A new Mediterranean restaurant is coming to the riverfront in 2026

DineAmic Hospitality is planning to open a trio of venues next to the river next year. Located below Chicago Cut Steakhouse at 300 N. LaSalle Street, the project will include a Mediterranean restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, a private lounge designed for meetings and private events, and a coffee shop. The new culinary additions are part of a $37 million renovation to the building. DineAmic is behind other downtown restaurants like Prime & Provisions, Siena Tavern, and Barrio.

Chicago pizzerias lure John Stamos to Riot Fest

Following more than a decade of back-and-forth exchanges, actor and musician John Stamos seems ready to finally appear at Riot Fest. The punk rock festival announced last week that Stamos has tentatively agreed to perform as drummer with the Beach Boys on Saturday, September 20. The moment arrives after years of Riot Fest campaigning with antics like a butter sculpture of Stamos in 2013 and a 2017 portrait exhibition titled Have Mercy: The John Stamos Art Show.

However, Stamos’ appearance comes with a list of demands, including a pizza created in his honor by a Chicago restaurant. Popular local chain Giordano’s immediately jumped to action and introduced the Stamos Supreme, featuring spinach, artichoke, and feta cheese in a nod to the actor’s Greek heritage. Lakeview’s Max & Issy’s is also rolling out a pizza dubbed John Stamos’ Big Fat Greek Sausage — lamb sausage, red onion, olives, and a side of tzatziki dipping sauce. The special pie will be available Riot Fest weekend, September 19 to 21, at the restaurant on 1028 W. Diversey Parkway.

Labubus are on the menu at this Lincoln Park restaurant

The Labubu craze has made its way to 2d Restaurant in Lincoln Park. The Instagram-friendly spot, known for black-and-white, comic book-style artwork covering every inch of the space, is now offering a menu dedicated to the monster plush toys. Owner Kevin Yu has created Labubu mochi doughnuts, pudding platters, lattes, and sandwiches for guests to go wild over. And in true Labubu fashion, the doughnuts are released in limited quantities each day and sold in blind boxes, with a 1-in-72 chance of scoring the rare Sparklebite rainbow monster. Looking for more Labubu fun? Logan Square’s Blazed Bakery is hosting Labubu Palooza on August 23, featuring music, face tattoos, doll accessories, and more.

Check out a flea market at Le Bouchon this weekend

One of the best French spots in Chicago is hosting a pop-up market on Sunday, August 24. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Le Bouchon will offer kitchen and bar items from its collection alongside vintage vendors selling clothing and art. Guests will also be able to sip on drinks and enjoy pastries and more.

A Sichuan favorite has found a new home in Evanston

Local Sichuan chain Lao Sze Chaun looks like it’s making a return to Evanston. A sign for the restaurant was recently spotted at 720 Clark Street next to Te’Amo Boba and Dessert Cafe, which suggests the two businesses may share the space. Lao Sze Chaun closed its Evanston location on Orrington Avenue after more than a decade of operation in summer 2024. The restaurant has multiple outposts in the city, including Chinatown, Uptown, South Loop, and River North, as well as the suburbs.