Chicago Like a Local blog

Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.

Latest blog posts

Blog, Dining

Oktoberfest in Chicago: Where to enjoy food and drink specials

Oktoberfest in Munich might be postponed until next year, but the beer-centric event is living on in Chicago’s bars and restaurants. Check out a few…

Published on September 21, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Hotels

Chicago’s dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and more

Want to bring your furry friend everywhere you go? In Chicago, you can! From luxe hotel rooms to outdoor patios to river boat cruises, you…

Published on September 10, 2020 by Alma Bahman

Dining, Festivals, Special events

A reimagined Chicago Gourmet dishes up all new events this year

For the last dozen years, Chicago Gourmet has brought luxurious dinners and wine pairings, intimate conversations with local chefs, and the camaraderie of standing shoulder-to-shoulder…

Published on September 2, 2020 by Margaret Poe

Dining

Outdoor dining in Chicago: Patios and rooftops open right now

Patio season officially begins this week in Chicago. Restaurants all around the city are opening up their rooftops, gardens, and patios for diners to enjoy.…

Published on August 18, 2020 by Choose Chicago

Blog, Dining

Now open: New restaurants in Chicago

While this year has been a hard one for the restaurant industry, there’s still some bright spots for the local dining scene. New restaurants and…

Published on August 5, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Blog, Dining

Chicago restaurants now open for indoor dining

Note: Chicago restaurants can currently offer limited outdoor and indoor dining, but bars and breweries that don’t serve food may only offer outdoor seating. Check…

Published on June 26, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining

The best Chicago picnic spots

Summer is picnic season in Chicago. While there are plenty of amazing restaurants with outdoor dining, sometimes nothing can beat an old-fashioned picnic in the…

Published on June 21, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Blog, Dining, Tours & attractions

Things to do in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood

Summer is the absolute best season to explore the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The vibrant area puts their Puerto Rican heritage on proud display, from the…

Published on June 19, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Blog, Dining

Now open: Chicago bars and breweries with outdoor seating

It’s time to raise a glass because Chicago’s bars and breweries are reopening for outdoor seating. That means you can soak up the summer sun…

Published on June 17, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chicago with takeout specials, margarita kits & more

Cinco de Mayo in Chicago might look a little different this year, but there’s no reason we can’t still celebrate at home. The city’s restaurants…

Published on April 30, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining

Chicago chefs share favorite recipes & cocktails to make at home

Chicago’s culinary scene is known for being as diverse as the city itself. On any given night, you can dine at a New Orleans-style tavern,…

Published on April 27, 2020 by Choose Chicago

Dining

Where to get Easter & Passover meals to go in Chicago

This year, we could all use a little time to relax, be with family (whether in person or virtual), and enjoy a delicious meal. And…

Published on April 7, 2020 by Kelsey O'Connor

Blog, Dining

The City Winery domes are back on the Chicago Riverwalk

The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have placed restrictions on many events and businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We strongly…

Published on March 9, 2020 by Alma Bahman

Blog, Dining, Family, Hotels, Sponsored, Tours & attractions

Explore Chicago’s North Shore

Chicago’s North Shore is the perfect base for a trip to Chicago. Bordering the city along the shores of Lake Michigan, the North Shore is…

Blog, Dining, Museums, Shopping and fashion

24 hours in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood

As its name suggests, Chicago’s Gold Coast has an illustrious history. In the late 1800s, Potter Palmer, one of Chicago’s wealthiest businessmen, built his mansion…

Published on January 27, 2020 by Alma Bahman