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The Chicago Rat Hole Has Been Officially Removed And Preserved By City Officials
There is little to no chance that if you’re reading this in Chicago you’ve not heard of the once mighty Chicago Rat Hole. Despite having resided in Chicago for years, the unofficial landmark in Roscoe Village made the news all over the world earlier this year when local artist and comedian, Winslow Dumaine, drew attention to it by posting a photo to X, formerly Twitter. What followed was difficult to comprehend as Chicago Rat Hole pandemonium broke out both online and in person. Following on from months of a quite bizarre and amusing media frenzy which ranged from people selling rat hole memorabilia online to couples actually getting married by the Chicago Rat Hole itself, the city has stepped in and removed the entire slab of sidewalk once and for all, cementing the Chicago Rat Hole’s position in history. Crews from The Chicago Department of Transportation were seen around the spot yesterday, Wednesday, April 24th, removing it carefully before taking it away due to a long run of complaints from neighbors over the hole’s continued attention.
3 Chicago Bars Named In North America’s 50 Best Bars
With a diverse hospitality scene boasting an incredible caliber of watering holes ranging from elegant cocktail bars to cozy neighborhood taprooms, it comes as no surprise that Chicago is consistently attributed awards and accolades. This week, however, Chicago outdid itself in The World’s 50 Best 2024 list of the Best Bars in North America which were announced last night (Tuesday, April 24) during a ceremony hosted at Live Aqua in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Decided by a vote of 500 drinks experts, the ranking provides “the ultimate guide to the continent’s top bars and drinking destinations” and this year was Chicago’s best year to date with 3 different Chicago establishments making the cut and 2 recognized with special awards. Highest up the list was the returning Kumiko which has represented Chicago for the last two years running. Following an eighth-place ranking in last year’s list and a 25th-place finish in the list of the 100 best bars in the world, this year Kumiko was placed at number 19 and named The Best Bar in Midwest for the third year.
Foxtrot, Dom’s Kitchen & Market Abruptly Closes All Stores
If you’re looking to shop at Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market this afternoon, you’ll come across empty storefronts. As of Tuesday, April 23, Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market immediately closed all their stores in Chicago, Texas, and the D.C. area. The company’s announcement, posted around 11:30 a.m. Central Time, was notably sparse. “This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your support and patronage throughout the years. It has been our highest honor to elevate the everyday and create a remarkable shopping experience for people who love food as much as we do. It has been a privilege serving you and being a part of your everyday lives.” The new company appears headed for bankruptcy; however, the announcement failed to mention that in a vague explanation of the sudden closures, only noting that it had been a “challenging time.”
Chicago Will Host The First Ever Live HOT ONES™ Show This Summer
“The show with hot questions, and even hotter wings”, aka HOT ONES™, is spicing things up this summer adding to Chicago’s array of summer events with a one-off live show at an undisclosed Chicago location. Produced by First We Feast and hosted by Chicago-area native Sean Evans, the talk show and pop culture sensation tests celebrities’ courage with spicy chicken wings of escalating potency and now it’s bringing the heat to Evans’ hometown for a “one-of-a-kind Hot Ones event.” Announced in partnership with Stella Artois via its parent company Anheuser Busch, an official release revealed that the event would take place in Chicago this coming summer “hosted by Sean Evans and featuring an iconic Stella Artois Global Brand Ambassador, alongside other celebrities.” A date and place have not yet been confirmed, the release only revealed that the one-off event only that it would take place in summer “at an iconic location in the city”.
