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

If you want a “Real Chicago” experience, there is no peer to the Maxwell Street Polish sausage. Try one of these heavenly grease-and-grilled-onion covered sausages topped with mustard at Jim’s Original at 1250 S. Union Street.
— Robert Graczyk

Despite not being that big of a baseball fan, having any hopes for the Cubs this year and turning down multiple offers for free tickets at the end of last season for games, I find myself anxious for the warm, sunny days of sitting out at Wrigley, beer in one hand, foot long in another, watching the Cubs get their ass kicked.

The people at the bars magically appear younger after awhile. Strangely enough, my friends don’t experience this transformation.

Hang in there all you gym regulars, it’s more than two months since New Years, and most of the resolutioners should be quitting right about now. You’ll have your equipment back in no time.

There’s an exhibit called Body Worlds 2 at the Museum of Science & Industry now through April 29th. The first rolled through Chicago a year ago or so and was awesome. It features real bodies injected with a special plastic that preserves the internal body features. It’s surreal to see and an excellent crash course in Anatomy 101.

Wildfire Steakhouse, the bleu cheese crusted filet mignon. Enough said.

If you’re looking for an amazing snack or gift for someone, look no further than Garrett’s popcorn. Scattered across the loop in several locations, this is very likely the best popcorn you’ll ever have in your life. I’ve actually waited in line 40 minutes for a bag of it. It’s that good. My favorite is their cheese flavor, but caramel and regular are great too. There are also plenty of sizes to choose from, ranging from small bags to 6.5 gallon drums.
— Mark Schwalenberg

I’ve learned that in Chicago, no matter what you’ve paid to get in to see live music, there is ALWAYS going to be an obnoxious group of people that are going to talk during a quiet acoustic show. The smaller the venue (Schubas, Uncommon Ground), the louder that group will talk. Never fails.

When you receive a ticket for an expired parking meter in Chicago, always contest it with a letter. I’d say 80 percent of the time, you won’t have to pay (the meters are always broken!).

On Sunday night, the best bar in the city is Cullen’s on Southport. Live music, great bartenders and a lively scene.
— Sara Vinson

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

The Matchbox has the best cosmopolitans in the city, and Oberweis has the best chocolate milkshakes anywhere.
— Michelle Seagraves

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