By Trent Modglin

Green Street Smoked Meats
There’s no denying that this is one of the city’s best spots for barbecue, and we fell in love with its casual Austin vibe immediately during our first visit years ago. And we show it off whenever we have friends or relatives visiting from out of town. During nice weather, you can enjoy the rows of communal seating that are adorned with lots of tiny lights — all in what feels like a small, hidden passageway in the red-hot West Loop. Meats are available by the half pound, and they have a solid craft-beer list, making this is ideal place to go with a group. The brisket and elotes (Mexican street corn dish) come especially recommended.

Green Street Smoked Meats is located at 112 N. Green. GreenStreetMeats.com

Legal Sea Foods opens in Chicago
Having opened late in the summer in Chicago’s Marina City — taking over the former home of Dick’s Last Resort overlooking the Chicago River — Legal Sea Foods Chicago is the first non-East Coast location for the popular New England chain that operates 27 restaurants and a seafood production facility.

PPX Hospitality Brands, which bought Legal Sea Foods from the Berkowitz family in 2020, also owns the Smith & Wollensky steakhouse next door.

Ozzy Amelotti, whose résumé includes stops at The Metropolitan Club and Carnivale in Chicago, heads up the Legal Sea Foods kitchen, and signature dishes include their famous clam chowder (which has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981), crab cakes, half-pound lobster rolls, oysters and fish and chips. Plus you can expect some new additions focused on local waters like the grilled or blackened Lake Superior whitefish.

Legal Sea Foods is located at 315 N. Dearborn Street (with the entrance off the State Street Bridge, next to Smith & Wollensky).

Midwest Coast Brewing Company now boasts a stunning new rooftop
This family-friendly brewery, tucked back in the West Town neighborhood just a few blocks from the United Center, unveiled its second floor and rooftop back this summer, complete with a wrap-around bar, all-season rooftop with retractable glass windows, private event space, and plenty of unobstructed skyline views. And believe us when we say it’s impressive.

The brewery is one of the most family- and pet-friendly you’ll find, and you’re welcome to order in food from any number of nearby West Loop/Fulton Market/West Town restaurants. 2137 W. Walnut Street in Chicago. MidwestCoastBrewing.com

The Devil is in the Detours revue at Second City
Have you ever wanted to escape? Don’t answer that. We all have at one point or another. And the talented cast at Second City can help you out with that, as the famous comedy company rolled out its 112th Mainstage revue late this summer called The Devil is in the Detours. It’s a hilarious, interactive and unhinged descent into a dimension where chaos reigns. The cast is “sparkling” and the show “avoids obvious political posturing in favor of a dive into the simple and sublime weirdness of being alive,” according to the Chicago Reader.

Rated R due to language and innuendo. Note: There is a free fully improvised third act Tuesday-Thursday after the 8 p.m. show, Saturday after the 10 p.m. show and Sunday after the 7 p.m. show. Located at 1616 N. Wells in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. SecondCity.com