Stories by Kathleen Hinkel

The White Palace Grill has been serving regulars for decades, even as its South Loop neighborhood has changed around it. The diner will appear in the final season of The Bear, further cementing its iconic status.

Pequod’s Pizza has been named the best pizza in America on Yelp and appeared on The Bear, and continues to draw both tourists and locals for its pan pizza, a subcategory of deep dish.

Big Chicks isn’t just a bar – it’s an art gallery, community center, and LGBTQ+ haven. Michelle Fire opened it in Uptown in 1986 and has filled it with art and welcoming people ever since.

Harold’s Chicken Shack was founded 75 years ago by a Black entrepreneur who came to Chicago from Alabama. Now it’s a legendary part of Chicago.

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen is a beloved Chicago institution, serving massive corned beef and pastrami sandwiches alongside pickles, thick potato pancakes, and golden matzo ball soup for nine decades now.

Photographer Kathleen Hinkel visited The Wiener's Circle in May to capture the food, customers, and, of course, the colorful language of the employees steering the ship. 

Photographer Kathleen Hinkel visited Delightful Pastries on Lawrence Avenue in Jefferson Park to get a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful preparation that goes into creating thousands of pączki in the days leading up to Lent. 

Over the decades, Mario’s has become a community gathering place, serving as a celebratory stop after graduations and sports wins, or just as an annual family tradition.

Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park has been serving one of the Chicago area’s favorite Italian beefs for more than 60 years