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

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.

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.

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

Top 7 Cities for Career Change
In 2023, Houston added a staggering 100,000 jobs, more than any other major U.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

Atelier Lincoln Square restaurant closes its doors
What a turn of events for Lincoln Square!

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

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Top 4 California Cities Offering the Best Quality of Life
Six of the top ten cities in the entire U.

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.