2020-08-04 21:01
Winning a championship in professional sports is the ultimate goal for any team. Not only does it mean that your team is the best in the world, but it also symbolizes all the hard work and d… 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.
2020-08-04 18:38
James Sanders, a Beverly native, had been running a catering business, Fuze Catering, from a kitchen in Gresham for quite some time, but Sanders, like many in the food game, had always dream… Read More
2020-08-04 15:51
As we enter the final few months of summer, we can’t help but wonder what will happen to our social gatherings. Chicago has relied on outdoor spaces to get us through the wors… Read More
2020-08-03 20:41
It’s (still) the summer of social distancing! With many of our favorite spots either shut down for the time being or operating in a limited capacity due to the restrictions put in plac… Read More
2020-08-03 13:43
With the second-oldest ballpark in America and over a century of games played, the Cubs have some of the most unique and loyal fans in MLB. So it should come as no surprise that Chicago-insp… Read More
2020-07-31 21:13
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like coronavirus is going anywhere anytime soon, and with a vaccine seemingly still quite a ways away, businesses in the city are ramping up their effort… Read More
2020-07-31 20:05
Though some of the biggest museums in town remain closed in the interest of public health and safety, there are still plenty of other great Chicago institutions to visit that have opened the… Read More
2020-07-31 13:16
The recent rise of coronavirus cases throughout the state of Illinois and in Chicago has caused Chicago Mayer Lori Lightfoot to threaten a return to Phase 3. However, since June 26, Chicago… Read More
IMPACT Wrestling Stars Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows (“The Good Brothersâ€) On Wrestling In Chicago
2020-07-30 18:01
One of professional wrestling’s top companies, IMPACT Wrestling airs every Tuesday night on AXS TV. The company’s recent Slammiversary event made headlines when IMPACT revealed s… Read More
2020-07-30 17:52
While you can’t dine in and enjoy a steak at many restaurants around Chicago, you can bring home restaurant-quality meats and produce to cook up yourself. Temperatures have been hoveri… Read More
2020-07-30 15:36
Almost every bar you go to will inherently attract a douchebag or two, but, as it goes, some bars are just filled with them.
Here’s a free tip on how to spot a “douchey” Ch… Read More
2020-07-30 14:24
Chicago is home to some of the best shopping in the country, but sometimes, you want to be able to purchase name brand, designer goods but at discount prices. Luckily, Chicago also has a fin… Read More
2020-07-28 13:48
Praise the gods of summer: events are back in Chicago! Thanks to the efforts of Green Curtain Events, presented by White Claw and a slew of Chicago bars, Summer 101 is the COVID-conscious so… Read More
2020-07-27 23:15
You read that right: Chicago’s Bottled Blonde, River North’s all-in-one stop for aggressively loud music, excess amount of vomit, and brawls is now permanently closed. According… Read More
2020-07-27 19:01
After almost three decades in the tamale business, Claudio Velez, known lovingly across Chicago as the “Tamale Guy,” is making plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Chic… Read More
2020-07-27 17:43
We’ve talked non-stop about Lolla recently, especially considering that the summer banger won’t be happening in person this year, and while our Lolla survival guide might find mo… Read More
2020-07-27 17:04
Eid al-Adha, or the Feast (or Festival) of Sacrifice, is almost here! Beginning the evening of Thursday, July 30, and ending the following evening, the festival is the second of two Muslim h… Read More
2020-07-27 16:34
FOCO is known to be a leading manufacturer of sports and entertainment merchandise. Its product lines include apparel, accessories, toys, collectibles and novelty items, including properly-l… Read More
2020-07-27 16:25
Chicago is a traveler’s paradise! The windy city is internationally praised for its distinctive cuisine (deep-dish, anyone?!), appealing architecture, bustling nightlife, and sports su… Read More
2020-07-27 14:56
It’s a question as old as the rivalry itself. Who is the better Chicago baseball team? Is it the Chicago Cubs, or the Chicago White Sox? Unfortunately, each of the team’s long-te… Read More
2020-07-27 14:06
Fiesta Del Sol, a free 4-day family-friendly Mexican festival in Chicago, is still happening this year; it’s just “en casa” now. Spanning across eight blocks of space down… Read More
2020-07-24 20:15
Whether it’s the height of summer or the dead of winter; a day of great highs or one of unforgiving lows; there’s nothing like some good, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. There&r&hell…Read More
2020-07-24 19:45
Looking for a fun staycation in the Windy City? Escape your house for a few days at your favorite Chicago hotel! Just a heads up, things might be a little different. Many hotels have unveile… Read More
2020-07-24 17:12
Time to break out your jersey. Baseball is back, baby! Today’s Opening Day and we couldn’t be more excited. The Cubs will be taking on the Milwaukee Brewers and the White Sox are… Read More
2020-07-24 16:28
We’re all still reeling from the fact that Lollapalooza 2020 has been canceled in person this year. But despite the cancelations made, Lollapalooza 2020 still plans to have a weekend f… Read More
2020-07-23 20:52
When people think about drinking tequila, they often think about the fruity, tropical mixed drinks they can make with it, like a margarita or tequila sunrise. But, people miss out on a… Read More
2020-07-23 17:38
Thankfully, and despite all the other cancellations for summer events this season on account of the coronavirus pandemic, drive-in theaters have made a surging comeback to bring some semblan… Read More
2020-07-22 20:12
With coronavirus putting a lock on music festivals, beaches, local street festivals, and more, summer in Chicago really hasn’t felt like true summer. Though they weren’t at Taste… Read More
2020-07-21 20:31
As you swipe through dating apps, pausing sometimes to read a little further through people’s bios, you see a lot of love for a particular food: tacos. What’s not to love about a… Read More
2020-07-21 19:43
The Chicago dining scene has changed drastically in the past decade. Each neighborhood has developed a distinctive culture, and the West Loop is no exception. From Michelin-starred restauran… Read More
2020-07-21 18:13
Just because young teens are staying home this summer doesn’t mean that their creative juices have to become stagnant! High school students currently in the Chicago area can get back o… Read More
2020-07-20 20:52
Movie theaters have been one of the many industries hit hard by the coronavirus. In an attempt to stay afloat, some cinemas have been offering a virtual theater experience or a popcorn deliv… Read More
2020-07-20 20:27
In an announcement on Monday, city officials declared that indoor bar services in Chicago will be forced to halt operations. A handful of other restrictions will also come into play in respo… Read More
2020-07-20 17:07
While Emporium locations across the city are still closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Emporium’s next-door neighbor in Logan Square and sister company to Emporium, MOCA – Mo… Read More
2020-07-20 16:06
Fitness lovers, rejoice! Chicago gyms are welcoming back guests once again after months of being closed. And don’t panic if you’ve gained the “quarantine 15”; it&rsqu&hell…Read More
2020-07-17 17:42
Lincoln Hall, one of Chicago’s premier venues for music and entertainment, has reopened their doors for the first time in the last couple of weeks to host live shows from bands again… Read More
2020-07-17 15:29
It’s summer in the Windy City, which means the teens have been unleashed! With this brief time away from the classroom and out in the sunshine (or in the air conditioning), teens and t… Read More
2020-07-16 20:04
Cité, one of the highest-altitude restaurants in Chicago (and arguably one of the best views), is now up for sale. This opportunity is a lucrative one for a resident or a restaurant… Read More
2020-07-15 20:56
It’s hard to believe we’ve been cooped up in our homes for almost half of the year! But as Chicago continues to slowly reopen, most of us are eager to explore our beloved city on… Read More
2020-07-14 20:37
The hot Chicago summer means that it is patio season finally. From rooftops to beach views to patios, there are tons of fun places where you can sip on a refreshing, frozen drink. Check out… Read More
2020-07-14 20:25
Chicago is starting to heat up this the summer, which has many people dreaming of hitting the pool or escaping to a water park. If you want to find a fun day outside with your family or frie… Read More
2020-07-14 20:06
Crispy, wedge, curly, sweet potato, waffle, steak, standard, shoestring, crinkle cut… there are endless types of French fries and we love ’em all. This list is for the people wh… Read More
2020-07-14 19:29
West Fest Chicago is one of a number of events organized by the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce each year. Usually taking place on Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood, this year&rsqu&hell…Read More
2020-07-14 17:18
While bars and restaurants are still operational (though even that currently hangs in the balance given the recent safety violations and rises in case numbers), the list of cancellations for… Read More
2020-07-14 16:58
Effective immediately, the city of Chicago’s bars, breweries, and restaurants that serve alcohol are now able to keep their doors open until midnight at the latest. The closing time of… Read More
2020-07-14 14:30
With everything happening in the world, there is a lot of uncertainty going around, to say the very least. But everyone needs to eat, and there is no shortage of exciting food and drink offe… Read More
2020-07-13 20:53
Summer is a fleeting, precious time of the year for Chicagoans, one that we look forward to while we wait for the worst snows of January and February to pass — a time when, for once, o… Read More
2020-07-13 17:45
While the state of Chicago beaches is still in limbo due to the coronavirus pandemic, that doesn’t mean the option of waterside lounging and luxury is completely impossible. For anyone… Read More
2020-07-13 16:55
Looking for something fun to do this summer? How about a museum? As Chicago enters Phase 4 of reopening, many local museums were given the green light to open their doors once again. Visitor… Read More
2020-07-13 13:14
In just a few short weeks, the Chicago Bears training camp for the 2020 season begins. While it’s unlikely that any fans will be allowed to attend, given the league’s plans for t… Read More
2020-07-11 23:02
Nothing is better than a perfectly crispy piece of chicken. If you have been searching for the best chicken in the city, check out our list of the 25 best restaurants for fried chicken. &hell…Read More
2020-07-10 17:21
Though there’s no brick and mortar location yet, JUSTice Cream has recently initiated their campaign in Chicago to raise support about their social justice-centered, vegan ice cream br… Read More
2020-07-09 19:58
Last night, the UrbanMatter crew had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of PB&J (which stands for Pizza, Beer, & Jukebox, but they have peanut butter and jellies as well… we… Read More
2020-07-09 16:35
If you haven’t somehow already felt the scorch of Chicago’s heat streak (please, tell us your ways), we’ve got another slew of hot days coming. Despite the heat, Mayor Lori… Read More
2020-07-08 20:38
Is public nudity really allowed in Chicago? The short answer: not really.
If you’re naked within city limits and you know someone can see you, some significant fines could be coming yo… Read More
2020-07-08 18:00
At this very moment, Common Addams, Chicago’s largest coliving building is now open to take in residents. In a partnership with City Pads, Common, the nation’s leading residentia… Read More
2020-07-08 16:43
With no word yet on exactly when Chicago beaches will open during Phase 4 of Illinois’s coronavirus response, Chicago drive-in theaters are gearing up to take the summer spotlight. Wit… Read More
2020-07-08 15:37
One of the many things that the coronavirus pandemic has changed this year is the festival schedule. Taste of Chicago is typically held in Grant Park, with the five-day event attracting upwa… Read More
2020-07-08 13:00
The Complete Chicago Riverwalk Guide
Remember when even the thought of going near the Chicago River was crazy? What a difference a few years can make. Now it’s the go-to plac… Read More
2020-07-07 18:08
There’s no debate about the fact that the coronavirus has hit every industry extremely hard. From restaurant closures to theaters shuttering their doors, the financial strain of social… Read More
2020-07-06 20:53
Though a hot dish might not hold quite the same appeal in July that it does in January, it’s almost never too hot for comfort food like mac and cheese. While it takes a multitude of di… Read More
2020-07-06 18:49
In the continued struggle for justice and equality against racial injustice, with much of our current landscape in the struggle shaped in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Tayl… Read More
2020-07-06 16:08
On July 31, professional basketball returns to the spotlight as the NBA plans on resuming the 2019-2020 season. When the league first made their announcement, they decided on only allowing t… Read More
2020-07-06 15:32
The public health order issued on the evening of Thursday, July 2nd, by Dr. Allison Arwady, the leader of the Chicago Department of Public Health, goes into effect today. Chicago’s Eme… Read More
2020-07-03 20:32
Virgin Hotels Chicago reopened their rooftop bar, Cerise, with a new drink and dine pop-up experience just in time for the 4th of July weekend. The award-winning hotel is welcoming both vaca… Read More
2020-07-02 20:54
Summertime in Chicago will (almost) make you forget about the winter season. The ability to run along Lake Michigan, walk through Millennium Park, or go to a nearby bar and restaurant are ju… Read More
2020-07-02 20:13
With the continued (and careful) implementation of Phase 4 in Chicago, we’re seeing more and more businesses and attractions reopen across the city. Many of us are eager to regain some… Read More
2020-07-02 19:07
Starting July 1st, a handful of new laws came into effect in Illinois, covering a wide range from education to minimum wage to training and more. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with wha… Read More
2020-07-01 20:17
While Illinois has continued moving through Phase 4 of its recovery plan, we should be wary in taking our foot off the gas of caution. As more restaurants, bars, and businesses open up in th… Read More
2020-07-01 19:54
We know the cancelations keep coming and they don’t stop coming, but today, we’re excited to announce something that is still happening in Chicago: Navy Pier Summer Programming… Read More
2020-07-01 15:15
As kids, our culinary adventures were pretty uneventful. Mostly because our taste buds had yet to develop and, well, broccoli looked like a tree (still does). But with everything going on in… Read More
2020-07-01 14:49
It’s hard to believe it, but the 4th of July is right around the corner. Despite Chicago moving to Phase 4, and restaurants and bars are allowed to resume indoor service, it doesn&rsqu&hell…Read More
2020-06-30 20:37
Ever since the middle of March and the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, concerts and events have been postponed, canceled, or moved online left and right. Even though venues might find themse… Read More
2020-06-30 13:13
Summertime has always presented parents with the challenge of keeping kids’ minds active and engaged while school is out. And, with kids being away from school longer than usual this y… Read More
2020-06-29 21:11
Summer in Illinois is officially in full swing, and people are eager to get out and take advantage of the warm weather. There are plenty of ways to be outside with your family (or roommates)… Read More
2020-06-29 20:23
No one could say when Major League Soccer would return after the league suspended their season back in March. And for fans of the newly branded Chicago Fire FC, a suspended season mean… Read More
2020-06-29 16:30
We’re about a week into Phase 4 and, as many already know, many businesses are reopening their doors to allow patrons in once more. We’ve covered which drive-in theaters you can… Read More
2020-06-26 18:57
