Chuck Inglish

Chicago

Chicago’s most famous chicken shack - you go to Sears Tower and then go to Harold's - that’s what you do. It’s a tourist moment, but ya gotta do it.

This spot is like an international food market, food court kinda thing.

This is a whole new breed of pizza spot - try the caramelised cheese crust.

Top restaurant in the city - good date spot if you’re travelling with boo. Get the oxtail egg rolls!

The experience during games is super live, dope wings and get the parmesan fries.

The buffalo wings & the sandwiches & the happy hours :)

The pasta salad, the brisket, the chicken, the selections of beers on draft, the architecture - that type of shit.

Chuck Inglish’s Top Chicago Food Spots

Smartbar is nothing short of an institution in Chicago.  Since opening in 1982, it has been a cornerstone of the city's nightlife, consistently hosting some of the most respected and innovative DJs from around the globe. Its intimate, unpretentious environment fosters a sense of community among diverse crowds. Smartbar's dedication to the underground music scene and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots make it a beloved monument everything that makes the Chicago scene great.

Another Chicago mainstay that has stood the test of time is Spybar. Since its opening in 1995, Spybar has built a reputation for being a pillar in Chicago’s house and techno music scene, attracting top-tier international and local talent. Spybar offers a unique blend of exclusivity and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for clubgoers seeking an classic night out in the River North neighbourhood.

While one of the newer venues in Chicago, Radius has made a name over the years as one of the city’s favourite music venues. Within the 55,000 square foot warehouse space, Radius transforms its state of the art lighting & sound for each show that comes through, giving a unique, once in a lifetime feel to each show.

Tucked within the Pilsen neighbourhood venue is Cermak Hall, a 10,000 square feet space of raw, industrial space that turns into an immersive soundscape.

The combination of both spaces and the crafted production takes shows within Radius to a level, unlike any ever seen in the history of Chicago.


Between shows be sure to check out Frankie Knuckles' record collection, housed at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, is a treasure trove of musical history and a testament to the legacy of the "Godfather of House Music." This extensive archive contains thousands of vinyl records, many of which were pivotal in shaping the house music genre that Knuckles pioneered in the 1980s. The collection is not just a reflection of his personal taste but also a rich cultural resource that offers insight into the evolution of dance music. Preserved at the Stony Island Arts Bank, the collection is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to connect with the music that defined an era and continues to influence artists worldwide.

4 Cultural Landmarks in Chicago, by Arc Festival Founder John Curley

Ariel Zetina

Belizean restaurants are so rare, and I’m literally so glad I live in one of the only cities in the US with the food I grew up with. Black-owned and family-owned, perfectly authentic dishes, this is the real deal. My go-to order is panades (Belize’s version of empanadas, filled with fish or beans) and Belizean stew chicken (get it with rice and beans – a must), Belizean potato salad and plantains on the side). If you have to go to one place on this list, this is literally not the one to miss!

If you’re going to Chicago, please skip the deep dish; original Chicago pizza is thin crust. Chicago-style hot dogs are acceptable, but the real Chicago staple not to miss is the jibarito. Using tostones (fried plantain) instead of bread, this sandwich is a staple of Puerto Rican diasporic cooking in Chicago, and although it is not the inventor of the jibarito (Borinquen in Humboldt Park is, and also amazing), Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square delivers such a deep gastronomical experience that keeps me coming back. My favourite is the shrimp jibarito.

This Costa Rican BYOB spot is amazing for groups, especially for vegetarians – the veggie casado is amazing. Really proud of this restaurant for surviving the pandemic and coming out strong on the other side! Costa Rican cuisine is another that is so rare in the world to find and this is, in fact, the only Costa Rican restaurant in Chicago.

Sorry, I gotta do another Belizean place. Redz is on the very northern tip of Chicago, closest to the northernmost train station on the Red Line. Another family-owned spot that cannot be beat. My recommendations are the same here (panades, stew chicken), but be sure not to miss my favourite Belizean creation: the meat pie, basically replacing the terrible bland innards of British meat pie and replacing it with jerk turkey.

Belize was a British colony until the 80s, the more you know! Don’t miss getting bun either – a raisin sweet bread on the dessert menu. Though I grew up eating it with cheese on it, so try that if you dare.

The spot that’s also signed off by my Dominican friends. I used to live near this place and discovered Dominican food through here. Located in the very west of Logan Square off the beaten path, this casual place is a great breakfast or lunch spot. Get the mangu!

OK, really, you can’t go wrong anywhere on or near 18th Street in Pilsen – a formerly immigrant Czech neighbourhood but now mostly Mexican American. The staple, 5 Rabanitos, is the most vegetarian-friendly place. Here you can find vegetarian versions of many of the different dishes available at most of the places on or near 18th Street.

Also on 18th Street, and my go-to when ordering to-go Mexican. Make sure you’re headed to the correct Los Comales, the one on the corner of 18th and Ashland! I love the milanesa tortas here and also the escabeche on the table, marinated carrots, onions and peppers to top your dishes with (or to eat with chips).

I used to have a DJ gig weekly on Mondays at nearby Beauty Bar. This is my most random choice on this, since there are so many good Mexican taquerias all around Chicago, but this is the one that speaks to me most intimately over the years. The chile relleno torta is incredible. Great place to go after drinking with friends in the area. Very little seating so get it to go.

