Gold Coast, IL February 2026

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FEBRUARY

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Love Where You Live

Hello Friends,

As we step into our second issue this February, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful. This month’s theme,  Love Local, is very close to my heart because it represents why this magazine exists in the first place—community.

In this issue, we’ve intentionally spotlighted some truly inspiring individuals: entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders who are pour ing their time, talent, and passion into making our neighborhoods vibrant and connected. These are people who show up, take risks, and build something mean ingful—and I feel honored to share their stories with you.

Watching this magazine grow has been both humbling and exciting. With each issue, my hope is to bring you closer to what’s happening around town—events you can attend, businesses you can support, and moments worth celebrating. This publication is as much yours as it is mine, and it’s been amazing to see how warmly it’s been embraced.

Thank you for supporting local, for believing in small businesses, and for being part of this journey with us. I’m so excited for what’s ahead and grateful to share it with you.

With appreciation,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Deanna Radulescu

Deanna.Radulescu@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Valerie Caballero | valerie.caballero@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Lorelei Streb | lorelei@labelfreepodcast.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Annette Patko | annette@bordeauxstudio.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Aisuluu Almazbekova | ais.almazbek@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Aisuluu Almazbekova

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

LAYOUT DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

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city scene

December Mixer: Future Wealth & Tax Strategies at Chicago Car Collective 2: Chicago Car Collective owner Sam & wife 3-6: An elegant evening at BIGGS Mansion Yearly Holiday Party 7: Empower & Elevate: A night of Elevated Wellness with Coach Nadia Popover
AISULUU ALMAZBEK
GOLD COAST PRIVATE CLUB- RUTH DIAZ
BORDEAUX STUDIO-ANNETTE PATKO
DEANNA RADULESCU-PUBLISHER
GOLD COAST PRIVATE CLUB-RUTH DIAZ
GOLD COAST PRIVATE CLUB-RUTH DIAZ
BORDEAUX STUDIO-ANNETTE PATKO

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Curated, Timeless, South Loop

South Loop Loft is a must‑visit destination for design lovers and style seekers. Founded by Beth Berke and curated with pieces sourced from extensive European buying trips, the two‑story River West showroom showcases 20th‑century furni ture, lighting, décor, and contemporary art selected for craftsmanship, history, and soulful character. Known as one of Architectural Digest’s “Ten Chicago Shops Not to Be Missed,” South Loop Loft offers one‑of‑a‑kind objects that elevate inte riors with depth, culture, and timeless design. Scan

Everyday Magic in River North

Alice & Wonder is a Chicago‑born boutique that brings fun, everyday style to River North with personality and purpose. Curated by owner Ali Reff, the shop offers on‑trend apparel, accessories, home goods, and gifts—all with a playful yet practical bent and most priced under $100. Shoppers will find ready‑to‑wear pieces, Chicago‑themed merchandise, and interactive experiences like the popular hat patch bar.

Photography by Francesca Guinta-Mayer

Coffee, Community, and Chicago Character

Nimble recently opened its doors in River North, quickly becoming a neighbor hood favorite. Set inside a building with a rich Chicago history, the café balances modern design with the charm of its architectural roots. From expertly brewed coffee and curated pantry items to casual cocktails and small bites, Nimble is as much about community as it is about quality. It’s a place to gather, linger, and rediscover the simple pleasures of daily ritual.

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Two Forces, One City

A RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON MUTUAL RESPECT AND MOMENTUM

Chicago has a way of putting people on intersect ing paths without asking permission. The city moves quickly, rewards proximity, and rarely waits for anyone to be ready. For Breanna Rose and Nick Benson, that pace wasn’t something to resist; it was something to match.

They met more than five years ago, not in a moment engineered for meaning, but in the middle of ordinary movement. No grand introduction. No immediate sto ryline. Just recognition. Two people already in motion, briefly occupying the same space.

“He caught me during one of my study modes,” Breanna recalls. “I’ve always carved out time for work in places where I can unwind.”

Nick, she adds, shared that same instinct. “He, too, viewed casual spaces as places for growth.”

That focus has shaped a life built on precision. Breanna operates in spaces where clarity is currency. Contracts, negotiations, and decisions that hold weight long after they are made define her professional world. It demands preparation, composure, and the ability to move decisively without excess.

“I like knowing I’m ahead,” she says. “Everything falls into place from there.”

Nick’s world runs on a different tempo. Hospitality, nightlife, and ownership define environments shaped by timing, presence, and the ability to read people quickly.

“Some rooms tell you what they need,” he says. “You just have to pay attention.”

Their schedules rarely mirror each other. Breanna’s days begin early, structured and deliberate. Nick’s stretch late into the night, fueled by energy, people, and fast decisions. Balance, for them, isn’t about symme try; it’s about understanding, respect, and momentum.

“We don’t try to slow each other down,” Breanna says. “We respect what the work requires.”

Nick nods. “Support doesn’t always look quiet,” he adds.

Breanna’s story begins far from Chicago. Raised in Tampa Bay, Florida, she developed an early appreciation

for structure and forward planning. Even before relocat ing, she approached each phase with intention, prepar ing before committing to her next move.

Her career unfolded deliberately: law school, legal practice, then a strategic pivot into real estate, fol lowed by agency work of her own. Today, she operates as both a real estate attorney and agent, navigating male dominated spaces with calm authority.

“I don’t feel the need to explain why I’m in the room,” she says. “Consistency usually speaks for itself.”

Nick’s path followed a different shape. Raised in LaGrange, Illinois, independence came early. His career began with exposure to transportation and early investing, environments that demanded risk assessment, timing, and the ability to adapt quickly.

“You learn fast when the margins are real,” he says.

That mindset carried into hospitality, where Nick saw firsthand how much of the city runs on people working long hours behind the scenes. Bartenders, servers, security, and staff keep the industry moving.

“The energy is obvious,” he says. “The protection isn’t always.”

That awareness led him to establish an insurance firm focused on education and access for underserved workers.

“It’s never been about pushing policies,” Nick explains. “It’s about making sure people actually understand their options.”

The same philosophy runs through his other ven tures. Read the room. Understand the risk. Move deliberately. That approach eventually led him to ownership in Never Have I Ever, one of Chicago’s most recognizable nightlife destinations, where culture, conversation, and business intersect nightly. Timing and intuition guide decisions in real time, skills Nick honed from years of observation and calculated risk.

Together, Breanna and Nick are often described as a power couple, though the label feels secondary. Their careers operate independently, but their worlds

“He caught me during one of my study modes. I’ve always carved out time for work in places where I can unwind.”
- Breanna Rose

Our featured guest shares a simple but special quote on what makes their relationship work “Same city. Different hours.”

- Nick Benson

overlap naturally. Legal rooms give way to social spaces. Daytime negotiations bleed into late night conversations. There is no need to synchronize sched ules; they honor each other’s tempo.

“We’re not trying to mirror each other,” Breanna says. “We’re just moving forward.”

Nick puts it simply: “Same city. Different hours.”

Even their home life reflects this parallel motion: mornings of coffee and quiet focus, evenings rich with dialogue, laughter, or simply reading side by side. There is a rhythm in the contrast, a give and take that allows each to flourish individually while remaining attuned to the other.

What they share isn’t performance. It’s momentum. Two lives advancing on separate tracks while still intersecting meaningfully. In a city that rarely waits, they have learned to move forward together without slowing down. It is a bal ance not defined by symmetry, but by respect, trust, and a shared understand ing of what it means to keep pace.

Chicago, with all its energy, ambition, and intersections, is the backdrop to their story. It is a city that rewards motion, placing people in the right spaces at the right times, even if the timing feels accidental at first. Breanna and Nick have embraced that truth, allowing the city’s pulse to shape them, individually and together.

Forward motion. Shared intention. Mutual respect. Two lives built in paral lel, converging naturally amid the pace of a city that rarely stops, yet somehow feels perfectly in step when they are together.

When theconnection

Two worlds intertwined by mutual respect, shared momentum, admiration for the hustle, and a deep appreciation for the passion, dedication, and love that fuel growth, purpose, and lasting success together.

Valentines vibes
It's important to have fun

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INTRODUCING BRIAN HOPKINS

A vision for luxury living in Chicago

In this featured interview, Alderman Brian Hopkins shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of luxury living in Chicago, with a particular focus on his ward, which encom passes some of the city’s most recognizable and desirable neigh borhoods. As Chicago continues to navigate economic shifts,

Alderman Hopkins at a Ribbon Cutting

demographic changes, and post pandemic recovery, the Alderman offered thoughtful insights into how community, culture, and development intersect in shaping the city’s future.

THE CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS OF LUXURY LIVING

Alderman Hopkins began by reflecting on how his own understanding of luxury living has evolved since taking office in 2015. While he was already deeply familiar with the area as a longtime resident of Streeterville, the past several years—especially the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic—have significantly altered the demographic makeup of the neighbor hood. Historically, the ward benefited from a steady pipeline of empty nesters relocating from Chicago’s North Shore. These residents were drawn to the con venience, culture, and sophistication of urban living and played a critical role in supporting local busi nesses, arts institutions, and restaurants. In recent years, however, that pipeline has slowed considerably. “We want them here in Chicago,” Hopkins explained. “They spend money. When they live in Chicago, they go to restaurants, they go to the theaters, and they look at all the entertainment options. They provide a lot of tax dollars, so we want to roll out the red carpet for them.” Re engaging this demographic, he noted, is not only about housing, but about lifestyle— ensuring safety, vibrancy, cultural access, and ease of movement throughout the city.

A UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITY

When asked what sets his ward apart from others, Alderman Hopkins pointed to its layered identi ty—a blend of historic infrastructure, industrial roots, and modern residential development. He described his neighborhood as a place where the past remains visible, from abandoned railroad tracks to former manufacturing corridors, offering both character and opportunity. Rather than view ing these remnants as obstacles, Hopkins sees them as assets. They provide a foundation for thoughtful development that respects history while embracing innovation. Former industrial land, he explained, allows the city to think creatively about mixed use spaces that support residential, commercial, and cultural needs. “We can build a new neighborhood,” he said. “There’s enough room for all of that on a lot of this former industrial land.” Crucially, Hopkins

“We can build a new neighborhood. There’s enough room for all of that on a lot of this former industrial land.”
— Alderman Hopkins

emphasized the importance of inclusivity— ensuring that development plans accommodate a range of income levels and housing types, so growth benefits the entire community rather than a select few.

Balancing Development and Preservation

Luxury development often raises concerns about displacement and loss of character, and Alderman Hopkins acknowledged the delicate balance required to manage growth responsi bly. Preservation, he said, plays a central role in maintaining the ward’s identity. Through zoning regulations and landmark protections,

his office works to discourage unnecessary demolition and to attract buyers who appreci ate the long term value of historic structures. Preserving existing buildings not only protects architectural heritage but also supports sus tainability and neighborhood continuity. “We try to discourage demolition and seek buyers who recognize the inherent value in preserving the structure,” Hopkins explained. “The eco nomics of the deal don’t make sense if you’re going to buy an orange rated structure, demo it, and build something else.” This approach ensures that luxury living in Chicago remains rooted in authenticity rather than homogeneity.

City of Chicago
Third Coast Stitches
As the interview concluded, Alderman Hopkins was asked to describe his ward’s luxury identity in three words. His response—“historic, legacy, and evolving”— captured the essence of a community grounded in tradition while actively adapting to change.

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ON THE HORIZON

Looking ahead, Alderman Hopkins expressed cautious optimism about several large scale development opportunities, most notably the redevelopment of the former Lincoln Yards site. Often described as a “blank slate,” the site presents a rare opportunity to reimagine an entire section of the city with intention and foresight. Beyond residential and commercial development, Hopkins stressed the importance of infrastructure—partic ularly transportation and connectivity. Situated along the Chicago River, the area requires thought ful planning to ensure accessibility and ease of movement. “We’re a river town, and you have to span that river to get anywhere,” he said. “We hav en’t built a new bridge in a century, so the Lincoln Yards project was supposed to provide the funding for three new bridges.” While the project has faced delays and revisions, Hopkins remains focused on the long term potential to create a vibrant, well connected community hub.

CULTIVATING CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Luxury living, Hopkins emphasized, is not defined solely by real estate—it is equally shaped by cul ture, philanthropy, and shared experiences. His ward has long been a center for black tie galas, charitable events, and arts institutions that draw residents and visitors alike. Michigan Avenue, in particular, remains a focal point of discussion.

Once defined primarily by retail, the Magnificent Mile is undergoing a transformation as consumer habits change. Hopkins believes the future lies in reimagining the corridor as an experiential desti nation—one that blends culture, entertainment, dining, and community engagement. “We know what we need to do to keep the Mag Mile viable as an entertainment and cultural destination,” he said, citing ongoing efforts to reenergize iconic spaces like Water Tower Place.

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CHICAGO’S LUXURY ENCLAVE.

As the interview concluded, Alderman Hopkins was asked to describe his ward’s luxury identity in three words. His response—“historic, legacy, and evolving”—captured the essence of a community grounded in tradition while actively adapting to change. With a commitment to thoughtful devel opment, cultural vitality, and inclusive growth, Hopkins remains focused on ensuring that lux ury living in Chicago is not only aspirational, but accessible and sustainable. As the city continues to navigate transformation, his vision reflects a belief in civic engagement, dialogue, and progress. “Democracy can be messy,” Hopkins remarked, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” His words serve as a reminder that the future of Chicago’s most treasured neighborhoods will be shaped not by isolation, but by collaboration—and by honoring both where the city has been and where it is headed.

Where Authentic Flavor Meets

CHICAGO CAR COLLECTIVE

SAM

GOODMAN, FOUNDER OF CHICAGO’S ELITE CAR CLUB

BY VALERIE CABALLERO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BORDEAUX STUDIOANNETTE PATKO

The first thing you notice at Chicago Car Collective is the hum of engines. Then the cars themselves. Each one is different, deliberate, precise. For Sam Goodman, the founder, it started with a single word: “wheels.” Cars have always been more than machines. They are movement, identity, freedom. Learning to drive at sixteen was a milestone, but it also marked the start of a lifetime of expression.

“As an adult, it becomes expression,” Goodman says. “Everyone is a one of one. Cars give people freedom. Freedom of self expression. Freedom to pursue passion.”

The man behind the collective

That philosophy drives Chicago Car Collective, Sam’s private automotive club and storage space in Bridgeport. The space blends industrial strength with inten tional design. Engines hum. Conversations unfold. Every detail is considered. It’s not about spectacle. It’s about creating a place that matters to the people in it.

Goodman’s fascination with cars started early. He asked his parents to take him to dealerships for his birthday. He wandered showrooms in awe. He remembers the first Ferrari he saw on a Chicago street. “It looked almost like an alien,” he says. That sense of exclusivity has stayed with him.

Membership at CCC is selective. Applicants join by referral or personal meeting with Goodman. “The people in my network are the business,” he says. “The goal is to work with these people for life.”

The garage is industrial but thoughtful. Members can bring guests at any hour. There’s a bar, a full kitchen, and an upstairs lounge that doubles as workspace and retreat. Wine tastings, cigar nights, fashion shows, brand launches, and pri vate events all take place here. The space has even been used for filming The Chi.

Goodman has a clear view on cars. Technology is useful, but nostalgia mat ters. Porsche balances tradition with innovation. French cars are full of sur prises. “It takes a full minute to get one in reverse,” he laughs.

Before CCC, Goodman spent years in automotive sales, including Bentley Gold Coast, and commercial real estate. The idea for the collective was his. He pitched it to his partners, who came on board after some time. “No one thought I’d get it done,” he says.

At CCC, nuance is everything. “If I see 100 of the same Porsche, it’s not as exciting as some thing unique, something with a story,” he says. Conversations often move from engines to ambi tion, creativity, and ideas. Goodman intentionally built a space where people connect over shared passion. “It’s not just my network anymore,” he says.

Looking ahead, CCC is planning a second loca tion and continuing to host unique experiences. Collaborations with local brands, artisans, and edu cational programs are already in discussion. While the business grows, so does his personal world, both expanding with the same careful attention he gives to his garage.

For Goodman, loving local isn’t a slogan. It’s showing up, investing, and creating spaces where passion thrives. “If it matters to you,” he says, “it can matter to other people.”

At Chicago Car Collective, that philosophy hums steadily, like an engine running beneath the surface. It powers a community built on intention, crafts manship, and the shared love of cars.

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DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

A CAR-FREE ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

Take in sweeping alpine views across Switzerland’s Valais region.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-yearold forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

Goms Bridge over Rhone River.

HISTORY AND ALPS MEET IN MARTIGNY

A short train ride takes visitors to one of the largest cities in the Valais region of Switzerland. The city is a crossroads between Italy and France, with a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can tour Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient settlements, and Roman baths.

WHERE TO STAY

Martigny Boutique Hotel is minutes from the train station and is one of the few establishments in the city employing people with disabilities. The light and bright hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.

WHAT TO DO

Take the steepest funicular in the world, the Mont-Blanc Express, on a scenic ascent through the Alps. The funicular connects to a smaller train that leads to the Trient Valley on the French-Swiss border, where, at the top, a full day of activity begins. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, or traversing the Emosson Dam, which straddles France and Switzerland, are all options. The crystal clear blue waters of Emosson Lake are perfect for a picnic or a break between adventures.

Back in Martigny, Barryland, the only theme park in the world dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, offers a look at the history of the dog, bred by monks in the 17th century for alpine rescue work. The Barry Foundation, founded in 2005, continues to preserve the breed and educate visitors about it. Guests can watch the dogs train, play, and interact as they learn about their role in the region.

Roman influence remains visible across the city, including at Les Bains Publics at Hotel Borsari, where visitors can soak in cement wine barrels located in the hotel’s spa. The baths sit on the site of a former wine tank factory and offer a circuit of hot and cold pools in a historically inspired, wine-colored setting.

Funicular railway at Lake Emosson.
Dam at Lake Emosson near Chamonix, France and Finhaut, Switzerland.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 1ST

Museum of Broadcast Communications

Museum of Broadcast Communications, 440 W. Randolph Street, Chicago | 12:00 PM

This museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of radio and television.  It collects, archives, and presents historic content from radio, television, podcasting, and streaming platforms.  It brings a legacy of broadcasting to its visitors.

FEBRUARY 12TH

WESOS: Gold Coast February Meeting

Chicago Chop House: 60 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654 | 6:00 PM

Jennifer Villamil, founder of REFORM, shares her candid journey of career reinvention after nearly 20 years in marketing and becoming a mother at 40. She discusses imposter syndrome, mom guilt, and self doubt, offering encouragement for women considering a leap—or already taking one—to trust themselves and stay the course.

FEBRUARY 15TH

First Shot Advantage

7749 Rueff Rd., Waterman, IL | 9:00 AM

Every second counts in a defensive encounter. First Shot Advantage trains you to safely and efficiently draw from concealment, building the speed, precision, and confidence needed to control the moment. This course goes beyond “looking cool”—it gives you the tools to win the fight before it even begins. Book your spot at: americancivildefensecompany.com

FEBRUARY 18TH

Coffee & Commerce

Heritage Bikes & Coffee, 2959 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago | 8:30 AM

Looking to build new business connections and exchange ideas with fellow entrepreneurs? Coffee & Commerce is the perfect monthly net working opportunity. Join us every third Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. for great conversation, meaningful connections, and your favorite morning brew. Hosted in partnership with the Lincoln Park Chamber, Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber, and the Small Business Advocacy Council.

FEBRUARY 21ST

A Boy and His Dream Annual Legacy Gala

The Midland Hotel: 172 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 | 6:00 PM

This magical evening, hosted by Samantha Chatman and Ryan Chiaverini of ABC 7 Chicago, will celebrate the power of hope, community, and collective impact. Why This Legacy Gala Matters More Than Ever: Your generosity has turned dreams into action. Tickets available at: aboyandhisdream.org

FEBRUARY 27TH

The Servant of Two Master Chefs

The Theatre School at DePaul University 2350 N. Racine Chicago, IL 60614 | 7:30 PM

On the eve of a wedding meant to unite two rival Chicago pizza dynasties, a celebrity chef's unexpected return from the dead throws everything into disarray. In this fast paced, food fueled farce, one servant's double dealing ignites a comedic whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic chaos, and culinary competition.

a valenitne’s best wine bars guide to chicago’s

From intimate wine bars to beloved neighborhood favorites.

ALL TOGETHER NOW

2119 W Chicago Ave, Ukrainian Village

In a relaxed yet refined space that feels like an elevated gather ing spot, this wine shop meets bar offers thoughtfully curated natural wines alongside artisanal cheese and snacks. The inviting wood accented interior and approachable wine list make it ideal for those who prefer slow conversation over crowd noise. Pinot Noir or lighter reds here are beautifully balanced and perfect with the house boards.

WEBSTER’S WINE BAR

2601 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square

One of Chicago’s most established wine bars, Webster’s blends cozy intimacy with deep wine knowledge. Its historic, low lit room invites relaxed sipping, ideal for seasoned palettes. Seek out a classic Burgundy or an elegant European red by the glass — nuanced, expressive, and perfect for shared moments.

BRONZEVILLE WINERY

4420 S Cottage Grove Ave, Bronzeville

Set in a vibrant South Side neighborhood with a rich cultural legacy, Bronzeville Winery pairs refined wines with thoughtful seasonal cuisine. The modern, warm room frames conversations beautifully; their Merlot or fuller bodied selections pair wonder fully with menu recommendations for an evening that feels both intentional and celebratory.

BERNARD’S

11 E Walton St, 2nd Floor, Near Gold Coast

A longtime Chicago favorite, Bernard’s offers classic sophistica tion above Gold Coast streets. The cozy lounge atmosphere and international wine list make it an elegant choice for a refined night out — a structured Bordeaux blend or aged Italian red feels right at home amid soft lighting and relaxed chatter.

BISOUS

938 W Fulton Market, West Loop

With French inspired flair and romantic design touches, Bisous is perfect for couples seeking a memorable Valentine’s desti nation. The soft ambiance pairs wonderfully with crisp Rosé or well crafted French whites — refreshing, delicate, and perfect for toasting in a softly intimate setting.

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