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City Cast Test City

Adrian González

Writer and comedian Bill Murray contributed this guide to Chicago's comedy scene.

Chicago is undoubtedly one of the best cities for comedy. These are some of my favorite places to go for a laugh.

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"The food — the wide assortment that you can find." — Jordan S.

“Pueblito Viejo on Lincoln! (Super OG Colombian spot)” — Giselle V.

“Sinhá restaurant at 2018 W Adams St!” — Kate S.

“The diversity and abundance of cuisines in Chicago. Recent social media trends show an overabundance of “best of” lists and rankings of different foods/restaurants. I believe that this is a big enough city with room for everyone; each restaurant/establishment has something to offer. Not everything has to be ‘the best.’ There is something for everyone all across the city.” — Julio L.

“I love Bruna's in the Heart of Chicago off of Western. My family has been going for decades. The owner Luciano walks around to each table with a glass of wine in his hand.” — Lizzie

"All the kinds of fusion restaurants we have." — Michelle N., City Cast Chicago producer

“I love the hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and how it can be a coin toss between food poisoning and the best restaurant you’ve ever eaten at.” —Eric R.

"Ethnic grocery stores where you can find A N Y T H I N G." — Simone A.

"Having amazing tacos at the back of a Mexican grocery store." —Michelle N.

“Tacos from the back of a grocery store.” — Lisa F.

All of the amazing Caribbean food and Chicago’s love for Jerk food

“That Chicagoland Subways always have giardiniera. In fact, just giardiniera. I LOVE it!” — Jason H.

“The Mr. G sub (with giardiniera) from JP Graziano's — and the man himself, Jimmy Graziano.” — Lawrence B.

“The Kali Mist sub from Cheba Hut in Lakeview!” — Carson M.

 (“We just called it thin-crust in my day.” — Bob Z., City Cast Chicago senior account executive)

True tavern-style pizza at Vito & Nick’s

"Learning that D'Agostinos has pizza that is half-off on Wednesdays 🤓" — Sidney M.

“JB Alberto's slinging slices (and whole pies) at Northside bars!” — Mara J.

 and only kind of regretting it." — Wil F.

“Leavitt Street Tavern burger being arguably the best in the city (Michelle would back me up on this one).” — Sidney M.

“The $20 burger, beer, and shot special at Leavitt Inn and Tavern.” — Michelle N.

The jukebox and paintings at Old Town Ale House

“The Whale in Logan Square.” — Maggie S.

“Sunday Roast at Hawksmoor!” — Tricia G.

"Old-school Chicago restaurants like Lou Mitchell's and Manny's Deli that have become institutions." — Sidney M.

Cheap, late-night hot dog or burger from Red Hot Ranch

"Chicago's commitment to combining foods and bevs 

 (e.g., Italian beef pizza, beer-flavored pizza, caramel popcorn beer, cbd giardiniera)." — Sidney M.

“So many options for great ribs and chicken.” — Katie W.

“The Sportsman Summer BBQ Series.” —Emily C.

Chicken sandwich from Big Boss Fried Chicken

“Oakley Foods and all neighborhood corner stores who really know the community members.” — Jacoby C.

“Walking to your neighborhood corner store for 

Testing lists

Urban Almanac

Natalia Aldana

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous Hey Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz and prove your city knowledge.

Chicago News Trivia Quiz, February 20, 2026

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

City Cast

Netflix awaits regulatory clearance on its 

Paramount is attempting a hostile takeover

 of the entire Warner Bros. Discovery conglomerate.

The so-called “Streaming Wars” are getting ugly — and monopolistic. But there are local alternatives to watch shows at home.

For 10 years, the nonprofit Open Television has supported Chicago filmmakers as a media incubator. More recently, it developed its own streaming app, which now offers over 500 titles.

OTV’s core mission is to prop up stories by intersectional artists, meaning artists with two or more marginalized identities.

“ What would happen if we built a space where intersectional artists could create without gatekeepers or algorithms deciding their worth?”

