Serena
Serena, IL · Local Life
islands.com
Chicago's 5 Prettiest Coffee Shops For Social Media-Worthy Views, According To Locals
It can be hard to find coffee shops with inviting vibes and beautiful decor these days, as more and more of them focus on turnover. Financially, serving more customers often outweighs lingering over lattes. That's why, when a coffee shop offers an especially welcoming atmosphere, it's worth celebrating. Chicago already...
Fox 32 Chicago
Chicago St. Patrick's Day 2026: Everything you need to know
CHICAGO - In Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a holiday – it’s a month-long celebration. From the neon-green Chicago River to neighborhood parades, packed pubs, and Irish film screenings, Chicago goes all out!. Here’s your complete guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in Chicago....
hoodline.com
Max & Issy's Pizzeria Closing in Lincoln Park
After roughly two decades in Lincoln Park, Max and Issy's Pizzeria is gearing up for its final service, with co-owner Chris Latchford saying the restaurant will serve its last customers on March 28. The Diversey Parkway spot, long known to neighborhood regulars as the former home of Paddy Long's before reopening as Max and Issy's in 2021, will close so the owners can put their energy into their larger West Loop operation. Latchford has told customers that most of the pizzeria's staff are expected to transfer to Kaiser Tiger once the Lincoln Park location goes dark.
NBC Chicago
Lollapalooza announces dates for 2026 summer festival in Chicago
Lollapalooza is coming back for summer 2026 -- and now we know when. The popular annual summer festival has announced the dates it will return to the city for four days of music. Organizers wrote on social media that the event will take place from July 30 through Aug. 2.
Chicago magazine
Bar Bambi Is Now Open in West Town
“My ethos is take what we do seriously, but don’t take ourselves seriously.” That’s how bartender and owner Katie Renshaw describes Bar Bambi, her whimsical new spot in West Town (1703 W. Chicago Ave.) with craft cocktails and high-end bar snacks. Renshaw earned her stripes at some...
islands.com
5 Magical Winter Campgrounds Around Chicago, According To Visitors
It's no secret that Chicago is home to some magical neighborhoods worth visiting during the winter season. But, for those who prefer spending time surrounded by nature, we've rounded up some equally magical destinations for camping. While a visit to a state park or nearby forest can make for a great day trip, there's something extra special about winter camping, when you can enjoy nothing but serene landscapes for miles around.
Secret Chicago
Inside The Tiny Chicago Bakery Known For Its Legendary 20-Year Pączki Recipe—Featuring 10+ Fillings And A Perfect Golden Crust
For more than two decades, this bakery has been dedicated to crafting the perfect pączki that make visitors gasp with “Mmm” and “ooh” each time they take a bite. Delightful Pastries, nestled in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicag o, has been a local gem since its opening in 1988. Founded by a passionate mother-daughter duo, the bakery is dedicated to crafting delicious European pastrie s, each made from scratch with meticulous attention to detail. View this post on Instagram A post shared by secret.chicago (@secret.chicago) Th e process of making their famous pączki is a true art form . It begins with a rich, soft dough, carefully prepared to achieve a light, airy texture. Once the dough is perfectly proofed, it’s fried to a beautiful golden-brown, creating a delicate crust that gives way to a wonderfully fluffy interior. The pączki are generously filled with traditional preserves and creams, such as fruit jam and rose petals. While the raspberry filling is highly recommended for its sweet, slightly tart flavor, there are also unique options, such as espresso and a boozy vodka filling. Where to find these authentic Chicago pączkis For anyone looking to experience one of Chicago’s most authentic pastry
Secret Chicago
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Parade Returns in March—Here’s The Full Schedule, Route Map, & Best Places To Watch
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is just around the corner! With a historically large Irish population, it’s no wonder our celebrations are internationally renowned. Every March , Chicago transforms into a sea of green , with marches, parades, and parties taking place throughout the city. We’ve created a guide to the St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Parade in Chicago to help you make the most of this iconic celebration. When is the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago? The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, a few days before St. Patrick’s Day . The parade will begin at noon and will march along Columbus Drive, starting at Balbo and ending at Monroe Street. Where to watch the other St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Chicago There are various St. Patrick’s Day parades throughout the weekend . While the most famous parade takes place along Columbus Drive, severa l other celebrations can be enjoyed throughout the city. Archer Ave. St. Patrick’s Day Parade This parade celebrates Chicago’s working families and will occur on Saturday, March 14. Parade-goers can find a spot along Archer Avenue as the parade travels from Oak Park to Narragansett.
familydestinationsguide.com
There’s No Restaurant In Illinois Quite As Wonderfully Wacky As This One
Sometimes the best meals come with a side of surrealism, and House of Teriyaki in Chicago serves up both in equal measure. This isn’t your typical teriyaki joint, and honestly, thank goodness for that. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately wonder if someone...
familydestinationsguide.com
This No-Frills Illinois Hot Dog Stand Has Had Locals Lining Up For Decades
Some of life’s greatest pleasures come wrapped in wax paper and served through a window. Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park, Illinois proves that you don’t need white tablecloths or a wine list to create something absolutely magical. Let’s talk about what makes a place legendary, shall we?...
nadignewspapers.com
Wiklanski’s Bakery moving west to Elmwood Park
Longtime Northwest Side staple Wiklanski’s Bakery plans to move to Elmwood Park this month, the owner said. Known for its traditional Polish bread, rolls, pastries and cakes, the bakery, which opened in 2012 at 6006 W. Belmont Ave., is moving to 7717-19 W. Belmont Ave. in the suburb. It used to be Richard’s Polish Bakery before then.
chicagostarmedia.com
Jibaritos Chicago celebrates 10 years of bringing authentic Puerto Rican flavor to the Windy City
This April 1st marks the 10th anniversary of Jibaritos y Más, the beloved Chicago Puerto Rican restaurant known for its signature jibarito sandwich and rich Latin flavors that has since grown to three Chicago locations. Since opening its doors in 2016, the family-owned business has become a local culinary staple, delighting generations of diners and celebrating Puerto Rican food culture throughout the city. In celebration of the anniversary, free jibaritos will be be available from 7am until 12pm at their 3400 West Fullerton location in honor of the 10-year anniversary.
Daily Northwestern
Alex Sampson stuns with charismatic crowd work and rich vocals at Reggies Chicago
Loud barking, bottle flip competitions, crowd photo shoots and marriage proposals. These are hallmarks of an Alex Sampson concert. As two people who were not well-versed with his music prior to the Friday show, Sampson’s live vocals and charismatic delivery hooked us into fandom. His music came to life with every guitar strum and drum beat that echoed through the intimate, dark venue of Reggies Chicago.
NBC Chicago
Chicago Pride Parade sets theme for 2026 event
One of Chicago’s biggest events has set its theme for this summer, as the city’s Pride Parade will return to the Northalsted neighborhood. The parade, set to take place on June 28, will march through Northalsted and Lincoln Park, spanning two miles and drawing hundreds of thousands of participants and visitors to the annual spectacle.
WGNtv.com
Lunchbreak: Toasty Banana Bread
Nate Hamilton, Partner and Pastry Chef at Hey Nonny. Hey Nonny (10 S Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005) Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week (February 27-March 8, 2026) The event will spotlight the vibrant restaurants and cuisines in seven northwest Chicago suburbs: Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg and Wood Dale.
WGNtv.com
Luis Carreon’s Intimo at Chicago Magic Lounge
What you see is not always what you get… Starting this month magician Luis Carreon is combining his jaw-dropping magical skills, his Latin heritage, and off-the-wall comedy on the Magic Lounge stage. Wednesday Nights: March 25th – June 24th. Chicago Magic Lounge.
CHICAGO READER
Best experimental cocktail bar that still feels like home
There are a lot of places that make Albany Park the neighborhood I want to live in forever, but one spot that I hold dearly is Bokeh. It’s the rare type of neighborhood bar that redefines what experimental cocktails can feel like and who they’re actually for. Tucked into an unassuming storefront on Kedzie Avenue, just steps from the Brown Line, Bokeh makes genuinely inventive drinks without a hint of pretension.