Chicago Restaurant Week is Here

BEST DATE NEWS

Jan. 22, 2026: Best Date News Volume #162

Welcome to Best Date News, your go-to guide for what’s happening in Chicago! This week, we’re diving into the extreme cold weather advisory, Chicago Restaurant Week, James Beard Award semifinalists, Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement and more.

Jan. 22: National Holidays

• National Come in From the Cold Day

• National Polka Dot Day

• National Celebration of Life Day

• National Hot Sauce Day

• National Blonde Brownie Day

Chicago News

• Cold Weather Advisory: A severe weather advisory has been issued for the next few days in Chicago. Starting this evening, an “Extreme Cold Watch” goes into effect through Friday and may be extended into Saturday. Chicago Public Schools announced all schools will be closed Friday. Wind chills could drop as low as -35°, and the National Weather Service warns that frostbite on exposed skin can occur in as little as 10 minutes. Expected 8 a.m. temperatures are -10° on Friday and -6° on Saturday. Stay warm, Chicago.

• Chicago Restaurant Week: Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of the city’s dining scene and returns tomorrow, Jan. 23 running through Feb. 8. Diners can choose from four prix fixe menu options, brunch and lunch for $30, and dinner for $45 or $60, with more than 550 participating restaurants this year. Check out this map view. If you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck, several valuation guides are published each year. Here are three worth checking out: guide one, guide two and guide three.

• James Beard Awards: The 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists were just announced yesterday, and Chicago showed up well with 23 of them. Awards are given in categories like Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Bar, Best New Restaurant and more. See the list of Chicago semifinalists.

• Derrick Rose Night: Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey will be retired by the Chicago Bulls this Saturday, Jan. 24 following the team’s game against the Boston Celtics. The celebration includes the launch of the Rose Collection merchandise line, available online and in the Madhouse Store starting Jan. 24. Fans without tickets can still visit the United Center atrium for free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to view a special collection of Derrick Rose artwork, and the Bulls legend was also honored with a new mural this week.

• O’Hare Airport: Chicago is once again home to the busiest airport in the U.S. It was announced this week that O’Hare International Airport reclaimed the title from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, which had held the top spot since 2020. The FAA shared that 857,392 planes took off or landed at O’Hare in 2025, the most of any U.S. airport. Can you guess the top five busiest U.S. airports last year in terms of flights?

Just For Fun

• Restaurant Openings: Chicago is set to see several exciting restaurant openings in 2026. Boka Restaurant Group is bringing Gingie to River North, The Alley Cat is coming to Wicker Park, and Bar Bambi will be opening in West Town, with many more on the way. Check out the 12 most anticipated Chicago restaurant openings of 2026.

• Top 100 Restaurants: Yelp just released its 13th annual list of their 100 best restaurants in the U.S. This year’s trends include Japanese cuisine, “grandma-core” dining and Gen Z-approved dress-up destinations. Three Chicago restaurants made the list at spots No. 65, No. 96, and No. 98.

• Chicago’s Best Restaurants: Not satisfied with only three Chicago restaurants making Yelp’s list? We weren’t either. If you’re looking for dining inspiration, Eater Chicago recently updated its list of the 38 best restaurants in Chicago, including several new additions.

• Best Sandwiches: From best restaurants to best sandwiches, the Michelin Guide recently published a list of the seven best sandwiches in North America, and one of them is right here in Chicago. The Italiano from Lardon in Logan Square made the list. See which other sandwiches were included.

• Concert Announcements: The United Center announced two major concerts this week. Peso Pluma is coming to the United Center on May 7 with Dinastía, and tickets are now on sale. Chicago will also be the first stop on A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb World Tour when it hits the United Center on May 27, with tickets going on sale Jan. 27 at 10 a.m.

Weekend Plans

• Polar Adventure Days: If you’re looking to embrace the cold this weekend, the Chicago Park District is hosting the first of two Polar Adventure Days, a free winter event featuring husky sled dog demos, live ice sculpting, puppet shows, fishing lessons, hot cocoa by a bonfire and more. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Northerly Island Park, with a second date on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Big Marsh Park.

• South Loop Farmers Market: The South Loop Farmers Market is hosting indoor winter markets with 100+ vendors now through March. The market takes place at Roosevelt Collection Shops on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on level four of Water Tower Place on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Mac & Cheese Fest: Chicago’s cheesiest party, Mac & Cheese Fest, takes place this Saturday, Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Wrigleyville at nine different bars. Your $22 ticket includes admission, seven free mac & cheese servings, drink specials, giveaways and more.

• Time Out Market: Last week, it was announced that Time Out Market Chicago will be closing permanently. The Fulton Market food hall’s last day of operation will be Friday, Jan. 23. If you want to visit one last time before it closes, tomorrow is your final chance.

• Chicago History Museum: Looking for a family-friendly indoor activity? The next two weeks include multiple Illinois resident free days at the Chicago History Museum. Admission is free today and tomorrow, Jan. 22 and 23, as well as next week from Jan. 27 through Jan. 30, and Illinois kids 18 and under are always free.

Poll Question of the Week

Last Newsletter's Poll Results

Poll Results: Last week, we asked who you thought would win the Bears vs. Rams game. 91% of you picked the Bears, but the game unfortunately didn’t go as we hoped.

Sunrise & Sunset in Chicago

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

• Sunrise: 7:11 a.m. (4 minutes earlier)

• Sunset: 4:53 p.m. (9 minutes later)

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