When OTV launched in 2015, this was its guiding question, co-founder 

Today, the app includes TV pilots, series, short films, and video art from across genders, sexualities, races, classes, disabilities, and nationalities.

 a collection of 40 short films from seven different countries, including Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico.

There are plenty of Chicago-specific series to dive into, too:

 the Emmy-nominated show by Sam Bailey and 

 a fan-favorite from Ricardo Gamboa about gay Latino PhD witches

 in which two best friends start a business editing men’s dating profiles, by creators Kyra Jones and Juli Del Prete

 a dramedy following the lives of five South Asian Chicagoans, from writer/director Karan Sunil

“I can fully say that OTV couldn't exist in a New York, or it couldn't exist in a California by the nature of the collaborative spirit that is embedded inside of Chicago's media landscape,” McKinnon said.

Start streaming OTV 📺

If you don’t feel like downloading another app, however, consider a trip to McKinley Park where one brick-and-mortar movie rental store is still kicking: 

The Video Strip is Joe Turin’s one-man passion project and has remained in the same storefront since 1995. City Cast Chicago social media manager Rick Homuth 

 and said stepping inside feels like traveling through time.

Step inside The Video Strip 📺

☝️ And don’t forget: You can always 

rent DVDs from the Chicago Public Library

, which operates using your library card.

The so-called “Streaming Wars” are getting ugly. But there are local alternatives to watch shows at home. 

The Best Titles on This Chicago Streaming Service

The Best Titles on This Homegrown Streaming Service

The Best

Emily Mack

Last week, the Federal Transit Administration demanded the CTA enhance its security by adding cops — or it would pull federal funding. (The CTA’s 

The ultimatum came weeks after a woman was set on fire by a man on the Blue Line. 

But what is the CTA’s current system for public safety?

 was budgeted for security services on the CTA. This covers off-duty Chicago Police Department officers who supplement the 

It also covers private security companies, which make up the bulk of CTA security. Surely you’ve noticed the roving German shepherds alongside handlers in tactical gear — these are part of the private firm Action K-9 Security.

 with Action K-9 to deploy 100 unarmed guards and 50 canines per day (two guards for every one dog). In 2024, 

Rather than respond directly, the hope is the mere presence of these K-9 teams will deter crime. If someone continues to break a law or CTA rule, 

you can expect a K-9 to call for police backup

The dogs, which are muzzled, can only be sicced in a life-or-death scenario 

Meanwhile, I’ve reached out to the CTA asking whether the dogs are trained to sniff out drugs or bombs — if they answer, I’ll let you know in Hey Chicago.

Also in 2022, CTA signed multi-year contracts worth $71 million with Inter-Con Security and Monterrey Security, a local company with 

. Together, the firms provided 300 unarmed guards.

A year later, data showed crime on the transit system had 

funding for the Inter-Con and Monterrey contracts increased

 by $26 million. Those unarmed guards are still present on the train — you might notice them 

Despite November’s Blue Line attack, CTA crime rates remained relatively flat this past year with 902 violent crimes so far this year. That’s 20 fewer than in 2024, according to a police spokesperson.

Still, Friday remains the federal deadline for CTA to implement a new 

“verifiable security enhancement plan.”

CTA Security

What do you think? Email us 📥

After a woman was set on fire by a man on the Blue Line, we’re asking, what is the CTA’s current system for public safety? 

Who Actually Does Security on the Chicago Transit Authority?

Who Actually Does Security on the CTA?

Local Civics

“Yee-ros,” “jai-roh,” “guy-roh” … Chicagoans have many pronunciations for the dish piled high on pita. The original Greek word, “gyros,” means “to turn.” Historically, in Greece, gyros was seasoned pork turned on a rotisserie. Then Chicago put its own spin on the spinning meat.

Now, I’m on a quest to find the best in town.

, the gyros recipe changed to reflect our beef-loving town, evolving into a lamb-and-beef combo. It became more popular once 

local engineer and Greek immigrant Peter Parthenis

 designed a sturdier meat rotisserie. And that’s not all he innovated.

