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Peggy Kinnane's: The Emerald Isle in Arlington Heights

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:48:19 GMT

This neighborhood pub serves up authentic Irish food, drink and even atmosphere, with stone, wood and memorabilia straight from Ireland.

Wolfbait & B-girls: A Showcase for Chicago Designers

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

From hats to dresses to chunky jewelry, Wolfbait & B-girls supports Chicago artists and designers and the movement to shop local.

Hurry! Hotel rooms are hard to come by for Lollapalooza

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:14:47 GMT

Need a hotel room for Lollapalooza? Not many remain.

Pavement at Pritzker Pavilion

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

After an acrid breakup over a decade ago, one of the most influential bands of the 90s, Pavement, decided to reunite for a world reunion tour this summer. The Stockton, CA quintet recently played their first Chicago show in 11 years at Pitchfork Festival on July 18, but will touch down again and perform more of their beloved classics on September 13 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

Morseland: Music and great food In Rogers Park

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Morseland's motto, "Good Eats, Nice Beats" best describes this low-key live music and food venue in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood.

The Empty Bottle: Music, cheap drinks and dancing

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Ukrainian Village s Empty Bottle has been delivering top notch musical acts to Chicago since opening in the early 90s. A launching pad for up and coming national and local acts, the Bottle also serves cheap beer and excellent food at its Bite Caf next door.

Chicago Cultural Center: Bringing the art world to Chicago

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chicago is a culturally diverse city, so it makes sense to have a center dedicated to the arts. Completed in 1897 and originally a library, the Center offers free movies, admission and art exhibits year round and even performs civil ceremonies.

Devo at the Congress Theater: A pre-Lollapalooza show of mythical proportions

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Akron, OH quintet Devo may best be known for their ubiquitous 1980 hit Whip It, but throughout the past 30 years, they ve demystified the one-hit wonder status through touring and releasing a new album of chart topping songs.

Eleven City Diner: The Jewish deli is alive and well

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Carnegie Deli in New York set the pace for Jewish delis back in the 30s serving heaping portions of corned beef and pastrami, and luckily the South Loop s Eleven City Diner is one of the few places in Chicago that recognizes the importance of that tradition.

SPACE: The perfect setting for live music

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

From the exposed brick walls and custom curtains to the lighting and large stage, Evanston's SPACE has easily become one of the best venues to hear live music in the Chicago area.

Union Pizzeria: Fresh from the brick oven

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Union Pizzeria serves pizza the Italian way: a crunchy, thin crust topped with fresh ingredients.

Bistro Bordeaux: Authentic French cuisine

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

From the butcher papered tables to Chef Frank Mnuk's interpretations, Bistro Bordeaux has earned the title as one of Chicago's top new restaurants. Even though it's in Evanston.

Sultan's Market: Bucktown's cheap and delicious Middle Eastern food

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Since 1995, the Jordanian family owned Sultan s Market has served the Bucktown community flavorful and affordable Middle Eastern bites. From hummus to spinach pie, Sultan s knows how to satisfy the palate.

Chicago Dine Around: Chicago's premier progressive dining tour

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chicago s renowned for numerous of things, especially being a food epicenter. Chicago Dine Around aims to combine the best of the city s world gourmet cuisine and electrifying sights into one memorable dining evening.

Stearns Quarry: From quarry to landfill to a natural wonder

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Located five miles from downtown in the blue collar neighborhood of Bridgeport resides 400 million years of ancient ruins in the form of the Stearns Quarry. Originally a working quarry, last spring the Chicago Parks District beautified the old limestone mine and altered it into a stunning park.

Montrose Beach: Respite from Chicago's downtown

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Oak Street and North Avenue Beach in the Gold Coast absorb a lot of the summer beach traffic, but with more space and calmer waters, Montrose Beach further north up the lakefront acts as a respite from the overflowing downtown beach scenes.

Chicago French Market: A market with a European flair

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In the West Loop resides the Chicago French Market, a one-stop shopping haven offering fine cheeses, wine, olives and raw foods. With over 30 specialty vendors from all over the world, experience Europe s finest epicurean delights without leaving the confines of the city.

North Coast Music Festival: Chicago's newest and brightest music celebration

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In its inaugural year, the North Coast Fest acts as a means to close out the summer concert season with one last hurrah. Taking place in Union Park over Labor Day weekend (September 3-5), bands and artists from all over the world will make summer s last stand a reality.

