City Cast Chicago
☕ Chicago's for coffee lovers
April 23, 2026 · — Michelle Navarro
Hi Chicago! We’re in the final stretch of our spring membership campaign, and I really think you (yes, you!) should become a Neighbor today.
Is there a restaurant down the street making some truly life-changing tacos? A local bar with a solid burger, beer, and shot deal? Or did a volunteer at the Animal Care and Control help you find your newest family member?
These are the kinds of stories that make Chicago feel like a neighborhood. As a City Cast Chicago Neighbor, you can help tell them.
Neighbors get the chance to shout out a local business, nonprofit, or person doing something great. Then, we’ll share it in the newsletter and on the podcast. It’s a simple way to shine a light on what makes your city special.
Our neighbor Amy B. is shouting out Baby Wants Candy, the improvised musical on Saturday nights at The Second City. She said, “Best laugh in a long time!”
Plus, you don’t miss our next members-only event — a neighborhood walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center! Sign up now to RSVP soon!
What's CITY Talking About
CTA Starts Spring Cleaning
CTA announced $6.5 million in maintenance and aesthetic upgrades for 28 “L” stops and 14 bus turnarounds this year. The “Refresh and Renew” initiative includes new signs, landscaping, benches for kids, and lighting improvements. [CBS]
Local Businesses Navigate Tariff Refunds
Customs and Border Protection launched an online portal earlier this week for businesses to claim refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. But the process has been mixed for Chicago-area businesses. [Sun-Times]
CTA Drops Unarmed Security Guards. Plus, Chi’s Film Industry Boom
CTA ended its multi-million-dollar contract Friday with Monterrey Security, with plans to redirect funds for officers and trained safety personnel. On today’s podcast, we discuss the latest, including Chicago’s booming film industry, which is driving record production spending. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Welcome Coffee Lovers!
Chicago ranked fourth on Food and Wine magazine’s list of Best U.S Cities for Coffee Lovers, which noted Chicago's rich coffee legacy and household names like Intelligentsia and Metric Coffee. Austin took the number one spot, followed by New York and Los Angeles. [Time Out]
- Visit: Chicago’s coziest coffee shops. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
The Garfield Park Children’s Garden is Back
After five years, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden is finally reopening May 1. Reservation tickets will be available starting Friday. The project was originally scheduled to wrap in Fall 2023. [Block Club]
Neighborhood Shoutouts
Now it’s time for another Neighborhood Shoutout! These recs are submitted by City Cast Chicago Neighbors, kindly putting us onto their favorite spots and orgs. Submit your own today!
Today, Jeff S. is shouting out The Beer Temple in Avondale: “Heaven for craft beer drinkers. Featuring the best selection of craft beers in Chicagoland and staff who always make the right recommendation. Great Detroit-style pizza too.”
Thanks, Jeff. You had me at “heaven for craft beer drinkers.” I’ll check it out!
What To Do
Thursday, April 23
- 🎤 New Poetry Reading | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free
- 🎯 Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me | Studebaker Theater | Loop
- 📰 South Side Weekly Alternative Issue Release | New Rose | Pilsen
- 🖌️ Gouache Art Workshop | Morgan Park Sports Center
- 🪩 The Millennium Tour | United Center | Near West Side
- 📽️ Art on the Mart | Merchandise Mart | Loop | Free
- 🏈 Bears Draft Party | Soldier Field | Museum Campus
Friday, April 24
- 💃🏻 Alvin Ailey Dance Theater | The Auditorium | Loop
- 🖼️ Images of Faith | National Museum of Mexican Art | Pilsen | Free
- 🎥 CineYouth | FACETS | Lincoln Park
- 🥁 Manasseh + Open Jam | Stoviink Creatives | Grand Crossing
- 🎙️ Lit Sessions: Open Mic | Burst Into Books | Roseland
- 🎧 Steve Aoki | Radius | Pilsen
- 💐 Spring Artisan Market | Merchandise Mart | Loop
- 🏉 USA Rugby vs Canada | Seat Geek Stadium | Bridgeview
Thank you to our newest members, Benjamin B., Katherine M., and Molly S.
It’s almost your last chance to get this beautiful pennant. Sign up today to get yours!
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