In the early ‘70s, Parthenis started mass-producing frozen meat cones that restaurateurs could easily warm and slice off the spit. Parthenis opened Grecian Delight, which later merged with Kronos — still the world’s largest gyros manufacturer and still headquartered in Chicagoland, 

Whether you’ve realized it or not, you’ve seen (and smelled) this meat turning in diners and hot dog stands across the city. Despite Kronos’ ubiquity, however, not all gyros are the same.

I started my gyros journey at Central Gyros in Belmont Cragin simply because it’s been around for 52 years. I figured, after those decades, their strategy must be perfect.

Ambience-wise, it was: the casual sit-down blasted Greek string music and boasted friendly service. My waiter, Osvaldo, explained that while many restaurants get meat from Grecian Delights Kronos, Central Gyros and others order unique blends. Central Gyros uses more beef than lamb, which helps retain a smooth shape. (Only 

A pita sandwich, including tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki, costs $10.75. (That doesn’t include fries, but of course I needed fries. The lunch meal deal costs $15.75.) Worth it if only for the massive amount of meat crammed in — that was one beefy sandwich, no pun intended. The strips weren’t as well done as I personally prefer (l love a near-crunchy gyro) but the tzatziki was smooth and fresh, effectively cutting the greasiness.

It wasn’t the best gyros I’ve ever had, but I had a great time in the old-fashioned dining space, shouting “Opa!” at noon on Wednesday. And yes, I tried the saganaki. (I had to!) It was crisp and excellent.

Got gyros spots to recommend? I’m hungry for more: 

Tell us your best gyro experience!

Check out our quest to find the best gyros around Chicago.

A Search for the Best Gyros

Chicago, Explained

Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter … Woodstock Willie did not. Since we’re optimists — and 

 was filmed in Woodstock — we’re going with Willie. So get out there and have some winter fun before it’s too late! 

Ice skating at Millennium Park has ended for the season, but there are plenty of other places to skate outdoors:

Also in the Loop, the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon is open through early March, but make sure you 

 Skate rentals there are pricier than at other parks, about $17.

 hosts skating lessons through Feb. 15 and, on Feb. 6, a “Wicked”-themed skate night. Rink access costs $6 and skate rentals cost $16.

While you can’t exactly hit the slopes in Chicago, you 

 runs its hot tub boats rain (or snow) or shine as long as temps stay above 20 degrees. A weeknight ride costs about $50 per person.

If you’re more for chills than thrills, though, there’s 

 at the Gwen Hotel. Curling on the hotel’s rooftop terrace runs through March and costs $25 per person. Fondue costs extra, but you gotta do ‘due! (Valentine’s Day is, unsurprisingly, booked up.)

 continues. Christmas may be long over, but you can still play ice bocce ($150 per group) or rent ice bumper cars ($10), as well as skate, outside of Wrigley Field through Feb. 15.

Plus, your guide to February in Chicago

Forget the cold! Here’s how to get out there and have fun this winter.

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry in Chicago

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry

Annie Rees

Chicago farmers markets aren’t just a place to shop. They’re a playground. An event. (Personally, I go to the Logan Square market just to show off my outfits.) But the fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s cold out!

Indoor farmers markets are increasingly popular in Chicago, and there are several coming up.

For you fellow Logan Squarers missing the comradery (

 at 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave. every Saturday through March 28. Vendors include 

 is every Saturday through March 28 at the Roosevelt Collection Shops and every Sunday

at Water Tower Place. Similar to a summer market, it’s a place to hang (in addition to buy food) with 

 continues its indoor farmers market Feb. 14, March 14, and April 11. 

 produce (including lots of pears), organic vinegar, fresh meat, sorbet, pure maple syrup, and vegan treats.

 is occurring Jan. 24 and 31 and Feb. 7 and 14. Trying to meal prep? 

🍅 Still dreaming of tomato season? 

Indoor farmers markets are increasingly popular in Chicago, check out the markers coming up.

