Sam Faye

Chicago

VP Operations at The Infatuation

Ops & Legal @infatuation & @zagat. Tortured Detroit sports fan. Go Blue.

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Articles

Where To See & Be Seen

3 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Nick Allen |John Ringor |Claire Schlafly |Sam Faye

Italian, overlooking the river, in the fancy St. Regis hotel, big-name chef—this Lakeshore East spot has “see and be seen” in its DNA. Couples with multiple summer homes linger over a casual $400 bottle of wine, while a rock band wearing cut-off jean vests and graphic tees eat rigatoni in a giant booth. And with the combined magic of dim lighting and remembering to pick up your dry cleaning, you will also feel like a pasta-twirling VIP.
The Spots Of The Summer, Chicago Edition

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Nick Allen |John Ringor |Josh Barnett |Sam Faye

Disregard what the calendar says—summer officially starts when Parson’s big striped umbrellas are in full bloom, and Chicagoans yearning to remember 80-degree weather swarm this Logan Square patio (and its Andersonville and Lincoln Park clones). And despite being a fried chicken restaurant, Parsons’ iconic patio accessory is their Negroni slushy. There are always a few hanging out on each picnic table—make sure yours is equally equipped.
Lou Malnati’s - Review - River North - Chicago - The Infatuation

Mar 12, 2025 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye

There are a few important things to remember when discussing deep-dish pizza, no matter where your allegiance lies. First, deep-dish is not for everyone. Second, deep-dish shouldn’t be compared to thin crust, particularly New York style slices - it’s a unique fork and knife experience. And if you’re looking for classic deep dish, Lou Malnati’s is the move. And if you want Lou Mal’s straight from the pan (you do) go to the restaurant in River North.
The 11 Best Tasting Menus In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation

Jan 10, 2025 | theinfatuation.com | Adrian Kane |John Ringor |Sam Faye

Some words of advice before you part with several hundred dollars.
InnJoy Wicker Park Review

Sep 11, 2024 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye

InnJoy is perfect if you’re too old and sophisticated to be partying it up at a college scene in Lincoln Park but secretly wish you still could. Head to Wicker Park on Saturday nights at 10pm for retro music video dance parties where DJs spin throwbacks from the ‘80s through the 2010s. It gets crowded, but there’s enough room to move around and dance, so you know it will be a good time. Do you believe in life after love? We do.
The Hangge-Uppe Review - Gold Coast - Chicago - The Infatuation

Sep 11, 2024 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye

We’re not great dancers by any stretch of the imagination. But we’re the best dancers around when alcohol is involved, and you probably are too. Our dance moves get even better if there’s a sing-along, which is why we like to break it down in Gold Coast’s Hangge-Uppe every now and then. The classic ‘80s and ‘90s music, coupled with this bar's sweaty dance floor, is a guaranteed good time. No rating: This is a restaurant we want to re-visit before rating, or it’s a coffee shop, bar, or dessert shop.
Beauty Bar Review - Noble Square - Chicago - The Infatuation

Sep 11, 2024 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye

Missy Elliott once said, "If you a fly gal, get your nails done, get a pedicure, get your hair did." And if she knew you could do that at a bar, we’re pretty sure she’d be all in with Beauty Bar in Noble Square. Here, you can get your nails done in front, literally, grab a drink, and hit the dance floor in the back room. It gets packed, especially during themed nights featuring ‘80s music or throwback hits, but that’s part of the fun.
14 Chicago Bars Where You Can Dance

Sep 11, 2024 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye |Veda Kilaru |Nick Allen

Dancing is a way to tell the world how you’re feeling. And if you want to tell the world that you’re feeling like a less-sober version of those blow-up figures in front of car dealerships, you should be able to do that somewhere that isn’t a club. Here are 14 bars where you can (mostly) come as you are and flail your arms to your heart’s content. Get out there and let your best sprinkler move fly.
Birrieria Zaragoza

Sep 10, 2024 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye

Superlatives are all the rage these days. Best donut. Best fried chicken sandwich. Best ice cream. Best fried chicken sandwich between two donuts topped with ice cream. Good isn’t good enough, it has to be the best. It’s tough to anoint a single food item as the best, but Birrieria Zaragoza is definitively the best at something—goat tacos. Yes. As in that damn animal who cursed the Cubs for over 100 years. And Birrieria Zaragoza has some of the best goat we’ve ever eaten.
Formento’s Review - West Loop - Chicago - The Infatuation

Sep 5, 2024 | theinfatuation.com | Sam Faye

photo credit: Christina SlatonRESERVE A TABLEFormento’s is designed to feel like an old-school Italian restaurant, but there’s no mistaking the fact it’s shiny and new. The inside has big leather booths, tables that at times feel too big, white tablecloths, and proper service that makes you feel just fancy enough. While we can get down with the atmosphere, we aren’t quite as excited about the food.