What to Eat, Drink, See & Do in April
April is a great month in Chicago. Whether you live here or are here visiting, the city is in a constant state of change as summer approaches. The weather is getting warmer, the grass is getting greener and restaurants are starting to offer their favorite spring menu items. From happy hours to spring events and more, we have you covered for things to do in April!
Smoke Daddy Whiskey Club {1804 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.772.6656
Visit Smoke Daddy Wicker Park as they kick off their Whiskey Club on April 21, from 6-8PM with Whistle Pig. Spend the evening sipping on a craft cocktail, tasting different whiskeys, sampling light bites and end the night with a complimentary glass from Whistle Pig.
Happy Hour at The Loyalist {216 N Peoria St, Chicago; 773.913.3774}
Ever been to The Loyalist for Happy Hour? Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5-6PM diners can sip on craft cocktails from their new happy hour menu while they munch on small bites like Caramelized Dates with goat cheese, bacon and lavender or Warm Oysters with Paris butter. Try The Loyalist Old Fashioned, Daiquiris made of a house blend of Carribean rum, lime and sugar, or a Spritz with Noilly Pratt Dry Vermouth, St. Germain elderflower and soda.
Geneva Commons’ Hopping Into Spring Event {602 Commons Drive, Geneva; 630.262.0044}
Escape the city and head to Geneva for the Geneva Commons’ Hopping Into Spring Event. On Saturday, April 9, from 11AM-2PM, celebrate Spring and get your picture taken with the Easter bunny, hunt for Easter eggs and paint a vase with Color Me Mine. The event is free, open to the public and is a perfect way to spend Easter Sunday!
Geneva Commons
Chicago Rum Fest {2539 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago}
If rum makes you feel like you're on vacation (and we all need a vacation), head to the Logan Square Auditorium for the RumLabs’s 6th Annual Chicago Rum Fest. With more than 50 rum expressions poured, educational brand seminars, music and more, it’s bound to be a fun time for everyone.
Last minute Restaurant Week meals
Year after year, season after season, Chicago foodies get to try some of the hottest new spots. With only a few days left of Restaurant Week, you better move quickly to get your last bites from these prime eateries. From restaurants like Dusek’s, avec, Gaijin and so many others, make sure to head to one of our top spots before the week is over!
Hawaiian Night Wine Dinner & Wine Tasting at City Winery {1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago; 312.733.9463}
Head to one of the best West Loop spots for an exclusive dinner, in the private and cozy Barrel Room, with City Winery’s Winemakers and Executive Chef. The Hawaiian-Themed five-course meal will feature menu items such as Kalua Park Slider, Coconut Shrimp with pineapple salsa, Island Poke, Chicken Pineapple Tacos, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake paired with award-winning City Winery wine. After the event, browse the large wine collection and receive 20% off of City Winery wine to enjoy at home.
JBF Greens X CEBU {2211 W North Ave, Chicago; 773.799.8650}
On Tuesday, April 12, from 6:30-9PM get a taste of the Philippines as the quartet of siblings, chef de cuisine/partner Malvin Tan, pastry chef/partner Cybill Tan, partner Marlon Tan and assistant general manager Malvin Tan collaborate to on a special three-course menu at CEBU. Dinner will be held inside and will include wine from J Vineyards and Winery as well as premium sake sponsored by Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO).
Ukrainian Dinner at avec {615 W Randolph St, Chicago; 312.377.2002}
Head to avec West Loop on Wednesday, April 13, from 6:30-9:30PM for the Ukrainian Dinner benefiting the World Central Kitchen. For $150, a six-course meal will be offered highlighting Ukrainian-inspired dishes accompanied by intentionally paired beverages. All proceeds will benefit Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen, which is currently operating in bordering countries around Ukraine and has already provided over one million meals to children and families crossing the border.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent
