Best of Chicago 2017

In this special edition of our expertly curated tribute to the finest offerings in the city and suburbs, we’ve created 12 action plans, from building a gorgeous backyard garden to throwing a swank cocktail party. For each, we spotlight the best—and strictly the best—places to find everything you’ll need. Because why settle for anything less?

What’s In Their Fridge?

Grant Achatz really likes Ben & Jerry’s— and other fascinating things we learned by peeking inside five top chefs’ home refrigerators

What Cops Know

You can learn a lot about a city by seeing it through the eyes of police officers who patrol it.

Summer Guide

Woman on Fire

The Illinois budget debacle has left both sides bruised, but state comptroller Susana Mendoza has emerged from the fight more powerful than ever.

Welcome to Refugee High

Easy Escapes: 7 Weekend Retreats You Should Take This Summer

Who’s Got Next?

How to Get 3,000 Pounds of Beef Jerky from Reno to Seattle

Are You Worthy of This Man’s Coffee?

For Chris Chacko, the most sought-after roaster on Chicago’s dining scene, brewing the perfect cup is a sacred gastronomic quest—one not everyone is invited to join.