Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine delivers an authoritative guide to life in one of America's greatest cities. From insight into the best dining and shopping to interviews with fascinating figures shaping the future of Chicago, every issue is your source for living city smart.

Chicago magazine

The Burb Boom

INSIDE PEEK

L Troubles • We need to hold leaders accountable to ensure that the CTA is safe and reliable—and also not take having one of America’s only legit public transit systems for granted [“Doors Closing,” May].

CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

The Right Enemy • Can tangling with Trump provide a path back to popularity — and even reelection — for Mayor Johnson?

The Pope Slept Here • Before becoming the Vatican’s VIP, Leo XIV was better known around these parts as Bob Prevost. Here’s a tour of his local haunts.

The Celebrity Channeler • Deft impressions on social media have made Matt Friend a rising comedy star.

Adams Family Manor • Old-school style pervades this mini estate in Winnetka.

Listening to the Detectives • An Elgin police podcast helps solve old crimes.

Kristen Kaza • Party promoter, mom blogger, nap evangelist

Now Accepting New Listeners • Clinical counselor by day, Jessica Risker swaps her therapy couch for a guitar and flute on her first album in seven years.

AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month

The Ultimate Filipino Crawl • Let us take you on a tour of three buzzy Ravenswood spots.

Ice Cream Dreams • From spicy sundaes to classic dips, soft serve seems to be everywhere this summer. Here are our four favorites.

Stuffed Plantain at Mahari

A New Standby • Though still a bit uneven, Cafe Yaya, an all-day spot from the Galit team, keeps this critic coming back.

Second Life

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

Upper Crust

The Trotter Way • In his new memoir, an acclaimed chef recounts working for a culinary legend — and how their relationship soured.

The Age of Klaus Mäkelä • NOT EVEN 30, THE FINNISH CONDUCTOR IS ALREADY THE BUZZIEST NAME IN CLASSICAL MUSIC. NOW HE’S SET TO USHER IN A NEW ERA AT THE HELM OF THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

THE CASE FOR REVIEWING WHILE HIGH • CHICAGO’S DINING CRITIC EXPLAINS WHY CANNABIS MAKES HIM BETTER AT HIS JOB.

WHERE TO EAT HIGH • For me, the best restaurants to visit under the influence are those that have big flavors and a stranger-in-a-strange-land vibe. Who wants to be my designated driver for these three?

HOW TO EAT (AND DRINK) YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SUBURBS • From doughnuts with global flair to refreshing lychee martinis, there’s no shortage of bold flavors beyond the city limits. Here are our new favorites.

Explore Middle Eastern Food in the Southwest Suburbs • Shawarma, kebabs, and other delicacies await.

The Best Japanese Eats Are in the Suburbs • When he’s craving curry rice and tonkatsu, our dining critic heads north.

The Great Suburban Migration • Top Chicago chefs have started opening restaurants outside the city. Here are three worth the drive.

Electric Cargo • Neon Fringey’s locally designed handbags are zapped with ’80s flair.

Camp Sights • The folks behind Camp Wandawega have opened a West Town store stocking goods worthy of a merit badge.

Modern Romance • These items get their flirt on with soft, graceful embellishments.

Housing’s Split Personality • Even as tight inventory continues to stifle home sales in the Chicago area, the news hasn’t been all bad for the real estate agents in our latest rankings.

Top Real Estate Agents...