10 Best Mother’s Day Brunch In Chicago This Year
Treat the mother figure in your life to a delectable brunch, boozy bottomless brunch, or a grand meal—because she probably deserves the best on this celebrated day. From lavish steakhouse buffet to a divine rooftop meal, there’s no shortage of fabulous Mother’s Day brunch in Chicago, so here are our favorite places. First on our list is one of Chicago’s quintessential Mother’s Day brunch spots. It offers enchanting views of Millennium Park and the glassy Lake Michigan waters, and the open-air terrace is one of our favorites in the city. Top Chef Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss curates their brunch menu, which includes Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, Smoked Salmon, a Cindy’s Breakfast Platter, and more. Date: Saturday, May 11, Sunday, May 12 Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
10 Restaurants With Birthday Freebies In Chicago
Yes, the best things in life do happen to be free—especially when celebrating your birthday in Chicago. From sumptuous chocolate cake to a whole pizza pie, Chicago offers an overwhelming number of birthday freebies, so we are breaking down the best ones. Start your morning at the fast-casual bakery Au Bon Pain, which means “from good bread.” The spot offers a selection of handcrafted sandwiches and sweet dainties, and for your birthday, you’ll get a free cookie on their birthday for Customers who join Au Bon Pain’s email club. Plus, you’ll receive a free coffee and pastry just for joining. Epic Burger has been on the Chicago scene since 2008—providing quick yet juicy burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and shakes. And while it might not have the same hype as In-N-Out Burger, they do offer a free milkshake on your birthday if you’re in their rewards program. If you’re looking for mouth-watering chicken or steak tacos paired with salsa made with fresh tomatillos, jalapeños, and habaneros, head to Flacos Tacos. On your birthday, you’ll get a free dessert with a $5 purchase. It’s one of the Mexican restaurants where you’ll get birthday freebies in Chicago.
Calling All Swifties: Celebrate TTPD’s Release At These Listening Parties In Chicago
All’s fair in love and poetry—especially regarding The Tortured Poet’s Department. With the release of TTPD now only a day away and clues such as a black-and-white scripture mural being painted in Chicago, let’s say we’re not ready for it (our hearts shattered into a million pieces). But luckily, we won’t have to face it alone. Here are the TTPD listening parties in Chicago so you can cry with other swifties. Subtle Haus will host a pre-release party at Paradise Park with specialty cocktails like The Tortured Poets Department Espresso Martini and a Champagne Problems station sponsored by GH Mumm. There will also be entertaining activities such as a permanent bracelet station, tattoos by Ell Shu Tattoo, and a hairstylist on-site to give you that popstar effect. Tickets are $10. Address: 1913 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Date: Thursday, April 18th, from 7 PM to 11 PM
An Essential Bucket List Of The Best Things To Do In Chicago In Spring
That time of the year is here, Chicago. As flowers begin to bloom and the city awakes from its winter hibernation it’s time to shake off those winter icicles, expel that seasonal depression, and instead be imbued by spring cheer. Chicago is gearing up for bloom, growth, and warmer days ahead with a plethora of events, activities, and experiences of all kinds waiting for us whether we’re treated to sunshine or spring showers. Here are some of the best things to do in Chicago this spring. During the merciless Midwestern winter, some of the best areas in the city go into hibernation, depleted of their usual vigor. Waterfront areas, in particular, are a stark contrast to the thriving meccas that they offer for the rest of the year.
There Is A Taylor Swift Mural In Chicago With A Secret ‘TTPD’ Message
While countless murals are splattered across Chicago skyscrapers, the newest mural in Chicago has made quite the entrance. On Monday, April 15, a mural went up on a building at 33 W. Grand Avenue. Still, it wasn’t just any mural—it was a black-and-white scripture—specifically a QR code—reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s upcoming album The Tortured Poet’s Department. The type and the QR code comprised lowercase “ttpd” letters and the number “13.” If we hadn’t seen someone painting it, we would have believed it came straight from the typewriter Swift. Swift has used it in the promotional material for the album, which...
Shakira Announces First Tour Since 2018 With A Stop In Chicago This Year
Chicago has an array of incredible events to look forward to this year, ranging from beloved annual experiences like parades and food markets to music festivals and one-off live concerts. When it comes to the latter, we’re lucky enough to live in a city that attracts some of the most famous musicians and performers on the planet and now “the Queen of Latin Music” herself has announced a show in Chicago later this year. Grammy-winning artist, Shakira, this week announced a new tour “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour” named after her twelfth studio album which was released last month making it the first since El Dorado in 2017. The tour will take her across North America, starting in Palm Desert in California and making a total of 14 stops with a penultimate stop at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday, December 14th, 2024 before wrapping up in Detroit, Michigan the following day.
