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Axios Chicago readers pick the best Chicago-style hot dogs

Readers chime in on our recent feature on the best hot dogs in town.

Food and Drink

Axios Chicago readers had some strong opinions about our recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/03/axios-food-fight-chicago-style-hot-dog-devil-dawgs-home-depot-vienna-beef" data-vars-content-id="d591c33f-37c7-41bb-9cbd-cc3baa5bbb65" data-vars-headline="Axios Chicago readers pick the best Chicago-style hot dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/03/axios-food-fight-chicago-style-hot-dog-devil-dawgs-home-depot-vienna-beef" target="_self">Food Fight</a> over Chicago-style hot dogs.

Axios readers pick the best tavern-style pizza in Chicago

Axios readers name their go-to tavern-style pizzas across Chicago, the suburbs and beyond.

Chicago is a town of many pizzas, but the tried-and-true style we regularly enjoy is tavern style.<ul><li>Don&#x27;t get us wrong, sometimes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deep dish hits the spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/20/food-fight-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-malnatis-labriola-ginos-pizanos" data-vars-content-id="99ae62df-3eca-49cc-9683-91e87fadad69" data-vars-headline="Axios readers pick the best tavern-style pizza in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/20/food-fight-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-malnatis-labriola-ginos-pizanos" target="_self">deep dish hits the spot</a>. </li></ul>Yes, but: For birthday parties, post-16-inch and Friday pizza night, thin-crust is where it&#x27;s at.

Axios readers pick the best Italian subs in Chicago

Readers sound off with their favorites in the Chicago area.

Our readers had a lot to say about our recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/10/food-fight-where-to-get-the-best-italian-subs-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="bc92475d-9bac-4d25-82a5-304df7fc9b8e" data-vars-headline="Axios readers pick the best Italian subs in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/10/food-fight-where-to-get-the-best-italian-subs-in-chicago" target="_self">Food Fight</a> over where to get the best Italian subs. We&#x27;re now swimming in great suggestions.

Fox 32 hires Brandon Pope as new political reporter

The veteran journalist gets ready to jump into election season.

Business

Fox 32 has landed a new political reporter: Veteran Chicago journalist Brandon Pope takes over just as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/19/illinois-state-fair-democrats-pritzker-durbin-gop-trump-rally-alexi" data-vars-content-id="322f221e-bfe5-4080-ab9a-ce982bc61b2c" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 hires Brandon Pope as new political reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/19/illinois-state-fair-democrats-pritzker-durbin-gop-trump-rally-alexi" target="_self">midterms</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayoral election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/02/alexi-giannoulias-campaign-mayor-johnson-mendoza-quigley-pritzker" data-vars-content-id="322f221e-bfe5-4080-ab9a-ce982bc61b2c" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 hires Brandon Pope as new political reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/02/alexi-giannoulias-campaign-mayor-johnson-mendoza-quigley-pritzker" target="_self">mayoral election</a> get underway.Why it matters: Pope joins the TV political beat at a consequential moment, with competitive midterms followed closely by Chicago&#x27;s 2027 mayoral election.

Chicago civic leaders plan a 15-minute train to O'Hare 

There's no word yet on fare cost or a launch date.

Transit

The trip from downtown Chicago to O&#x27;Hare could take just 15 minutes if a new plan announced Tuesday takes off. Why it matters: Fast transportation from the city to O&#x27;Hare, like Elon Musk&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Boring Company&quot; plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/elon-musks-company-to-build-ohare-express-tunnel/147447/" data-vars-content-id="23c9f33a-9f8f-4ea3-93e9-a9902e6cbf41" data-vars-headline="Chicago civic leaders plan a 15-minute train to O&#x27;Hare " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/elon-musks-company-to-build-ohare-express-tunnel/147447/" target="_blank">&quot;Boring Company&quot; plan</a>, has fascinated leaders for years but hasn&#x27;t materialized.

Bally's faces off with Chicago over video gambling

Bally's Chicago threatens legal action over video gambling.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bally&#x27;s Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/10/ballys-chicago-race-gender-lawsuit-settlement" data-vars-content-id="fbba5099-916e-40b0-a375-1ce23e4c6d25" data-vars-headline="Bally&#x27;s faces off with Chicago over video gambling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/10/ballys-chicago-race-gender-lawsuit-settlement" target="_self">Bally&#x27;s Chicago</a> is pausing construction on non-gaming amenities at its $1.7 billion casino, hotel and entertainment complex as it enters a standoff with the city over video gambling.Why it matters: Bally&#x27;s promises to open its casino next year, but this latest impasse raises questions about the future of full project already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/12/chicago-ballys-casino-hotel-tower" data-vars-content-id="fbba5099-916e-40b0-a375-1ce23e4c6d25" data-vars-headline="Bally&#x27;s faces off with Chicago over video gambling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/12/chicago-ballys-casino-hotel-tower" target="_self">under construction</a> in River West.

Foundry Park TIF would help fund the long-awaited 606 extension

The popular trail could get a huge boost with the new megadevelopment project near Lincoln Park.

News

More than a decade after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 606" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/606" data-vars-content-id="26b0758c-c252-401f-9720-ebe2debe3054" data-vars-headline="Foundry Park TIF would help fund the long-awaited 606 extension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/606" target="_blank">The 606</a> opened, a proposed $201.6 million TIF package for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Foundry Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/stadiums-bears-fire-nu-tribune-tower-obama-center-google-foundry" data-vars-content-id="26b0758c-c252-401f-9720-ebe2debe3054" data-vars-headline="Foundry Park TIF would help fund the long-awaited 606 extension" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/stadiums-bears-fire-nu-tribune-tower-obama-center-google-foundry" target="_self">Foundry Park</a> could finally help extend the trail across the Chicago River.The latest: The proposed subsidies would help fund public infrastructure for the megadevelopment, including roads, parks, riverwalk improvements and a long-planned extension of the trail across the Chicago River.

