You might think you don't want to go down to Cal's on Wells tonight, but trust us, you do. Two of Chicago's most buzzed-about garage pop bands, CoCoComa and Headache City will set up shop tonight, and our prediction is that the combination of both bands on one bill may actually cause the world to implode, or at least the southern half of Wells Street. You kind of don't want to miss it. more ›

Wells Street or 5th Avenue? more ›

Chicagoist's search for the best Mexican food in the city took an upscale turn with a trip to Old Town favorite Salpicon. Before dining there, we had never even heard of this gem of a restaurant, as whenever we heard "upscale Mexican," we would think of Frontera Grill, Topolobambo, or Adobo Grill. Salpicon is nestled on the south end of Wells, almost to Division St. The night we went it was gray and drizzling outside,... more ›

The Hideout Block Party - including Touch and Go's silver anniversary celebration - merely headlines what is shaping up to be a busy weekend of neighborhood and city-endorsed festivals. As people throughout the city scramble to enjoy the waning moments of prime tanning and outdoor drinking weather, here are some other festivals and events around the city for you to check out: - The Windy City Wine Festival gears up for another weekend of oenophilia... more ›

If it seems that Chicagoist has been writing a lot lately about wine there's a reason besides we'e drinking a lot of it. Governor Blago has declared September as the first Illinois Wine Month. The number of wineries in the state has grown in the past eight years from twelve to sixty, producing an estimated 500,000 gallons a year. Grape acreage especially has expanded from 140 acres to over 1,000 acres in that same... more ›

This past week Chicagoist has been envying friends who work in air-conditioned comfort. Yes, summer’s finally here and that means: festivals! Anyone who’s been paying attention knows that Blues Fest will take over Grant Park through Sunday. But if you’re looking for something a bit more low key this weekend, check these out: The Merit School of Music comes to Pilsen’s Harrison Park this Sunday to present the Alegre StringTacular. All semester this South Loop... more ›