Summer is thriving in Chicago, and the city’s bars and eateries are celebrating the warm season with refreshing drinks and barbecues. This month offers a range of dining experiences, from a spicy margarita contest to a pig roast, reflecting the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Paulie Gee’s Logan Square 10-Year Anniversary
Join the celebration with two hours of unlimited pizza, draft beer, and various drinks. Extra treats include an additional drink post-package, plus $10 pizzas and cocktails. Guests will also enjoy a slice of complimentary Costco birthday cake. This event runs from 5-7 p.m. on July 9 at 2451 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are available for $60 at pauliegee.com.
“New School Barbecue” Book Signing
Sample the smoked and seared L&L Burger by Evan Leroy from LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Texas. Evan will also sign copies of his new cookbook. The event takes place at 10:30 a.m. on July 10 at Bub City, 435 N. Clark St. Tickets are priced at $30 at bub-city.com/chicago/happenings.
World’s Best Spicy Margarita Cocktail Competition
Bartenders from venues like The Radicle, Moneygun, and Trivoli Tavern present their unique takes on a spicy margarita. Taste each one and vote for your favorite. The event includes a welcome cocktail, with additional food and drinks for sale. The competition is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on July 12 at TRUCE, 1935 N. Damen Ave. Tickets cost $61 at eventbrite.com.
Fire and Flavor at South Asia Institute
Experience a new series moderated by culinary historian Colleen Taylor Sen, discussing live-fire cooking in South Asia with Jeet Singh of Basant Modern Indian. Enjoy a tasting menu featuring paneer tikka, chicken sliders, and mushroom kabab. The event runs from 6-8:30 p.m. on July 14 at Basant Modern Indian, 1939 W. Byron St. Tickets are $120 at saichicago.org/calendar/gather.
French Bistro Classic Wine Dinner
Celebrate Bastille Day with dishes from France’s northern coast, including baked scallops, cider-brined chicken, and apple tarte tatin, paired with wines. Join at 6 p.m. on July 14 at Le Sud, 2301 W. Roscoe St. Tickets are $99 at lesudchicago.com.
Rogers Park Taco Crawl
Explore the neighborhood’s taco offerings at the Rogers Park Taco Crawl, featuring tacos, tamales, churros, and ice cream. Enjoy margaritas and palomas along the routes. The crawl is from 3-7 p.m. on July 16 at 6950 N. Clark St. Tickets are $25 at rpba.org.
Cat Bite Club Pop-up
Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club hosts Singapore’s Cat Bite Club. Jesse Vida will serve cocktails utilizing agave and rice spirits. The event occurs from 6-8 p.m. on July 20 at Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club, 51 W. Hubbard St. Tickets are $75 at kittyscosmopolitanclub.com.
Rosé Soirée
Savor over 20 varieties of wine paired with Japanese-inspired bites, sushi, and sweets while enjoying views of the Chicago River, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan on the St. Regis Terrace. The soirée is from 1-3:30 p.m. on July 25 at Miru, 401 E. Wacker Drive. Tickets are $89 at mirurestaurant.com/events/rose-soiree.
Taste of Bronzeville
The third annual Taste of Bronzeville features food from local vendors like Versie’s Cookie & Bake Shop. This community event also includes yoga, dance lessons, and music. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 25 at 37th Street and King Drive. Admission is free with tickets available at tasteofbronzeville.com.
Basque Pig Roast
Join chefs Eric Jorgensen and David Koehn as they prepare a whole pig from Slagel Family Farms. Enjoy tapas, pintxos, and beverage pairings at this gathering. It takes place from 1-3 p.m. on July 29 at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $95 at cafebabareeba.com/events/basque-pig-roast.
Chicago offers a month of diverse and exciting food and drink experiences. From special anniversaries to cultural feasts, this city offers something for every taste.

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