Chicago Fire stadium funding plan draws West Loop backlash

The new Fire FC stadium in the South Loop is getting massive bucks for bold infrastructure improvements. But where are they getting the money?

Chicago&#x27;s plan to help pay for infrastructure around the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Chicago Fire stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/17/first-look-chicago-fire-fc-soccer-mansueto-south-loop-stadium-78-renderings" data-vars-content-id="bdd881c9-7404-4a6f-a786-6a07b26d7a60" data-vars-headline="Chicago Fire stadium funding plan draws West Loop backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/17/first-look-chicago-fire-fc-soccer-mansueto-south-loop-stadium-78-renderings" target="_self">new Chicago Fire stadium</a> is sparking backlash from West Loop leaders, who say City Hall is raiding their neighborhood&#x27;s TIF fund.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s plan to shift up to $287 million from a neighboring West Loop TIF district could affect funding for other upcoming projects.

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress

A new report says Chicago has expanded ETOD policies, but gaps remain in disinvested areas.

Five years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" data-vars-content-id="8c3411a8-b66f-4d7a-8d66-c4e8fea5969a" data-vars-headline="Report dissects Chicago&#x27;s ETOD progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" target="_self">Chicago</a> adopted its first equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) plan, a new report digs into the city&#x27;s progress.Why it matters: City and state leaders have implemented policies that prioritize access to public transit when building and revitalizing residential and commercial properties, but more work is needed to ensure ETOD doesn&#x27;t favor wealthier, white neighborhoods as it has in the past, according to the report.

McDonald's lands naming rights to Chicago Fire FC stadium

The partnership goes beyond the pitch, investing in soccer programs across Chicago.

The Chicago Fire FC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/17/first-look-chicago-fire-fc-soccer-mansueto-south-loop-stadium-78-renderings" data-vars-content-id="5b6422c5-63b0-48f9-bf3e-166011b83abe" data-vars-headline="McDonald&#x27;s lands naming rights to Chicago Fire FC stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/17/first-look-chicago-fire-fc-soccer-mansueto-south-loop-stadium-78-renderings" target="_self">new stadium</a> now has a name: McDonald&#x27;s Park. The latest: The team announced a partnership with Chicago-based McDonald&#x27;s that extends beyond traditional stadium naming rights.

Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead

CAC serves as a connector for the many entities vying to determine the city's built environment.

History

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Architecture Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/15/open-house-chicago-2025-new-sites-architecture-tour" data-vars-content-id="40ca46ed-feac-485f-9aa3-ba4f48528976" data-vars-headline="Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/15/open-house-chicago-2025-new-sites-architecture-tour" target="_self">Chicago Architecture Center</a> celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Its leaders say their mission is not just to highlight the city&#x27;s history, but to help shape how Chicago looks in the future.Why it matters: While most locals and visitors know the center&#x27;s work through its walking and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boat tours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/02/chicago-bucket-list-experiences" data-vars-content-id="40ca46ed-feac-485f-9aa3-ba4f48528976" data-vars-headline="Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/02/chicago-bucket-list-experiences" target="_self">boat tours</a>, CAC also serves as a connector for the many entities vying to determine the city&#x27;s built environment.

Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments

With low inventory and rising rents, Chicago renters are increasingly forced to outbid others.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago renters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" data-vars-content-id="d4ced31f-3bca-46c6-9000-0bc6050d6aab" data-vars-headline="Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" target="_self">Chicago renters</a> are facing bidding wars — competing for apartments the way homebuyers do.Why it matters: Chicago renters are paying roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$100 more per month " data-vars-click-url="https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/chicago-il" data-vars-content-id="d4ced31f-3bca-46c6-9000-0bc6050d6aab" data-vars-headline="Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/chicago-il" target="_blank">$100 more per month </a>than a year ago, pushing many out of neighborhoods they could once afford.

New windows sharpen views at Chicago's 360 deck

New glass and added floors will expand the observation deck and sharpen skyline views by 2027.

The view at the top of 875 N. Michigan Ave. just got a little clearer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="360 CHICAGO" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/11/hancock-tower-observation-deck-expansion" data-vars-content-id="6dcfcdca-91f2-497f-9872-1b0289e93b64" data-vars-headline="New windows sharpen views at Chicago&#x27;s 360 deck" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/11/hancock-tower-observation-deck-expansion" target="_self">360 CHICAGO</a> is adding two more floors to the current observation deck on the 94th floor in the building most Chicagoans know as the Hancock. <ul><li>When the two-floor viewing area and events space on the 95th and 96th floors are complete, it will create Chicago&#x27;s first multi-story observation deck.</li></ul>

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hand &amp; The Eye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.handandeye.com/" data-vars-content-id="9f04c5aa-9004-4c61-a42c-419b9c8d9ec7" data-vars-headline="The Hand &amp; The Eye opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.handandeye.com/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; The Eye</a> — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18. Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.

Development 🏗️

Chicago civic leaders plan a 15-minute train to O'Hare

Bally's faces off with Chicago over video gambling

Foundry Park TIF would help fund the long-awaited 606 extension

Chicago Fire stadium funding plan draws West Loop backlash

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress