A Deeper Dive Into Our Best New Restaurants List

The State of Dining in the Loop

We're joined by dining critic Nick Kindelsperger to discuss all the old and new spots he's enjoying in the Loop as the neighborhood sees yet another reinvention. Check out his Substack, Nick in the Loop [https://nickintheloop.substack.com/].

These Are Chicago's 50 Best Restaurants

We've updated our list of the 50 best restaurants in the city. John breaks down the top 10 and describes what makes a spot really stand out. Read the full list here: https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/august-2026/chicagos-50-best-restaurants/

The Best Summer Dishes in Chicago

Writer Chandra Ram joins us to discuss the apps, mains, desserts, and drinks we love to get our hands on each summer.

Our Dining Pet Peeves

Amy and John gripe about shared plates, QR codes, patron PDA, and more. It's talk therapy!

A Somm Breaks Down Restaurant Wine Pours

We're joined by Maria Montero, a sommelier and manager for the Gibson's Restaurant Group. She'll help us understand the importance of pours, samples, and asking questions for a better wine experience.