Stay city smart. Subscribe to Chicago magazine. Chicago magazine delivers an authoritative guide to life in one of America's greatest cities. From insight into the best dining and shopping to interviews with fascinating figures shaping the future of Chicago, every issue is your source for living city smart.
Chicago magazine
The Long View
The Nature of Things
Down by the River • Wow. This is more than a magazine article [“Searching for Our Mississippi,” August]. It’s an actual journey through America, past and present: deft and captivating descriptions of a historical place that I’ve never seen or thought much about. Is this a book in the works, or a really good independent movie?
CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS
Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters
The Big Left Turn • The new mayor’s progressive agenda faces its first test as the City Council takes up a wage increase for tipped workers.
The Blackhawks’ Wunderkind • Chicago is positively giddy about a certain Canadian teenager moving to town. But who exactly is Connor Bedard? And can he possibly live up to the hype?
No Country, No Home • Alderperson Byron Sigcho-Lopez weighs in on the city’s struggle to house bused-in migrants.
L and Back
How the Great Fire Changed Chicago • In The Burning of the World: The Great Chicago Fire and the War for a City’s Soul, Scott W. Berg offers new conclusions about the 1871 fire and its aftermath.
Orange Menace • If pumpkin can flavor lattes, cream cheese, and Twinkies this time of year, it should make Chicago’s signature foods and drinks taste better, right?
Brew Haus • A palace built on booze is on tap in Wicker Park.
MY NEIGHBORHOOD ROGERS PARK
Susan V. Booth • Goodman leader, plank advocate, Spelling Bee speedster
A Chef’s Workshop • With dishes that reflect both global and Southern influences, Christian Hunter is finding his voice at Atelier.
Thai Joy Ride • Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food takes diners on a vibrant journey through the funky, spicy cuisine of northeast Thailand.
Greek Revival
Eating the Heartland • From cannibal sandwiches to cold pack cheese, Big Jones chef Paul Fehribach’s new book traces the origins of Midwestern cuisine.
Aushak at Helmand
Red Hot Chile Mac
The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)
The Tramp in Chicago • Before Hollywood became Hollywood, it was here, too.
40 Great Things to Do This Fall • FROM MUST-SEE SHOWS TO AN AUTUMNAL FARM FEAST, HERE’S HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SEASON.
Test Your Nerve Inside a House of Horrors • Two experiential Halloween happenings turn the typical haunted house on its severed head. But which is the spookiest?
HANDS, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES • PUT YOUR ACHY JOINTS AND TORN MUSCLES IN GOOD HANDS WITH THESE 151 DOCTORS — THE CHICAGO AREA’S TOP ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALISTS.
What $500 Means to Zinida Moore • IN AN EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM, 5,000 CHICAGOANS RECEIVED MONTHLY CASH PAYMENTS FROM THE CITY FOR A YEAR, NO STRINGS ATTACHED. HERE’S HOW THE MONEY CHANGED ONE WOMAN’S LIFE — AND HOW IT DIDN’T.
Knit Wit • Crochet artist Chelsea Billingsley has fashion fans hooked.
Purple Reign • The hue associated with power, luxury, and ambition is having a moment.
Face Time • The new Glossier store is one big vanity where you can dabble, play, and discover your seasonal look.
Ike Barinholtz • The comedic actor, 46, on his bullshit detector, weed, and why he’ll never have a six-pack