What I’ve learned

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

Stereotypes surrounding Chicago neighborhoods are usually true. A Dave Matthews Band t-shirt in Wicker Park? Only ironically. Tank tops and black pants (even in the winter) in Lincoln Park? Only always.

Going to 4 o’clock bars is never a plan. You do not go to them for “a nightcap,” as you might in New York. There are only three reasons to go to them here: you are already drunk; you are already drunk and horny; you need a 12-step program.

If you are not a Cubs fan (especially if you are wearing a shirt bearing another team’s name), it is not a good idea to go to the Cubby Bear. Especially if you are from St. Louis.

We are all at the mercy of the CTA. Saying you’ll meet someone at a certain time or be at work at a certain time is almost always just arough estimate. This can work to your advantage (especially with the latter scenario).
— Jen

Ever heard of the not cleverly named Oak Street Beachstro? Here’s some advice: Don’t ever go. It’s a great location down at the bend on Lake Shore, sure, and romantic by default, I suppose. But that zeal quickly is quashed when they serve you mediocre food at prices that might make Charlie Trotter blush. Totally indifferent service; the waitresses described a few pieces of lettuce as “grilled vegetables.” The drinks — the tastiest part of the meal — were in the $9-11 range and small. One of the worst meals I have had in Chicago.
— Eric Edholm

When driving in Chicago, be prepared to accept the fact that a bicycle rider has the same lane privileges you do while driving your car except for stop lights, four-way intersections, crosswalks, one-way streets, school zones, do not enters.... Does not using gas constitute not ever having to learn the rules of the road?

Whenever you need to be mobile in Chicago, there always seems to be somebody’s wireless network that is not password protected. If not, go find a Starbucks, log on to their network and try their free day pass.

No matter how cheesy it sounds to us Chicagoans, Navy Pier is still the highlight of so many visitors’ trips to Chicago. We recently had different family members in for a wedding, and each group that came to visit wanted to see Navy Pier. Architectual tours, the Shakespeare Theatre, the ferris wheel and the sea dog only get better the second and third time around.
— Jesse Alejos

Never underestimate the Chicago Public Library system. There are many locations, and if your nearest library does not have the particular book you are looking for, they can get it from one of the other locations. If you are a serious book reader, it is a great way to save money.
— Mike Florczak

It’s a safe estimate that at least a third of the people out on the town past 10 p.m. on weeknights in early June are teachers letting loose a little. And judging by the looks of it, they’ve earned it.

Before you leave Chicago for the backyard and white picket fence in the suburbs, you must have a beer at the Old Town Ale House on North Avenue. Trust me on this.
— Trent Modglin

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

Nothing is better than a day game in June at Wrigley field. And you have to have Old Style and smooshed hot dogs to get the full experience!
— Megan Zimmerman

Best commuting move to take up both seats: rhythmic back-and-forth rocking.

Worst commuting move to take up both seats: placing a bag next to you.

Best braciole: Gennaro’s on Taylor Street.

Strongest mixed drinks: Ceres Café in the Chicago Board of Trade Building.

Best Valentine’s Day move: Shaving the beard!

Best sporting event (other than watching the White Sox win the World Series): boxing at Cicero Park District
— Bruce Ellman

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

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