While usually a fall event, Chicago Ideas is following in the footsteps of many summer Chicago events and festivals and moving Chicago Ideas Week into a virtual space for 2020. The festival… Read More
2020-06-26 18:57
While usually a fall event, Chicago Ideas is following in the footsteps of many summer Chicago events and festivals and moving Chicago Ideas Week into a virtual space for 2020. Best of all?… Read More
2020-06-25 19:30
Hey, Chicago riders, summer is officially here! Which means it’s time to break out your ol’ trusty two wheels and hit the open road. Maybe you’ve already cruised down Lake… Read More
2020-06-25 18:58
Encompassing a 13-block segment of North Michigan Avenue, The Magnificent Mile has long been known to locals and tourists alike for being a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainmen… Read More
2020-06-25 18:56
While some walk-in movie theaters are slowly beginning to open as Illinois and Chicago enter Phase 4 of recovery amidst the coronavirus pandemic, many are still working on a reopening plan t… Read More
2020-06-25 18:46
While many Pride events have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, two groups are coming together to still provide celebration and entertainment for the Black LGBTQ+ community throu… Read More
2020-06-24 20:25
Chicago restaurants are officially opening for indoor dining starting this Friday, June 26th, and we couldn’t be more excited! With Illinois officially in Phase 4 of recovery from the… Read More
2020-06-24 16:54
For the first time in over a century and a half, Lincoln Park Zoo was closed due to the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re sure we’re not the only ones rejoicing in the… Read More
2020-06-23 21:25
Last year, Chicago introduced a pilot program for electric scooters for city folk to experiment with and ride around on through the summer months. This year, that program is back with four t… Read More
2020-06-23 21:03
As of the beginning of the month, Chicago officially moved into Phase 3, which means that nonessential businesses, including spas, can reopen. But of course, business cannot continue as usua… Read More
2020-06-22 20:24
On June 15th, Chicago officially entered Phase 3 to cautiously reopen the city. And life has started to return to normal — restaurants are allowed to serve diners on their patios, park… Read More
2020-06-22 16:43
Usually, the 4th of July is a great opportunity for us to get together and hang with our friends and family — it’s the middle of the summer, it’s a national holiday, and Ch… Read More
2020-06-22 14:29
Summer is here, and as the state of Illinois continues to move through its phases of reopening, many restaurants and bars across the city have opened back up for dining. And that’s not… Read More
2020-06-19 18:14
If you’ve been locked down in Chicago and feeling some wanderlust, you might be able to sate your appetite for travel (at least for a little while) with the help of your own tastebuds!… Read More
2020-06-19 14:45
It goes without saying that Juneteenth should be more widely recognized as a national holiday. Instead, it’s known as a Texas state holiday, commemorating the day a Union general rode… Read More
2020-06-18 21:23
Unfortunately, closures and cancelations from the coronavirus pandemic show no signs of slowing down. On Tuesday, Chicago’s Mercury Theater announced it would be shutting its doors per… Read More
2020-06-18 20:31
The Black Lives Matter movement is gaining momentum, and while there are many ways to support the cause, one thing you can do is choose to spend money at black-owned businesses. Next time yo… Read More
2020-06-18 16:37
In a decision made Wednesday, it’s now legal for bars and restaurants in Chicago to sell to-go cocktails to thirsty patrons.
It’s no secret that with the implementation of… Read More
2020-06-18 16:07
According to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to reopen, Chicago is currently in Phase 3, which allows gatherings of 10 or fewer people and things like salons, barbershops, and retail sto… Read More
2020-06-18 14:31
Now known as Recess, the City Hall bar and event venue opened last summer in the Fulton Market District of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, featuring a menu ripe with tongue-in-cheek… Read More
2020-06-17 16:20
On Tuesday, one of Chicago’s most rambunctious festivals, Riot Fest, announced that the scheduled dates for September 11th, 12th, and 13th are no longer happening and that the festival… Read More
2020-06-16 20:45
Protests supporting the Black Lives Matter movement continue to occur peacefully across the city and the country. With these protests comes a surge to support Black-owned businesses.
P… Read More
2020-06-16 16:14
Chicago is making its comeback yet! Yesterday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city’s Lakefront Trail and bars in the area are planning to reopen with new safety guidel… Read More
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