🫘 Week 80: Spilled Beans!
The coolest happy hour is this week!
Good morning, Cool Beans!
What a beautiful weekend! We celebrated a friend's birthday, spent hours in the sun, and honestly didn't want it to end. These are the weekends that remind us why we put up with Chicago winters. Luckily, there are plenty more summer days ahead, and this week's picks are a good excuse to stay outside for as long as you can. Enjoy!
Find Simona’s coolest picks for Chicago, this week:
Tag us on Instagram if you try any of the recommendations below!
🤤 If you are craving something new: If you're looking for a new mexican spot, La Lunita in Logan Square is well worth a visit. We stopped by recently and were seriously impressed. The steak tacos were the standout—perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and served on soft handmade tortillas that let the ingredients shine. And whatever you do, don't skip dessert. The tres leches cake was one of the best we've had in Chicago: incredibly moist, light, and not overly sweet. It's the kind of neighborhood spot you'll want to keep coming back to.
🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: If you're looking for a Sunday plan, Hello?! Sundays is back at J. Parker on Sunday, July 19, this time with Chicago house icon Terry Hunter behind the decks. Good music, skyline views, and a rooftop full of people enjoying summer—it's one of those events that reminds you why Chicago does this season so well. If the weather cooperates, it's an easy yes. Click here for tickets!
🎤 If live music is your vibe: If you have been waiting for some good old rock and roll, The Black Keys are coming to The Salt Shed Outdoors on Thursday, July 16 as part of their Peaches 'N Kream World Tour. Plus, Chicago blues artist Eddie 9V is opening the night, making it an even better lineup. Click here for tickets!
🛋️ If the couch (or the armchair) is calling your name: Tonight, Millennium Park is screening When Harry Met Sally as part of its Summer Film Series. Who wants to miss a classic on a warm summer night? Grab a blanket, pack some snacks and drinks, and enjoy one of the best free traditions in Chicago—watching a movie under the stars.
🎭 If you feel artsy: Gallery 400 is hosting a conversation between artists Carolyn Castaño and Arnold J. Kemp on Tuesday, July 14th The two have been friends and collaborators for decades, and they'll be discussing Castaño's My Mother Mountain exhibition, their creative process, and the ideas that have shaped their work over the years. It's a nice opportunity to hear two established artists talk about painting, community, and friendship in a relaxed setting.
🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:
West Fest Chicago - from July 17th to 19th. Click here for more details!
Our July calendar it OUT, see it here.
On July 16th, we are hosting our popular Happy Hour at The Dandy Crown. RSVP here! 🔥 We have limited spots!
Last Saturday, we had a blast celebrating Simona, Ify and Matt. Thanks so much from the bottom of our hearts to the people who showed up and were brave enough to come to an event with 60+ strangers. 🥰💕 That is scary and it takes courage! Enjoy the pics below 👇
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All typos are intentional, we are expats ;)
We wrote 3 articles in collaboration with 3 great expats around the world. Read them below!
The story of Cool Beans and our take on Community with Emanuela
We registered a podcast (in Italian) with Americanate on the wedding culture in the US from an Italian point of view. Listen here!
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