—Bear with me: The fifth and final season of the Chicago-based hit TV show The Bear began airing June 25, the Chicago Sun-Times noted.
Besides airing on FX, the show streams on Hulu and Disney+. It began with two episodes and then a single episode each week, according to FX. The Bear is loosely based on the River North restaurant Mr. Beef and has filmed in Chicago for years.
—The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is hosting its 6th annual Andersonville Vintage Market, featuring antiques, home décor, jewelry, clothing, accessories, vinyl and other bric-a-brac from local retailers.
Come treasure hunt for vintage finds from more than 40 vendors on six Sunday dates throughout the summer months—July 12 and 26, Aug. 9 and 23, and Sept. 13 and 27—at 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at its new location at 1600 W. Catalpa and the St. Gregory parking lot. Shoppers will also enjoy a variety of musical entertainment, and pets are welcome. There is a $5 suggested donation.
And now, on to culinary items…
—✨✨RESTAURANT PICKS: With Pride Month ending, Dr. Monique Carroll—a member of the queer community who heads Chicago State University’s (CSU’s) athletic department—provided her restaurant choices.
“My wife would probably be so embarrassed at this answer because she’s the foodie, but I like the Hyde Park spot Virtue and Daisy’s,” Carroll stated. “I take people to Virtue so they can get the soul food with an elevated vibe; the short rib is the best. I get the same thing every single time. With Daisy’s, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp or the catfish po’boy.”
By the way, CSU is fielding its first football team ever this fall, starting with a home game against Roosevelt University on Aug. 29.
—Greed is good: Through Aug. 30, the menu at Next, 953 W. Fulton Market, is about one of Manhattan’s most powerful eras as diners can experience “Wall Street 1987.”
Enjoy wine pairings and non-alcoholic pairing options, which you may select in advance or upon arrival in addition to a full wine list. Book the dining room or kitchen table now at this link.
—Lou and view: Yes, it’s true: After 15 years, the flagship location of the revered pizza spot Lou Malnati’s is closing. The final day of operations for the Gold Coast site is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30.
However, according to Time Out Chicago, company officials have stressed that this is merely a temporary pause, not the actual end. The closure stems from a real-estate decision, not a decline in the restaurant’s popularity. In September 2025, Convexity Properties acquired the high-profile buildings at 1120 and 1130 N. State St. for $39 million as part of an ongoing district revitalization project. Because the property owner plans to redevelop the site—with a 304-unit, 345-foot residential tower that the Chicago City Council approved in 2021—Lou Malnati’s existing lease was not renewed. (The latter address belongs to the former Barnes & Noble space.)
In related news, the Lou Malnati’s location at 805 S. State St. has expanded by approximately 2,400 square feet, bringing the location to nearly 8,400+ square feet overall.
—Prime time: West Town is rapidly becoming the next go-to spot for restaurants, as yet another spot is slated to open there.
It looks like it’s all systems go for Soul Prime and Shonya Williams (aka Chef Royce), who announced that the restaurant is relocating to 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
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