What you do for a living: Currently I am a father, a graduate student and work two jobs trying to improve our local community and its infrastructure. I am also an elected official serving the residents of Maine Township as Highway Commissioner. I began working there as a summer help at age 15, so it’s ...

Howard Street Inn 6700 W. Howard in Niles. HowardStreetInn.com This local favorite sits on the edge of the beautiful Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Niles and offers a popular wrap-around patio that is perfect for happy hour, watching baseball, a post-golf bucket of beers or dinner with the family at sunset. The Howard Street Inn ...

The Howard Street Inn 6700 W. Howard Street in Niles HowardStreetInn.com This popular Niles sports bar and restaurant is sticking with its regular daily specials for March Madness. And that’s a beautiful thing, because HSI has some of the best daily deals you’ll find anywhere around. All day, every day $17 domestic buckets (6) Weekday ...

The Beacon Tap patio It’s that glorious time of year again. The beginning of fall signals the start of another football season (as well as the playoffs in Major League Baseball). Looking for some wings, a few pints and the perfect place to cheer on your team with a few friends? We’ve got you covered ...

Café Touche 6731 N. Northwest Highway 773-775-0909 CafeTouche.com This Edison Park tribute to the casual eateries of France is the pride of Zagat award-winning chef Joseph Calabrese, and it has one seriously gorgeous sidewalk patio, decorated with strong lights and colorful flowerbeds. The complimentary valet service is an added bonus at this cozy French bistro. ...

We asked active locals to share some of their favorite things in the area Countryside Saloon in Des Plaines, which used to be a bit of a dive bar, has really improved with a new addition, great pizza, outdoor patio and even valet parking. With a ton of flat screens and food and drink specials, ...