Amy Cavanaugh

Amy Cavanaugh is the dining editor at Chicago magazine and a freelance writer. A Massachusetts native, she specializes in cocktails, food, wine, and travel in Chicago, the greater Midwest and beyond. Her writing appears regularly in Chicago magazine in addition to publications such as Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, Fodor’s and Plate.

Places

To Understand Chicago, Drink at Its Essential Taverns

Ten classic bars that offer the perfect cross section of one of America’s best drinking cities.

story: Amy Cavanaugh
photo: Ricky Kluge

Cocktails

Your Spicy Cocktail’s Secret Weapon

Wasabi brings a pungent, singular heat to coladas, Alexanders and more.

story: Amy Cavanaugh
photo: Simon Simard

Cocktails

We’re In for a Toasted Oat Winter

The pantry staple lends warming, nutty flavor and fuller texture to Espresso Martinis, Old-Fashioneds and more.

story: Amy Cavanaugh
photo: Max Flatow

Obsession

“Cranpari” Your Cosmo

A cranberry-Campari cordial “amps up” this rendition of the modern classic from Portland, Maine’s Room for Improvement.

story: Amy Cavanaugh
photo: Davis Digital

Places

Come for a Brandy Old-Fashioned, Stay for Winslow Wise

At The Caribou Tavern, the longtime bartender does double duty slinging Wisconsin classics and running the legendary griddle.

story: Amy Cavanaugh
photo: Nicole Hansen