meetinchicago.com and handcrafted cocktails all come paired with Southern hospitality. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar serves Caribbean dishes that include jerk chicken and coconut shrimp. The bar offers more than 100 varieties of rum, along with tropical cocktails. 14 Parish is open late on the weekends. than 30 years. The family-run restaurant is known for its homemade gnocchi and meatballs, along with massive pork chops and signature chicken giardiniera. ANDERSONVILLE AVONDALE BRIDGEPORT When Michelin-starred chef Kevin Hickey was ready to open his own restaurant, he knew just the spot — his own Bridgeport neighborhood, home to the Chicago White Sox and plenty of mom-and-pop businesses. Set inside a historic neighborhood tavern, The Duck Inn , a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, features Hickey’s impeccable take on seasonally driven, modern American cuisine. Dishes range from Hickey’s tribute to the Chicago hot dog to his signature rotisserie duck. Franco’s Ristorante has been an Italian tradition in the Bridgeport neighborhood for more Avondale offers a cool combo of urban vibes, industrial roots, and some of the city’s hippest restaurants. Located on the Chicago River, Soul & Smoke boasts stellar views from its patio, along with equally dazzling barbecue. A classically trained chef with a passion for barbecue heads up the kitchen, where you’ll find house-made sauces to go along with the smoked spare ribs, sausage, and signature sides. Husband-and-wife team Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark have garnered James Beard Awards and Michelin stars for their inventive contemporary Korean cuisine at Parachute . Pair a soju cocktail with dishes such as seafood pancakes stuffed with shrimp and squid or pork bossam with kimchi. Once an enclave to Swedish immigrants, Andersonville is now home to one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. Here, unique boutiques share real estate with cozy diners and beloved hole-in-the-wall bars. At Big Jones , chef Paul Fehribach’s passion for coastal Southern cuisine is evident in dishes such as crawfish etouffee, skillet cornbread, and some of the city’s best fried chicken. A curated bourbon list adds to the Southern charm. The charmingly rustic Bar Roma features a Roman-inspired menu. Dishes include house-made pasta like the black peppercorn cavatelli filled with ricotta cheese and chicken sausage, along with wood-grilled rainbow trout. acts as the tight-knit community’s unofficial gathering place, combining Creole-inspired food with heartfelt service and a laid-back attitude. At The Bar , regulars come for the classic cocktails, smooth jazz, and lively conversation. At Bronzeville Winery , the creative American menu ranges from salmon paired with a sweet potato puree to the vegan seared watermelon steak. An approachable wine list is curated by Anika Ellison, one of the industry’s few Black women sommeliers. Don’t miss the weekly DJ sets. CHINATOWN BRONZEVILLE A center for African American life and culture in Chicago, Bronzeville is a vibrant neighborhood full of colorful public art and historic landmarks. Norman’s Bistro Chicago’s Chinatown is a whirlwind of ornate architecture, traditional specialty shops, elaborately adorned streets, and authentic restaurants. Since 1996, Joy Yee has been wowing patrons with its extensive menu of Asian dishes, ranging from Szechuan egg rolls and Korean barbecue ribs to fruity, Taiwanese-style bubble teas. Enjoy dim sum all day, every day, at CHICAGO GIFT IDEAS Discover Chicago-centric gifts that celebrate our kind of town. Women-owned Basketworks crafts built-to-order gift baskets for a variety of occasions. The custom leather goods at Laudi Vidni include everything from chic purses to handsome briefcases. Packed with Purpose offers gift boxes with products from over 55 nonprofits and purpose-driven companies. Mini bundt cakes and decadent cupcakes from Silver Spoon Desserts never fail to delight. Fudge, caramel corn, and brittle are just a few of the nostalgic handcrafted treats from Kilwins . Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn Shops ’ addictive popcorn flavors have been delighting its many fans. Black-owned boutique The Silver Room features local jewelry, artwork, and home goods. Here Here Market finds inspiration in food and beverage products from top purveyors and chefs. Focused on wine and entertaining, woman-owned Love Cork Screw offers unique gifts for wine lovers.