Dining Events in Chicago This June

With summer in full swing, Chicago offers a variety of dining and drinking opportunities outdoors. Explore new spots with a Malt Row stroll or Lincoln Park’s restaurant crawl, or enjoy barbecue on the patio at Sportsman’s Club. This month, the James Beard Foundation awards also bring chefs and bartenders from across the country to showcase their skills. Whether you want to dine for a cause or simply enjoy the vibrant food scene, here are ten events to attend in June.

Sunday BBQ Series at Sportsman’s Club

Join the fun at Sportsman’s Club in Ukrainian Village, where you can savor barbecue from local spots. Featured restaurants include Maxwell’s Trading on June 7, Creepies on June 21, and Boeufhaus on June 28. Experience New Orleans flavors on June 14 with Bacchanal and Nightbloom during the James Beard Awards weekend. The events run from 4-7 p.m. every Sunday through September 27 at Sportsman’s Club, 948 N. Western Ave. Visit drinkingandgathering.com for more details.

Thursday Night Beats & Bites

Enjoy a meal post-work at Roosevelt Collection’s open-air mall. With four food trucks weekly, including Wagyu House by The X Pot, Chkn Box, and Polombia, there’s something for everyone. Live music accompanies the free series, with performances ranging from Motown to Brazilian jazz. Join the festivities from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays through July at 150 W. Roosevelt Road. For more information, visit rooseveltcollectionshops.com/events.

‘The Chicago Way’ Q&A and Signing

Meet chef Carrie Nahabedian and enjoy drinks from Sparrow beverage director Peter Vestinos. Journalist Monica Eng hosts a Q&A with Michael Gebert, author of “The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining.” The event is on June 8 at Brindille, 534 N. Clark St., from 1-4 p.m. Tickets include an autographed copy of the book and cost $50. Purchase at eventbrite.com.

Chicago Cocktail Classic

The second annual Chicago Cocktail Classic features over 30 bars worldwide, such as Bar Mauro from Mexico City, Superfine from Paris, and BKK Social Club from Bangkok. Chicago spots like Meadowlark and Nine Bar also participate. The event includes 10 drink tokens and takes place on June 14 at 167 Events, 167 Green St., from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $100 and available at chicagococktailclassic.com.

Up South Pop-Up

Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies highlights South Side culinary excellence in the Up South series. The event features her smoked desserts and food from chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse. It’s on June 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Justice of the Pies, 8655 S. Blackstone Ave. RSVP by June 12 at justiceofthepies.com.

Sanders BBQ x Mahari

Experience a preview of Sanders BBQ Prime with chefs James Sanders and Rahim Muhammad at Mahari. Enjoy signature brunch dishes during this BYOB event on June 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1504 E. 55th St. Tickets are $75 at exploretock.com/sanders-bbq-supply-co.

Bario BBQ

Celebrate Mexico’s grilling traditions with dishes from Manchamanteles, Diego, Pizza Lobo, and Santa Masa Tamaleria. This outdoor tasting supports the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, featuring items like birria tacos with mole negro. The event occurs on June 14, from 4-7 p.m., at Manchamanteles, 2009 N. Western Ave. Tickets cost $69 at exploretock.com/manchamanteles.

Cravings on Clark

Join the Lincoln Park restaurant crawl, featuring over a dozen eateries like The Fat Shallot and Tanaka Ramen. Hosted by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, it takes place June 24, from 6-9 p.m. The starting location is Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar, 2577 N. Clark St. Tickets range from $55-$65 at lincolnparkchamber.com/cravings.

Malt Row on Damen

Sip on beverages from a dozen breweries and distilleries, including Cultivate by Forbidden Root. The stroll features stops like Amy’s Candy Bar. The event is on June 24, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., on Damen Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Argyle Street. Tickets are $32 at ravenswoodchicago.org.

Chicago’s Taste of the Nation

Benefit No Kid Hungry with bites from over 50 restaurants, including Obelix and Daisies. Enjoy pairings with beer, wine, and cocktails, plus cooking demos and chances to win prizes. Join on June 26, from 6-9 p.m., at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St. Tickets are $150 at events.nokidhungry.org.

For more dining insights, connect with Samantha Nelson, a freelance writer known for exploring dining scenes.