Photo of author Raf Miastkowski
Raf Miastkowski
Raf is a Chicago Contributor whose words have also appeared in Time Out Chicago, AskMen, The Huffington Post, and other not-imagined, totally real outlets. In his free time, he prints zines (Alley Connoisseur), makes apps (Hypelocal), coaches rowing, obsesses over Game of Thrones, and rides his bike year-round. Also, he’s devastatingly lonely, so please gently brush your fingers across this bio and then console him at @RafFoSho.

Raf Miastkowski’s Recent Articles

Bordel Chicago
Drink
Sep 20

How to Get Into Chicago’s Best Speakeasies and Secret Bars

From celebrity chef-backed cocktail dens to bonafide Prohibition-era holdovers.

Jjim - Korean Braised BBQ
Eat
Dec 21, 2021

The Best New Dishes We Ate This Year in Austin

From mouthwatering Korean braised beef to fully loaded vegan waffle fries.

MONEYGUN
Drink
Jan 28, 2020

The Best Cocktail Bars in Chicago

There was a time in this town when a fancy drink consisted of anything that wasn’t made in a bathtub.

Best Late-Night Food Spots In Chicago
Eat
Jul 19, 2017

The Best Spots for Late-Night Food in 32 Chicago Neighborhoods

There’s something about staying out too late that causes people to make bad decisions.

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fireplace bars
Drink
Jan 26, 2017

The 20 Fireplaces You Should Be Cozying Up to in Chicago, Ranked

In Chicago, winter is as dependably terrible as the Bears' offensive line and the corruption scandals of local aldermen.

chicago magic lounge
Drink
Jan 4, 2017

Chicago's Unique Style of Magic Is Being Revived at This Uptown Bar

Perspiring from the hot stage lights and the constraint of his gray sport coat, Joseph Cranford addressed the crowd at the Chicago Magic Lounge in a blustery manner, more like a soapbox orator than a seasoned illusionist wielding a polysyllabic patter.

Baptiste and Bottle bar
Drink
Dec 23, 2016

23 Chicago Bars That Are Open on Christmas Day

Fortunately for anyone who would rather take a shot of Malört up their nostrils than spend Christmas with the in-laws, this year's festivities fall on a weekend.

shots at the bar
Drink
Nov 3, 2016

Chicago Bartenders Share Their Worst Bar Stories

Bartending can be a tough job.

Saint Lou's Assembly Chicago
Drink
Aug 4, 2016

Chicago's Best New Outdoor Bars

Whether it's on patios, rooftops, or the bleachers of their kids' Little League games, Chicagoans do not waste a single day of warm weather to drink outside.

Chicago Bean Cloud Gate
Lifestyle
Jun 7, 2016

Things You Didn't Know About Millennium Park

Just because your team got second place at Chili’s trivia one Wednesday night doesn’t mean you know everything about everything.

Green River bottles
Drink
May 13, 2016

Things You Didn't Know About Green River Soda

Whether it’s "pop," Malört, or a glass of bitter tears after suffering yet another loss to the Packers, Chicagoans tend to drink some interesting stuff.

Old Town Ale House in Chicago
Drink
Mar 16, 2016

No Shots Allowed: An Oral History of Chicago's Old Town Ale House

Bruce Elliott, holding onto the bar with one hand and a railing with the other, confidently teetered on the back legs of his chair while a young couple on a date chatted away just a few seats away.