What I’ve learned

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

Never take a “saved” shoveled parking spot in Chicago, no matter what anyone thinks or says.

Sam’s Red Hot Dogs on Armitage and Western is still the best and cheapest place in town for a dog and fries. Plus, they don’t even carry ketchup.

The Local Option’s Wednesday trivia night is the best in the city.

Wrigleyville is too saturated with bars and restaurants.

Keith Magnuson and Pierre Pilote were two of the greatest Chicago Blackhawks of all time and their No. 3 jerseys should be retired.

Aldermen will only help people who bring money into their ward or pockets; apartment renters BEWARE!
— Butch Brzeski

If you’re looking for a fun, unique group outing, check out Whirlyball on Fullerton (they also have suburb locations). Whirlyball basically merges lacrosse, hockey and basketball while driving a bumper car. It’s great to play with a group of friends and you can hack away with your racket at their arms (though this may cause fights, just a warning). The facility also offers a variety of games such as laser tag, video games and pool tables all in a sports bar-type atmosphere.
— Mark Schwalenberg

It doesn’t matter how many male friends you are out with, if a guy is drunk enough and has big enough balls, he’ll hit on you anyway.

Sometimes being a guy’s girl opens wonderful doors (and windows) in the dating world. Especially if you are a Cubs fan!!!

Fashion and Chicago winters don’t usually mix. Slush + heels = bad news.
— Sarah Jane

I’ve learned not to be nice when trying to get on the El because no one else is! If you don’t push your way on, you’ll never get anywhere (especially given how long you have to wait for a train to begin with)!
— Tracy Bieniasz

Wintertime Chicago faves: Raw Bar in Wrigleyville has the best wintertime soup — crawfish soup. Warm, spicy and delicious... a meal in itself. Cullen’s has the warmest atmosphere with the best lighting (always festive) and great bartenders! Rose Angelis is the perfect cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant — where you ALWAYS have leftovers.

Only the strong of character (or bored as hell) are willing to brave the weather to go out to bars. I meet the best/nicest people in the winter! Chicago bars with fireplaces are like beer gardens in the summer: much more crowded and the place to be!

No matter how you weatherproof your shoes/boots, in Chicago, you will always have salt stains.
— Sara Vinson

I learned that you always need a shovel in your trunk so you can dig out your car. If you don’t have one, kicking the snow with your foot works just as well.
— Jenny Lund

There is no higher rule of law than the lawn-chair-saving-the-shoveled-out-parking-space. If you violate this law, the consequences for you will be dire!

Your Big Ten alma mater is well represented here. There are plenty of places for you to watch the game with your fellow alumni.
— Paul Banks

The RedEye is on every street corner, even the side streets. There are WAY more copies of this available than the public actually demands.

Time Out Chicago doesn’t really have a lot of articles in it.
— Daniel Bonderman

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to own a shovel. I’ve never seen a snowdrift that four wheels and some irrational hope couldn’t handle.

The childish excitement of snow days does not go away with age.
— C.S.

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