With summer weather here, dining and drinking outdoors in Chicago become enticing options. Discover new favorites with activities like a Malt Row stroll or a restaurant crawl in Lincoln Park. Enjoy barbecue dishes on the patio at Sportsman’s Club every Sunday. Chefs and bartenders nationwide will visit for the James Beard Foundation awards, showcasing their skills. You can also engage in activities that benefit the community or explore the city’s unique restaurant scene. Consider these 10 dining events happening in June:
Sunday BBQ Series at Sportsman’s Club
Enjoy diverse barbecue offerings every Sunday throughout the summer at the famous Ukrainian Village tavern’s large patio. Featured local restaurants include Maxwell’s Trading on June 7, Creepies on June 21, and Boeufhaus on June 28. On June 14, indulge in the flavors of New Orleans as Bacchanal and Nightbloom participate in the James Beard Awards weekend. The event runs from 4-7 p.m. every Sunday until September 27 at 948 N. Western Ave. More information is available at drinkingandgathering.com.
Thursday Night Beats & Bites
After work, head to the open-air mall where four food trucks, such as Wagyu House by The X Pot, Chkn Box, and Polombia, offer meals. The series is free and showcases live music genres like Motown, Brazilian jazz, and party hits. Join the festivities every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. through July at Roosevelt Collection, 150 W. Roosevelt Road. Visit rooseveltcollectionshops.com/events for details.
‘The Chicago Way’ Q&A and Signing
Enjoy cuisine by chef Carrie Nahabedian and drinks by Sparrow’s Peter Vestinos during a Q&A session with journalist Monica Eng and author Michael Gebert. The discussion centers on “The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining,” with insights from nearly 200 industry professionals. Each guest receives an autographed copy of the book. The event is from 1-4 p.m. on June 8 at Brindille, 534 N. Clark St. Tickets are $50 at eventbrite.com.
Chicago Cocktail Classic
Returning for its second year, this cocktail event gathers more than 30 bars worldwide, including Bar Mauro from Mexico City, Superfine from Paris, and Bangkok’s BKK Social Club. Local spots like Meadowlark and Nine Bar also participate, offering mini cocktails. Guests receive 10 drink tokens. The event is from 6-10 p.m. on June 14 at 167 Events, 167 Green St. Tickets cost $100 at chicagococktailclassic.com.
Up South Pop-Up
The Up South series, started by chef Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies, highlights the culinary talent of Chicago’s South Side. On June 14, James Beard Award nominee Broussard offers smoked desserts, collaborating with chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse. The event starts at 11 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m. at Justice of the Pies, 8655 S. Blackstone Ave. RSVP by June 12 for additional information at justiceofthepies.com.
Sanders BBQ x Mahari
Experience a unique brunch with chefs James Sanders and Rahim Muhammad as they team up to serve specialties from Sanders BBQ Prime at Mahari. Attendees can bring their drinks. Enjoy the brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14 at Mahari, 1504 E. 55th St. Tickets are available for $75 at exploretock.com/sanders-bbq-supply-co.
Bario BBQ
This event celebrates Mexican grilling traditions, featuring dishes from Manchamanteles, Diego, Pizza Lobo, and Santa Masa Tamaleria. Enjoy a range of taste experiences, from birria tacos with mole negro to pizza with carnitas. Attendance supports the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Join from 4-7 p.m. on June 14 at Manchamanteles, 2009 N. Western Ave. Tickets cost $69 at exploretock.com/manchamanteles.
Cravings on Clark
Sample offerings from over a dozen Lincoln Park restaurants like The Fat Shallot, Tanaka Ramen, and The Wiener’s Circle during a crawl organized by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. The event spans from 6-9 p.m. on June 24, beginning at Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar, 2577 N. Clark St. Ticket prices range from $55-$65 at lincolnparkchamber.com/cravings.
Malt Row on Damen
Enjoy drinks from 12 breweries and distilleries, including Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Jeppson’s Malört, and Gnome Brew, during this walking tour. Stops include Amy’s Candy Bar and Falcon’s Handcrafted Sandwiches. The stroll occurs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on June 24 along Damen Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Argyle Street. Tickets are $32 at ravenswoodchicago.org.
Chicago’s Taste of the Nation
Over 50 restaurants participate in this benefit event supporting No Kid Hungry, offering food paired with beer, wine, and cocktails. Attendees can enjoy cooking and mixology demonstrations and have a chance to win a stocked wine cellar. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. on June 26 at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St. Tickets are priced at $150 at events.nokidhungry.org.
Author: Samantha Nelson
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