Section

Best in City

Discover the top-rated businesses, services, and attractions that make our city special.

A lively street festival in Pilsen, Chicago, featuring food stalls, colorful decorations, and happy attendees enjoying the community atmosphere.

Michelada Fest Canceled, Returns as New Street Festival

Just weeks before Michelada Fest was set to kick off in Union Park, the popular event was abruptly canceled, only to be immediately reborn as a free street festival in Pilsen.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 6· 2 min
Foster Beach with visible police presence and restricted parking signs during summer, highlighting public safety measures.

Foster Beach parking restrictions begin June 4, 2026

More than 50 people were arrested following a 'teen takeover' at 57th Street Beach late last month, setting a clear precedent for Chicago's current preventative measures.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 5· 2 min
Diverse families laughing and enjoying a vibrant summer festival with live music, food stalls, and city landmarks in the background.

Family-Friendly Summer Events in Cities for 2026

In June 2026, Chicago alone will host a major blues festival, a renowned art fair, a vibrant Puerto Rican parade, a Swedish heritage celebration, and the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center

Hannah Pierce· Jun 5· 6 min
Diverse professionals at a crossroads with city skylines, symbolizing new career opportunities and the journey of change.

Top 7 Cities for Career Change

In 2023, Houston added a staggering 100,000 jobs, more than any other major U.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 4· 6 min
Actress Netta Walker on stage at Definition Theatre, starring in the world premiere play 'Keerah' as a TV writer.

Netta Walker Stars in New Keerah Play at Definition Theatre

At 29, actress Netta Walker is not only starring in her world premiere play 'Keerah' in Chicago, but also debuting a second play this year, marking a significant career pivot, according to Block Club

Hannah Pierce· Jun 2· 2 min
The newly reopened Old Town Pour House in Chicago's Loop, a large and inviting establishment ready to welcome guests.

Old Town Pour House Reopens in The Loop This Summer

Get ready, Loop! Old Town Pour House is opening a sprawling 6,206-square-foot location by July, ready to host over 300 guests at 120 N. LaSalle St., taking over the former City Social space ( Block Cl

Hannah Pierce· Jun 2· 2 min
Students attentively listening to a teacher in a modern classroom, with no visible cell phones, symbolizing a new era of focused learning.

Illinois lawmakers pass cell phone ban for classrooms, effective 2027

Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill to ban cell phones in public K-12 classrooms, though it won't take full effect until 2027.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 2· 2 min
The exterior of Trump Tower Chicago, showcasing the newly opened Prasino Cafe on the riverwalk level, marking the building's first retail tenant in 17 years.

Trump Tower Chicago Welcomes First Retail Tenant After 17 Years

After 17 years of complete retail vacancy, Chicago's Trump Tower has finally secured its first tenant: a 2,800-square-foot Mediterranean café called Prasino.

Hannah Pierce· May 30· 2 min
A crowd of Chicago residents protesting in front of Shrader's Goods, a Mount Greenwood store, in support of the business against a city cease-and-desist order.

Mount Greenwood store faces copyright claims over firefighter swag

Over 2,000 Chicago residents have signed a petition supporting Shrader's Goods, a Mount Greenwood business, after the City of Chicago issued a cease-and-desist order.

Hannah Pierce· May 28· 2 min
A symbolic image of a federal courtroom with a gavel and illuminated legal documents, representing grand jury reform after the Broadview 6 case.

U.S. Attorney Reforms Grand Jury Rules After Broadview 6 Case

Charges against the 'Broadview Six' were dismissed after prosecutors failed to disclose critical grand jury transcripts, triggering the 'most substantial and significant changes in decades' to federal

Hannah Pierce· May 28· 2 min
A lively Taste of Chicago festival scene with diverse food vendors, happy festival-goers, and the Chicago skyline in the background.

Taste of Chicago announces 84 food vendors for 2026 festival

Nearly 40% of the food vendors at this year's Taste of Chicago are new, marking an exciting and significant refresh for the iconic festival!

Hannah Pierce· May 23· 2 min
The interior of the closed Atelier restaurant in Lincoln Square, with a 'closed' sign visible on the door and an empty dining room.

Atelier Lincoln Square restaurant closes its doors

What a turn of events for Lincoln Square!

Hannah Pierce· May 23· 2 min
Judge April Perry slams gavel in courtroom as prosecutors' case against Broadview protesters collapses due to misconduct.

Prosecutors drop all charges in Broadview protester case

U.S. District Judge April Perry expressed 'shock' at federal prosecutors' conduct in the Broadview protester case, citing improper dismissal of jurors and obscured grand jury transcripts. This egregio

Hannah Pierce· May 22· 2 min
Eight neglected vacant lots in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, symbolizing a $1.15 million foreclosure due to unpaid municipal code violation fines.

Chicago Forecloses on Englewood Owner's Eight Vacant Lots

The city of Chicago is moving to seize eight vacant lots from a junkyard owner, aiming to recoup an astonishing $1.

Hannah Pierce· May 21· 2 min
Customers browsing a wide selection of vinyl records at High Voltage Records & Hi-Fi in Rogers Park, Chicago.

High Voltage Records & Hi-Fi Opens Rogers Park Store April 25, 2026

In its first month, High Voltage Records & Hi-Fi, a new Rogers Park storefront, sold over 1,200 records, signaling a vibrant resurgence for physical music in the digital age.

Hannah Pierce· May 21· 2 min
A secluded, sun-drenched canyon with unique sandstone formations and a few distant hikers, showcasing a hidden gem park.

Top 7 Hidden Gem Parks for Unique Outdoor Activities

In the Fiery Furnace area of Arches National Park, a permitted hiking zone requires a guided, 2.

Sophie Nguyen· May 19· 5 min
Diverse and lively street view of new restaurants in Metro Detroit, with glowing signs and people dining outdoors, highlighting the city's culinary growth.

Top 9 Best New Restaurants in Metro Detroit for 2026

In April 2026 alone, Metro Detroit welcomed seventeen new restaurants, bars, and cafes, signaling an unprecedented culinary expansion, according to The Detroit News .

Hannah Pierce· May 14· 5 min
Luxurious hotel room with a sleep package including a pillow menu, sound machine, and weighted blanket in America's top wellness town.

No. 1 Wellness Town in America for 2026

For $399 a night, the Saratoga Arms Hotel, in one of America's top wellness towns, offers a 'sleep package' that includes a pillow menu, sound machine, and weighted blanket.

Hannah Pierce· May 11· 5 min
Charming street in a Wisconsin city, showcasing peaceful neighborhoods and attractive homes ideal for retirement living.

Five Wisconsin Cities Earn Top Retirement Spot on New List

The average cost of a house in Appleton, one of five Wisconsin cities recently named among the nation's best for retirees, stands at $291,197.

Hannah Pierce· May 6· 2 min
Diverse group of young professionals walking towards modern city skyline at sunrise, representing top cities for new graduates in 2026.

Top 3 US Cities for New Grads in 2026 Ranked

Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama, a city rarely linked with top graduate opportunities, now ranks as the number one US metro area for new graduates in 2026.

Hannah Pierce· May 6· 7 min
Intimate live music venue in Columbia, SC, showcasing a spotlighted stage and an engaged audience enjoying a performance.

Best Music Venues in Columbia SC: Expert Picks

Despite only 150 Yelp reviews, The Basement is a local jazz musician favorite, celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and excellent live mixing.

Hannah Pierce· May 6· 5 min
People relaxing in a shaded, mist-cooled city park on a hot summer day, offering a refreshing escape from the urban heat.

Top 7 City Parks for Summer Shade and Recreation in 2026

On a scorching 95-degree day in downtown Phoenix, the 'Coolidge Oasis' park measures a full 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding pavement, thanks to its unique misting system and dense mesquite cano

Hannah Pierce· May 5· 7 min
Interior of a bustling independent bookstore filled with books, people browsing, and a small stage set for an event, highlighting community engagement.

Top 7 Local Bookstores With Unique Selections and Community Events

Last year, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville hosted over 200 community events, from author readings to poetry slams.

Hannah Pierce· May 5· 7 min
A lively evening street view of Cleveland's diverse restaurants, highlighting the city's vibrant and inviting culinary scene.

Top 9 Best Restaurants in Cleveland Northeast Ohio

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema lauded Cleveland's diverse culinary scene and specific standout restaurants, yet he consistently noted poor service at most establishments visited.

Hannah Pierce· May 5· 5 min
A lively food festival in Tucson featuring a variety of Sonoran dogs and tacos, with vendors and attendees enjoying the culinary competition.

Tucson's Best Tacos & Sonoran Dogs Contests

This Saturday, May 2, six local vendors will battle for Tucson's best Sonoran dog at the MSA Annex’s Festival Grounds from 6-10 p.

Hannah Pierce· May 3· 2 min
Diverse group of people exploring international cultural exhibits at a vibrant city festival, experiencing global traditions.

Top 5 Unique Cultural Historic Experiences in 2026

In Washington D.C., over 80 embassies and cultural organizations open their doors annually for Passport DC. This event offers a global journey without leaving the city, providing direct access to dive

Hannah Pierce· May 2· 5 min
An exquisitely crafted, unique dessert with vibrant colors and delicate garnishes, presented in an elegant cafe setting.

9 Unique Dessert Spots Offering Distinct Flavors in 2026

In a city often defined by mainstream eateries, Manuel Latruwe has been a Victoria Park staple since 1998, meticulously crafting Belgian pastries.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 28· 5 min
A charming, hidden restaurant entrance in a narrow alleyway, with warm light emanating from the doorway, suggesting a unique dining experience.

Top 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants for Diverse Flavors

Tucked away in a Shaw alley, SUNdeVICH crafts creative international sandwiches on baguettes, proving that the most unique dining experiences often hide far from main thoroughfares.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 26· 5 min
Panoramic view of a vibrant California city with modern buildings, green parks, and happy people enjoying outdoor activities, representing a high quality of life.

Top 4 California Cities Offering the Best Quality of Life

Six of the top ten cities in the entire U.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 25· 5 min
Cozy, dimly lit cafe interior with eclectic decor, showcasing a barista crafting a specialty coffee drink with artisanal beans and brewing equipment.

Top 10 Hidden Gem Cafes With Unique Ambiance & Specialty Brews

In a city saturated with identical coffee chains, one tiny, unmarked cafe behind a laundromat in Brooklyn serves a cardamom-infused espresso that draws patrons from three states.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 24· 6 min