What I’ve learned

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

If you’ve signed up for the Chicago Sport & Social club or another sports league, check with your favorite bar to see if you can get sponsorsed. Sometimes they’ll pick up part of the registration fee or give your team discounts or money off bar tabs. And make sure to go out after you play, the actual “Social” part is often more fun than the “Sport.” You can make some great friends this way.

City North 14 on Western and Diversey has $5 movies on Tuesday night with free popcorn and free parking. Get to your movie well ahead of time because it can get really crowded.
 — Mark Schwalenberg

If you have a baby in the city, it is key to live in a building with an elevator. Don’t even think about trying to schlep the baby and a stroller up and down several flights of stairs every time you need to go out. And forget about hauling the baby and a bunch of groceries at the same time.

It takes just as long to get downtown from the northside as it does to get downtown from the suburbs. Thankfully, you don’t live in the suburbs.

Anything placed in the alley for garbage pick-up will disappear in under 15 minutes — and it’s not the garbage man. Watch out if you put an old piece of furniture or electronic equipment out there. You will either have people asking you if they can have it before you’ve even set it down, or they will start fighting over it.

Owning a gun in the city of Chicago is illegal. I guess we only follow the parts of the Constitution that we like.
— Amy Miller

Some of those bars with black windows and no sign out front except for a neon Old Style sign aren’t creepy at all. Sometimes, they’re quite charming, a haven away from the annoying bar crowds. Don’t be scared.
— Dan Ochwat

Anyone who’s from this area will claim to be from Chicago even though there is a world of difference between Chicago and Palatine. Also, anyone who grew up in this area thinks you are from “Southern Illinois” if you’re from south of I-80.
— Mace Ponce

Cubs and Sox fans have long since run out of new reasons as to why their team is better than the other, so they’ve each been using the same reasons over and over again for years.

It’s funny how 90 percent of those who call into sports radio shows have nothing interesting to say.
— Vince Samford

The donations at street festivals are optional. As long as you don’t mind getting a dirty look from people collecting money at the gate, do not feel obligated to pay.
— Mike Florczak

If you want to try out some really good beer, brew it yourself. You can find a brew shop at Cortland and Besley Ct., just east of the intersection of Ashland and Cortland.

There’s a little-known killer hot dog stand in the downtown area called Big Herm’s, located at the corner of Washington and the river. Outdoor/riverside seating, greasy food, and a bar attached!

Hands down the best stuffed pizza I have tasted in Chicago (and I’ve tried a lot of places) is at Art of Pizza, a small shop at Ashland and Nelson. Just ask my poker buddies!
— Dan Miller
 
Tips for the House of Blues:
1. There is street parking on State Street just North of the House of Blues after 6 p.m. Get there quick and you’ll save $16.

2. If you want to get a great spot for the show, eat in the restaurant and skip the line. I recommend the shrimp po’ boy.

3. If you’re at an all ages show and want a close view, head to one of the side bars where they only let the 21+ crowd in. The beer is close, and you’re not bumping into sweaty teenagers all night.
— Brian Hertel

If you want a little taste of “old school” Chicago, try Twin Anchors for dinner in Old Town. Sinatra and his crew used to come in there all the time when he was in town, and if he got tied up, he’d send someone to pick up an order for ribs and a huge bucket of sauce. Also, if you ladies liked the movie “Return to Me” with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny, some of it was filmed there.
— Trent Modglin

Got something to contribute to What I’ve Learned? Send it to info@TheRealChicago.org. It better be good.

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