Chicago weekend nightlife for October 9 to 11: Eclipse After Dark at Carbon, CWILLI’s runway and sample sale, Masquerade de Spiritismo in Pilsen, AIM Girls in River North, and late nights at The Lair.
North America’s No. 1 bar, New York’s Sip & Guzzle, opens a five-month residency at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s Mile High Cocktail Club on October 15: $85 for two cocktails, Thursday to Sunday.
The Banchet Awards 2027 finalists read like the best meals of the year: Asador Bastian, Brasero, Cellar Door Provisions and Maxwells Trading for Restaurant of the Year, plus the chefs, rooms, bars and bakeries to taste before the January 31 ceremony.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar brings Northern Thai cooking to Old Town: khao soi under crispy noodles, smoky sai oua, chili dips with sticky rice and a spice scale that tops out at Lanna Hot. Open now at 215 W. North Ave.
Kermess Chicago plants a century-old Belgian Spiegeltent fourteen floors above Randolph: velvet, mirrors, and about 300 table seats. Premonitions Inc., a 21+ circus-comedy cabaret starring Sabrina Von B as Miss Fortuna, opens Thursday, Oct 15 at 7:30 PM.
Smyth Chicago names Michelin-starred UK chef Conor Dalton head chef and switches to one extended Chef’s Menu from November 5: corn clouds, Sungold tomatoes, and a three-star West Loop night worth planning.
Nisi Greek Grill Rosemont opens October 9 at 5509 Park Place in Parkway Bank Park: Forte Hospitality’s island table with flaming saganaki, Wagyu & lamb, and OpenTable reservations.
October in Chicago does not ask you to browse a calendar. It asks you to pick a temperature. One week wants black tie under the Field Museum columns. … Read more
Sanders BBQ Prime is Hyde Park’s elevated barbecue sit-down under the old Promontory: James Sanders and Ogbonna Bowden, 130 seats, open kitchen, steaks and smoked plates, year-end 2026.
Molino Los Hermanos Chicago brings chef Norman Fenton’s heirloom masa mill and all-day Uptown counter to 4666–68 N. Broadway mid-December: next door to Michelin-starred Cariño.
Goosefoot Chicago comes home to Lincoln Square: Oct 10 grand opening at 4520 N. Lincoln, surprise tasting menus, Burgundy truffles, and Chris & Nina Nugent’s warm French room.