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Sandwich, noun. An item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, eaten as a light meal… Cross out the light meal, the rest sounds about right. Like all other iconic food items, Chicago’s chefs and restaurants don’t hesitate to get creative with this classic dish, either. From classic grilled cheese reaching a whole new level, to Asian-fusion sandwiches, here are places to find the best sandwiches in Chicago during (or beyond) this national sandwich month!

400 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654

WHAT: Goddess of Italian Parma

This local favorite is perhaps also one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable eateries in the city. On the menu, diners can indulge in a variety of innovative breakfast and lunch sandwiches including Goddess of Italian Parma, Spicy Chicken Melt, Spanish Serrano Ham + Manchego Cheese, and many more. Hannah’s Bretzel also offers a Chef Series that features a special sandwich created by a local chef. In August, diners can expect a collaboration with El Che Steakhouse & Bar.

1137 Greenleaf Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091

WHAT: Ouilmette Cheesesteak

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmette, Buck Russell’s is the newest one-stop-shop on the North Shore. When dining in, guests can expect smiling faces, and casual, yet thoughtful, service. The savory menu includes a dozen original sandwiches served on house-baked bread, including the “Ouilmette Cheesesteak” featuring shaved ribeye, provolone, A1 mayo and caramelized onions, or the the “Ragin’ Cajun” made with Cajun-spiced turkey, Alpine swiss, slaw and homemade chow chow relish. Diners can also order the “Texas Style Chili ” seasoned with an award-winning spice blend from the Lone Star state itself.

Image Credit: Gardones Photography

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607

WHAT: August sandwich

Marvin’s Food & Fuel, the vibey corner joint in Fulton Market, has partnered with Buck Russell’s, the popular new sandwich shop and bakery in Wilmette from the team behind Sophia Steak, Gemini, and Andros Taverna, for its August Sandwich Series campaign. The monthly sandwich pop-up series at Marvin’s Food & Fuel kicked off in March featuring an original recipe created by Chef Doug Psaltis of Andros Taverna.

The sandwich consists of warm shaved corned beef, Hook’s Baby Swiss, sliced dill pickles, and spicy brown mustard with a side of hand-cut fries.  Proceeds from the $16 sandwich benefit Pilot Light, a chef- and educator-founded nonprofit that introduces food education and its benefits to students.

1525 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

WHAT: Ultimate Grilled Cheese

When you think of sandwiches, what better way to celebrate the month than with a childhood classic that never goes out of style? LG’s Bar & Kitchen, located in Chicago’s Old Town, provides a unique twist on the classic Grilled Cheese sandwich elevating it from your family’s kitchen to a night out meal with friends. Made with a gooey four-cheese blend, fresh tomato jam, fried onions, crispy bacon sandwiched between two gold brown pieces of parmesan-crusted sourdough.

1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

WHAT: Roasted Beef Reuben? This take on the classic reuben is for all the plant-based menu lovers out there, who are looking to enjoy all the classics this sandwich month without the meat-filled guilt. Farm Bar Lakeview is using beets as the substitute for corned beef to create the same texture and topped with sauerkraut, swiss cheese, Farm Bar secret sauce sandwiched between marble rye bread. Visually, this sandwich may look like a reuben, but once you take a bite, it’s even better.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

WHAT: Hot and Crispy Mushroom Sandwich

Bloom Plant Based Kitchen from James Beard nominated Chef Rodolfo Cuadros offers Chicago a completely plant-based menu that is 100% gluten free and vegan. One of Chef Rodolfo’s favorite dishes is his Hot and Crispy Mushroom Sandwich. Sambal aioli, battered maitake mushroom, fermented cabbage and pickles will become your new favorite sandwich to celebrate national sandwich month.

1604 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

WHAT: Wagyu Breakfast Sandwich

From Bonhomme Hospitality Group, Beatnik West Town is driven by a triumphant fusion of three countries close to their heart: Morocco for its audacious combinations of color and passionate artisans, France for its music and artistic confidence, and Italy for a healthy dose of polish and panache to sex it all up. In the spirit of that fusion, they’ve got a killer Wagyu Breakfast Sandwich on the brunch menu, served with Wagyu Bresaola, black truffle aioli, organic egg, Swiss cheese, and giardiniera vinaigrette.

1721 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

WHAT: Almussafes Bocata

Unless you’ve spent some quality time in Valencia, Spain, you’ve never eaten one of the world’s great sandwiches, Almussafes Bocata. Typically eaten as a snack between meals, this sandwich, or “bocata,” is traditionally made with sobrasada (a soft, spreadable pimenton-spiked sausage), caramelized onions and melted cheese. At Mama Delia on the Bocata del Abuelo, they add a parsley and red onion salad, which balances the richness, with further upgrades via goat cheese and the pan de cristal, the super crispy bread shipped frozen from Spain on which it’s served.

Image Credit: Sunda New Asian

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

WHAT: Crispy Eggplant Steamed Buns

If you cut a bao into two halves, it counts as a sandwich. Plus, we just can’t leave this one off our list because… Hello!? Have you seen the ingredients? We’re talking panko crusted eggplant and asian slaw sandwiched by two slices of scallion bao bun! Say no more! We’ll take one order of the eggplant buns, and one order of the classic Korean Fried Chicken Buns too!

Image Credit: Maddy Cox

825 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

WHAT: City Smoked Ham

According to Rob Levitt, Head Butcher of PQM, the mark of a great sandwich is contrast. If the star of the sandwich is fatty (pork belly, gooey cheese) consider an acidic condiment to cut all the fat. If it is lean (shaved turkey breast) consider something fatty like avocado or a flavored mayo or aioli. And always try and add some texture — whether that’s greens, slaw, chips, fried onions, or giardiniera (Rob’s fave!).

