Best Chi Restaurants for Eating Alone

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez have been in a public power struggle this week, with Johnson reportedly asking for Martinez’s resignation. Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa and WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel dig into how the conflict is rippling into city budget talks and upcoming school board elections. Plus, Chicago NBA legend Derrick Rose is retiring, entertainment legend Bozo the Clown is returning, and we’ve got more spots to eat alone like Spinning J and Fatso’s Last Stand. Good news: Block Club Book Club and Karaoke events in South Shore and West Loop Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 27th episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Introducing Bali, Under The Influence from Peak Travel.Follow the show: Peak Travel Social media has turned Bali’s shrines and temples into a playground for disrespectful tourists, but residents are fighting to preserve the island’s integrity.  DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Now that it’s officially fall, the City Cast team is going road tripping! Last year, host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas each picked a direction and gave us their best road trip ideas. Whether you’re in it for the leaf peeping, tasty treats, a little fright, or a cozy vibe, we’ve got getaways for you! Good News: Birds, Bikes, and Beats at Big Marsh Park Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 26 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Whether it's because of the rise in remote work and solo traveling or simply a desire to try new things alone, cities like Chicago are seeing more solo diners. Freelance food writer Samantha Nelson tells host Jacoby Cochran her favorite spots and what makes Chicago a great place to dine by yourself.  Restaurants mentioned: Robust Coffee Lounge in Woodlawn  Arami in West Town Lior’s Cafe in Roseland Hopleaf in Andersonville Quartino in River North Shake A Leg in Austin Irazu in Wicker Park  Warlord in Avondale Ramen-san (Multiple Locations) Cafecito (Multiple Locations) Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 25 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This weekend Mayor Brandon Johnson made good on a campaign promise when ShotSpotter was decommissioned. He has also reportedly asked CPS CEO Pedro Martinez to resign. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are discussing these big moves. Plus, we are looking at the White Sox’s historically bad season and our last festival update of the season. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 24 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Animal Care and Control cares for 400 to 500 animals daily. They also have seen increases in animal intake and euthanasia this year. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to CACC’s public information officer Armando Tejeda who tells us how the largest municipal animal shelter in the Midwest cares for Chicago’s animals and how you can help.  Good news: The Moth StorySLAM Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sep. 23 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Twenty percent of Chicagoans identify as Mexican, according to a new UIC Great Cities institute report. We break down their findings with WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez Aldana and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez. Plus, we are discussing National Voter Registration Day, the forthcoming Little Village Starbucks, and Vocalo’s Summer Finale concert at Millennium Park Good News: World Dumpling Fest, Pilsen Community Books, Real Ones Show Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 20 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Illinois is hosting a state flag design contest. That’s because the Illinois flag is forgettable at best, according to “Good Flag, Bad Flag” author Ted Kaye. Last year, he told host Jacoby Cochran what would make our state flag better. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Director of Communications, John Carruthers, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 19 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The “Starbucks effect” is when property and home values rise after the second-largest restaurant chain in the world opens a new location. As Little Village prepares for a new Starbucks by the end of the week, residents and community activists are voicing their concerns. Chicago Tribune reporter Laura Rodriguez Presa tells host Jacoby Cochran how it could impact the city’s largest and most recognizable Mexican immigrant community. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 18 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Thursday, the city will release more information about efforts to combine Chicago’s existing homeless shelter system with the system for new arrivals. The public’s first look at the initial details of the plan comes after the city closed a Gold Coast homeless shelter used during the Democratic National Convention and announced the upcoming closure of three migrant shelters. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far. Plus, we’ve got tips for enjoying tonight’s Harvest blood supermoon and this weekend’s festivals. We also announce the winner of our “most Chicago” thing bracket. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 17 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE