What I’ve learned

Living in Chicago, this is what I’ve learned...Living in Chicago, this is What I’ve Learned...

Some of the best restaurants in the city are BYOB. Bringing your own is a perfect way to be sure you’ll enjoy the wine as well as the company. And if you’re looking for a good BYOB, Caro Mio, on Ravenswood and Wilson, has some of the best Italian food in the city. It’s a great place for dates or for groups, but call ahead on weekend nights.

The Art Smart program at Loyola University Museum of Art or the First Fridays at the MCA are great ways to meet people, have a drink and see some art at the same time.
— Karin Kane

Don't step in puddles, they may not all be rain water.

Essentials for living in the city: headphones and sunglasses.

Cab drivers are friendly, do know their way around the city and have one of the hardest jobs in town.
— Megan Zimmerman

I learned that buses and trains smell better when you do.
— Dan Ochwat

When you leave a bar, check to see where you’re at before hopping into a cab. A $3.00 fare is embarrassing.
— Brian Sesterhenn

When the UPS guys deliver their packages, they don't just knock on the door. They holler up and down the street.

When exiting an alley, honk your horn to alert pedestrians.
— Elizabeth McLean

If you want a hotdog without “salad” on it, you have to order it special.
— Karen Friberg
 
Not everyone who asks for money to ride the bus is really going to ride the bus.
— Sarah Hamilton

I’ve learned that La Bamba’s burritos are equally as popular during the wee morning hours here as they were in college.
— Vince Samford

Two toe surgeries and $1,200 in medical bills have taught me that you should remain at least five feet away from any woman wearing high heels in the Wrigely Field bleacher concession lines.
— Scott Graham

The Purple line is NEVER on time. If you are on the west side of the loop, hop on the Brown line, take a seat, feel the warmth and read a book.

If you miss that authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich you enjoyed on your trip to Philadelphia, try Philly’s Best on Belmont. It is pretty darn close to the real thing.

As of 2/14/06, parking in the back lot of Bally’s on Clyborn is free seven days a week.
— Erin Florczak

The gallery district at Superior and Franklin (right off of the Chicago Brown line stop) is a great and inexpensive date idea. There are dozens of art galleries, specializing in different genres and media, that showcase up-and-coming and established artists. You and your date can take a few hours to stroll through each one (all entry is free), and then have a wonderful meal a few blocks away at Cafe Iberico (best tapas and sangria in town!). There are also some great little bars around the area (Brehon Pub, Blue Frog). And the El is your ride home. I bet you’d spend no more than $40 total, or $20 apiece if you go dutch (in which case your date should dump your cheap ass).
— Kathryn Doi

My friend is in a band called “May or May Not,” and they put on a really good show. Look for them at Schuba’s or in the area. I also saw a good band a few weeks ago at House of Blues called “Less Than Jake.”
— Rachel Johnson

If you live in a condo or apartment building with a shared garage, make sure your neighbors always close the garage door after they leave. Items (especially bikes) have a tendency to disappear out of these garages, even if they are locked up with a super heavy-duty chain and indestructible Master Lock, while chained to an immovable post lodged in concrete. Thieves will find a way.
— Dan Miller

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