The Taste of Chicago food fest moves to fall, The St. Regis Chicago unveils two new restaurants, Guinness Open Gate Brewery debuts its second U.S. location, The Blue Room brings speakeasy vibes to The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, and The Wiz makes its Chicago premiere.

Taste of Chicago moves to fall

Taste of Chicago
Taste of Chicago

The free Taste of Chicago, typically held in July, returns to Grant Park from Sept. 8 – 10. Go for the food served by dozens of local restaurants, but stay for the nightly concerts held at the scenic lakefront park. Sample an array of dishes, from hot dogs and pizza to authentic international fare.

Learn more about the Taste of Chicago.

Two new restaurants debut at The St. Regis Chicago

Miru at The St. Regis Chicago
Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

The luxury St. Regis Chicago hotel has unveiled two exciting new restaurants. At Miru, sip sake and enjoy views of the Chicago River while savoring Japanese specialties such as wagyu, black cod, noodles, and sushi. Its Tokyo Breakfast features king salmon and miso soup. Later this year, the elegant Tuscan steakhouse Tre Dita, featuring an open-hearth concept, will be helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Evan Funke.

Learn more about The St. Regis Chicago.

Hoist a pint at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Sip on a house-crafted Guinness beer in the taproom at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, opening this summer in the West Loop. The Diageo Beer Company’s second U.S. location will include a roster of brews made only in Chicago. Arrange for your group to tour the brewery, then enjoy a meal in the renovated railroad depot or on its patio.

Learn more about Guinness Open Gate Brewery.

The Blue Room opens at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

The Blue Room at The Chicago Firehouse
The Blue Room at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, photo by Neil John Burger

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant has opened The Blue Room, a Prohibition era-style speakeasy. The moody vibe, chunky leather furniture, and classic drinks lend a mysterious air to the basement lounge. Listen to live performers or vinyl records spun on a turntable. The Blue Room can be reserved for an intimate dinner of up to 16 people.

Learn more about The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.

Broadway-bound The Wiz premieres in Chicago

The pre-Broadway Chicago premiere of The Wiz runs from Nov. 28 – Dec. 10 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The musical moves a film classic, The Wizard of Oz, from 1930s Kansas to modern times, with a score featuring soul, funk, gospel, and rock songs.

Learn more about The Wiz at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.