So, try the City Smoked Ham sandwich and taste the layers of goodies and the amazing textures yourself! The sandwich is made with thick-cut smoked ham slices, stracciatella cheese, escarole, sun-dried tomato, and olive oil tapenade on PQB focaccia.

Image Credit: Clayton Hauck

2200 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

WHAT: Reuben

We all know Lardon has some of the best charcuterie boards in Chicago. But did you know their sandwiches are also on fire!? For example, this classic yet delicious reuben sandwich is always our go-to choice for a quick fix that never fails! House-cured pastrami, Midnight Moon gouda, fancy sauce, house kraut, and deli pickles on marbled rye — it. is. heaven!

Image Credit: All Too Well

352 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

WHAT: Boatwich

All Too Well is our go-to spot for a quick work lunch in Chicago. There are just too many good things about this cute little joint! The marketplace always have fun, fresh, healthy treats. The sandwiches here are fresh and full of flavors, and the owner never shies away from using innovative ingredients like smoked white fish spread or chimichuri. But our favorite thing about this place is all the menu items are named after something or someone special to the owner. That human touch is just so beautiful!

Featured Image: Maddy Cox

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Craving Curry? This popular Indian dish is seasoned with various delicious spices and served over rice (like Basmati or Jasmine). Depending on the ingredients, your curry can be extremely spicy or comfortably mild. It’s the perfect comfort food for when you’re in the mood for a hearty meal. Plus, it’s even better the next day as leftovers. Check out where you can find the best curry in Chicago and get your hands on some butter chicken and garlic naan! 

2770 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

This mom-and-pop shop is known for its wonderful teas. But, they also have insanely good curry bowls! Vegetarians can’t get enough of their filling Cauliflower Peas & Potatoes served with russet potatoes, green peas, tomatoes, and spices. And meat lovers will fall for their Pork Vindaloo, which consists of tangy curry, pork, and potatoes.

Image Credit: The Spice Room

2906 W Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

You don’t have to travel to Northern India to get an authentic meal in Chi-town. Just swing by The Spice Room for a modern interpretation of classic dishes and high quality ingredients. Popular items include Chicken Curry served with onions, tomatoes, ginger, and spices. Also Curry Lamb which is lamb cooked in a savory curry sauce. 

59 W Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60654

Founder Jagmohan Jayara opened his first restaurant in 1993 and since has grown to three locations. His team serves up food that touches the soul and celebrates Indian culture. Some favorites include Spicy Hyderabdi Veg Curry, a mix of vegetables cooked in a spicy peanut sauce. Also, their Chicken Curry is absolutely delicious. The tender chicken cooked in a delicately spiced curry sauce will literally melt in your mouth. 

434 W Diversey Pkwy. Chicago, IL 60614

The talented team at Gorkha Kitchen dishes traditional Indian and Nepalese cuisines based on recipes that have been perfected over thousands of years. Their top curry dishes include Creamy Masala Chicken Curry and Nepali Khasi, which is a goat curry cooked in aromatic Nepalese spices with the flavors of fenugreek, cinnamon, onions, ginger, and tomatoes.

714 W Diversey Pkwy. Chicago, IL 60614

Looking for a variety of modern Indian cuisine? Then check out Mild 2 Spicy for vast selection of items. You can find almost everything on their menu, including Paneer, Tofu, Vegetarian, Lentil, Chicken, Lamb, Goat, and Seafood Curries. Plenty of mild and spicy flavors to go around!

Featured Image: Gorkha Kitchen

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Dive below the surface with a trip to Chicago’s own Shedd Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums! Explore the other-worldly beauty of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic species who make their homes in waters around the world. See through the eyes of a stingray in the Caribbean Reef or wave to a dolphin below the oceanarium. You can explore the stunning diversity of aquatic life by visiting these must-see exhibits within Shedd Aquarium.

Caribbean Reef

As you enter the aquarium, a vast array of colorful marine species greets you. A giant circular tank in the center of the room contains a variety of corals, jellyfish, sharks, stingrays, and other fish. Walk around the entire circumference of the tank to grasp the enormous variance between the species which inhabit a Caribbean reef.

Abbott Oceanarium

This exhibit highlights the spectacular coastal ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. Giant tanks filled with energetic beluga whales, dolphins, and sea otters create an interactive element as you may get splashed by a playful friend! Other parts of the exhibit feature relaxed sea lions and penguins waddling among rocks. 

Underwater Beauty

Underwater Beauty is the aquarium’s newest exhibit. With over 100 species to observe, the display prompts its guests to ask, “What is beauty?” Gaze upon fish representing the colors of the rainbow or see how many different patterns you can find (the spotted lagoon jellyfish is a favorite). Not able to make it to the aquarium? Catch a live stream of the Underwater Beauty exhibit on the aquarium’s website.

Wild Reef

With over 400,000 gallons of water and 540 species, the Wild Reef tank is filled with color and motion everywhere you look. Sharks, stingrays, and eels peacefully wade through the vibrant waters. The largest public display of live corals in the Midwest, the Wild Reef exhibit also gives a peek into Shedd’s work in restoring coral reefs worldwide.

Amazon Rising

When the Amazon experiences flooding each year, the whole forest transforms into a new kind of ecosystem. Learn how tiger rays and catfish swim amongst the trees and how emerald tree boas track down their next meal. Explore the ever-changing world of anacondas, spiders, poisonous dart frogs, and crocodiles in the wild forests of the Amazon.

