What to Eat, Drink, See and Do in Chicago this October
Nightmare on Clark Street
Spooky season has come to Chicago! And it’s honestly spooky how much fun is happening in Chicago over the next month. From ghoulish pop-up bars and specialty seasonal menus, to dark and delicious sweets, October is going to be an exciting time… and a busy one too! Let’s get going…
Here Here Market’s “Eat Local” Pop-Up Market (October 17)
There’s nothing we love more than seeing all our favorite local brands come together! Here Here Market is an amazing local company (women-founded!) and they’re bringing together Mott Street, This Little Goat, Primary Colors Brewing, and other local brands… including us! Their pop-up market will take place on Sunday morning, on October 17, at Mott Street and is the perfect stop to begin your holiday shopping. Come say “hi” to us while you’re there!
Filipino American History Month Dinner at Sunda (October 20)
October Filipino American History Month and Sunda New Asian Founder, Billy Dec as well as Executive Chef, Mike Morales are especially proud to share a Filipino family-style feast in celebration of that, and their family roots in the Philippines. Taking place on Wednesday, October 20 from 6-8PM, the dinner will feature regional Filipino dishes like Laing (a classic bicolano dish made with collard greens cooked in coconut milk) and Kare-Kare (braised oxtail stew). Celebrate the delicious culinary tradition of the Philippines!
Nightmare on Clark Street Pop-Up Bar (October)
Run amok at this festive pop-up bar at Deuce’s in Wrigleyville! This is a perfectly spooky experience, including festive cocktails and treats, an expansive outdoor patio, and plenty of Instagram-friendly photo opportunities. Think an Apple Pie Waffle, Worms & Dirt Milkshake, Pumpkin Spice Milkshake, a Monster Mash cocktail and even a Cookies ‘n Scream cocktail. It’s the perfect place for some adult Halloween fun since we can’t all go trick or treating anymore ;)
Chocolate Tastings at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery
If you haven’t taken the Chicago Roastery Revealed Tour at this coffee heaven, let this be your sign! Part of the Roastery Revealed Tour is a pairing of Starbucks Reserve® coffee and truffles from Chocolat Uzma, a local Chicago chocolatier from Pilsen. The combination of the flavors from the chocolates and the coffee is the perfect fall pairing and the tour itself is magical. You can also try the pairings at their Experiential Coffee Bar if you don’t have time for a full-blown tour.
Afternoon Tea at The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago (Friday-Sunday)
After all the ghosts and ghouls of the season, you’re going to want something bright and breezy as a special treat. Luckily, the tradition of afternoon tea has returned to The Peninsula to give you just that! Signature Afternoon Tea at The Lobby will be available on Fridays through Sundays in October, with seatings at 2:30 and 4:30 PM. It’s the perfect time to come and re-experience a Chicago classic because this month they have a theme of “Peninsula in Pink," and a portion of the proceeds from each Afternoon Tea service will benefit Chicago's A Silver Lining Foundation throughout October.
Taste of Hope
Support the American Cancer Society
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is doing amazing work in our local communities to fight to find the cure and eliminate this and all cancers. In October, you can support their aims by purchasing our 2021/2022 Culinary Guide! Just use code ACS21 at checkout for $11 off PLUS we’ll donate to the ACS. You can also support them by purchasing tickets to their upcoming Taste of Hope event on November 4. So many ways to do good!
Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar’s Halloween Murder Mystery Wine Dinner (October 31)
Instead of trick-or-treating, solve a mystery this Halloween! Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar in Andersonville is partnering with The Dinner Detective to host a five-course Murder Mystery Wine Dinner on the holiday, with a five-course menu complete with wine pairings, plus an show like no other. Menu highlights include Pumpkin Soup, Roasted Duck Breast, Braised Short Rib, Salted Caramel Apple Tart, and more!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor