2020-11-04 18:38
Whether you’re a season ticket holder or an every-so-often visitor, attending a live sports game is always a great time. Nothing beats a stadium atmosphere where everyone in the crowd… Read More
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Beginning as Chicago Genie, UrbanMatter is now the Number One resource for discovering new outlets in Chicago. Why? Because we live and breathe Chicago every day.
We’re front row at that festival in Grant Park. We’re ordering takeout from that restaurant on the corner you thought no one knew about. We know which museums have the free days. We’re drinking that new craft brew from Half Acre. And yes, we eat our hot dogs the right way – sweet relish, onions, pickles, and all.
That’s what makes us stand out from the million other event websites that exist. We cover the things that matter most to real Chicagoans. When it comes to music, restaurants, nightlife, culture, and local lifestyle, you can trust us.
So what are you waiting for? Step outside and start doing what really matters to you.
2020-11-04 15:20
A good sandwich can change your life. High quality meat, crusty bread, and flavorful cheese is something magical—we’re not accepting opposing views on this. So whether you’… Read More
2020-11-03 20:34
Do you have $19M just laying around? No? Neither do I but that didn’t stop me exploring this $18.75M mansion in Gold Coast as if purchasing it was a legitimate option of mine. I did th… Read More
2020-11-02 23:10
Are you familiar with Mandolin? If not, it’s a digital platform that exists with the sole purpose help artists, venues, and fans connect through live music. This Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, als… Read More
2020-10-30 22:00
Earlier this week the state of Illinois, and more specifically, the city of Chicago announced a wave of new Chicago COVID-19 restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As cases continu… Read More
2020-10-29 14:37
With the fourth pick in the 2020 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls select…
Those will be the words heard by thousands of Bulls fans on the night of November 18th, the date for this year&rs&hell…Read More
2020-10-29 05:00
Winter is here and we all know what that means. DELIVERY.
No need to brave the bitter cold for a burrito when you could spend that time instead, cuddling under a snug blanket and watching Ne… Read More
2020-10-28 16:53
Despite ongoing health and safety concerns in Northern Illinois, the Morton Arboretum is still holding its famous Illumination: Tree Lights this year, the 8th consecutive year for the event… Read More
2020-10-28 14:13
Whether you just got engaged, you’re throwing a surprise birthday party, or celebrating any major milestone, a stunning cake will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Check out t… Read More
2020-10-27 16:34
The Chicago Bears lost to the Los Angeles Rams Monday night by the score of 24-10. It was frustrating. It was ugly. It was every single negative aspect you have absorbed of bad Bears footbal… Read More
2020-10-27 13:51
Jewish delis and the food they serve have become an essential part of the American food landscape; from matzo ball soup to lox and bagels, to pastrami on rye and even challah French toast, t… Read More
2020-10-22 16:05
It’s safe to say that we are currently living in history. Between a nearly-year-long pandemic that has totally changed our way of living to historic protests regarding systemic racism… Read More
2020-10-22 15:55
Illinois first legalized sports betting in the year 2019, taking full advantage of the right to set its own laws on the matter following the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sport… Read More
2020-10-22 14:02
Feel like escaping the city for a delicious meal in a quaint suburb? You don’t have to travel far (only about 15 minutes north!) to experience something different. From homemade pastas… Read More
2020-10-21 16:13
Restaurant closures in Chicago are set to increase as owners across the city are finding themselves in a terrible position as the winter months rapidly approach. With the dipping temperature… Read More
2020-10-21 14:59
Don’t lie. We both know that there are nights you go out for one reason and one reason only: finding someone to bring back home. The good news is Chicago has some of the best hookup ba… Read More
2020-10-20 16:31
As we all expected, the latest Chicago COVID-19 update is that the city is trending rapidly towards returning to Phase 3 of the coronavirus shutdown as a second surge of the virus turns cour… Read More
2020-10-20 14:05
There are few dishes in this world that satisfy your happy hour cravings quite like nachos can. Not only do crisp, crunchy tortilla chips make a great salty snack by themselves, but they&rsq&hell…Read More
2020-10-20 13:52
Whether it’s the t-ball fields in little league or the junior varsity team in high school, every famous athlete starts somewhere. For some, their dreams begin before they know how to p… Read More
2020-10-19 14:12
Let’s face it: there are endless options for top-notch restaurants in Chicago. But if we had to pick the crème de la crème of River North, here’s where we’d s… Read More
2020-10-16 18:46
There has been a wave of drive-by paintball gun shootings in Chicago recently, which to most has to sound like a joke headline but we promise that it’s not. It’s completely real… Read More
2020-10-15 14:10
A global pandemic. The loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Fires. Hurricanes. The year 2020 sure has had its fair share of bizarre events. And now, thanks to a few high school athletes and their… Read More
2020-10-14 18:35
COVID-19 has put much of the 2020 Presidential election into focus on how voters can ensure their ballot is cast in a safe yet secure manner. With that, more and more voters are turning to v… Read More
2020-10-13 18:13
As we see some of the last above-freezing nights of the year, Chicagoans know that a new season approaches: Soup Season. Sure, some people (for reasons yet to be understood) probably eat sou… Read More
2020-10-13 15:18
It’s time to get into the holiday spirit but in a safe and conscious environment. Let It Shine is just that — a brand new holiday drive-thru light show that’s coming to Nor… Read More
2020-10-12 20:34
We know that when it comes to chicken wings, Chicago has some of the best around. Usually, WingOut Chicago brings us the annual block-party-of-all-chicken-wing-block-parties for anyone and e… Read More
2020-10-12 19:30
Seasonal foods come and go, but chicken wings stay forever. And if you’re going to be about that wing life, you need to know some of the best places to get them. So here are eight plac… Read More
2020-10-12 18:57
Southwest Airlines, the famed “wanna get away” brand that is popular for letting you pick your own seats, will begin operating out of O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as… Read More
2020-10-12 17:52
The Chicago White Sox are in search of a new manager after Rick Renteria was relieved of his duties on Monday morning. Renteria’s firing comes after the White Sox were eliminated in th… Read More
2020-10-12 13:44
Is there anything better than a crisp fall day? That kind of weather practically demands a trip to your local orchard. Spend an afternoon strolling along rows of apple trees or picking out t… Read More
2020-10-08 19:15
In the fading sunshine, amid crunchy leaves and cooler breezes, Chicagoans can soak up the last pleasant outdoor weather as we frolic through corn mazes, pick out our favorite seasonal gourd… Read More
2020-10-08 00:54
“One town that won’t let you down, It’s my kind of town!”
For the fourth year in a row Chicago has been voted as the best city in America to visit by Condé&hell…Read More
2020-10-05 20:17
Spooky season is here, people! Although many Halloween events will likely be canceled thanks to COVID (no trick-or-treating, parades, or parties), our favorite local arcade bar has gotten cr… Read More
2020-10-05 16:06
Given the unique landscape, it’s no surprise that Chicago is home to some of the Midwest’s finest golf courses. One of these famous front nines is the Sydney R. Marovitz golf cou… Read More
2020-10-05 14:50
The game of basketball is intertwined with Chicago’s culture. Whether it’s because of the Chicago Bulls or the countless blacktops scattered throughout the city, it’s no su… Read More
2020-10-05 13:56
One of the best ways to enjoy the newly-crisp October weather in Chicago is to have something to keep you warm while you sit outside for the last of the Windy City’s bearable light-jac… Read More
2020-10-02 02:26
Since the pandemic broke in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been doing just about everything in her power to make things fun because nothing eases the minds of worried Americans like a goo… Read More
2020-09-30 15:12
Looking to move into a sick high rise? With stunning views, awesome amenities, and ideal locations, these high rise rental apartments offer the best of Chicago—at an affordable price… Read More
2020-09-29 14:40
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Monday that the city will be easing coronavirus restrictions in Chicago for establishments, including but not limited to, bars, restaurants, fitness centers, a… Read More
2020-09-28 14:54
It’s hard to believe most of us have been stuck in quarantine since March. Our living rooms have turned into makeshift offices and our roommates are now co-workers. And while #WFH has… Read More
2020-09-28 14:22
For those traveling for work or to see family, it can be hard to make decisions about your accommodations. One corner of the hospitality industry that travelers may not always think of first… Read More
2020-09-24 15:14
I became acquainted with Chef Wood Porter back in May of this year. At the time I was running my own company, Hub Chicago, and it was shortly following the tragic death of George Floyd at th… Read More
2020-09-23 18:26
Perched comfortably in the heart of Evanston, Koi Fine Asian Cuisine is a restaurant that truly aims to serve ambiance and authenticity. With plenty of unique offerings from the 8 different… Read More
2020-09-23 15:42
The Chicago Bulls announced on Tuesday that Billy Donovan would become the 24th head coach in team history after firing Jim Boylen in August.
