Chicago Like a Local blog

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

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St. Patrick's Day decorations at a pop-up bar

Blog, Dining, Nightlife

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2026 at these Chicago bars and restaurants

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. With a substantial Irish population — and one of the biggest city-wide St. Patrick’s…

Blog, Dining

James Beard Awards 2026: full list of Chicago semi-finalists

The annual James Beard Awards recognize the best and the brightest of the nation’s dining scene. These prestigious accolades honor not only chefs and restaurants…

Dining, Holidays

35+ romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day dinner in Chicago

The biggest date night of the year is coming up, and the city’s restaurants are pulling out all the stops so you and your date…

Dining, Special events

Travel the world with these 23 international restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week 2026

Taste the world — all within one city — during Chicago Restaurant Week. This winter, hundreds of Chicago restaurants will be offering special prix fixe…

Dining, Special events

21 award-winning restaurants offering Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 deals

Want to get a taste of Chicago’s top dining experiences without breaking the bank? Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to start checking off…

In Good Spirits Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop

Blog, Dining

Dry January in Chicago: sober bars, mocktails, and more

After the indulgence of the holiday season, January is a time when people tend to cut back and seek out dry bars, mocktails, and other…

Dining, Special events

20+ restaurants for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2026 dinner in Chicago

As the year winds down, the city’s dining scene lights up as brightly as the fireworks over Navy Pier. Ring in 2026 with exciting New…

The Peninsula Chicago Lobby at Christmas

Dining

Where to enjoy a holiday dinner in Chicago: restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Hanukkah

Chicago’s award-winning restaurants are ready to celebrate the holidays. The city’s dining scene goes all out for the most wonderful time of the year, with…

Dining, Festivals, Special events

What to eat, drink, and buy at Christkindlmarket Chicago 2025

Christkindlmarket has been a holiday tradition in Chicago since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar in downtown Daley…