📲 Chicago’s most viral moments of 2024

Mayor’s New School Board Appointees

Mayor Brandon Johnson selected 10 of his 11 appointees to be on the city’s hybrid school board. Ten others were elected by Chicagoans in the fall. The whole board will be inaugurated Jan. 15. [Chalkbeat]

• The school board saga has been among the biggest political stories in Chicago this year. [Hey Chicago 💻]

Name Snow Plows (Again)

Tap into your creative juices: The city is once again asking you to name snow plows. Past winners are Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow, Salter Payton, and Skilling It. Submissions close Jan. 4, and voting begins Jan. 10. [WTTW]

Christkindlmarket Most Overcrowded Holiday Market

Is a custom mug and bratwurst worth braving the long lines at the Christkindlmarket downtown? A new survey found that the Dalezy Plaza pop-up is the most crowded holiday market in the United States and Canada. [Block Club]

• Our advice? Pre-game with food and drinks before you go. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Once again, Chicagoans ate well this year at restaurants across the city. We’re highlighting the new ones that stuck out and why.

Best New Kids on the Block

Perilla Steakhouse in the Loop

A Korean take on a classic steakhouse is literally what my dreams are made of. The all-day outpost at L7 Chicago Hotel has amazing cuts of meat like prime and wagyu 🤤

Nafsi in South Shore

Dine lakeside at the Black-owned restaurant that opened in the South Shore Cultural Center this year. Plus, if you go this weekend, you can brunch with Santa.

Best Reopening

Calumet Fisheries in South Deering

The Far South Side smoked seafood shack got back to serving Chicagoans after a fire and failed health inspections last year. Featured in “Blues Brothers,” Calumet Fisheries has been open for almost 100 years.

Best Beverages

Is/Was Brewing in Ravenswood

Chicago might have lost some spots in the craft beer scene, but at least Malt Row added a new location for saison-style beers.

Best Little Treat

Cadinho Bakery in McKinley Park

South Side bakeries have really been having a moment this year, but this new Portuguese bakery has our hearts (and stomachs) with its tasty pastries and pasteis de nata.

And She Bakes Too in Portage Park

Talk about pulling on my heartstrings: The Northwest Side bakery sells cupcakes, brownies, and cookies from recipes passed down through generations.

Anticipated Openings in 2025

Vienna Beef Plaza in Bucktown

You’ll soon be able to feast on Vienna Beef hot dogs and Italian beef at the new restaurant on the hot dog company’s namesake plaza in the first half of 2025. A factory store and corporate offices will also be on site.

Chapel Street Cafe on the Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s first Australian cafe and restaurant is set to open in January, and you can try dishes from down under like vegemite sandwiches and meat pies.

Batters & Berries in Austin

French toast flights are coming to the West Side! The brunch spot in Lincoln Park and Olympia Fields plans to open another location in Austin next summer.