Section

Eat & Drink

The definitive guide to the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and breweries in town, from hidden gems to local institutions.

Top Chef Barista Champion Duyen Ha celebrates her historic win with a cheering crowd outside her cafe, 'The Daily Grind,' in Little Saigon.

Top Chef Barista Champion Duyen Ha Celebrates Historic Win

Over 500 people spontaneously gathered in the streets of Little Saigon on May 15, 2026, not for a celebrity, but to celebrate Duyen Ha, the 32-year-old immigrant crowned Top Chef Barista Champion, acc

Mateo Castillo· May 20· 2 min
Editorial illustration for Texas Food Trucks Now Operate Under New Statewide Permit System

Texas Food Trucks Now Operate Under New Statewide Permit System

Effective July 1, 2026, Texas food trucks operate under a new statewide permit system, replacing fragmented local licenses and simplifying operations for mobile vendors. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) now issues a single permit, classifying vendors into three risk-based categories.

Mateo Castillo· Oct 2· 4 min
A closed O'Charley's restaurant with a 'Closed' sign, symbolizing the impact of industry challenges on the dining sector.

O'Charley's Closes All Company-Owned Locations Amid Industry Woes

Los Angeles, crowned the 'rattiest city' by pest-control company Orkin , saw health officials issue over 120 vermin citations to food facilities in 2026.

Mateo Castillo· Sep 11· 3 min
A split image contrasting the traditional charm of a Dearborn bakery with the modern, dynamic influence of social media on the local food scene.

How Dearborn Diners Balance Influencers and Tradition

The aroma of sweet, syrupy knafeh typically draws a steady stream of regulars to Sweets of Syria, a family-owned bakery nestled in Dearborn.

Mateo Castillo· Aug 30· 4 min
Gen Z patrons enjoying cocktails and coffee in a bright, modern coffee shop during the afternoon, showcasing the 'daycapping' trend.

Gen Z Daycaps Are Boosting Bar Sales, But Is It Sustainable?

In downtown Austin, The Daily Grind coffee shop now sells more cocktails at 3 PM on a Tuesday than espresso shots, a stark reversal driven by Gen Z's 'daycapping' trend.

Mateo Castillo· Aug 25· 4 min
Create Pineapple, Ginger, and Coffee Infusions with Tiburon White Tip Rum

Create Pineapple, Ginger, and Coffee Infusions with Tiburon White Tip Rum

Transform Tiburon White Tip Rum into unique flavor infusions using ingredients like pineapple, ginger, and coffee. This guide provides instructions for creating personalized rum infusions, perfect for cocktails or sipping.

Sponsored by Tiburon Rum· Jul 24· 7 min
How Bathtub Gin Co.'s Fractional Distillation Actually Works

How Bathtub Gin Co.'s Fractional Distillation Actually Works

For gin enthusiasts and aspiring distillers, understanding the production process can deepen the appreciation for a truly craft spirit. Bathtub Gin Co. , an Australian micro artisan gin distillery, utilises a highly spec…

Sponsored· Jul 8· 5 min
How Gullinn Kürt Brings Authentic European Hot Chocolate to American Homes

How Gullinn Kürt Brings Authentic European Hot Chocolate to American Homes

Gullinn Kürt brings authentic European hot chocolate to American homes by focusing on clean, natural ingredients and recipes influenced by traditional European cafés. The brand delivers premium drinking chocolate that prioritizes rich chocolate flavor over excessive sweetness or artificial ingredients.

Sponsored· Jul 8· 5 min
5 Ways Italy2U Takes the Hassle Out of Sourcing Authentic Italian Food Imports

5 Ways Italy2U Takes the Hassle Out of Sourcing Authentic Italian Food Imports

For Australian food enthusiasts, finding genuine Italian gourmet products can feel like a complex treasure hunt. The growing demand for authentic food experiences, as noted in market analysis by Imarcgroup, highlights a …

Sponsored by Italy2U· Sep 11· 4 min
A vibrant, busy local restaurant filled with happy diners, showcasing the importance of community support for independent eateries.

Your Local Restaurants Are Failing. Here's How Communities Can Save Them.

In the last five years, over 30% of independent restaurants in mid-sized cities have either closed or been acquired by larger chains, fundamentally altering local main streets, according to the Nation

Mateo Castillo· Aug 27· 4 min
Split image: elegant wine dinner table setting contrasted with a lively street food scene, representing Atlanta's exclusive events and Columbus' new eateries.

