By Chicago TribuneApr 15, 2021 at 5:00 amAdvertisementIt was never more challenging to make a mark on Chicago’s dining scene than in 2020.And yet, these chefs, restaurants, drink makers and other creative minds found ways to bring joy during impossibly difficult times. Last month, 3,100 readers cast more than 10,000 votes for your favorite new restaurants, takeout options, drinks, dishes and more in our 2020 Readers’ Choice Takeout Awards — a pandemic spin on our annual Dining Awards.Find out more about this year’s winners, and then join us in of all our Takeout Award winners, featuring a...…By Chicago TribuneApr 15, 2021 at 5:00 amAdvertisementIt was never more challenging to make a mark on Chicago’s dining scene than in 2020.And yet, these chefs, restaurants, drink makers and other creative minds found ways to bring joy during impossibly difficult times. Last month, 3,100 readers cast more than 10,000 votes for your favorite new restaurants, takeout options, drinks, dishes and more in our 2020 Readers’ Choice Takeout Awards — a pandemic spin on our annual Dining Awards.Find out more about this year’s winners, and then join us in of all our Takeout Award winners, featuring a...WW…

By Chicago TribuneMay 05, 2021 at 11:56 amAdvertisementAs the weather warms and vaccine distribution ramps up, many restaurants and bars are in the midst of reopening and expanding their service offerings.We’re running a tab and keeping track of which spots have opened their doors for customers, either after hibernating for the winter or staying shut through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. New restaurants are also starting to pop up around the city — a welcome change after so many closings in 2020.Be sure to call ahead to check on restrictions or health measures and to confirm...…By Chicago TribuneMay 05, 2021 at 11:56 amAdvertisementAs the weather warms and vaccine distribution ramps up, many restaurants and bars are in the midst of reopening and expanding their service offerings.We’re running a tab and keeping track of which spots have opened their doors for customers, either after hibernating for the winter or staying shut through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. New restaurants are also starting to pop up around the city — a welcome change after so many closings in 2020.Be sure to call ahead to check on restrictions or health measures and to confirm...WW…

AdvertisementBy Chicago TribuneMar 03, 2021 at 6:19 pmChicago will allow bars and restaurants to boost indoor capacity to 50% and remain open until 1 a.m. in the latest move from Mayor Lori Lightfoot to ease COVID-19 restrictions and help businesses.The indoor dining limit, which takes effect immediately, will now be 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer. Lightfoot also will allow liquor stores to sell alcohol until 11 p.m. and boost the number of people allowed at indoor fitness classes to 20, the city said.Advertisement“Because people are still adhering to the public health...…AdvertisementBy Chicago TribuneMar 03, 2021 at 6:19 pmChicago will allow bars and restaurants to boost indoor capacity to 50% and remain open until 1 a.m. in the latest move from Mayor Lori Lightfoot to ease COVID-19 restrictions and help businesses.The indoor dining limit, which takes effect immediately, will now be 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer. Lightfoot also will allow liquor stores to sell alcohol until 11 p.m. and boost the number of people allowed at indoor fitness classes to 20, the city said.Advertisement“Because people are still adhering to the public health...WW…

AdvertisementBy Chicago TribuneFeb 11, 2021 at 1:04 pmWith the reopening of indoor dining in Chicago, arcade bar Replay Lincoln Park is inviting guests back for a dysfunctional family gathering, a la TV’s best (worst?) family: the Roses from “Schitt’s Creek.”Beginning Friday and running through April 1, the pop-up experience channels the best of Schitt’s Creek — the show and its fictional setting — with decor from the Rosebud Motel, Cafe Tropical, the famous town sign, Moira’s “wig wall” and more. Of course the pop-up includes themed food and drinks as well, such as Moira’s favorite...…AdvertisementBy Chicago TribuneFeb 11, 2021 at 1:04 pmWith the reopening of indoor dining in Chicago, arcade bar Replay Lincoln Park is inviting guests back for a dysfunctional family gathering, a la TV’s best (worst?) family: the Roses from “Schitt’s Creek.”Beginning Friday and running through April 1, the pop-up experience channels the best of Schitt’s Creek — the show and its fictional setting — with decor from the Rosebud Motel, Cafe Tropical, the famous town sign, Moira’s “wig wall” and more. Of course the pop-up includes themed food and drinks as well, such as Moira’s favorite...WW…

AdvertisementBy Chicago TribuneFeb 04, 2021 at 1:18 pmTriple Crown Restaurant, a Chinatown mainstay since 1996, is facing eviction from its storefront located just inside the neighborhood’s iconic main gate on Wentworth Avenue.With more than $184,000 in rent due, according to a court document, second-generation owner Spencer Ng said that Triple Crown’s inability to make payments has been the result of COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining. Ng is challenging the eviction, though he is somewhat resigned to its eventuality.Advertisement“Realistically, are we going to win? Probably not,” Ng...…AdvertisementBy Chicago TribuneFeb 04, 2021 at 1:18 pmTriple Crown Restaurant, a Chinatown mainstay since 1996, is facing eviction from its storefront located just inside the neighborhood’s iconic main gate on Wentworth Avenue.With more than $184,000 in rent due, according to a court document, second-generation owner Spencer Ng said that Triple Crown’s inability to make payments has been the result of COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining. Ng is challenging the eviction, though he is somewhat resigned to its eventuality.Advertisement“Realistically, are we going to win? Probably not,” Ng...WW…

By Chicago TribuneNov 02, 2020 at 1:01 pmAdvertisementThere’s never a bad time for chicken wings, and, in fact, football season is a pretty good time to enjoy some saucy drums and flats — not to mention stress eating through election results on Tuesday. In that spirit, we’ve collected 18 of our favorite places for wings. It’s called public service journalism, and you’re welcome.Bird’s Nest is a classic neighborhood pub near DePaul with plenty of seating and TVs for taking in the game, plus some pretty hot wings. Bird’s Nest offers several wing sauces, but its self-titled hot sauce is the...…By Chicago TribuneNov 02, 2020 at 1:01 pmAdvertisementThere’s never a bad time for chicken wings, and, in fact, football season is a pretty good time to enjoy some saucy drums and flats — not to mention stress eating through election results on Tuesday. In that spirit, we’ve collected 18 of our favorite places for wings. It’s called public service journalism, and you’re welcome.Bird’s Nest is a classic neighborhood pub near DePaul with plenty of seating and TVs for taking in the game, plus some pretty hot wings. Bird’s Nest offers several wing sauces, but its self-titled hot sauce is the...WW…

Anybody interested in buying a like-new air-purifying system? How about some custom-made, acrylic table dividers? Barely used. It might not actually be for sale (yet), but pandemic-weary restaurateurs say they’re not far off. Advertisement In addition to the loss of revenue and likely layoffs for large numbers of dining industry workers, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s (which goes into effect Friday in Chicago and is either already in effect or will be Saturday for the collar counties) is dealing another financial blow to restaurants that have invested heavily ahead of winter. It’s money that, until...…Anybody interested in buying a like-new air-purifying system? How about some custom-made, acrylic table dividers? Barely used. It might not actually be for sale (yet), but pandemic-weary restaurateurs say they’re not far off. Advertisement In addition to the loss of revenue and likely layoffs for large numbers of dining industry workers, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s (which goes into effect Friday in Chicago and is either already in effect or will be Saturday for the collar counties) is dealing another financial blow to restaurants that have invested heavily ahead of winter. It’s money that, until...WW…