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

The most worthless occupation ever is the bar bathroom attendant. Seriously, do I really need someone to turn the water on and hand me a paper towel after I’m done using the bathroom? The uncomfortableness of the forced chit-chat is enough to make me want to exit the bar and pee on the side of the building.
— Brian Sesterhenn

When parallel parking in the city and you find a nice, big spot that could fit two cars, make sure that you pull far ahead so that a second car can get in. People get very angry when they’ve been driving around for a long time and see a potential spot that they can’t fit into because the car in that spot left five feet in front of its bumper. Just remember, no matter how nice your car is, it will get scratched, dented and dinged when street parking in the city.

Looking for a good music venue with fair-priced tickets? Then look into the Double Door. They usually have at least a couple popular acts a month and a lot of great local bands just about every night. I’ve seen a lot of good shows there (Evan Dando, Pete Yorn, Local H) and because of its small size, you’re always close to the stage. I recommend that you check out Flickerstick on Saturday, April 21. Tickets are only $12.
— Meredith Franczyk

I have learned that moving to an area like Wicker Park, I wasn’t sure I would like it. But I love the diversity and the lack of prentious people.

My friends from Boston would say they love the street festivals and the Chicagoans they met who made them feel at home.
— Linda

Since this ain’t Texas, you wouldn't think you could get good barbeque here, but there are two good places. SmokeDaddy’s in Bucktown is one, located at 1804 W. Division. The food is great, and the place has outdoor seating during the summer. Another good place is Fat Willy’s Rib Shack, located on Western and Schubert in Logan Square.

Go to a new bar in a different neighborhood at least once a month. It is well worth the cab ride, and it can make the city of Chicago feel big again. Plus, it can get very tiring going to the same places over, and over, and over, and over.
— Mike Florczak

On Tuesday nights at the AMC on Western, it’s just $6 for any movie and free popcorn.
— Lynne Herolt

If you’re looking for a good date place, look no further than Volo on Roscoe just west of Damen. Great wine, service and food pairings and an awesome seating area in the back with cabanas to enjoy on a summer night.
— Sarah

One of Chicago’s most famous sandwhich shops is Perry’s Deli. Located in the loop on Franklin, this place serves great sandwhiches that will push anyone’s stomach to the max. You can barely put your mouth around them they’re that big. It’s a fun place to eat too, as they have trivia questions for free sandwhiches and a very strict rule about no cell phone use. (Go ahead and try, you’ll be sorry you did though.)
— Mark Schwalenberg

Joy’s Noodles has the best Thai food anywhere ... even in Thailand. It’s true! It’s a scientific fact!
— Debbie Podmore

The Wine Discount Center, located on Elston just south of Cortland, has a free tasting of 10 wines featured in their monthly newsletter every Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm. They have a fantastic selection which is usually very affordable. Don’t expect huge pours — your tasting vessel is a tiny plastic cup, like those sauce containers you get from Thai take-out — but a sip or two of 10 wines is enough to lower your defenses and consider “investing” in a number of bottles. And who knows, you may find your new favorite!
— Kathryn Doi

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