Scenes From the Occupation

Chicago Magazine 10/28 1:00A Chicago Magazine

As the feds cracked down on immigration in Chicago this fall, filmmaker Carlos Javier Ortiz’s camera was rolling. These stills and footage show a city in crisis — and a city defiant.

What Is the Oldest Town in Illinois?

Chicago Magazine 10/27 1:00A Lynette Smith

The answer dates back to 1703, when the French controlled the Illinois Country. That year a Jesuit group established its mission along the east bank of the Mississippi River to minister to the Kaskaskia tribe of Native Americans and founded a...

Ep. 13: Ranking Our Favorite Steakhouses

Chicago Magazine 10/21 9:57A Sarah Steimer

John and Amy discuss their top five Chicago steakhouses, and what they say about the scene right now.

Chicken Minestrone Soup Recipe

Sequins and Stripes 10/21 3:33A liz

I love a minestrone soup. There is something so warming about a hearty vegetable broth loaded with veggies. One of the best minestrone soup I ve ever had consisted of the perfectly diced veggies, all...

The Definitive Guide to Chicago Steakhouses

Chicago Magazine 10/21 1:00A Chicago Magazine

In a scene that’s rapidly evolving, with splashy newcomers and international influences, we rank our 12 favorites. Plus: unexpected wines, the best potatoes, leftovers tips, and more.

Chicago’s Best Steakhouses, Ranked

Chicago Magazine 10/21 1:00A Chicago Magazine

Our 12 favorites include longtime classics and inventive newcomers.

All About Our Coffee Machine + My Favorite Cozy Coffee Drinks

Sequins and Stripes 10/18 2:05A liz

Miele Cm 6160 Coffee Machine + Carolina Irving Mug Around the holidays I always get asked about our Miele coffee machine. We have had it for almost 8 years which is crazy. Dave bought it for me for...

Finalists Announced for the Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence

Chicago Magazine 10/16 7:52A Sarah Steimer

These are the nominees for Chicago's 2026 dining and drinking awards.

The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right Now

Chicago Magazine 10/16 1:00A Lynette Smith

The city’s most buzzed-about restaurants this month, in order of heat

Five Homes for Sale in Wrigleyville

Chicago Magazine 10/13 1:00A Sarah Steimer

Our roundup includes a home in Chicago’s first designated historic district.

Chicago’s Original Celebrity Athlete

Chicago Magazine 10/9 1:00A Lynette Smith

The new book Eckie spotlights Walter Eckersall, a bygone local sports pioneer. Here’s what we learned.

Top Doctors: What I Do for My Own Kids

Chicago Magazine 10/7 1:00A Chicago Magazine

Three leading children’s physicians from the Chicago area offer their best practice-what-they-preach tips.

Entire Buildings for Sale

Chicago Magazine 10/6 1:00A Sarah Steimer

Don't demolish these buildings! Chicago needs its multi-unit properties.

Where to Order a Birthday Cake and Affordable Dinner Spots

Chicago Magazine 10/1 3:50A Lynette Smith

Where can I order a delicious birthday cake? I love the ones at Sweet Mandy B’s, which has locations in Lincoln Park and Streeterville. The moist cakes are beautifully decorated, and I love how the well-balanced frosting is not overly sweet. The...

Has Chicago Ever Had a Republican Mayor?

Chicago Magazine 10/1 1:00A Lynette Smith

Yes, several — the GOP was the party of Lincoln, after all — but it’s been nearly a century. Chicago’s last Republican chief was William Hale “Big Bill” Thompson, who served from 1915 to 1923, then from 1927 to 1931. He was best known for his...