Bridgeport Coffee House: A neighborhood hub

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

More than a local cafe, Bridgeport Coffee House is a neighborhood hub that features jazz, bake sales and sometimes even a movie or two.

Workshop: A hub of sustainability in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

More than a shop, Workshop is fast becoming a hub of sustainability in ethnically diverse Pilsen. Designer and Workshop owner, Annie Novotny sets a trend in this Chicago neighborhood showing businesses can make a difference.

Reckless Records: Keeping records and CDs relevant

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Some people think record stores are a dying breed, but since 1989, Chicago s High Fidelity-esque Reckless Records has thrived even when corporate chains like Virgin and Tower have tumbled. It s Reckless independent spirit and ability to find rare music that keeps it essential.

Cascade Drive-In Theater: reliving the past in the present

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

With only approximately 300 drive-in movie theaters still in existence, the Chicagoland area is lucky enough to harbor three of them, namely the biggest, Cascade Drive-In located an hour from Chicago in the West Chicago suburbs. When the sun sets, vehicles transform into personal living rooms under the stars.

Tastebud Tour: feeding all of the senses

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Each year Chicago s culinary expertise grows in scope and Chicagoan Lynn F. Jaynes acknowledges this in creating a food tour called Tastebud Tours. Throughout the three-hour walking tour, out-of-towners and locals alike learn about Chicago s history and get to experience the city s world famous cuisine first-hand.

Starfruit Cafe: A healthy alternative to ice cream

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

All forms of ice cream are delicious, especially those relished during the hot days of summer, but dessert doesn t always have to be high in fat and sugar. With four locations throughout Chicago, Starfruit's quaint and sunny cafe replaces the triple scoop sundae with delectable and healthy treats made from kefir.

Milwaukee Summerfest

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Although it is still a small city, Milwaukee strikes it big with Summerfest.

Shedd Aquarium: A wonderous world under the sea

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Opened in 1930, Chicago s John G. Shedd Aquarium has become a highly-regarded aquarium to get up-close-and personal with marine life from local and international waters. The museum s stellar exhibits cater to both the young and old offering something for everyone.

ShowPlace Icon Theatre: viewing movies with all of the perks

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Despite the technological advances in home entertainment, people will always congregate at movie theaters. The South Loop's ShowPlace Icon understands what people want in their movie-going experience: great sound, comfortable seats, no pre-show advertisements, gourmet food and of course cocktails.

Wicker Park Festival: Top-notch fun for seven years

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

From the parks to the streets, Chicago s summer festivals are anything but dull. Taking a cue from other neighborhood fests like Do-Division, Wicker Park Fest has been attracting top-notch bands, vendors and neighborhood friends for over seven years now.

Handlebar Bar and Grill: Wheeling drinks and veggie food

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Handlebar is a biker bar, but of the cyclist kind, not the rough and tumble motor bike type. Bucktown s neighborhood pit-stop welcomes both the peddling-friendly and non-wheeled set for breakfast, dinner and drinks.

Museum of Contemporary Art: Thought provoking modern art

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The museum features a terrace with a lake view, a gift shop with books and DVDs for sale, a caf called Pucks and four floors of breakthrough and sometimes titillating art work in the form of paintings, chromatic prints, graphic novels, and audio and visual items. The contemporary in the title refers to Post-World War II works, anything after 1945 to present day.

Epic Burger: A 'more mindful' meal

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Hamburger joint Epic Burger subscribes to the rule that not all burgers are created equal, giving it an advantage over every other preservative-filled fast food establishment. Their burgers and fries are made from fresh and all natural ingredients that support local farmers.

Lincoln Hall: An intimate musical space

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Last fall, Chicago was blessed with one of its best music venues in the form of Lincoln Hall. Akin to Schuba s, Lincoln Hall is a state-of-the-art music venue hosting intimate performances from the world s best musical acts.

Pitchfork Music Festival: indie rock's finest hit Chicago in July

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chicago hosts several music and street fests all summer long, but as far as Chicagoans are concerned, there s the grand vision of Lollapalooza and then the much smaller yet equally impressive Pitchfork Festival. Held every July in Union Park, the trendy festival books 40 of the world s best buzz bands to perform in front of over 50,000 spectators during the three-day event.

