🐶 Do people actually like dogs at restaurants?

Chicagoland Doctors Urge Congress to Stop Weapons Sales to Israel

Chicago-area doctors who treated patients in Gaza came back with horror stories. Some are now banding together to convince lawmakers to stop weapons sales to Israel. Despite at least one disappointing meeting, they say progress is underway on a “Block the Bombs” bill. [WBEZ]

A Deeper Look at Public Safety in Chicago

While violent crime in Chicago is down, local public safety experts point out that Black and Latino communities are victimized at a higher rate. They also say we should expand the ways we think of safety: “It’s not just homicide or crime, it’s public health, it’s education, it’s people’s ability to get a job.” [WTTW]

• Related: Will the military come to Chicago? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago Man Accused of Murder Is Challenging Facial Recognition Tech

A man accused of killing a visiting graduate student in 2021 was identified via facial recognition technology. Now, his lawyers are arguing that the tech isn’t reliable in a first-of-its kind case in Cook County. It’s unclear how often Chicago police utilize the software. [Sun-Times]

The Unspoken Rules For Dogs at Restaurants

With a few weeks left in patio season, there’s still time to meet some patio dogs! But as bringing your dog to restaurants or breweries becomes more common in Chicago, what are the rules? On today’s podcast, City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco talks with diners, dog owners, and restaurant workers in Roscoe Village to learn about pet restaurant etiquette. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

While summer is winding down, these six new dining spots are just starting to heat up. This month, we’ve got a hot pizza place on tap, plus a speciality takeout market, and the expansion of a beloved dumpling window.

Moody’s Market in Avondale

The aptly titled Moody’s Market is a vibe. Off the bustling corner of California and Belmont, the storefront is cozy, full of for-sale vintage items and art that make the space feel like home. Foodwise, the mart offers to-go sauces, salsas, and fully prepared meals, plus fresh pastries and locally sourced snacks and wine.

Professor Pizza in West Town

The popular Professor Pizza has opened a second brick-and-mortar on Grand Avenue, further solidifying the block as a pizza epicenter. Previously the pizzeria operated a ghost kitchen and maintains an Old Town location, too. For now the new spot is to-go only, but the professor expects to welcome dining guests sometime this fall. I’ve heard good things about their Sicilian-style crust.

A Joong Boo Window in North Park

Real ones from the North Side know the Joong Boo window. Those massive kimchi dumplings got me through high school. I was crushed when their additional wholesale location opened on Pulaski Road with no to-go window. No longer! Tucked away behind Montrose Cemetery, these soul-nourishing dumplings are now hot and ready.

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian in Lincoln Park

Tarantino’s was a neighborhood staple, but its red-sauce spirit lives on in the Armitage Avenue space. The new Dimmi Dimmi specializes in pasta, tavern-style pizza, and other classic Italian-American fare. In a trendy Chicago twist, the menu also features Italian beef carpaccio, layered with giardiniera.

The Nook in Andersonville — And Soon, Marty’s Martini Bar (Again)

The Nook, a new cocktail bar, has opened in the lowkey former home of Marty’s Martini Bar, tucked away on Balmoral Avenue. Marty’s closed a year ago after getting acquired by an LGBTQ+ restaurant group but that beloved bar is set to reopen soon, nearby on Winnemac Avenue.

Smash Jibarito in Humboldt Park

The jibarito is a Humboldt Park invention — and one of Chicago’s most iconic foods. Now, it’s being offered in smashburger form. After garnering buzz as a pop-up, Smash Jibarito has opened a permanent cafe that pays homage to the dish’s neighborhood roots.