at 53 as a college town with serious culinary culture.

Wisconsin · 1d

takingthekids.com

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This Little New York Restaurant Brings Chicago Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, And Deep Dish Pizza To Brooklyn

I appreciate that the owner grew up in Illinois and wanted New York to taste his hometown classics. The walls back up that mission with Michael Jordan, Mike Ditka, and even Ferris Bueller keeping watch. Somewhere in Brooklyn, a sandwich of thin-sliced beef gets dunked in its own juices and...

Brooklyn, NY · 2d

Remind

partner publisher · 14.8K followers

The Hollywood Show Returns to Chicago in November

Get all the details on what stars are attending, ticket info, where to stay, and more!

Rosemont, IL · 23h

Secret Chicago

publisher · 7.1K followers

Kings of Leon bringing “O My Beloved” tour to Chicago next summer

Kings of Leon just dropped their highly-anticipated 10th studio album O My Beloved . Now the popular Nashville-based rock group is heading out on tour in 2027 —with a stop in Chicagoland along the way. Here are all the details and where you can get tickets. Kings of Leon at Tinley Park Kings of Leon will perform in suburban Tinley Park at the Credit Union 1 amphitheatre on June 6, 2027. Fans can expect to rock out to all their favorite hits like Use Somebody and Wait For Me along with new tracks from O My Beloved . Seattle-based rockers Band of Horses will serve as the opener for the night. Tickets on sale this month Tickets for Kings of Leon at Tinley Park will go on sale this month, beginning with a special artist presale on November 10 at 9 a.m. local time. Public onsale will open on Friday, November 13 at 9 a.m. local time. Click here to sign up for the presale and learn more information. See also: Def Leppard, Goo Goo Dolls, The Struts bringing North American tour to Chicago in 2027

Chicago, IL · 22h

WGNtv.com

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Little Betty Smokehouse Opens on University of Chicago Campus

Acclaimed Chicago pitmaster, chef Dominique Leach is bringing her signature Chicago barbecue to the University of Chicago’s campus with the opening of “Little Betty Smokehouse”. Chef Dominique joined us with more on her new concept and a taste of her signature menu items. 1133 E. 57th Street.

Chicago, IL · 20h

chicagostarmedia.com

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Holiday shopping has arrived: Chicago Artisan Market returns to Fulton Market & Ravenswood

Chicago shoppers will have four chances to buy handmade gifts, sample specialty foods, and support independent businesses when the Chicago Artisan Market returns to Fulton Market and Ravenswood during the 2026 holiday season. The indoor markets will feature artisans working in food, fashion, home goods, jewelry, ceramics, art, and personal-care products.

Chicago, IL · 1d

visittheamish.com

website

Prairie View Pantry: Old-World Tradition Meets North Shore Elegance at the New Chicago Suburbs Amish Deli in Northbrook, IL

Nestled amidst the leafy, upscale residential communities and bustling commercial corridors of Chicago’s prestigious northern suburbs, Northbrook has long been celebrated for its beautiful parks, exceptional dining culture, and welcoming neighborhood spirit. From its vibrant town center to its deep appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship, the North Shore continually embraces independent establishments that honor authenticity, meticulous food preparation, and genuine connection. Now, local residents, commuters, and regional food enthusiasts have an extraordinary new culinary destination to explore with the grand opening of the Prairie View Pantry Amish Deli. Bringing time-honored Pennsylvania Dutch deli traditions, slow-cured meats, small-batch farm cheeses, and artisanal pantry provisions right to the heart of Cook County, this remarkable specialty market offers a warm, rustic escape into traditional, unhurried craftsmanship.

Northbrook, IL · 23h

Secret Chicago

publisher · 7.1K followers

Scrooge, Marley, and the three spirits of Christmas come to life over four holiday cocktails at Chicago’s Seven Star Venue, for two nights only

Christmas in Chicago is getting a little spookier this year. A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience is bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday tale to the stage, combining immersive theater, Victorian-era atmosphere, and four seasonal cocktails for a spirited night out. Running for two nights only, the experience follows Ebenezer Scrooge through his supernatural encounters with Jacob Marley and the three Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The performance condenses Dickens’ iconic story into a 90-minute production, with each scene accompanied by a specially crafted holiday drink. Four cocktails, four ghostly encounters Rather than simply watching the story unfold, guests get to sip their way through Scrooge’s transformation. The evening features a four-part cocktail tasting menu, with each drink timed to a different chapter of the performance. The lineup begins with Ebenezer’s Bitter Awakening, accompanying Scrooge’s introduction, followed by Past, Present, and Punch during the Ghost of Christmas Past’s appearance. Next comes Ghostly Gold Cider, paired with the Ghost of Christmas Present, before Marley’s Marshmallow Martini rounds out the experience alongside the Ghost of Christmas Future. A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience – Chicago, IL 4 December 2026 18:00 + more dates Seven Star Venue From $55.00 The result is

Chicago, IL · 1d

takemetotn.com

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This Unassuming Illinois Pizzeria Serves Sausage Pizza So Good It Should Almost Be Illegal

Anthony Bourdain called one pan pizza the only deep dish he ever loved. That pie still comes out of a small, homey pizzeria on a quiet suburban street in Illinois. The crust edge gets so dark and caramelized that it looks almost burnt. It isn’t. That crunchy, cheesy rim is the whole point, and the sausage on top is a house blend.

Illinois · 5d

southwestregionalpublishing.com

website

Orland Park’s Stellwagen Farm may house bee hives

The buzz around town is to not have buzzing too close to town. The Village of Orland Park is looking at a municipal community beekeeping apiary pilot area and prefers to use Stellwagen Farm for its location. At the Oct. 19 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Recreation and Parks Director...

Orland Park, IL · 3d