Donovan, who has spent the past five seasons as… Read More
2020-09-22 14:27
There are very few Hollywood screenwriters who are able to craft perfect, memorable dialogue. Quentin Tarantino would be one, along with The Coen Brothers, but above them stands Aaron Sorkin… Read More
2020-09-22 01:20
Do you love the start of fall? That change in the sunlight? The slight chill in the air? As we Chicagoans know, fall is one of those seasons that can be here one minute and gone the next, so… Read More
2020-09-21 13:40
Well folks, summer is officially over. And while you might not be swimming again anytime soon, you can still partake in aquatic activities at The Shedd! Chicago’s favorite aquarium is… Read More
2020-09-20 23:25
It’s no secret that sports make up a large part of Chicago culture. And we’re not just talking about our iconic professional franchises. Every summer, Chicago parks find themselv… Read More
2020-09-18 16:23
With the winter months rapidly approaching, the city of Chicago is frantically trying to figure out what they are going to do with restaurants and bars. As (mildly) successful outdoor dining… Read More
2020-09-15 15:17
As the downtown business district remains baron, another collection of restaurants is claimed by the COVID-19 pandemic as the Wells Street Market will officially close its doors on September… Read More
2020-09-15 13:47
There’s a lot about Chicago’s downtown area that sets it apart from other big U.S. cities: Millennium Park, the Lakeshore, fantastic museums— but one of its most distinctiv… Read More
2020-09-14 17:16
While it isn’t well known outside of the city, 16-inch softball has deep roots in Chicago. The game originated on Thanksgiving Day 1887 at the Farragut Boat Club. The first game was pl… Read More
2020-09-14 14:58
Great news! The Museum of Science and Industry is officially open and welcoming back guests. Heads up before you visit: you’ll need to reserve your tickets online. The museum is operat… Read More
2020-09-09 18:40
Hungry for some uninterrupted, seven-day-a-week outdoor dining in River North? Well, good news for you then because the city has announced that Clark Street dining has been extended as three… Read More
2020-09-09 17:47
It may not be a yellow brick road, but just steps from Chicago’s famed Oz Park sits Kaathis, an Indian-inspired fast-casual restaurant where the essence of Indian culture can be found… Read More
2020-09-09 15:17
We have reached Week 1 of the NFL season, and that means the Chicago Bears depth chart has been released. By some miracle it looks like the league will kickoff as expected with Houston vs. K… Read More
2020-09-08 17:39
A true hub of visual art, music performance, and community education, Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art embodies a holistic and all-encompassing vision of art-making and presenting… Read More
2020-09-08 16:11
As summer winds down, more people will be turning to indoor activities to keep busy. COVID-19 is still a major concern in Chicago but many local theaters, restaurants, and museums have succe… Read More
2020-09-04 15:30
We wrote two weeks ago regarding the staggering news that Navy Pier would be closing down for the remainder of 2020 on September 8th. One establishment on the pier will remain open, however… Read More
2020-09-03 15:45
The entire Chicago culinary and hospitality community is mourning the death of one of their own. Beloved Chef Jill Dedinsky of Goddess & Grocer passed away unexpectedly after suffering a… Read More
2020-09-03 15:24
The talks of a sportsbook at Wrigley Field have been discussed for some time, and with the legality of sports betting in Illinois, it’s finally coming.
The Chicago Cubs and DraftKings… Read More
2020-09-02 19:17
One of the jewels in the crown of Chicago’s most beloved museums and attractions is the iconic Art Institute of Chicago. On any day at the Art Institute, there’s pretty much alwa… Read More
2020-09-02 18:41
Nestled in Roscoe Village at the corner of Roscoe and Oakley, sits Le Sud, a quaint corner oasis that whisks you away to the French Mediterranean through a beautiful array of food and drink… Read More
2020-09-02 15:04
New York City heads to Chicago as a Friends themed pop-up is set to hit Michigan Avenue in October.
Pop up’s have become a thing of attraction in Chicago. Whether it be at Replay… Read More
2020-08-31 20:45
The city of Chicago is a hub for some of the biggest franchises in the world of professional sports. Because of this, it’s no surprise that Illinois has produced some pretty talented a… Read More
2020-08-31 17:51
Fall in Chicago possesses a strange dualism: all the leaves in the trees are dying, but they’re also turning beautiful colors; we can’t hang out on patios or the lakeshore as muc… Read More
2020-08-31 16:24
Breaking news: it’s already September and we only have a few more weeks left of summer! Before you hit the panic button, know that you can still celebrate Chicago’s warmer weathe… Read More
2020-08-28 14:19
While the atmosphere of the public house has been imitated in infinite permutations in the U.S. and around the world, the feel of a true Irish pub is difficult to duplicate. Many of the best… Read More
2020-08-27 16:40
A dark day in Chicago as historic Lincoln Park bar Kingston Mines is at risk of closing for good because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Since opening in 1968, it has been home to some of the b… Read More
2020-08-26 19:43
Sometimes you want to have a beer with some substantial-but-not-too-fancy pub grub to go with it. When you’d like to find a spot with great brews that’s casual, inviting, and not… Read More
2020-08-26 18:41
From new fusion restaurants with modern vibes and incredible flavors to traditional, mom-and-pop shops with experience perfecting dishes, these restaurants are dishing up some of the best fo… Read More
2020-08-26 14:43
Time Out Market Chicago will reopen today after five months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the area underwent a massive facelift, the Fulton Market District in Chicago has be… Read More
2020-08-25 15:05
Normally, Labor Day Weekend is the weekend of the summer. It’s the perfect 72-hour, event-filled, swan song of the season but unfortunately, it looks like that will have a different l… Read More
2020-08-24 21:51
From energetic karaoke bars to stellar new restaurants, there’s no shortage of fun in Chinatown! Whether you’re visiting a friend or just looking for something different, check o… Read More
2020-08-24 21:03
Do you enjoy the crispy, fresh crunch of lettuce? How about the mouth-watering umami of chicken or beef? What is a lettuce wrap if not the combination of these two disparate elements, along… Read More
2020-08-21 13:58
Who here has come across a cause they felt was worth their time or money or both? OK, now who here has donated money or volunteered time to said cause, felt super good about themselves after… Read More
2020-08-20 19:08
On Tuesday, August 18th, the Naperville City Council sat down to vote on the hotly debated topic of recreational cannabis sales. The subject has seen a great divide among the public ever sin… Read More
2020-08-20 17:38
For the fourth time in five seasons the Chicago Bulls NBA Draft position will be decided by the draw of a ping pong ball as the NBA Draft Lottery is set to air at 7:30 PM CST on ESPN.
