By Trent Modglin

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

If you lived in Chicago for any length of time, you no doubt know about this classic establishment. But if not, you definitely should. Twin Anchors is a quaint, tucked-away neighborhood tavern that has been known for its barbecued baby back ribs since its founding in a historic Old Town building in 1932.

Frank Sinatra was a frequent visitor over the years, often signing autographs and tipping everyone working his table $100 each. Twin Anchors’ famed jukebox offers an eclectic mix of old and new tunes, and the sidewalk patio is an underrated summer favorite.

1655 N. Sedgwick in Chicago. TwinAnchorsRibs.com

Luvvli wellness studio

The inspiration for Luvvli was nothing out of the blue for owner Jenny Sepulveda, whose been practicing many of the same wellness modalities for more than 20 years and who, as a Reiki Master, is certified to teach yoga, meditation and more.

Luvvli, which opened above the Pickwick Theater in early 2024, incorporates a lot of Jenny’s preferred wellness activities — like meditation, breathwork, restorative yoga, sound healing, IV therapy, workshops and more — under one roof. All of the classes at Luvvli are restorative in nature, both in terms of healing and connecting with yourself.

Life is always going to throw us curveballs, but our classes and workshops will help teach you how to handle some of that, how to be present, give out positive energy and get to your big goals.”

“I like to compare it to when your phone dies and you need to charge it or your car needs an oil change,” says Jenny. “Life is always going to throw us curveballs, but Luvvli’s classes and workshops will help teach you how to handle some of that, how to be present, live in a gratitude state, give out positive energy and get to your big goals.”

3 S. Prospect Ave., suite 203 in Park Ridge. Luvvli.com

Suncatcher Brewing

The brainstorming for Suncatcher actually began as part of pre-Covid conversations, when Matt Gallagher, co-owner of Chicago’s popular Half Acre Brewery, had a lot of time on his hands and would just wander his Humboldt neighborhood “looking for the right spot to try this.”

In 2021, he stumbled upon a former service station/auto body shop near the Chicago Avenue & Grand intersection, and after three years of planning and some major renovations, Gallagher and his wife, Laura, along with friends Sally and Rog McGuin (who previously spent a decade in hospitality and sales at Half Acre), opened up this side project in November of 2024 with a goal of utilizing local ingredients to produce small-batch, English-style, low-to-medium alcohol beers with plenty of flavor and character.

Suncatcher’s taproom has a warm, welcoming vibe and the look of rustic European café. A massive patio, as well, which is a sought-after destination in the summer.

“I’m not making Belgian beers here, but I’ve always loved the Euro vibe,” Gallagher says with a smile. “Easy going, nothing fancy, sit outside as long as the weather allows, come and enjoy some good beer and good conversation.”

A big part of the taproom’s allure is being able to drink the freshest, small-batch beer possible direct from the smaller serving tanks in back. No kegs involved.

Gallagher and McGuin combine to share more than 30 years of experience in the craft beer world, so it’s no surprise Suncatcher has plenty of industry folks as regulars. Gallagher admits they have no plans to distribute their beers, and a big part of the taproom’s allure is being able to drink the freshest, small-batch beer possible direct from the smaller serving tanks in back. No kegs involved.

“Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going,” Gallagher says. “… They’re the kind of beers meant to be enjoyed right here at a pub or brewery taproom with friends. It’s a social beverage, and we’re trying to continue to lean into that.”

2849 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. SuncatcherBrewing.com

AriYarn Shop and Studio

We were delighted to take part in the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for this new business earlier this spring, and immediately saw a flurry of activity surrounding the niche hobby.

What to expect: A colorful store with “plenty of high-quality natural yarns you won’t find in big box stores, as well as enriching classes that have the power to inspire knitters and crocheters alike.” AriYarn is the brainchild of Ariane, a former educator whose goal is to support skill growth, spark a little creativity and foster a warm, welcoming community.

Insider’s tip: AriYarn hosts numerous workshops a week, including for kids, as well as Stitch n’ Craft Nights, as a way to grow the community.

153 N. Northwest Hwy in Park Ridge. AriYarn.com