Weekly Planner: Chicago Ribfest, Brunch at Daisies and Taco Tuesdays

20th Annual Chicago Ribfest

One of the first big food festivals of the summer season is upon us, and this year marks a particularly impressive milestone for Chicago Ribfest. Taking place June 8 through June 10, the North Center festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and they’re going big for the occasion. This year, the roster features 30 food vendors, including local and non-local institutions like Texas Lightning out of Austin and Chicago’s own BBQ Supply Co. and Real Urban Barbecue. Attendees this year can also look forward to expanded lounge amenities to provide more comforts and make it easier to feast. In addition to all the meat, live music will lean towards rock ’n’ roll. The festival takes place at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park Road and Damen Avenue. 

Brunch at Daisies

Another week, another new brunch menu. This one comes courtesy of Daisies, the buzzy Logan Square restaurant that’s been racking up the accolades for its handmade pastas and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has now added brunch to its offerings, now available Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Diners can anticipate tajarin carbonara, blueberry pancakes, scrambled egg bruschetta and others, along with custom blended Sparrow coffee, teas and brunch-focused cocktails. 

 

Taco Tuesdays at Pink Taco

One of Chicago’s newest Mexican entries is wasting no time in diving right in with a new Taco Tuesdays promotion. Los Angeles-based Pink Taco, fresh off expansion to River North, now features a veritable taco happy hour every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until close. During this time, diners can augment their margaritas and beers with $3 street tacos like carnitas, barbacoa and veggie, $3 street corn and $4 classic tacos like ground beef, al pastor and sweet potato. 

Weekday Specials at 20 East

In other bargain news, the Gold Coast’s 20 East is celebrating patio season in style with a bevy of daily promos and deals designed to up the ante on al fresco dining. It all starts in the morning with free mini donuts with the purchase of coffee starting at 7:00 a.m. from Thursday through Sunday. Then there’s weekday happy hour, which runs from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and includes $3 beers, $4 Absolut mixed drinks and $5 glasses of wine.