City Cast Chicago
🥞 Late-night flapjacks in Chicago
February 4, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! Jeff Tweedy likes his Italian ice with chocolate chips. In a recent TV profile, the Wilco frontman takes a stroll through Irving Park and stops at Miko’s (my alma mater) for a treat: “Don’t postpone happiness,” Tweedy says while taking a bite.
While it’s not Italian ice weather yet, there are many ways to find joy in Chicago right now. Today’s newsletter is packed with ideas to engage in winter revelry 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Marimar Martinez Details Getting Shot by Feds
Marimar Martinez, the woman shot five times by Border Patrol in Brighton Park, says she’ll fight to hold federal agents accountable. In addition to testifying in Washington D.C., she’s trying to get footage of the shooting released. “I am their voice,” Martinez said, referring to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by agents in Minnesota. [WBEZ]
- For updates from Minneapolis: Follow City Cast Twin Cities.
Chicago’s Best 24-Hour Restaurants
Whether you’re recovering after a night out or a night shift, Chicago has 24-hour restaurants in every corner of the city. On today’s podcast, the City Cast Chicago team discusses their favorite restaurants with 24-hour service. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
New Movie Focuses on Chicago's West Side
In theaters now, “Moses The Black” transports the story of the Orthodox saint Moses to the present day West Side. It’s produced by 50 Cent and stars Quavo, Wiz Khalifa, Omar Epps, and Deontay Wilder. [Block Club]
Indie Music Venues Aren't Profiting
Although Chicago’s live indie music scene is bustling, it’s not generating much profit. Due to rising artist fees, taxes, and operating costs, just one in four venues is profitable. Meanwhile, indie music venues contribute billions to the local economy and employ 17,000 people. [Sun-Times]
- Local musicians: Here’s how to book a gig. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
Sponsored Content
The Best Wedding Planner? Your Gut.
If your gut says small, intentional and real; trust that. Simply Eloped offers personalized elopement and vow renewal packages in stunning destinations nationwide, so you can celebrate your love story, your way. We handle the logistics. You stay present on the first day of the rest of your lives.
What To Do
Wednesday, Feb. 4
- 🎤 Comedy Open Mic | Cole's Bar | Logan Square
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🎥 "Intimate Conversations" | Newberry Library | Near North Side
- 🏛️ Free admission | DuSable Museum | Washington Park
- 🦖 Free admission | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🐠 Free admission | Shedd Aquarium | Museum Campus
- 🍽️ Chicago Restaurant Week | Various locations
Thursday, Feb. 5
- 🖼️ "Cautionary Tale" opening | Red June | Bucktown
- 🎥 “Real shape of the earth" | The Block Cinema | Evanston
- 🐠 Free admission | Shedd Aquarium | Museum Campus
- 📖 Poetry Pop-up | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🎶 Maxwell Street Klezmer Band | Old Town School of Folk Music | Lincoln Square
- 🍽️ Chicago Restaurant Week | Various locations
Sponsored Content
Architecture and Design Film Festival February 19-22
Chicago Architecture Center presents 10 films highlighting creative vision, design innovation and human relationships in architecture across the globe. Topics range from the importance of protected bike lanes to the architecture of NASA shuttles. Tickets ($15-$20; $9 for students) and film trailers are available at architecture.org/filmfest
Once again, I ask: Do you want $100? Take our audience survey and you just might win 👀
Free · Daily