Sip Coffee: Not just fancy coffee drinks

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Most coffee shops in the city consist of Starbucks selling indulgent Frappuccinos, so sometimes independent, community-based coffee houses get overlooked. The stretch of Grand Avenue in West Town is packed with local restaurants and shops including Sip Coffee, a two-story coffee house replete with two outdoor garden areas and enough ample space for the caffeine-addicted to generate their own personal work space.

U.S. Cellular Field: Take me out to the ball game

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In Chicago, the North vs. South baseball rivalry dates back to the early 20th century when two different leagues formed on opposite ends of the city: The Loveable Losers Cubs on the North side in Wrigleyville, and the 2005 World Series champions The White Sox in the South side. Even though Chicagoans seem to prefer Wrigley stadium over U.S. Cellular Field, at least the Sox have won a World Series in the past 100 years.

Lollapalooza: The world is listening this August

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Every August, approximately 100,000 people flock to Grant Park in downtown Chicago to hear over 100 international buzz and established bands perform outdoors. Since its inception in the early 90s and since its advent in Chicago in 2005, Lollapalooza s become one of the foremost and exhilarating music fests on the continent.

The International Museum of Surgical Science: From anesthesia to zinc

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The name alone sounds intense, but surgical science has been the backbone to both Eastern and Western medicine for thousands of years. Tucked away on Lake Shore Drive, this inconspicuous four-floored former mansion educates visitors on everything from pharmacogenomics (genetics and drugs) to the history of anesthesia.

Big Star: Tasty tacos from the border and beyond

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Named after the Lone Star state of Texas and not the band Big Star, the honky tonk taqueria and whiskey bar brings affordable gourmet tacos to the denizens of Wicker Park. An extensive list of tequilas and American whiskeys presents itself along with daily $3 shots.

Oak Street Beach: Splashing and bathing in the sun

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Summer in the city means loafing on the sprawling lakefront of Lake Michigan and watching the dog days of summer disappear. In the heart of the glittery Gold Coast and within walking distance to Michigan Avenue lies 10 blocks of coastline in the form of Oak Street Beach.

McDonald's USA First Store Museum: immortalizing Chicago's fast food history

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chicago isn t attributed with opening the first McDonald s, but it does house the country s first McD s museum store. Located in Des Plaines, IL, a nearby suburb, the history dates back to April 1955 when CEO Ray Kroc helped open what would transform into the world-wide, billion served franchise.

BAT 17

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Lean and Mean homemade deli sandwiches, chopped salads and desserts only found in dreams make up the menu at Evanston's Benson Avenue Tavern.

Three Brothers: True Serbian and Eastern European fare

Thu, 06 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In this gem of a Milwaukee restaurant, mismatched china and traditional Serbian food make for great dining.

Indiana Dunes: a year-round wonder on Lake Michigan

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Encircling the southern stretch of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore provides swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bird watching, picnicking and more. It's a scenic retreat from the frenzy of urban life, conveniently located just an hour from Chicago.

Route 66 Raceway Pays Homage to a Historic Road.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Get your kicks and more at Route 66 Raceway where speed, world-class motorsports and funny cars rule the road.

Wonderburger: The name alone sparks the imagination.

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:40:57 GMT

A secret sauce tops the Wonderburger makinig it unlike any other hamburger. Founded in 1954, one bite and you'll be hooked and left well, wondering how it is made

Chicago's Polish American Museum: A Place for Art, Music and Research.

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:40:02 GMT

You don't have to be Polish to enjoy the nation's oldest and largest museum dedicated to Polish culture.

DuSable Museum of African American History

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:03:22 GMT

The nation's first museum charting African American History began in Chicago.

It's the sauce and more at Hecky's World Famous Barbecue

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:29:37 GMT

Forget Memphis. The world's best barbecue is at Hecky's in Evanston. That's right. Evanston. Ah, the sweet smell of bbq success!

Moody's Pub: The place to go for a "bleu" cheese burger.

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:28:38 GMT

Not only does Moody's serve the best hamburgers in Chicago, it has a great outdoor beer garden in the summer and a fire place graced interior in the winter.

Visit the Greek Islands and put a little Ompah! into your life.

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Awash in sea-colored blues and white stucco, Chicago's famous Greek Islands restaurant offers one of the liveliest dining experiences in the city.