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season in Chicago

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season

A Guide to Chicago's Comedy Scene

3 Questions With

Sarah Keck and Laurie Pearman describe their meeting as fate. The pair grew up seven miles away from each other in Bakersfield, Calif. and both lived in Caldwell in the 1990s, but didn’t meet until 2022, when they’d both lived in the Ustick neighborhood for four years. But their parallel paths had led them both to the same conclusion: Ustick needed not only a coffee shop, but a place to gather. Earlier this year, they opened 

It would seem you found your footing with each other and the spirit of Common Ground pretty quickly. How did that happen?

“We have this very similar sense of humor and weirdness about us, so it feels like we're naturally sisters or something out of the gate. But I think it was really the shared want for this in the neighborhood. Our goal was so eerily similar, and then as we dug into, like, our histories, that had a lot of similarity too.”

“It’s been magical. A lot of people are like, ‘oh, don't get into business with your friends.’ But for us, I think the goal is so rock solid. And then we just add fun to it and stability.

You knew Ustick needed a gathering space — has the community response met your expectations?

 “Completely exceeded our expectations. We have had time to do zero things since we opened because we've been so busy. What did we liken it to? Oh, a baby giraffe. It’s like the business was the mama giraffe and we were the baby giraffe, and then we were like stumbling around.”

“I’m still surprised, we’re almost a month in and people are still thanking us for opening, for taking a chance on the neighborhood, for investing in the community, because this place is so ready.” Extra words.

Why the name “Common Ground,” and how does the American flag fit into that?

 “[Points at the large flag on the wall] The flag is actually my dad’s. He passed away in October 2022. He was a Vietnam vet, so this is his dedication flag that me and my brothers got from the Veterans Cemetery when he passed away. [We] received a surprise inheritance from him, and I essentially took that inheritance to start the coffee shop. So it only felt right to have the flag from him up in the coffee shop, you know? I think for the ‘common ground’ portion, we also just want to take back the flag. The flag shouldn’t just be for any specific subset of Americans. We want to show that we are safe people and that our space is a safe space where we can kind of reimagine what the flag can mean.”

 “I’ll just add, above all else, it’s about being a good neighbor. This isn’t about politics, or being polarized, or anything. It's just about a space where we can all come together, get a cup of coffee, and a ritual, and go back to our lives. Like, a positive interaction for everybody, and everybody's welcome.”

Plus, the best new coffee shops in Boise ☕

3 Questions With the Owners of Common Ground

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How did you come up with the puzzles for the “Pockets Of Light” scavenger hunt?

Eric: “My goal is always to help people explore the built or natural environment. As I find pieces that might work well together, I slowly compile an appropriate puzzle structure for them. I try to imbue each puzzle with some sense of meaning. It takes a lot of tweaking to achieve something that feels serendipitous to participants, but it’s so worth it to give people something that only makes sense when they start observing the world around them.”

What’s the intention behind using trash as art to highlight nature?

Julie: “We saw this as an opportunity to take on the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on the natural world. Visually, this is a subversive message, as I’ve worked hard to make trash look beautiful, to mimic nature. The art of transforming post-consumer materials into something beautiful that brings people joy and also extends the life of materials feels meaningful.”

How long did it take to complete the installation?

Eric: “I probably spent about 120 hours on bringing this to life. This was a partnership from Day One, so I also planned the overall structure, designed activities, stickers and placards, assisted with installation, and helped promote the project.”

Julie: “The initial dreaming started in January, but I’ve dedicated the last three months to creating this body of work. I spent a few hundred hours at my sewing machine and sitting with a needle and thread, hand-stitching components. The installation process took two days and went pretty smoothly. Now I'm having fun hustling to get the word out and am grateful that there’s been such a warm reception!”

Eric the Puzzler and Julia Woodard recently unveiled “Pockets of Light,” a series of sculptures stretching along the Delaware River waterfront from Pier 68 to Race Street Pier.

Philadelphia Artist Duo Behind 'Pockets of Light'

Meet the Artist Duo Behind “Pockets of Light” 

About 450,000 people in the U.S. may have a tick-borne condition that causes a red meat allergy, and may not even know it, according to the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a life-threatening illness 

About 450,000 people in the U.S. may have a tick-borne condition that causes a red meat allergy, and may not even know it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

3 Questions With

A Guide to Chicago's Comedy Scene

Adrian González

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