What to Eat, Drink, See and Do this July in Chicago
Windy City Smokeout
Chicago summer is a beautiful, but fleeting time, and we have to make the most of it while we can. Every sunshiney day is one to be treasured, whether you’re spending it at a rocking music festival or at a relaxing movie night under the stars. So let’s make the most of those times! Here are the not-to-miss sips, sights and scrumptious meals you should take advantage of this July...
Windy City Smokeout {Tickets still available!}
If you’re more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants summer person, it might interest you to know that there’s one heck of a concert going on this weekend! Windy City Smokeout is the ultimate combo of country music, BBQ and beer, and runs through Sunday, July 11 in the United Center parking lot. For those who have been missing concerts and festivals, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season and get back in the swing of large scale events.
Fitness Series at Gallagher Way
Get moving this month! You can break a sweat, but your wallet doesn’t have to thanks to the free classes offered throughout the week at Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field. From HIIT to yoga, there are a variety of options for gym buffs, and you’ll finish in plenty of time to get coffee (and a cake pop) from West Town Bakery & Tap across the street.
Remember movie nights at the drive-in from your childhood? Let’s bring back that nostalgia with movies under the stars! ChiTown Movies is back for another summer of their drive-in offerings, with throwback favorites like Scream and Despicable Me in their rotation. They even bring popcorn, tacos, wings, and more right to your car so you can snack while you watch.
Yappy Hours at Sunda
The dog days of summer are hitting Sunda in delicious style! Their Yappy Hours are on Tuesdays from 4-6PM, and include offerings like “Bento Barks” for your four-legged pals, plus specialty cocktails for you. Hit up the patio with your pup and make Tuesday your new favorite day of the summer.
JoJo’s Shake Bar
This patio is always packed with fun, but 2021 is especially exciting because the name of the game is #throwback ✌️ They’re focusing on retro cocktails, boozy bars, their ever-amazing milkshakes, and more. If you’re trying to up your Insta-game this summer, you won’t find a better spot than JoJo’s!
Dinner at Oriole
This Michelin-starred hot spot has re-opened after closing in 2020, and is offering a whole new experience for Chicago diners. They have an expanded bar menu, new wine pairing options and a fresh menu that will make your mouth water and fill your eyes with the beautiful plating Chef Noah Sandoval has become known for. If you’ve been to Oriole before, it’s time for a second look, and if you’ve had it on your list for a while, now is the time to make your move!
"No Bad Days" Pop Up with Chef Maurice Jackson
Chef Maurice Jackson, renowned nationally as one of America's great barbecue pitmasters, has been a part of some truly unique events with menus based around his signature Southern cuisine. This month, on July 17, Chef Jackson will serve up Baby Back Ribs, Blue Cheese & Onion BBQ Burgers, Four Cheese Mac, Buttermilk Jalapeno Cornbread, and more barbecue favorites at Guild Row social club in Avondale. Joining Guild Row and Chef Jackson are Apologue Liqueurs, Big Star Margaritas, Pilot Project Brewing, and ROVM Hard Kombucha. It’ll be one heck of a summer party!
To see more summer fun we love, check out last month’s feature! A lot of these specials and menus are still available 😎
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor