15 Hot New Chicago Restaurants to Check Out

The thrill of the new … it never gets old! Chicago and the north suburbs continue to impress with a slew of spring and summer openings, and more notables on the fall horizon. No wonder we’re an eating destination! It’s time to expand your to-do list. Arbella The folks that brought you Tanta, that River […]

Best of 2016 Winners!

For the sixth year in a row, our audience has spoken — this year louder than ever before. With more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories, what follows are the best businesses and services in Chicago and around the North Shore. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #Bestof2016.

Best of 2016: Dining

Make It Better’s Best of 2016 drew more than 168,000 votes across 11 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #Bestof2016. Best Burger (Suburbs) Edzo’s Burger Shop The undisputed suburban burger champ for five years running. 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston Best Burger (Chicago) Au Cheval A burger that will make you […]

12 Watermelon Recipes That Wow

Nothing says summer eating quite like watermelon. The kid in me remembers camp cookouts that always ended with a juicy slice of watermelon and a handful of paper towels. The arrival of seedless watermelon in markets (yes, there was a time when that was not a thing) put an end to the seed-spitting contests, but […]

New in Town: Chicago's Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar

Just in time for summer, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, opened in May at One West Wacker. Located on the third floor, you’ll dine and sip above the Chicago River, complete with gorgeous views of the city, fresh flowers, fire pits, cabanas and couches. Here you’ll find shareable plates of American bar food that’s made […]

8 Summer Dinners That Take 20 Minutes or Less

Summer is not the season to spend cooped up in the kitchen. The backyard and beach beckon, the sun is up through the evening and most seasonal ingredients taste so good to begin with that you don’t even need to waste time jazzing them up with excess preparation and cooking. Instead, try this lineup of […]

New in Town: Glenview's Ten Ninety Brewing Co.

Ten Ninety Brewing Co. opened in Glenview this past April. The first (and only) brewery/taproom in Glenview currently offers 12 beers on tap but will soon have 20. Popular beers include Half Wit (a witbier with honey, coriander and orange peel), Pink Tie Saison (which supports the Schaumburg Firefighters Cancer Research Fund Pink Tie Ball) […]

New in Town: Chicago's Joy District

Joy District, a “multi-level dining and drinking experience,” celebrated its grand opening in River North on May 12. On the first floor you’ll find the dining room and elevated library and lounge. The bar is on the second floor, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows. Joy District also houses the first kinetic lighting installation outside of Las […]

New in Town: Burnt City Brewing in Chicago

Burnt City Brewing, the new concept from Atlas Brewing Company’s John and Ben Saller, opened this May. In addition to their canning facility in the Pullman neighborhood, Burnt City Brewing’s brewpub in Lincoln Park offers 12 beers on tap (always in rotation) and eight bowling lanes. This summer, try the Retrofit Radler, made with key-lime […]