A New “All-Encompassing” Area 51 Exhibition Will Be Coming To Chicago This Summer
You may remember a few years back when an insincere Facebook event “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us” caused a brief worldwide media frenzy as potential attendees began climbing into the millions. As things escalated, the United States Airforce, the FBI, and other fearful entities warned anybody harboring real intent of storming Area 51, that it was not a good idea. Somewhat inevitably the event disintegrated, some headed to various spontaneous festivals like ‘Alienfest’, a couple of Dutch tourists were arrested for trespassing and the 40 or so people who came to carry out the Area 51...
Celebrate 4/20 In Chicago: The Best Deals And Events Happening This Year
While you can head to a Chicago dispensary any time you like, there is only one day a year that celebrates the stoner life—and that is 4/20. This year, for 4/20 in Chicago, there is a lineup of 4/20 events, parties, and night markets going all out for the unofficial holiday. For those partaking in 4/20 in Chicago, Central Park Bar has partnered with Hopewell Brewing to host a special. The event will feature a tie-dye station along with Hopewell Brewing’s new Choom Lite, a sparkling beverage infused with 3mg CBD and THC. Address: 2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Date: Saturday, April 20, from 4:20 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Today’s Sunshine To Give Way To Severe Storms Tomorrow
Chicago is set for another stretch of volatile weather this week as clear skies and sunshine today give way to a series of storms tomorrow, some of which could become severe. According to the National Weather Service, much of the Chicago area will experience storms from Tuesday afternoon lasting into Wednesday. The weather should then cool on Thursday with the potential for a few showers remaining through to the weekend. Strong waves of showers are expected to begin tomorrow afternoon as storms arrive over Chicago. Though uncertainty remains, the weather service says that strong winds, damaging hail and tornadoes are possible tomorrow afternoon and then again in the pre-dawn hours early Wednesday. As ever, you can head to the National Weather Service website for all the latest weather news and forecasts.
Chicago Electric Boat Company Kicks Off Its Summer Boating Season Today
Despite today’s sunshine soon to give way to potentially severe storms this week, spring is well and truly here and summer is just around the corner. As warmer weather returns, flowers begin filling parks with color, outdoor markets and festivals come back in their dozens, and Chicago transforms into a jubilant metropolis once again offering a whole host of exceptional summer experiences. There’s good reason Chicago ranks as one of the best places to visit in summer and it’s largely down to its many waterways that give us respite as summer heats up, The lakefront and riverwalk return to life with a fantastic array of waterfront dining spots to choose from but there are also plenty of cruises and boating experiences offering unforgettable memories on the water courtesy of numerous operators. Chicago Electric Boat Company, best known for its fleet of self-captained, eco-friendly vessels, is one of the city’s top rental operators, and today, April 15th, is the day they once again begin providing private and public experiences on the city’s waterways.
Beach Fossils Returns To Chicago To Give A Dazzling Performance At House Of Blues
After their multi-city United Kingdom and European Bunny tour, Beach Fossils returned to the USA, accompanied by opening band Nation Of Language, and gave a dazzling performance at the House of Blues in Chicago on April 7. Based in New York, Beach Fossils consists of Dustin Payseur, vocalist/guitarist; Jack Doyle Smith, bassist; Tommy Davidson, guitarist; and Anton Hochheim, drummer. This marks the second time the Indie-rock band has performed in Chicago this past year—they played a sold-out show at the Metro in November. While Beach Fossils is on tour for their album Bunny, the setlist complements their accomplishments this past decade. Their vocals radiate gentle sounds of indie rock and dream pop, while the show features an intoxicating color scheme of blue and pink strobe lights synchronizing with bursts of emphatic vibrancy. Surprisingly, Beach Fossils kicked off their performance with “This Year,” a throwback from Somersault. It was immediately followed by “Don’t Fade Away,” a fan favorite from their latest album Bunny. Bunny marks the band’s 7th album, and the first time since Somersault’s release in 2017, of a completely new list of songs.
