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 Righteous Ones

In Rare Form • How did Chicago food mavens Amy Cavanaugh and John Kessler go about ranking the city’s top steakhouses for this month’s cover story (page 48)? Here’s a by-the-numbers look.

Da Pope’s Residence • Dolton needed to move fast on this [“Bob’s House,” September], and now the pope admiration by non-Catholics has died out, reduced to Malört memes — and even those are stale. @Maggiolone85 via X

CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

Map Games • Illinois Democrats have long worked state legislative lines to their advantage. Now comes a push for a fairer process.

Chicago’s Original Celebrity Athlete • The new book Eckie spotlights Walter Eckersall, a bygone local sports pioneer. Here’s what we learned.

Budget Beaters • A few modest proposals for closing Chicago’s $1.15 billion deficit. You’re welcome.

Power to the People • Sarah Moskowitz of the Citizens Utility Board breaks down why electricity bills are spiking.

Broken-Off Beauty • Once a wing of a David Adler manor, this Lake Bluff home stands smartly on its own.

MY NEIGHBORHOOD LITTLE VILLAGE • U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JESÚS “CHUY” GARCÍA RECOMMENDS THESE FOUR SPOTS IN HIS HOOD.

Marina Squerciati • TV crime fighter, coffee fiend, skin preserver

Tortoise’s Next Movement • Fresh off their first album in nine years, the longtime rock innovators perform with the Chicago Philharmonic.

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

Thanksgiving Feast, Chicago-Style • From salumi trays to hot chocolate, here’s how to add local flavor to the big meal.

Mexican Bar Crawl • Three new spots embrace our southern neighbor’s drinking culture.

Sugar and Spice • Filipino and Indian flavors converge at Sarima Cafe.

Pizza Party • Our critic checks out two new spots making waves with tavern-style pies — and becomes a fan.

Snack Attack

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

Family Flavors

Monument Man • The city’s go-to restorer has worked on everything from two particular bronze lions (you know the ones) to ancient rock art.

STEAKHOUSES IN TOWN • IN A SCENE THAT’S RAPIDLY EVOLVING, WITH SPLASHY NEWCOMERS AND INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCES, WE RANK OUR 12 FAVORITES. Plus UNEXPECTED WINES, THE BEST POTATOES, LEFTOVERS TIPS, AND MORE.

Our New Favorite Steakhouse Martini

Move Over, Napa Cab • THESE DAYS, STEAKHOUSE WINE LISTS GO WAY BEYOND CAB AND CHARDONNAY.

Hot Sauces • FORGET THE PEPPERCORN. STEAKHOUSES ARE GETTING CREATIVE WITH THEIR SAUCES, AND PROXI LEADS THE WAY.

The Leftover Remix • HOW TO PUT THOSE DOGGIE BAGS TO BETTER USE

Which Steakhouse Is Right for You? • FOLLOW OUR FLOW CHART TO IDENTIFY YOUR PERFECT CARNIVOROUS MATCH.

The Video That Shook Chicago • Ten years ago this month, dashcam footage was released showing Laquan McDonald being shot to death by a police officer. Nothing would ever be the same again.

2 a.m. • We asked six photographers to capture a slice of the city at an hour when most Chicagoans are asleep. Here’s what they came back with one Thursday in September.

India Glam • Designer Sujata Gazder incorporates her heritage into her lavish special-occasion garments.

Charm School • A Logan Square boutique turns jewelry making into a social ritual.

Paper Chase •...