Features Great Nights OutWhen darkness descends on Chicago and the suburbs, the bright lights go up in restaurants, theatres, and clubs. Here’s a guide to some of the area’s liveliest nighttime destinations. Lord Jimby Steve RhodesFormer governor Jim Thompson was considered Presidential material when he left Springfield in 1991. Instead, he’s using his clout to … Read more
Features House Beautifulby Dennis RodkinIn a city renowned for its architecture, these 30 holmes – in Chicago and the suburbs – stand out. Brand Xby James McManusIn the lackluster post-Michael era, rookie sensation Elton Brand gives Bulls fans reason to cheer. Spin Cityby Penelope MesicActor John Cusack stars in the Chicago-made movie High Fidelity, a … Read more
Features Building a New Gold Coastby Jonathan EigHigh-powered developers like MCL’s Dan McLean are creating a whole new neighborhood near the city’s downtown lakefront that promises to transform the face of Chicago. The Big Onion Awardsby Steve Rhodes and David ZivanOur sixth annual compendium of the greedy, lazy, and sometimes downright ridiculous behavior of our … Read more
Features Profiles in Courage We honor our 1999 Chicagoans of the Year, seven men and women whose determination, vision, and grit made our city a better place to live. Best Hospitalsby Geoffrey Johnson and Dennis RodkinChicago and the suburbs have dozens of excellent hospitals. Here is a look at the cream of the crop – … Read more
Features The New Richby Ted Shen and Lucinda HahnPresenting 12 Chicagoans who made $100 million or more in the 1990s, from a software mogul to the inventor of Beanie Babies – and what they’re doing with their millions today. The Last Reelby Marcia Froelke CoburnIt was a very private final year for movie critic Gene … Read more
Features Pleasure Principalsby Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanOur dining critics applaud their 60 favorites – from the sparkle and grace of the Gold Coast’s Pump Room to the unassuming neighborhood charm of Lake View’s Blue Stem. Da Rulesby Jonathan EigHow did Richard M. Daley – often inarticulate, sometimes obsessed with the minuscule – become … Read more
B.B. King wasn’t thinking about Chicago blues clubs when he wailed, “The thrill is gone.” But it certainly could apply. Six ways to revive a fading cultural art form
Features Hot ‘Hoodsby Dennis Rodkin, with Lindsey Chow and Susannah FeltsThe sizzling local real estate market refuses to cool off. A survey of home prices in 270-plus Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs – with a look at some standout places to live A Very Private Manby Cynthia HansonWhen he died suddenly last March, gum magnate William … Read more
Features Sacked!by Jonathan EigMichael McCaskey should have been the right man to run the Bears. But under his leadership, the team stumbled so badly that his mom had to fire him. And Now, a Few Words on Behalf of the Worst Writer in Chicagoby Steve RhodesHe won an award for producing some of the worst … Read more
Features The Best of ChicagoOur writers explore the rich possibilities of our peerless city and uncover the most romantic restaurant, the tallest climbing wall, the liveliest jukebox, the prettiest public garden, and a host of other people, places, and things that make Chicago special. Plus, our dining critics name their favorite spots for eight restaurant … Read more