When you hear Peruvian food in Chicago, a lot of peoples' minds go to Cabra: the Stephanie Izzard-owned Peruvian rooftop restaurant above the Hoxton in West Loop. While this is good and one of my go-to rooftop spots, the real Peruvian staple is the family-owned, Guy Fieri-approved Taste of Peru on the north side. Rarely a wait, and a true Chicago hidden gem.

Known exclusively as the Tamale Guy, anyone who frequents semi-popular late night bars in Chicago knows this man. The husband-wife team runs their business out of a single cooler, which travels from bar to bar serving drunk and hungry patrons. When I see him, I always get one. The best tamales in Chicago. Follow @tamaletracker on Twitter to find the Tamale Guy, but more likely you will run into him, as he somehow always knows where the crowd is. Truly, truly impressive.

Ariel Zetina’s Top 10 Latin American Restaurants in Chicago

Found near Hyde Park, a modern and flavourful to-go flexitarian and transitioning vegan/vegetarian restaurant you're sure to love with its whopping burgers.

Vegetarian/vegan Southern and soul food plus a juice bar in a casual storefront space with local art.

Casual spot featuring comfort Food from the mountains of Ethiopia, with both meat & vegetarian options and a full bar.

The only boutique of its kind located South of Chicago and neighboring South Suburbs. A unique shop for rare and pre-owned vinyl records and premium vintage home décor and furniture.

With Hyde Park origins, Leaders 1354 is a lifestyle sneaker shop located in downtown Chicago that sells streetwear, Adidas and Nike shoes, and apparel.

A streetwear retail destination and creative hub based in Chicago. In their own words: "The idea behind Fat Tiger is more complex than a simple retail space, FTW is a vehicle, not only for us, but for others to express their ideas and visions".

Founded in 2007, Sir & Madame is a men's and women's clothing brand and luxury lifestyle boutique. The brand is the lovechild of the creative husband and wife team, Brian and Autumn Merritt. Their passion and creativity has produced an eclectic combination of casual and elegant pieces.

Majani - Swahili for 'green'. They serve delicious vegan cuisine to food enthusiasts and health-conscious patrons in Chicagoland by utilizing the freshest ingredients from local gardens and farms.

A small fitness and dance studio located out of the recreation hall of Lincoln Church. Located out of the Pilsen community, Healthy Hood was created to provide quality fitness and dance classes at an affordable price to the underserved.

Black-Owned Businesses in Chicago

London

New York City 

Botanique in Brussels is housed in a former botanical garden with a reputation for supporting and promoting emerging talent. From exhibitions to theatre performances and music festivals, Botanique is an experience you can’t find anywhere else.

Since 1997, the intimate atmosphere of Notting Hill Arts Club has been a heart for London’s music scene, with nights thriving with up and coming talent from across the globe and huge acts giving their first live performances here.

The Sunflower Lounge brings New York to Birmingham with its half punk and half 60s psychedelic interior. A home for unsigned up and coming bands since 2002, it’s the perfect venue to gain firsthand experience of the music scene within the city.

The Ruby Sessions take place every Tuesday in Doyle’s Pub in Dublin. The event stands out within the city as a beacon for new music appreciation, offering an intimate and acoustic environment where emerging artists can showcase their talent. The Ruby Sessions is a great visit as they donate proceeds from the event every week to a selected charity.

In the heart of Bowery, Manhattan, The Bowery Electric is iconic for its music scene. Hosting multiple performance spaces (a main stage and a more intimate setting), the venue hosts an array of artists – from both local and international acts. Also, as a nightlife hub, it’s a great place to have an authentic New York experience.

Cherry Bar is known for its authentic rock ’n’ roll vibe with an unfiltered music experience. Its legacy within Melbourne is well deserved, hosting a diverse range of genres and acts. It's a consistent must-visit venue when in the city.

As one of the oldest dance halls in Europe, Sala Apolo is a gem in the heart of Barcelona, with culture stemming back to the beginning of the 20th century. Sala is unparalleled when it comes to its history.

The Empty Bottle in Chicago sets itself apart as they actively engage with the local music community, collaborating with artists, promoters and other venues to support new and independent music. Highlighting innovative and boundary-pushing music, this venue is such an exciting space to discover and experience new and unique sounds.

Opening its doors in 1991, the Night & Day Cafe is iconic within Manchester and played a pivotal role in the rise of the city's music scene. The venue has hosted influential bands in their early careers and has acted as a launch pad for local emerging artists.

If you’re looking for a venue that showcases a plethora of country, Americana, indie and rock, The Basement in Nashville is rich with emerging talents across different styles and sounds.

10 Music Venues You Should Visit Around the World, Chosen By Dirty Hit

Ravyn Lenae

My family and I have been going here since I was a little girl. I usually order the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of hashbrowns.


His place is definitely one of my favourites whenever I’m in the mood for a seafood boil. You have to make sure you get the “3 The Chi Way” sauce on whatever you order. I actually had a bottle of this shipped to LA because it’s that good.
 


I’m a regular here. When I was living in Hyde Park this became one of my favourite Caribbean spots. I order the stewed salmon with extra plantains.


This is a southside classic. I remember having my first BBQ ribs here and begging my mom to take me all the time.
 


One of the many great pizza spots we have. If you’re in the mood for heavy-handed cheesy pizza this is perfect.

Bomb. I always order their fried shrimp with fries and veggies. This was my go-to whenever I waited too long to eat dinner because they’re open until 10 PM.
