The Short Version

The Chicago Route is a curated, ad-supported local directory and publication. Some of what you see is paid placement — clearly labeled. The editorial coverage, ratings, and rankings are independent of who pays us. We don't trade good reviews for money, ever.

If we recommend a spot, it's because we think it's good. If a spot is sponsored, you'll see a disclosure. The line is bright. We don't blur it.

What We Accept

• Pro tier subscriptions ($10/mo). Businesses pay for enhanced visibility — Hot List inclusion, Partner Rotation, Supporter Spotlight, clickable phone, calendar booking, gallery. None of those buy a higher rating, a better review, or favorable coverage.
• Sponsored placements. Banner ads on the site. Sponsored Pros surfaced in the rotation. All marked as sponsored.
• Pro+Video Package ($150 one-time). We produce a video for the business. The video is theirs to use; we feature it on their profile. Doesn't affect coverage.

What We Don't Do

• Pay-for-positive-coverage. No business pays us to write a good article or boost a rating. Period.
• Hidden affiliate deals. If we link to something we earn from, we say so on the spot.
• Suppress negative coverage for advertisers. A Pro tier business can get a critical mention or a low star rating if it's earned. The money buys placement, not silence.
• Accept free meals or comped tabs for reviewers. Editorial visits are paid out of pocket so reviewers stay honest.

How We Rate

Ratings on The Chicago Route use a four-star scale, one star for each star on the Chicago flag. See the full ratings rubric →

Ratings are an editorial judgment by people who've visited the spot, usually more than once. They reflect the current state of the place and update over time. They're not voted on, not algorithmic, and they're never sold.

Corrections

We make mistakes. When we get a fact wrong, we update the story and note the correction. If you spot something off, let us know — we'd rather fix it than defend it.