😋 Where to eat during Chicago Restaurant Week

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Wednesday, January 22

26° F

15° F

Good morning!

City Cast editor Adrian González here, filling in for Sidney Madden.

Let’s get into it.

What Chicago's Talking About

The 606 Trail Extension Delayed

The extension of the walking and biking trail to Elston Avenue is now expected to begin in late 2026 and wrap in 2027. [Block Club]

While we wait, take advantage of Chicago’s best cycling routes. [Hey Chicago 💻]

Undercover Sting Uncovers Housing Discrimination

Chicago area landlords and real estate agents often rejected low-income renters using Section 8 housing vouchers, according to an investigation by the Housing Rights Initiative. The watchdog group alleges violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act, calling it the largest housing discrimination case in Illinois history. [WBEZ]

Judge Moved to Traffic Court After Domestic Violence Case Controversy

Cook County Judge Thomas Nowinski has been reassigned from the Domestic Violence Division after backlash from his decision to release a man who later allegedly killed his wife. Nowinski will preside over misdemeanor and traffic cases in the Third Municipal District in Rolling Meadows. [Sun-Times]

Podcast player: "How Much Should You Tip? And Other 2025 Chicago Restaurant Trends"

2025 Chicago Food Trends

Chicago’s food scene is always buzzing, but what’s trending this year? Tribune food critic Louisa Chu shares the restaurant industry trends and stories to watch in 2025. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

2025 Chicago Restaurant Week Recommendations

A breakfast sandwich with a sausage, egg, on a biscuit.

The breakfast sandwich at Bandit. (Courtesy of DineAmic Hospitality)

Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off Friday, featuring brunch, lunch, and dinner specials from more than 470 eateries around the city. That’s a lot of options, so we’re sharing a few of our recommendations to get you started.

Brunch and Lunch Specials

Bandit (West Loop)

As a member of the breakfast-all-day brigade, the 3-course brunch special at Bandit looks unmissable. The $30 price tag includes a choice of coffee or three boozy drinks — add $5 to make those bottomless.

Dell’ Rooster (West Town)

This family-owned Latin American spot is serving three courses for brunch, including a killer horchata mango panna cotta dessert.

Bixi Brewery (Logan Square)

Bixi features 3 courses of Asian fusion fare with vegetarian and gluten-free options. I’m particularly intrigued by the Thai sausage breakfast sandwich.

Qiao Hot Pot (Chinatown)

We’re deep into a winter freeze, so what better way to warm up than hot pot?

Overhead shot of four Wagyu beef meatballs on a black plate.

I’m still reeling from the idea of Lyra’s Wagyu beef meatballs. (Courtesy of DineAmic Hospitality)

Dinner Specials

Lyra (Lincoln Park)

The words “Wagyu beef meatballs” alone are exciting. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Greek cuisine or are looking to expand your palette, Lyra’s modern takes are worth a night out.

Petit Pomeroy (River North)

Another perk of Chicago Restaurant Week is tasting dishes that are not typically on a restaurant’s menu. That’s even more exciting when it’s from a high-end French restaurant.