The Bu… Read More
2020-08-20 17:27
Just when it looked as though the Kentucky Derby was doomed to get caught on the inside rail in its race towards a potential run date, it made a late move coming around the final turn. Like… Read More
2020-08-20 15:59
It’s that time of year again Chicago baseball fans. The Crosstown Classic is back! This weekend, the Chicago Cubs and White Sox play the first three games of their six scheduled matchu… Read More
2020-08-19 19:47
Though the fall season is getting closer all the time, there are still quite a few steamy summer days left, and we still need ways to cool off and wind down. Frozen, slushy drinks were inven… Read More
2020-08-19 15:07
No business is safe from feeling the pressure of operating in the COVID-19 era and Navy Pier in Chicago is no different. Navy Pier announced this morning that it will be closing and cancelin… Read More
2020-08-18 20:09
Chicago might be known for deep-dish pizza and Italian beef. But did you know we have some of the best Chinese food in the midwest? Yep, it’s true. And with so many incredible options… Read More
2020-08-18 16:17
In our continued coverage of the increasingly fractured relationship between the City of Chicago and small businesses, the city has issued citations and shut down 5 more restaurants and nigh… Read More
2020-08-17 19:20
When you think of food that fills you up, comforts you, and nourishes you, what do you think of? For many people, it’s Italian food. An instantly-recognizable cuisine that comprises in… Read More
2020-08-14 19:27
After almost a quarter-century at its famed location at the northwest corner of Ohio and Clark, River North’s Rainforest Cafe location is closing a year early. The jungle-themed restau… Read More
2020-08-14 16:11
Imagine this: you have a group of friends or family visiting over the weekend. You want to treat them to a nice, long meal but you’re not sure what everyone likes. Your solution? Tapas… Read More
2020-08-14 14:30
Beginning earlier this week, shutdowns in the city and surrounding communities (with specific attention on the Loop) happened nightly after vandalism and looting erupted in response to the p… Read More
2020-08-13 19:58
Some people are strict pie-lovers, while others will dabble in a cake here and there; some love a crunchy cookie, while their friends might prefer the soft, gooey middle of a brownie. When i… Read More
2020-08-12 20:04
Though the coronavirus pandemic has brought in many hardships for local businesses, there are others trying to bring solidarity and community to the city by innovating their restaurants or o… Read More
2020-08-11 19:57
2020 has been wild, y’all. Pretty much every major event has been canceled including our beloved Riot Fest. The 3-day September festival is something every former punk rock and emo kid… Read More
2020-08-11 16:16
As an unfortunate rise in case numbers push more events to be canceled or adapted to adhere to social distancing guidelines, virtual events are seeing a rise throughout the country. Chicago… Read More
2020-08-10 21:23
There’s a lot of build-up to one’s 21st birthday, and a lot of pressure to celebrate in a way that is, in one way or another, memorable. Whether that means just having a couple o… Read More
2020-08-10 14:04
The city of Chicago is home to some of the greatest sports franchises. We’ve got the Chicago Bears for football, the Blackhawks for hockey, the Bulls and the Sky for basketball, and th… Read More
2020-08-07 22:00
While we creep into August, many can’t help but feel that summer just hasn’t felt like true summer. This is with good reason, given that so many summer staples have been altered… Read More
2020-08-07 20:00
Many of us enjoy the warm, summery sport of playing volleyball in the sand. Some people prefer to play within the structure of a social sports league, while others feel comfortable in a more… Read More
2020-08-06 20:37
From the winding Chicago River to the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan, it’s no secret that Chicago has some of the best paddling in the Midwest. And here’s even better news: y… Read More
2020-08-06 19:36
Open House Chicago, put on by the Chicago Architecture Center, is the city’s annual architecture festival. The festival traditionally takes place over an October weekend where festival… Read More
2020-08-05 19:06
This last weekend marked the first-ever Uptown Art Weekend, a free event featuring over 100 pieces of public art including new works up on neighborhood walls, local businesses hosting art ex… Read More
2020-08-04 21:31
The November election is coming up fast, and nothing underlines its importance quite like the public health crisis which threatens voter turnout. Though Illinois’s COVID-19 po… Read More
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