What I’ve learned

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

If you think the Cubs’ craze is at a fever pitch now, wait until mid-September. If they still have the best record in baseball then and are relatively injury-free, this city will be in a party mode it hasn’t been in probably since early 1986. And this coming from a Sox fan.

With the winter and spring we had, I’m guessing Lake Michigan will be comfortable to swim in by about the end of August. Unless it’s closed for contamination. Thanks, Milwaukee.

I remember hearing that the city of Chicago has a huge workforce that does nothing but fill potholes every day. Really? Has anyone ever seen these mysterious beings, other than when they take up two lanes on the Kennedy when you’re late to pick someone up at O’Hare?
— Trent Modglin

Always feel the seat before sitting down on an El train or a bus.

The kids who sell M&Ms for their basketball team on Michigan Avenue really don’t play basketball. Don’t feel guilty about not buying any.

The cheese on the famous charbroiled cheddar burgers at the Weiner’s Circle is not really cheese – it’s a mixture of cheese powder and water. You MUST be drunk to eat one of these.
— Chris Condon

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

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

Never rely on a “24-hour bus.”

If you see a girl or guy at a bar you think you might be into, talk to them immediately. Because you’ll probably never see them again.

Staying awake while drinking at a bar until 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning is hard work.

Every bar in this city, no matter how trendy, classy or high-priced it is, has a $2.50 can of Old Style. Just ask for it.

Don’t ever hesitate to ask a cab driver where the hell he’s going. Most of the time you have more of a clue than they do.

Speaking of cab drivers, there is only one female one in all of this city (that I’ve had). She’s an old Polish lady that drinks vodka only on Christmas, thankfully.
— Jeremy Schnitker

Always, ALWAYS carry something to do with you that will keep you occupied for at least 30 minutes. Inevitably, your train will get stuck waiting for signals ahead, your bus will break down, or your cab driver will suddenly start swearing incomprehensibly and stop the car. There's no excuse for wasting time.

Remember that Chicago is a city of neighborhoods – and that Lincoln Park, River North, and Lakeview are only three of them. Sample some dim sum in Chinatown, go sari shopping on Devon Avenue, snack on some Swedish pastries in Andersonville, and visit used bookstores in Hyde Park. There are great hangouts in every neighborhood. It's a big city out there: make it yours.
— Karin Kane

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