Sam Greszes

Read the latest articles by Sam Greszes at Thrillist

Contributor

Chicago

Holiday Festivals

Thrillist's 'Holiday Festivals' showcases some of the best holiday-time festivals across the globe, detailing where they are located and when they run.

Holiday Festivals: Seasonal Celebrations to Visit Around the World

Millennium Park

Events

CapOneFests_ 1013980_Nov23

The holiday season is here in force, if you couldn’t tell from the fact that we’ve already had our first snow of the winter and all of the festive lights.

How to Make the Most of the Holidays in Chicago This Year

Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's guide to everything you can do this weekend and this month—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with These Weekend Events in Chicago

Joe Sanders

Lifestyle

We’ve reached that phase of fall in Chicago where summer is a distant memory, winter is looming, and Halloween is nigh.

The Most Charming Pumpkin Patches Within Driving Distance of Chicago

Gunther Allen/Shutterstock

The Fourth of July is a complicated holiday, and it’s not surprising that many of us have complicated feelings surrounding it.

Fireworks, Booze Cruises, BBQ: How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Chicago

Photo by Kate Golembiewski, courtesy of Field Museum

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

The world’s largest predatory dinosaur, the awe-inspiring Spinosaurus, is here in Chicago, having been lifted into its new home at the Field Museum on June 2.

The World’s Largest Predatory Dinosaur Just Debuted at the Chicago Field Museum

Osmium Coffee Bar

Drink

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

If you’re one of the lucky few with a boss who has not cruelly forced a return to the office, you might be looking for a change of pace from working from your home office.

Chicago’s Coziest Coffee Shops for Working Remotely

Half Acre Beer Company

Chicago’s status as a beer town is known nationwide, and it’s for good reason.

The 15 Most Essential Craft Breweries in Chicago

Chicago’s best chefs never cease to amaze with their ability to alchemize simple ingredients—eggs, milk, cheese, and flour—into mouth-watering spreads that motivate even the most miserable hangover-sufferer out of bed for a plate of nourishment.

The Absolute Best Brunch Spots in Chicago Right Now

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Chicago’s weather is finally warming up as spring arrives with blue skies, green trees, and all the crop tops and short shorts that go along with balmy 53 degree weather.

Where to Go on a Date in Chicago This Spring

Kokorokoko

It’s never the wrong time to refresh your wardrobe.

Give Your Wallet a Break at Chicago’s Best Thrift Stores

The Kimpton Gray Hotel

After another brutal Chicago second-winter, spring is finally, thankfully, on our doorstep, and with its arrival comes a whole slew of bespoke, limited-time, pop-up experiences designed to get you out of your house and into a limited-time experience.

Sam Greszes

Latest Posts From Sam

How to Make the Most of the Holidays in Chicago This Year

These are the best ways to spend the most wonderful time of the year.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with These Weekend Events in Chicago

Strap on some ice skates or cozy up at a pub crawl every weekend in November.

The Most Charming Pumpkin Patches Within Driving Distance of Chicago

Carve out some time to visit these pumpkin patches.

Fireworks, Booze Cruises, BBQ: How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Chicago

Here’s how to watch fireworks and party on the Fourth of July in Chicago this year.

The World’s Largest Predatory Dinosaur Just Debuted at the Chicago Field Museum

You may remember it from ‘Jurassic Park 3.’

Chicago’s Coziest Coffee Shops for Working Remotely

For the best beans in Chicago, look no further.

The 15 Most Essential Craft Breweries in Chicago

From craft beer giants to baby breweries just hitting the scene.

The Absolute Best Brunch Spots in Chicago Right Now

Kick off the weekend with cheffy French toast, Italian comforts, and all the Bloody Marys.

Where to Go on a Date in Chicago This Spring

From ‘90s-themed escape rooms to luxurious staycations, there’s plenty of romance in Chicago.

Give Your Wallet a Break at Chicago’s Best Thrift Stores

These hot secondhand and vintage shops are ready to liven up your wardrobe.

The Coolest Pop-ups in Chicago Right Now

Get to these pop-ups before they disappear.

The Best Irish Pubs in Chicago for Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

These Irish pubs in Chicago make it feel St. Patrick’s Day every day.