The Best Fulton Market Restaurants in Chicago Right Now
Fulton Market—one of the bustling streets in Chicago—surprisingly used to be the former warehouse district. Now, the neighborhood has transformed into a place with vibrant restaurants and buzzing cocktail bars over the past few years. From modern American cuisine to heavenly steakhouses, here are the best Fulton Market restaurants in Chicago. Located just a stone’s throw away from Santorini, Lyrà is a haven for those seeking the most exclusive Greek delights. One of Chicago’s prettiest Fulton Market restaurants, the wraparound patio and floor-to-ceiling windows offer a unique dining experience, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor. The sand-toned Mediterranean palette adds a refreshing touch to the ambiance. Lyrà’s imaginative list of drinks and sharable plates, such as slow-roasted lamb gyros and Spanakopitakia, perfectly complement the menu. 🍽️ Service options: Dine-in 📍Address: 905 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Odesza Is Playing an Intimate Show At The Chicago Theatre Next Month
Following their electrifying performance at Lollapalooza last year, Odesza is set to return—this time, in a more intimate setting. On May 16, 2024, they will grace the stage of the iconic Chicago Theatre, offering a unique DJ set experience with special guests Phantoms. The American electronic music duo originated in Bellingham, Washington. Since their first EP, Summer’s Gone, My Friends Never Die, they have exploded onto the music scene more than a decade ago. Odesza consists of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, known individually as Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches. While Odesza usually performs at enormous music venues, such as Huntington Bank Pavilion, Grant Park, etc., they opted for a historic Chicago spot that will undoubtedly offer a surreal concert experience. The Chicago Theatre, originally known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, is a landmark theater in the Chicago Loop. Notably, one of the must-visit places in Chicago, it sits 3600-seat performing arts venue for stage plays, magic shows, comedy shows, and popular music concerts. It’s usually not the event space for a DJ set, which makes this concert all the more compelling.
Gallagher Way Announces Summer Lineup Of Events Including Full Outdoor Movie Schedule
We may just have entered spring but Chicago’s best summer events and experiences are beginning to announce themselves. On the back of various iconic summer highlights like Sundays on State and Millennium Park’s anniversary celebration revealing information and dates for their upcoming returns, another typical Chicago summer experience, Gallagher Way’s schedule of free outdoor events, have been announced. The full 2024 summer lineup features outdoor movie showings, fitness classes, live music, and more, most of which will be free to the public though there will be some special admission tickets for certain events. The schedule of outdoor movie showings is as follows:
Chicago’s Ramova Theatre To Host Red Bull Improv Street Dance Event Next Saturday
Street dancers from across the country will be coming to Chicago next weekend to face off at the Ramova Theater in Bridgeport. The recently-remodeled landmark theatre which reopened at the turn of the year following a huge celebrity back revamp, is hosting the Red Bull Dance Your Style North USA Qualifier whereby dancers compete by improvising street dance moves in their own personal style to surprise music selections. Taking place on Saturday, April 20, the bracket-style tournament will put 16 dancers against each other attempting to win over the crowd and secure a spot at the National Final. With no panel of judges, no pre-planned choreography, and no pre-chosen music, Red Bull Dance Your Style events ensure raw talent shines through and dancers advance to the next round based on how the audience reacts.
Andrew Bird Set To Move Fans With Two Exclusive Performances At The Green Mill
For one night only, the internationally acclaimed Grammy-nominated vocalist, whistler, and songwriter is returning to his hometown for back-to-back exclusive concerts at the Green Mill. Andrew Bird has been long appreciated by Chicago fans, recently performing at Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church for a week over the holidays, and now he’s set to play at the treasured jazz spot. A Chicago native, Andrew Bird graduated from Lake Forest High School and Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in violin performance. That same year, he self-released his first solo album, Music of Hair. Since then, he has released 16 studio albums and...
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Secret Chicago tracks down the best things to do in the city, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to the best exhibitions, shows and nightlife in Chicago.
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