Waters of the World

The Waters of the World exhibit features the unique ecosystems of islands, rivers, the Great Lakes, and oceans. Discover the immense variety of aquatic life and the waters that sustain them. From alligators and turtles to seahorses and bass, in this exhibit, the fish native to the Great Lakes have just stepped away from an octopus native to the Pacific ocean.

Featured Image: Shedd Aquarium

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Are you all excited about the Chicago Air & Water Show returning this weekend? We sure are! If this is your first time going, or simply want to double check your travel plans, head over to the ten viewing tips for a smooth experience. However, if you’re one to live life to the fullest and decide to turn your weekend agenda up a notch… Here are the best Air and Water Show Viewing spots this year so you can get the best look, tastiest food, and the coolest crowd during the show!

Image Credit: Chicago Fireboat

111 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

Special Air & Water Show cruises will be from 11 am – 2:30 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for kids and are still available for anyone looking to experience the show a little differently this year.

1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Views of the Chicago Air and Water Show don’t get any better than at Offshore Rooftop, the world’s largest rooftop deck as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and one of Chicago’s most exciting hotspots located at Navy Pier! Spots are running out quickly, so, you better get yours from their website today!

Image Credit: City Experiences

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

If you’re looking for a view right from the water itself, why not set sail throughout the Air & Water Show weekend with a luxury cruise? City Cruises Chicago is offering several options during the live shows on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21. Located at the ports of Navy Pier, City Cruises’ rooftop deck access allows patrons unbeatable views of the show straight from the water. With a delicious buffet menu, DJ entertainment, and a first-row seat to the show, City Cruises is the place to be during this historic event’s grand return! Tickets are available here.

Enjoy the show from the comfort of your own room. Experience Chicago from a brand new perspective, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan and the City’s famed skyline. Capitalize on this amazing hotel and experience Chicago from a brand-new perspective with an exclusive front-row seat to the iconic Air and Water show soaring by the Pier.

Avoid the crowds by booking one of Sable’s corner guestrooms for the ultimate viewing party all from the comfort of your room. These suites are extremely limited and will book quickly during the action-packed weekend.

1603 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60610

Beach, sunshine, lobster rolls, and frozen drinks! Wrap up your summer on a high note at Shore Club’s Air & Water Show viewing party this weekend! Tickets include entry to shore club’s patio & restaurant. Guests will enjoy a premium open bar from 10am-2pm, frozen cocktails, a bloody mary bar and shore club’s signature beachside brunch.

Reserve your spot here.

Featured Image: Sable at Navy Pier

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If you’re reading this and happen to be the guy I dated from Logan Square: you’re the worst. But, if you’re anyone but him, we’re back! Our revamped neighborhood dating guide started in Lincoln Park. Now, we’re heading west of I-90 to Logan Square.

With tons of to-dos lining Milwaukee and Fullerton avenues, making a plan for a fun first date in Logan Square is a breeze! Plus, if the date goes south and your partner starts talking about their weird hobbies (oh, you play Quidditch on the weekends), there’s tons of public transportation for an easy exit. 

Before the weather officially turns for the season, plan a date to Logan Square for lively bars, delicious restaurants, and activities at every corner. There is no better time than the Fall to find someone special to keep you warm through the winter.

2700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Owen & Engine is one of those date spots that will pique your interest and then have you captivated enough to turn your dinner into a night-cap as you dive deeper into your conversation and think to yourself, “could this be the one, or do I just need another glass of Pinot Noir?”

Earlier this year, Owen & Engine reopened after shutting down during the pandemic. Now, it is operating better than ever. Featuring cozy leather seating and low ambient lighting, this Logan Square staple pampers diners with an expansive dinner menu ranging from smaller plates to large dishes and everything from beer to bourbon to sip on. If you’re also looking to impress your date by eating at a restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients, you can rest easy knowing that Owen & Engine supports local farms, orchards, and growers to get their food. 

2646 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Ah, a classic date combo: dinner and a movie! When you’re looking for the latest flick with your latest fling, head to the legendary Logan Theatre. This theater opened back in 1915, and found its lasting name in 1922 as the Logan Theatre. Since then, the owners have been dedicated to serving the diverse families of the community. Could anything be more romantic than the smell of fresh, buttery popcorn and sharing a Diet Coke over two straws while you lock your eyes? I don’t think so. 

Aside from movies, the Logan Theatre also hosts open mic nights for aspiring stand-up comedians and movie trivia nights on Tuesdays! For a little extra spice to your movie date, try one of the Late Nights at the Logan, where movies start at 11 PM, and the drinks are stiff. Shot of Malort, anyone?

2236 N Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Is your date super sweet? Take them for dessert! As we move toward the end of summer, we need to take advantage of the weather and the sweet treats as much as possible. That said, there’s probably nothing more perfect for a late summer day than a cold and tangy Italian ice.

There is a flavor for everyone with flavors like classic lemon, tart raspberry, and creamy chocolate. If you’re trying to make the date a little more romantic, order a few flavors and try them each together. They always say, the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and a trip to Miko’s with a potential love interest is sure to wind up in a planned second date, if not a very long first date.

2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Whistler might be one of the coolest places in Chicago for a first date. This cocktail bar/art gallery/record label/venue has literally everything you’re looking for on a date. From the strong drinks to the trendy atmosphere to the people, you’ll find that you and your date will be continuously entertained with no lull in the conversation. With an ever-changing, award-winning cocktail list, you’ll have to follow The Whistler’s Menu Instagram to see what drinks are available each day. 

When you and your date are ready to try something different, check out the events menu. You can always try out a new music genre with a stage and many local artists. If you like country and your date likes blues, you just found your reason to come back to The Whistler and an awesome excuse for a second date! 

2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

For a timelessly perfect date, head to Osteria Langhe. This Italian eatery celebrates tradition, emphasizes slow-cooked meals, and was named one of the Best Italian Restaurants in America by Timeout Magazine in 2017. Here, you can live out all your Lady and the Tramp dreams (you know what I’m talking about) by diving into exquisite pasta dishes, savory crepes, and wines from the Piemonte region of Italy. 

For an extra-special dining experience, try out the “Taste of Piemonte”. This four-course meal is only available on Wednesdays and starts at $55. Wine pairings are an additional $30, but are highly recommended if you want to take away those first date jitters and elevate your dining experience.

Featured Image: The Whistler

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The NFL preseason is well underway which means there’s plenty of Chicago Bears news to go around these days. From training camp updates, injury alerts, NFL Top 100 list announcements, and preseason game breakdowns, not a day goes by without some Bears news to fill our football cravings. 

Today, we’re going all-in on the Monsters of the Midway as we look to recap what’s happening with the team as the 2022 NFL season inches closer!

Roquan Smith Updates

The ongoing contract battle between linebacker Roquan Smith and the front office has been the focal piece of Chicago Bears news lately.

Last week, the two-time All-Pro had requested a trade after extension talks stalled. In a statement released to NFL Media, Smith noted that the offer from the Bears was not only bad for himself, but the entire linebacker market. He claims the Bears aren’t negotiating in good-faith, which is always concerning to hear considering he’s one of the best guys on the roster.

As of late, teams were notified by the league that a non-NFLPA-certified agent had been contacting teams on behalf of Roquan Smith to gauge trade interest for the player. This is a big no-no in the league’s eyes as Smith represents himself and he hasn’t received the Bears’ permission to seek a trade. While Smith is unlikely to be punished for it, it’s something to keep an eye on as negotiations continue.

Bears Win Preseason Game

Now on to some lighter Chicago Bears news. On Sunday, the team walked away from their first preseason game with a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite trailing 14-0 at the end of the first half, the team scored 19 unanswered points to secure the dub.

While the starting offense didn’t generate any points, that isn’t to say they didn’t show some positive flashes in the first half. Second-year quarterback, Justin Fields, went 4/7 on 48 yards with his arm. At one point, he even took off for a 10-yard scramble. However, the biggest takeaway from watching Fields play again has to be that he looks more comfortable in year two. It’s definitely a positive considering he’s under a new regime, but some Bears’ reporters think he looks a little too comfortable out there.

Another positive piece of Bears’ news from preseason game 1 involves rookie safety Jaquan Brisker, who the team selected in the second round of this year’s draft. He’s been having an incredible training camp thus far, and continued that with a strong performance against Kansas City that should bode well for our confidence in him.

NFL Top 100 Nods

Our last piece of Chicago Bears news we’ll touch on also occurred over the past weekend. Like they do every year, NFL Network started to release their Top 100 Players of 2022 list on Sunday.

Players 100 through 51 were named right away, and over the next few weeks, the remaining 50 players will be announced. But, for guys 100-51, the Bears ended up with two players on the list!

The first player for the Bears came in at #98 with running back David Montgomery. After three seasons in the NFL, Montgomery has totaled 24 touchdowns, seven of which came last season. His scoring and pass-catching capabilities are a big reason he made the cut, and we hope that Matt Eberflus can gameplan a bit more for his receiving skills than before.

The next guy from Chicago who made the NFL Network’s Top 100 list shouldn’t come to anyone’s surprise: Roquan Smith. Smith was ranked #84 on the list, and managed to beat out the most recent Super Bowl MVP in Von Miller at #93. Heading into his fifth season, Smith has come up with 14 career sacks and 524 tackles. He has one interception to his name, which we saw last season, and it resulted in a 53-yard return for a touchdown. If all goes well, we have no reason not to believe that he will continue to climb the list over the years as the leader of the Bears defense!

Featured Image Credit: Chicago Bears Instagram

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After COVID quashed touring for much of 2020 and 2021, we seem to have collectively agreed that anyone celebrating a significant album anniversary could do their victory lap whenever they damn well pleased. Of course, Berlin-based Canadian musician and artist Merrill Nisker has never asked for or needed anyone’s permission, not even before she dropped her 2000 debut album as Peaches on the indie scene 20 (ahem) years ago. The Teaches of Peaches stood out for its unrelenting sexual frankness and became one of the defining documents of the electroclash boom of the late 90s and early 00s; “Fuck the Pain Away” and “AA XXX” straddled the underground and mainstream to make dance floors in clubs of every caliber horny and hazardous. Defiantly filthy, sly, and playful, The Teaches of Peaches was a statement for a generation shaped by riot grrrl, homocore, and Queer Nation. Move over, cock rock—the clit is it.

Peaches has continued to push boundaries in her songwriting and in finding new ways to combine her passions for music, performance, and sexual freedom. In Berlin in 2010, she debuted her one-woman show Peaches Christ Superstar (a stripped-down spin on the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that’s as loving and earnest as it is campy and subversive), and in 2012 she released the semi-autobiographical musical Peaches Does Herself. She also sells a signature massage oil via her website. Her sixth and most recent full-length, Rub (2015), features guest appearances by the likes of Kim Gordon and Feist, and it’s as raunchy as anything Peaches has done, holding its business open like a sheela-na-gig—she refuses to fade into invisibility and decorous middle age. Last year, she took on the pandemic and U.S. politics with the hilarious single “Pussy Mask” (Third Man), which she released with a ridiculously fun animated video that has to be seen to be believed.

On her Teaches of Peaches anniversary tour, Peaches performs the record in its entirety with a jaw-dropping visual spectacle. Twenty-plus years since its release, the album doesn’t just hold up as entertainment—I’d argue it’s more important than ever. Peaches lit the torch for so many artists who’ve emerged since, and the hysterical overreaction to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 hit “WAP” proves her music still has the capacity to shock. Right-wing culture warriors will always attack reproductive autonomy, protections for sex workers, and the right of self-determination for everyone across the gender spectrum, but with her message to live freely, authentically, and sexually in one’s own body, Peaches drowns that shit out.

  Peaches Sophie Powers opens. Sun 8/21, 9 PM, Metro, 3730 N. Clark, $35-$149, 18+

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Phone sex numbers are the quickest way to connect with adults in sexy conversation. When you’re in the mood to have a sizzling conversation with a stranger, there are so many numbers to choose from. Some numbers are chat lines, which introduce you to like-minded people in your area. Others are classic numbers with professional operators.

Whichever version of phone sex you crave, there are plenty of numbers available. Instead of spending all the time dialing, trying to figure out which number is worth your time, we’ve compiled a list of the best phone sex numbers available. And yes, all of these numbers offer free trials. Technically, you can call each of these lines, use the trial, and enjoy totally free!

The numbers in the table below are the cream of the crop. The remaining phone numbers are below the table. Call them all!

Best Free Phone Sex Numbers in 2022

RankBrandPhone NumberFree TrialBest For1.1-800-PHONESEX1-800-PHONESEX5 minutesBest overall number2.LiveLinks1-855-948-478860 minutesRunner-up best3.1-800 Sex Chat1-800-375-22235 minutesBest late night callers4.1-844 Phone Sex1-844-746-63735 minutesMost experienced PSOs5.Taboo Chat1-855-50-TABOO5 minutesBest for chatting taboo topics6.Phone Sex Chat Line1-844-955-011530 minutesBest day time number7.Free Chat Girls1-866-995-533130 minutesBest free trial8.Nightline1-877-834-404460 minutesRunner-up best late night number9.Night Exchange1-866-917-832860 minutesBest for first time callers10.Talk To Me1-800-452-606730 minutesBest mainstream number11.Jet Doll1-800-538-365530 minutesBest for diverse PSOs

Here are even more phone sex numbers that offer free minutes categorized by type:

Late NightDesire’s Chat: 1-888-598-83361-800-SEXTALK: 1-800-SEX-TALKAdult Talk: 1-833-937-ADULTNight Exchange: 1-866-917-83281-800-SEX-LINE: 1-800-739-5463Sexy Live Connections: 1-800-317-4475FreeChatGirls: 1-866-995-5331Redhot Dateline: 1-877-626-8194Two Talked: 1-800-963-7792Nightline: 1-877-834-4044Night Exchange: 1-866-917-8328

PartyCollege Party Line: 1-888-598-3927Girls Party Line: 1-800-307-2625Girls Flirt Free: 1-800-364-4757

KinkExotic Chat Line: 1-888-633-9453Adam and Eve Chat: 1-800-278-5181Kink Connections: 1-855-949-KINKTalk Dirty Chat Line: 1-800-410-2742Kinky Convo: 1-855-936-KINK

LatinaHot Latinas Chat: 1-800-309-9388Beeper Love: 1-855-972-7944Axxess Latino: 1-702-966-2200Hot Latinas Chat: 1-800-309-9388

BlackBlack Phone Chat: 1-800-319-7277Yummyvibe: 1-888-907-0202Howl Line: 1-888-655-6366

Here are in-depth reviews of our top 10 picks:

1. 18000 PHONESEX: Oldest and most reliable phone sex experience – 1-800-746-6373

1-800-PHONESEX has been in operation since the 1980’s and it continues to deliver the most quality, authentic phone sex experience. You speak to paid operators, but these girls know what they’re doing. They guide you through your fantasies and get you off in no time. The free 5 minutes goes by quickly, but the per minute price of $.89/min is reasonable compared to other numbers on the market.

2.  Livelinks: Runner-up best phone sex number – 1-855-948-4788

Livelinks is the number one erotic chat line in the U.S. and Canada, making it the ultimate breeding ground for an intense pleasurable experience. You never have to wonder if you’ll be connected with someone on Livelinks because the number is ringing off the hook constantly. You can enjoy some free phone sex by taking advantage of their free trial, but just know that there’s a good chance you’ll get hooked. The packages are affordable, though, and the raunchy sex chat you’ll be having with hot locals is pretty much priceless.

3.  1-800 Sex Chat: Classic number – 1-800-375-2223

1-800 Sex Chat is a classic sex line number that connects you with live actresses. These women are professionals, so they know how to get you off. These experienced gems are interested in talking about anything and everything you can fathom. No fetish is too kinky, no kink too naughty. You will be asked early on for credit card information (whereas other lines on this list let you have a few free minutes before paying up). If you are wary about the lack of free trial, you can check out the numerous positive reviews online of 1-800 Sex Chat from guys who have called in and had great experiences with the people on the line.

4.  1-844 Phone Sex: The name says it all – 1-844-746-6373

This phone sex number does offer a free trial, but it’s very short (only five minutes). That said, 1-844 Phone Sex is a unique one on this list because it’s the one most similar to a classic late night number. There are so many sizzling conversations to be had on this line with the experienced women who run the show. 1-844 Phone Sex will ask you for payment information pretty early on, so that’s one of the only qualms we have with this number. What we can tell you is that an experience over at this phone sex line is always satisfying and often exceeds our expectations!

5.  Taboo Chat: Discuss your kinks – 1-855-50-TABOO

Taboo Chat is an adult fantasy line for people who want to share their erotic fantasies with each other. This phone sex number is unique because it gives you the chance to choose from fetish categories, such as bondage chat, voyeurism chat, and more. It advertises itself as a safe place where people can talk about their “forbidden fantasies” and secret sexual desires. Many callers choose to remain anonymous on this line because it makes them feel more comfortable expressing their most vulnerable secrets to strangers. Discretion and privacy is taken very seriously over at Taboo Chat.

6.  Phone Sex Chat Line: Perfect chat line/phone sex hybrid – 1-844-955-0115

This number doubles as a chat line, making it the perfect place to dish your naughty fantasies to a local stranger. Everyone who calls Phone Sex Chatline is there because they want naughty phone chat, so there’s no guessing when you call this erotic line. Women can call this number for free, but men will have to pay to chat with someone live. However, before paying, men are able to send hot messages to other members and see who finds them appealing. This can be a good way to decide whether or not Phone Sex Chat Line is right for you.

7.  Free Chat Girls: Affordable – 1-866-995-5331

Free Chat Girls is not an entirely free phone sex number. It does offer a free trial if you choose to give it a test run. Free Chat Girls is an older number, but it’s one that is used pretty frequently. You can choose from different fetishes, fantasies, ethnicities, and experiences. They have an option to call a Phone Sex Virgin, but we are a little skeptical as to how new these girls really are to this world. They are good at acting very innocent, though, if that’s the sort of thing you’re into. You can also call a local city number if you want to talk to someone who is not a PSO. These are just horny locals who want to engage in naughty chat with a stranger!

7.  Nightline: Kinkiest callers – 1-877-834-4044

Nightline lets callers connect with each other for erotic or more hardcore sexual conversation. They have a customizable feature that makes it stand out from other lines. When you dial into Nightline, you have the option to select a chat category to make finding like-minded matches easier. Their name might have you believing that you can only call at night, but Nightline is available to users 24/7. Whenever you are in the mood, Nightline will be there for you. We will admit though that both the quantity and quality of callers improve as it gets later into the night. New users can enjoy a free trial.

9.  Night Exchange: Best for extreme kink – 1-866-917-8328

Night Exchange is an adult line that allows you to flirt with hot local singles, 24/7. There are peak hours that usually fall between 8 PM and 1 AM. The line itself connects you to flirty individuals who want to talk about their kinks to you. But if you hop onto their website, you’ll find that Night Exchange allows other forms of communication like direct messages. Plus, you can search by fetish on their homepage to find people who are into the same kinks as you.

10..  Talk To Me: Most unique options – 1-800-452-6067

This effective phone sex number has a unique model that tons of folks love. They offer a large variety in terms of communication methods. From calls, to cams, from texts, to Skype, there are endless ways to use Talk To Me. The women you will speak with are all rated (from one to five stars) by other callers, which gives you a chance to request only the best partner for your phone fun. Each has their own fantasies that they love to talk about. If their kinks match yours, give it a go. Customers usually report that Talk To Me is high quality.

11  1-800 Jet Doll: Seasoned professionals – 1-800-538-3655

Jet Doll has been in operation for more than 20 years now, giving it major chops in the phone sex industry. Though the webpage appears to be out of date, the line has managed to keep up with the times after all these years. When you dial the Jet Doll number, a rep will answer to set you up with your phone sex session. The women of Jet Doll are professionals, so this won’t be your run-of-the-mill phone chat experience with a local hottie. People who prefer Jet Doll to other platforms enjoy that there’s no question that the Jet Doll girls know what they are doing, and know how to do it well. They can satisfy any kink or fetish you can come up with, all directly through the phone.

How To Act on A Call

You might be nervous about your call, but there’s nothing to be worried about. When you call into these lines, you will be connected with people who are also down to have phone sex with you. There’s no need to fear rejection because whether the person is an operator or a local like you, they all know why they’re on the phone in the first place. As far as how to behave, acting respectful is key. Ask questions if you want to know what turns your phone sex partner on and tell them about your fantasies. When you are describing kinky things, try to be imaginative and descriptive. This will enhance the world of imagination that you’re creating on the line.

Phone Sex FAQs

Should I call a classic phone sex number or a chat line?Some folks love their old school lines. These are lines that you dial into. The person on the other line is a professional who is willing to talk about whatever you’re into! Meanwhile, chat lines connect you with regular people in your area. A late night line might not connect you to phone sex experts, but they will lend themselves to a more genuine and meaningful experience. It’s also exhilarating to meet new people over a sexy chat line. Plus, there’s always a chance to meet up in real life with the person you’ve met on a chat line. Other phone sex numbers don’t offer that possiblity. More than that, chat lines usually offer much longer free phone sex trial periods.

Is it possible to have phone sex for free?

Free phone sex is just a phone call away! The reason why it’s possible to have phone sex for free is because sex chat lines almost always offer free trials. There are always going to be so many numbers out there for you to try, so when you’ve used up your free minutes at one line, hop onto another! Each number offers a different amount of free minutes. Some lines only allow you to message other users with those minutes rather than chat with a live person. This is why free phone sex is possible, but can be tedious if you decide you never want to pay for your time.

What should I expect when calling a phone sex number?When you call a number for phone sex, you will be introduced to someone who works for the line or matched with other locals. Initially, you’ll be prompted to follow some basic instructions that will inform you on how to get started. Prepare for the automated voice on the line to be sultry and dramatic. On a sex chat line, you’ll have the chance to record a greeting and listen to other greetings. That’s how you’ll decide who you want to talk to! Let them know you’re interested by sending them a message or connecting live on the line!

Are phone sex numbers safe?There is a lot to consider when calling a phone sex line. You might worry about how it appears on your bill, fear for your privacy, or wonder if your conversations are being recorded. The lines on this list are discreet, private, and allow anonymity if that’s what you choose. They are usually run by large companies who make your safety a priority. They have reputations to uphold and don’t want to compromise that by compromising your security. Sex lines also often utilize secure billing systems and toll-free numbers (which are untraceable).

What kind of people call sex lines?People just like you! Tons and tons of people call phone sex numbers. They are often normal folks who are looking to spice up their sex lives. Phone sex is one of the quickest, easiest, and safest ways to do that with new people.

How Do Free Trial Sex Lines Work?

Most sex lines operate in the same fashion. The steps laid out for you below are applicable to most erotic chat line numbers.

State your chat line name: Most people want to remain anonymous on sex lines, so they’ll make up a nickname or pseudonym for the call.Start your free trial: You will be instructed on how to begin using your free trial.Record a greeting: A greeting is a quick recorded blurb about you. You can use your greeting as an opportunity to state what you are into and looking for. If another caller is into the same things you are, they’ll likely connect with you.Match, message, meet: Once you record your greeting, you can listen to other greetings. Send users messages or meet them live for an erotic phone chat!

Safety Tips:

Phone sex is a thrilling experience. And, for the most part, it’s one of the safest ways to have sexual contact with someone you don’t already know. However, there are always risks involved with trying new things. That’s why you should always keep these safety tips in mind when calling a phone sex line:

Don’t share personal information.

This is the most important safety tip of all. Do not reveal identifying information about yourself to strangers on phone sex lines. That information includes but isn’t limited to: your full name, your banking information, your home address, social security number, or personal facts. You are speaking to someone on the line who you’ve never met before. There is no reason why they’d need any of this information.

Talk about your boundaries.

Phone sex requires consent from both parties. While calling a late night number implies that you are interested in having phone sex, it doesn’t tell your partner what your sexual boundaries are. Perhaps there is language you find offensive or subjects you don’t want to talk about. Be vocal about your boundaries so that your partner knows how to respect them.

Hang up if you feel uncomfortable.

Some bad apples can ruin it for everyone. Don’t let a bad person ruin your phone sex experience. If someone is being abusive to you on the line, you have the right to block that person, hang up, or report them to the phone sex company.

Trust your intuition.

If your gut is telling you that something isn’t right, trust that feeling. No amount of phone sex is ever worth jeopardizing your safety. Plus, there are always so many callers to choose from. It’s easy to hang up on someone who is making you feel strange and have it with someone else.

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Last Sunday, stuffed with antibiotics, numbed by painkillers, and facing a date with an oral surgeon the next morning, I made my way to the International Museum of Surgical Science for an artist’s talk by James R. Wilke.

It’s not the best way to visit this unique repository for the medical devices of yesteryear, but it did result in heightened attention to the skulls of folks who had their headaches cured by drilling holes in them, braces straight out of medieval torture chambers, and mural-sized artworks commemorating antique C-sections and amputations, blood and all. This very interesting place, housed in a 1917 landmark mansion on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is not for the faint of heart.

“Pox Americana”Through 8/28 at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-5 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-5 PM, imss.org, $18 ($14 seniors, students, educators, and military with ID, $10 children 4-13, children under 3 free)

Wilke, a multifaceted artist—actor, singer, composer, lyricist, puppeteer, director (with a regional Emmy on his résumé), producer, miniaturist—but primarily a writer, was the museum’s spring artist-in-residence this year. Sunday’s lecture (served up with wine and a demonstration of his mellifluous baritenor) was the capstone event of his residency projects, which included the completion of a play, a novel, and the creation of an exhibit, with smallpox as a common focus. The exhibit, “Pox Americana,” up through August 28, occupies two rooms of the museum. On the main floor, it consists of a series of handsome text panels laying out the long, global history of the disease. The second room, up three flights of stairs and through a warren of galleries on the fourth floor, has more text panels, fleshed out with art and artifacts like 19th-century etchings making it clear that anti-vaxxers are nothing new.  

The parallels to COVID were top of mind from the beginning, Wilke says, though he aimed for viewers to come to that conclusion themselves: “I didn‘t want to hit them over the head with it.” But he had no way of knowing, when he started work on the residency projects in February, that another virus would soon make the subject of smallpox directly relevant.

That’s because there’s no vaccine exclusively developed for MPV, which both the World Health Organization and the Biden administration have declared a public health emergency. The two used for it are smallpox vaccines. And of those two, ACAM2000, which the U.S. had stockpiled in mass quantity, turned out to not be the safest for the population with the most monkeypox cases so far—men who have sex with men, a significant number of them dealing with HIV.

The other vaccine, Jynneos—which requires a two-shot regimen, 28 days apart—is suddenly in such high demand and short supply that, earlier this month, the U.S. government authorized cutting the dose to one-fifth of what it had been. The reduced dosage is said to be effective if injected in the skin instead of the layer of fat beneath it—a procedure also said to be more difficult to execute.

In his talk last weekend, Wilke said smallpox, which we know has been around since roughly 10,000 BC, “may have been the most deadly disease in human history,” decimating America’s Indigenous population and killing a half billion people in just the final 100 years of its long reign. Thanks to vaccination, WHO declared the world free of it in 1980, making it, Wilke says, “the first-ever globally eradicated human disease.”  

Wilke’s other residency projects include a young adult novel, Spiritania, intended to be the first in a series (it’ll have a launch at the museum November 17), and a play he wrote that’s an adaptation of Toni Morrison’s 2008 novel, A Mercy. Wilke, who once gave up a life in art for a career as a CPA, noted that Morrison’s story, set in the 17th century, tells of Africans in America who brought with them the knowledge of inoculation—the introduction of a small amount of matter from a smallpox pustule into the bloodstream—the technique that eventually led to the invention of vaccines.

But with the eradication of smallpox in the 20th century, routine vaccination for it was abandoned. The result: several generations of humanity more vulnerable than their grandparents to monkeypox.

In June, when Wilke had to finalize his text for this exhibit, he had a question: “Are we on the cusp of yet another serious pandemic from monkeypox?” He didn’t foresee, he says now, how quickly whatever he wrote then would be out of date.

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A guard came to my cell this morning and asked me if I wanted to hear a joke. Without waiting for me to reply, he said “women’s rights,” and burst out laughing.

I didn’t find it very funny at all.

June 24 was a sad day in the history of our country. The day they overturned Roe v. Wade, the day they took away an established constitutional right. They didn’t change it, they didn’t curtail it, they simply . . . took it away. Anytime our rights are stripped from us, it should be concerning to every American.

It’s the Supreme Court that’s the joke! Politics isn’t supposed to have any place in law. When you become a justice of the Supreme Court, you’re no longer a Republican or a Democrat; your duty isn’t to one party, but to the law. Previously, the Supreme Court struck down a New York law restricting concealed weapons, saying in part that “no state can make a law restricting a constitutional protection.” Then, they turn around and do the exact opposite, saying it’s up to the states to do away with constitutional protections altogether! How can you trust this Court? It’s not the Supreme Court of the United States; it’s the Republican Supreme Court.

We are hearing that these justices are originalists, which means that they take the Constitution literally, and hold only to what is in the original document. That view is extremely shortsighted, and ignores the fact that our Constitution was written 250 years ago. The country has grown and evolved, the population has grown, our morals have evolved (for some of us), so why do we insist on sticking dogmatically to the originality of 250 years ago? It seems counterintuitive that our country can evolve but our beliefs can’t.

Let me be clear: I am pro-choice. I think that a woman has the right to do with her body what she chooses. It’s not my personal business, and it certainly isn’t the government’s business! Some people feel differently, and that’s fine; in America we are all entitled to our own opinions. But one of the biggest problems I have with the pro-life movement is that it’s fundamentally a Christian religious belief. According to the very Constitution they so love to hold to, there is supposed to be separation of church and state. There are many people in this country who are not Christians, and they shouldn’t be forced to live according to the Court’s religious dictates.

The reasoning of the Supreme Court to overturn Roe was that the right to abortion was not expressly written in the Constitution, and therefore it isn’t a right! It’s a ridiculous line of reasoning. There are many rights we have that are not expressly written into the Constitution. The Constitution itself makes allowances for that. The Ninth Amendment states, “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” But in its opinion overturning Roe, the Supreme Court is effectively saying that if a right isn’t written into the Constitution, you don’t have it.

In recent weeks, states have made their true intentions known. It’s not just abortion rights that are affected. States have proposed, passed, or implemented many restrictions that go beyond abortion: banning mail-order medication, criminalizing sharing information about abortion, and even banning librarians from using the word “abortion” in conversations with patrons. In some states, fellow citizens have been formally empowered, offered bounties, or afforded whistleblower protections for helping enforce abortion laws. This legalizes the stalking and harassment of pregnant women and medical personnel.

Most people aren’t familiar with the Comstock Act. This was federal legislation that was instituted in the 1870s. The act outlawed not just contraception but literature that contained information on preventing pregnancies. These laws actually led to raids on bookstores! Rights to privacy and free expression guaranteed by the First Amendment were considered “secondary rights” behind the right of the government to control women’s reproductive choices. With Roe overturned, we may see similar laws back on the books.

America is becoming an Orwellian “Big Brother” state. The force of law protects people who watch you, restricts your movements and even your conversations. All we’re waiting for now is a Bureau of Abortion Investigation to kick doors in. Make no mistake, it’s coming.

A class of women not often talked about are those detained in jails and prisons. We all know the horrible case of the ten-year-old rape victim in Ohio who was forced to go to another state in order to have an abortion. Incarcerated women have nowhere they can go. Barriers to abortion access in the community are amplified among women who are incarcerated. Abortions are already more difficult to obtain for people of color, those living in rural areas, and low-income individuals—and many of these same people are more likely to be incarcerated.

Access to abortion during Roe v. Wade was severely limited anyway; now, post-Roe, pregnant women in jails and prisons across the country will be forced to continue unwanted pregnancies, facing harsh birthing conditions from being shackled while giving birth, to receiving poor prenatal care.

“Denying incarcerated women access to abortion, and thereby conscripting them to carry pregnancies while being incarcerated, subjects them to, depending on where they are, potentially unsafe and harmful conditions,” Carolyn Sufrin, a researcher and associate professor of gynecology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told NBC News in June. “This makes the case for why we shouldn’t be incarcerating pregnant women in the first place, if we’re conscripting them to conditions where they will have no say in their pregnancies and limited abilities to access the care that they need.”

There are women in jail who have been raped, and others who have been raped while they were in custody. In states where abortions are illegal, women will be forced to carry their rapists’ babies to term. People don’t often think about abortion as connected to criminal justice, when oftentimes, incarcerated people are ground zero for having their rights stripped away.

“[T]heir rights are going to stand or fall with the rights of the people in the state who aren’t incarcerated,” Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, deputy director of the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, told NBC News. “If there’s no federal protection, if there’s no state constitutional protections, and a state makes it illegal, that’s probably going to be the end of it.”

This is why it’s more important than ever that we vote. We need to codify Roe v. Wade, and do the same for same-sex marriage. We need to stem the tide of these “Big Brother”-type laws, or this may just be the beginning of the end for many of our rights!

Anthony Ehlers is a writer incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center who contributes a regular column to the Reader.

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