Photo of author Meredith Heil
Meredith Heil
Meredith Heil is a Senior Cities Editor at Thrillist. She's originally from St. Louis, now lives in Chicago, and in between has been to all 50 states (that's boots on the ground, no airport BS). She enjoys all things cocktails, crosswords, and women's soccer. Challenge her to a game of Hoop Shot at @mereditto.
Senior Cities Editor

Meredith Heil’s Recent Articles

Travel
Wednesday

Find a Taste of New England in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin

But with Mississippi River beaches, Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, and goat butter.

Events
Jun 3

The Ultimate Guide to LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Chicago

Here’s how to celebrate and party this Pride Month in Chicago.

News
May 20

We Tried Portillo’s New Plant-Based Hot Dog to See if It Can Sway Chicago Diehards

Does the chain's first plant-based hot dog hold a candle to the meaty original? We found out.

freshly opened avocado
Eat
May 3

The Best Ways to Quickly Ripen Avocados At Home

Get ripe avocados without having to wait an eternity.

Taqueria Chingon
Eat
Apr 22

Chicago’s Best Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond

From laid-back chips and guac joints and birria-fueled cantinas to cheffy takes on south of the border staples.

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Louisville Tourism
Lifestyle
Apr 22

18 Actually Cool Things to Do in Louisville Right Now

From tours of bourbon distilleries to the Kentucky Derby, these are the activities you can’t miss this summer and beyond in Louisville.

Cabra Chicago
Drink
Apr 12

21 Chicago Rooftop Bars with Breathtaking Views

Kick back in style at elevated party pads, sexy hotel lounges, and scenic cocktail parlors.

Chicago Cubs
Eat
Apr 8

The Best Things to Eat and Drink at Chicago’s Wrigley Field This Season

Drown your DH-induced woes in Nashville Hot Chicken, BBQ brisket, and Maxwell Street’s finest.

Lollapalooza
Events
Apr 6

12 Chicago Music Festivals to Catch This Summer

Ozuna, Miranda Lambert, Wiz Khalifa, Phil Lesh, and Charli XCX walk into a stadium…

The Dawson
Travel
Apr 5

The 23 Best Patios for Eating and Drinking Outside in Chicago

Channel summer at sunny beer gardens, colorful open-air cantinas, and cocktail-fueled patios.

Dane Tashima
Eat
Apr 1

The 17 Best Sandwich Shops in Chicago Right Now

Is a hot dog a sandwich? Who cares—we’re starving.

Explore Branson
Travel
Mar 30

12 Reasons to Drive to Branson, Missouri

Buckle up for a wild and wacky action-packed trip deep into the Ozark Mountains.