Samantha Nelson

Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer who has spent more than 15 years writing about what to eat, drink and do in Chicago for publications including the Chicago Tribune, Eater Chicago, Time Out Chicago, The Daily Herald and RedEye. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

People shop at the Logan Square Farmers Market, May 10, 2026, in its new location on the redesigned traffic circle around the Illinois Centennial Monument. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Everything you need to know for the 2026 Chicago farmers market season

May 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The weather is warming and that means its farmers market season. Check our schedule to help plan your shopping trips.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery is offering a mini hot dog and beer flight for Memorial Day weekend. (Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago)

Memorial Day guide: 14 Chicago restaurant and bar specials for the long weekend

May 18, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and the city’s bars and restaurants aren’t wasting any time embracing the warm weather with patio parties and refreshing drink specials.

Mother's Day offerings at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille include a filet-stuffed roast. (Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille)

Mother’s Day 2026 guide: Chicago restaurant specials for celebrating Mom

May 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

There are plenty of options to enjoy with the mother figure in your life, from elaborate buffets to playful afternoon teas to family-friendly celebrations where the little ones have their...

The Easter buffet at Prairie Grass Cafe includes eggs Benedict. (Cindy Kurman/Kurman Communications)

Easter 2026 dining guide: Where to get traditional foods for the holiday, plus buffets and take-home packages

March 30, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

For Easter, restaurants and bakeries offer a wide variety of traditional foods for the holiday including hot cross buns, magiritsa and colomba.

Raised is offering a variety of cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day. (Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel)

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Restaurants and bars with Chicago River views, unlimited food and drinks, and more

March 9, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Chicago hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world, centering on the tradition of dyeing the Chicago River bright green and parades held throughout the city...

Honey Butter Beach Club lobster roll. (Honey Butter Beach Club)

Lent restaurant specials: Where to enjoy fish fries, seafood dinners, and pepper and egg sandwiches in Chicago

February 18, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

This Lenten season there are plenty of bars and restaurants offering traditional platters of battered pike or cod served with fries and coleslaw as well as other specials.

Stan's Donuts paczki are available through Fat Tuesday. (Stan's Donuts)

Paczki guide 2026: Where to get the sweet treats for Fat Tuesday in Chicago

February 10, 2026 at 8:13 a.m.

At the city’s most popular and longest running bakeries, preorders often sell out and walk-ins can involve waiting in lines that snake around the block.

Shaw’s Crab House Mardi Gras specials include a shrimp po'boy. (Lettuce Entertain You)

Fat Tuesday 2026 guide: Where to go for Mardi Gras and Carnival restaurant and bar specials

February 10, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Whether called Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday is celebrated around the world as a last chance to enjoy decadent food and party before...

The wing tray from Bub City. (Lindsay Eberly)

Super Bowl 2026: Restaurant and bar specials in Chicago

February 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Local bars and restaurants are hosting gatherings and offering packages to go, so you can easily provide your friends and family with enough snacks and drinks to last until the...

Heart-shaped pizzas from Labriola. (Doughboy Restaurant Group)

Valentine’s Day 2026: Restaurant and bar specials for a romantic date night or Galentine’s Day celebration

January 28, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Chicago bars and restaurants are offering a huge variety of ways so you can enjoy the holiday, regardless of your relationship status or budget.

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