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Chicago Look Hot, Feel Good 2008

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Second Helpings

The Chicago Diet

The Chicago Diet

Cheeseburgers at the Goat, more local food addictions

Take It Outside

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Cullen's, more ideas for patio pints and alfresco eats

Things To Do In Chicago

Outdoor Dining

The harsh winter keeps locals counting down the days to spring. When warm weather finally settles in, it's like a whole new city--people smiling, dogs walking, beer flowing. We've scouted out the top spots where you can enjoy your pints and eats alfresco.

Home Sweet Homewood

As a former Chicagoan-turned-suburbanite, I didn't think I would get used to living outside the city limits. Those rumors are true: you DO have to drive to get somewhere. A trip to Walgreens went from walking five blocks to driving five minutes. But, the upside is more than just quiet nights and clean sidewalks: restaurants, bars and shops are alive and thriving in this town of nearly 20,000 people. So, if you want a change of pace from downtown's frightening taxi drivers, obnoxious pedestrians and the occasional unknown smell that lurks around the corner, here are some places you can unwind and still have time to get back into the city on the Metra.

Devon Done Right

Devon is best in the early evening when businesses are still open but the daylight has started to fade--lights, sounds and general chaos come into focus. Start east, move west, mainly because this will give a point of reference--the lake behind you--but it doesn't really matter; Devon is packed with interesting sights, sounds and smells.

West Town Calling

Surely, part of West Town's new appeal must be its undefined boundaries--a nebulousness that earns the neighborhood a kind of mysterious vibe. You hear "it's in West Town" and think cool…now where's that, exactly? Smart business owners know this, too, resulting in a heavy concentration of leading-edge restaurants, bars and shops. Start your trip-planning with some of these spots.

Vegging out: The best in vegan dining

Contrary to popular belief, vegans--who swear off meat, dairy and refined sugar--are not deprived. The reality is an explosion of creativity and unleashed flavor. From diner burgers to Indian buffets, Chicago's dairy- and meat-free options are aplenty. So go ahead, introduce your palette to six staple restaurants on the vegan scene.

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