Restaurants, Food and Drink

10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this July, from a spicy margarita competition to a taco crawl

Neighborhoods are showing off their unique flavors with a Rogers Park Taco Crawl and the third annual Taste of Bronzeville, while a cocktail pop-up offers a taste of Singapore.

Pizza from Paulie Gee's. (Paulie Gee's Logan Square)

Hello Kitty poses for fans outside the new Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago at its grand opening on June 26, 2026. Standing on the right is 6-year-old Elea Flores who, along with her mom Natalie, waited over six hours to enter the new café. Hundreds of fans lined up outside as early as 2:30 a.m. at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Restaurant news: World’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe opens in Chicago with afternoon tea and Italian beef croissants

Daisies is offering a Chicago-style hot dog croissant as part of its Fourth of July specials. (Daisies)

July 4 dining guide: 20 Chicago restaurants and bars with specials for America 250

Magdalena Lopez, center, helps her fellow seniors as they take part in painting tote bags at the Back of the Yards Coffeehouse, in Chicago on May 11, 2026. The Back of the Yards Coffeehouse hosts rotating Senior Monday events, like painting totes, chair yoga, and culinary demonstrations. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Food and drink aren’t the only items being served at restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Community is also on the menu.

By Lisa Shames

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

Chicago restaurants, bars and coffee shops are thoughtfully embracing the meaning of hospitality and creating...

The bistecca fiorentina, a 48 oz. prime dry aged T-bone with asparagus at Gene & Georgetti. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Gene & Georgetti marks 85 years in Chicago

By David Hammond

June 8, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The restaurant has remained remarkably true to itself even as the neighborhood has transformed.

People order from food trucks near Buckingham Fountain on Sept. 7, 2025, during the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

31 Chicago food and drink festivals for summer 2026

By Samantha Nelson

June 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The city's food festivals include events devoted to specific foods like tacos and burgers or...

Fans watch a Champion league soccer match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at the Lion Sports Bar on May 30, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Last call? US cities look to extend bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup.

By Kimberlee Kruesi

June 2, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

World Cup fans in a growing number of U.S. cities won’t have an issue finding...

Joey DiBuono, left, owner of Tufano's Vernon Park Tap, shares a laugh with a customer on May 5, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

From Little Italy to Uptown, family restaurants Tufano’s and Sun Wah span generations

By Eva Remijan-Toba

June 2, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Though Tufano's and Sun Wah are in different parts of Chicago and serve cuisines from...

More than 50 restaurants offer food at Taste of the Nation, which benefits No Kid Hungry. (Taste of the Nation)

10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this month serving BBQ, smoked desserts and more

By Samantha Nelson

June 1, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Summery weather is here, offering plenty of opportunities for dining and drinking outside. Find some...

A glowing Ferris wheel is seen with the Chicago skyline during the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago’s Grant Park on May 23, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois 250: Art, culture, food and music made here — and then shared with the world

By Kori Rumore

June 2, 2026 at 10:11 a.m.

Some things are so good they just have to be shared. And in true Midwestern...

Smyth chef and owner John Shields, right, celebrates with staff, Nov. 8, 2023, after the restaurant was awarded a third Michelin star. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago’s Smyth is the No. 1 restaurant in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list

By Zareen Syed

May 29, 2026 at 7:32 p.m.

For chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, the award coincides with a historic milestone...

Owner Tim Lacey, second from left, toasts with the staff at Atelier as they celebrate receiving their first Michelin star, Nov. 9, 2023, in Lincoln Square. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Atelier considers bankruptcy after announcing closure, months after moving into new space with crowdsourced funds

By Zareen Syed

May 29, 2026 at 6:52 p.m.

Thousands of retail investors who bought nearly a half-million dollars in small business bonds learned...

Nick Fatouros stands in front of Thassos Greek Restaurant when the eatery opened in 2022 in Clarendon Hills. The restaurant recently closed, leaving an empty storefront in the village's downtown. (Pioneer Press file)

Thassos Greek Restaurant closes in Clarendon Hills, leaving gap in downtown eating options

By Chuck Fieldman

June 1, 2026 at 5:16 p.m.

The building owner of the recently vacated Thassos Greek Restaurant says he's been contacted by...

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