Chicago Gets Self-Driving Taxis

BEST DATE NEWS

Feb. 26, 2026: Best Date News Volume #167

Welcome to Best Date News, your go-to guide for what’s happening in Chicago! This week, we’re diving into Waymo arriving in Chicago, stadium updates, Hattie B’s, Logan Square getting a Trader Joe’s, spring flower shows, weekend plans and more.

Feb. 26: National Holidays

• National Chili Day

• National Small Dog Day

• National Pistachio Day

• National Toast Day

• Carpe Diem Day

Sponsored by our friends at Meet Chicago Northwest

Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week

• Meet Chicago Northwest: More than 60 restaurants across Chicago’s Northwest suburbs are participating in Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week, which runs Feb. 27 through March 8 and features special multi-course and featured menus.

• Starting tomorrow and running for 10 delicious days, enjoy curated breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus at a variety of price points. It’s a great excuse to explore new flavors and celebrate the vibrant food scene of the Northwest suburbs, whether for date night or dinner with friends.

• Participating regions in the Chicago Northwest suburbs include Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Roselle, Rolling Meadows and Wood Dale.

• See the full lineup of restaurants for Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week and book your reservations!

Chicago News

• Ride Sharing: A new rideshare option is coming to Chicago, and this one drives itself. Waymo announced it has begun laying the early groundwork in Chicago. Mapping out the city streets is the first step toward potentially launching autonomous taxis here, with vehicles currently operating with human drivers while they collect data. The company says it’s mapping streets east of I-90 from the South Loop up to Wrigleyville, and a fleet was recently spotted in a downtown parking garage. Self-driving rideshares are not yet allowed in Illinois, though a proposed pilot program in Cook County is being discussed. In other Chicago ride sharing news, Uber announced this week that it is acquiring parking app SpotHero.

• Chicago Stadiums: If the Bears leave Soldier Field, it sounds like Chicago plans to upgrade it anyway. The Chicago Park District is seeking $630 million in state funding to overhaul the lakefront stadium if the team relocates to Arlington Heights or Indiana. About $500 million would go toward infrastructure improvements around the Museum Campus, with another $130 million set aside for new seats, upgraded concessions and restrooms, improved locker rooms and refreshed suites. In other stadium news, the Chicago Fire are hosting a groundbreaking ceremony at The 78 on Tuesday, March 3 for their future $650 million soccer stadium.

• Hattie B’s: Nashville hot chicken officially lands in Chicago today as Hattie B’s officially opens its first Illinois location at 3649 N. Clark St., just outside Wrigley Field on Gallagher Way, marking the brand’s first Midwest outpost. The 3,265 square foot restaurant features a 70-seat dining room, a 55-seat patio and neon chickens in Cubs hats. Two more locations are planned for River North and Wicker Park by early 2027.

• Trader Joe’s: It looks like Logan Square is finally getting a Trader Joe’s. The grocery chain has signed a lease to move into the long vacant former CVS at 2053 N. Milwaukee Ave., a building that has sat empty since 2017. While the company says the store may still be a few years out, the deal is reportedly fully executed. Unlike many Chicago locations, this one is expected to have a massive parking lot, with plans showing more than 130 spaces.

• Brewery & Bar Closings: A few Chicago bars and breweries are saying goodbye. Whiner Beer Company, known for its sours, is shutting down its Back of the Yards taproom on March 29 after 10 years. Casa Humilde, a Forest Park cerveceria and cocina, announced its final day will be Sunday, March 1 and is pouring $5 drafts all week to celebrate. Lizard's Liquor Lounge in Irving Park will also close on April 12 after an 18-year run.

Just For Fun

• Flower Shows: Spring flower shows recently kicked off at both the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park Conservatories. “Showers of Flowers” at Garfield Park features more than 80 hanging baskets filled with trailing vines, ferns and colorful blooms, alongside classic spring favorites like tulips and daffodils. Over at Lincoln Park, “Jewels of Spring” spotlights the dramatic Tower of Jewels plant, known for its two- to three-foot flower spikes, plus vibrant tulips and orchids. Advance reservations are required for both shows. Admission is free at Lincoln Park and free for Chicago residents at Garfield Park.

• North Side Restaurant Week: North Side Restaurant Week runs Feb. 26 through March 8 across Chicago’s North Side. Explore special prix fixe menus from participating restaurants in Lincoln Square & Ravenswood, Albany Park & Irving Park, Edgewater, Northcenter and Rogers Park. Expect everything from Argentinian and French to Serbian and modern American cuisine.

• Greektown Restaurant Week: In other restaurant week news, Greektown Restaurant Week runs March 1 through March 7. 11 restaurants in the neighborhood are participating with special offers, including Athena Restaurant, Greek Islands Restaurant, 9 Muses Bar & Grill and more. See the full list of participating restaurants and their special offers.

• SuSu: A new West Loop dining destination, SuSu, officially opens Friday, Feb. 27. The “Mediterrasian” concept blends Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian influences into Chicago’s steakhouse scene at 652 W. Randolph St., the former home of Aikana and three-Michelin-starred Grace. The restaurant will also offer a communal experience at SuSu’s Table, a $125 per person family-style tasting progression. Reservations are now open.

• F1 Arcade: Start your engines, Chicago. An F1 Arcade is coming to the Windy City, taking over the former Rock Bottom Brewery space at State and Grand. The two-story restaurant and arcade will feature 70 high-tech racing simulators designed to replicate the feel of driving an open-wheel car. It’s expected to open this summer and will be the first F1 Arcade location with a rooftop.

Weekend Plans

• Polar Plunge: The Special Olympics of Illinois are hosting their annual Polar Plunge Chicago this Sunday, March 1 at North Avenue Beach to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will brave the cold waters of Lake Michigan, and it’s not too late to sign up if you’re feeling bold. You can also just go and watch without participating.

• Field Museum: Two fun events are happening at the Field Museum this weekend, one for kids and one for adults. On Friday night, Dozin’ with the Dinos invites families with kids ages 6 to 12 to spend the night inside the museum, with tickets starting at $95 for non-members. Then on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m., the Chicago Beer Festival takes over with more than 65 breweries pouring seasonal beers and access to select exhibits included. Early admission is $75 and gets you in at 7 p.m. with specialty pours during the first hour, while general admission is $60.

• Irish Film Festival: The 27th annual Chicago Irish Film Festival runs Feb. 26 through March 1 at AMC NewCity, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave. The festival will screen a range of independent films from Irish filmmakers, including U.S. premieres, feature films, documentaries and shorts. Watch the 2026 Chicago Irish Film Festival official trailer and check out the full events calendar.

• The Second City: The Second City’s Improv Supernova kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday. Five performances will take over the e.t.c. Theater’s 50th Revue, with improv, the art form that started it all, replacing the company’s typical sketch comedy format for a limited run. Organizers promise each night will be completely different, with no two shows the same.

• Après-Ski Party: Benchmark in Old Town is hosting an Adult Snow Day Après-Ski Party this Saturday, Feb. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include entry plus your first drink. Expect a shot luge, shot-skis and a foam party, with ski attire encouraged.

Poll Question of the Week

Last Newsletter's Poll Results

Poll Results: Last week, we asked where you think the Chicago Bears will ultimately build their new stadium, and 75% of you said Illinois compared to 25% who chose Indiana. Thank you to everyone who also sent in comments with your thoughts. It sounds like many of you still believe Arlington Heights remains the favorite.

Sunrise & Sunset in Chicago

Here is today’s outlook in Chicago (compared to last week):

• Sunrise: 6:29 a.m. (11 minutes earlier)

• Sunset: 5:37 p.m. (9 minutes later)

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