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

“Bedard? Bedard?”

Wayne’s World

CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS

Scenes From the DNC • This is a really good read on the convention [“When the Democrats Came to Chicago,” October] from a fiction writer and new citizen who grew up in France.

The Daleys’ Shadow • Brandon Johnson is just the latest mayor whose stock nose-dived. What can we learn from City Hall’s most famous dynasty?

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

Chicago’s Budget Crisis • Facing a projected $1 billion shortfall, the mayor and the City Council are scrambling to balance the 2025 budget. How did we get here?

The Lori Lightfoot Effect

The Toll of Hate • For Debra Silverstein, taking on antisemitism has gotten personal.

Old Town Original • A 19th-century row house built by an accomplished architect hits the market.

MY TOWN AURORA

Cortney Hall • TV bon vivant, pink-gloved boxer, recovering Insta addict

Independent Spirit • No longer an R&B prodigy, a rawer and deeper Tink comes into her own.

AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month

Holiday Cheers • South American eggnog? Chilled Mexican punch? Here are our favorite spins on seasonal cocktails.

Five Takes on Classic Holiday Cocktails

Midwest Munchies • Funeral Potatoes ditches delivery to take over the Moonflower kitchen.

Tonkatsu at Torizen

London Calling • The British import Hawksmoor brings its take on a steakhouse to River North, with mixed results.

Halal Heaven

Slam Dunk

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

The Monkey Retirement Home • In rural Indiana, a former Chicago zookeeper runs a sanctuary for rescued primates.

CONNOR BEDARD’S NO DAYS OFF • THE BLACKHAWKS’ TEENAGE SENSATION IS ALREADY DRAWING COMPARISONS TO HOCKEY’S GREATS. JUST HOW GOOD CAN HE GET? HE’S SINGLE-MINDED ABOUT FINDING OUT.

Chicagoans of the Year • FROM A SAMARITAN WHO IS LOOKING AFTER HIS NEW NEIGHBORS TO OUR OLDEST WINNER EVER (BY 150 MILLION YEARS), THESE HONOREES HAVE MADE A LASTING MARK ON THE CITY.

Matt DeMateo

Christy George

The Chicago Archaeopteryx

Steve Newcomb

Harry Lennix

CLUBLAND • PHOTOGRAPHER ERIK M. KOMMER CAPTURES THE UNBRIDLED JOY OF THE NORTH SIDE’S LGBTQ NIGHTLIFE SCENE.

CHICAGO ORIGINALS • PUT YOUR LOCAL PRIDE UNDER WRAPS WITH TREASURES MADE IN OR INSPIRED BY OUR CITY.

Bob Sirott • The WGN radio host, 75, on his TV news stints, social awkwardness, and love of root beer floats