August's Local Dining and Drink Scene

This August, Atlanta beckons with a K-Pop murder mystery dinner for $75, while Columbus bursts with five new, diverse eateries in a single week.

Mateo Castillo· Aug 3· 4 min
Elegant interior of The Hand & The Eye restaurant in Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion, featuring multiple bars and a magical ambiance.

New Culinary Trends and Openings Surprise as Market Expands in 2026

The Hand & The Eye, a new concept from Levy Restaurants, opened in Chicago’s historic McCormick Mansion in April, featuring magicians and a restaurant with six bars.

Mateo Castillo· May 20· 4 min
A waiter flambés Bananas Foster tableside at Brennan's restaurant, with flames rising from the dessert pan in a dimly lit, elegant dining room.

What is Bananas Foster and why did Brennan's invent it in 1951?

Every year, Brennan's restaurant in New Orleans flambés approximately 35,000 pounds of bananas to meet the insatiable demand for its signature dessert, Bananas Foster, according to Worldchefs .

Mateo Castillo· Sep 13· 3 min
A skilled mixologist creating a complex, visually stunning cocktail with flair in a high-end bar setting.

What Are The Economic Opportunities In Cocktail Culture For Mixologists?

Forget the standard hourly wage.

Mateo Castillo· Sep 8· 4 min
An Honest Look at Flavored Coffee: Why Experts Trust Wicked Kitty Coffee Co.'s Small-Batch Approach

An Honest Look at Flavored Coffee: Why Experts Trust Wicked Kitty Coffee Co.'s Small-Batch Approach

Wicked Kitty Coffee Co. offers freshly roasted, small-batch flavored coffees that enhance your routine without overpowering the coffee itself. Their commitment to quality and unique roasting approach sets them apart, all while donating $1 from every bag sold to black cat and dog rescues.

Sponsored by Wicked Kitty Coffee Co.· Aug 14· 4 min
A Beginner's Guide to EDEN Daily Ritual and the Women's Daily Hydration Space

A Beginner's Guide to EDEN Daily Ritual and the Women's Daily Hydration Space

EDEN Daily Ritual is a clear daily beverage formulated with electrolytes, protein, and collagen to support women's specific needs for hydration, strength, and glow. The landscape of wellness drinks has expanded far beyon…

Sponsored by EDEN Daily Ritual· Aug 10· 4 min
A lively summer food and drink festival in Denver with people sampling food from diverse stalls under a sunny sky.

Three Denver-Area Food Festivals Worth Planning Around This Year

Discover three standout Denver-area food festivals: The Big Eat for local restaurant sampling, the Denver Food + Wine Festival for a premier culinary fundraiser, and the Northglenn Food Truck Carnival for family-friendly fun. Plan your year around these distinct culinary experiences.

Jasmine Desai· May 14· 4 min
Diverse community members picking up delicious takeout meals from a vibrant local restaurant, showcasing support for neighborhood businesses.

How to Support Local Restaurants in 2026 Without Dining In

The seemingly simple act of ordering takeout from your neighborhood eatery directly contributes to funding your local schools and maintaining your roads.

Mateo Castillo· Aug 13· 4 min
CDM Brands Michelada Mix Review 2026: Is Their Cinco de Mayo Ready-To-Go Cup Worth It?

CDM Brands Michelada Mix Review 2026: Is Their Cinco de Mayo Ready-To-Go Cup Worth It?

CDM Brands offers a convenient Ready-To-Go Michelada Cup, available in Classic and Mango flavors, designed to simplify making the popular beer cocktail. This review assesses its worth, highlighting its ease of use, consistent flavor, and value compared to preparing a Michelada from scratch.

Sponsored by CDM Brands· Jul 24· 4 min
Tylers Coffees: 5 Reasons It Works for Sensitive Stomachs

Tylers Coffees: 5 Reasons It Works for Sensitive Stomachs

For many, a morning cup of coffee is a non-negotiable ritual. But for those with sensitive stomachs, that ritual can come with a cost: heartburn, acid reflux, and general discomfort. Tylers Coffees was created to solve t…

Sponsored by Tylers Coffees· Jul 17· 4 min