Overview on my thoughts of Chicago (Illinois)

[Rva]

I’m in town for a few days in the Lincoln Park area of town. Here are my thoughts.

1. There is so much talent here. I see more good looking woman than ugly ones.
2. No one is fat. I haven’t seen a fat person yet.

3. everything is expensive. 12 bucks for a pack of smokes! Wow.

4. Lake Michigan is pretty. Even though I drive by the gulf (of Mexico) everyday, the lake is pretty.

5. legal weed is expensive.

6. way to many IPA’s. Everywhere I go is nothing but IPA’s

7. it’s chilly out side. It’s in the low 70s.

 

[TJHall1]

I’m in town for a few days in the Lincoln Park area of town. Here are my thoughts.

1. There is so much talent here. I see more good looking woman than ugly ones.
2. No one is fat. I haven’t seen a fat person yet.

3. everything is expensive. 12 bucks for a pack of smokes! Wow.

4. Lake Michigan is pretty. Even though I drive by the gulf (of Mexico) everyday, the lake is pretty.

5. legal weed is expensive.

6. way to many IPA’s. Everywhere I go is nothing but IPA’s

7. it’s chilly out side. It’s in the low 70s.

You haven't seen a fat person? Are you in the right chicago? There's others.

 

[shiv]

@ChicagoFats

 

[Rva]

You haven't seen a fat person? Are you in the right chicago? There's others.

Only part I’m going to. Flew in to a buy a truck and gonna drive it back.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Only part I’m going to. Flew in to a buy a truck and gonna drive it back.

My condo is in Lincoln park. Near Clark and Fullerton.
Where are you staying?
One of my favorite things to do is to rent one of those electric Lyft bikes and cruise the lakefront path. Great way to see the city.

 

[tgsio]

We took a short honeymoon to Chicago. (Got married Friday of TG weekend).

We pop over from time to time just to get away for a couple of days.

It's a good town, shitshow not withstanding. Always enjoy the city.

 

[Rva]

My condo is in Lincoln park. Near Clark and Fullerton.
Where are you staying?
One of my favorite things to do is to rent one of those electric Lyft bikes and cruise the lakefront path. Great way to see the city.

Lincoln Hotel.

 

[GarnetPild]

Great Blues scene, if you like that kind of music. Saw Buddy Guy play at his club a few years ago, great time...I only discovered this place, recently online, but have not been back to Chicago to check it out. Some cool stuff if you are into shark teeth, fossils & shit.

https://davesrockshop.com/

https://davesrockshop.com/store/fossils.html

Also, my dude who sells shit here in SC has better weed than we got at the dispensary in Chicago...maybe we just had bad luck with that.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Lincoln Hotel.

All kinds of shit to do where you are. You can hit up "old town" which is just to your south. Lots of talent walking around and plenty of bars to pop into right there on Wells street.

Just to your north is Lincoln Park and if you stick to Lincoln Ave you will be in the heart of the Depaul University college bar scene. Also a mix of the late 20-early 30's crowd around there also.

Up further a little north is Wrigley Field, which is self explanatory.

Have fun, im jealous.

Oh yeah the dispensarys suck. The quality of weed is fine, but you can only buy a small quantity per day and the lines are kind of long.

 

[Rva]

Just checked out of my motel and waiting for the truck to be ready so I can drive home.
Sitting at a bar on the corner of Lincoln and Orchard. The bar maid is a bitch and I should have picked a different spot

 

[AgEngDawg]

If you were training to be a trauma surgeon, Chicago would be the best place in America to train.

You would get so much practice.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Just checked out of my motel and waiting for the truck to be ready so I can drive home.
Sitting at a bar on the corner of Lincoln and Orchard. The bar maid is a bitch and I should have picked a different spot

Halligans? There are several other bars around there but most are nightlife college bars.

I eat at Potbellys sandwich works all the time which is right near there. Its a pretty famous chicago chain.

a 5-10 minute walk you could check out Gaslight which has an outdoor patio.

 

[Rva]

Yep Halligans. Guess I’m just gonna wander this neighborhood with my suit case.

 

[Rva]

Walked up Fullerton and found a German place.

 

[AgEngDawg]

I do want to say that before 2020, I used to love to compare what a shithole Chicago was compared to Metro ATL. However, we took a nosedive in 2020. I can no longer in good conscience make those comparisons. Not that Chicago is has improved and is not a shithole, because it is. However, Metro ATL has sunk.....not quite to Chicago's level though.

I still like the pizza though.

 

[Rva]

Thanks for making my thread about you.

 

[Viking]

Never been but if you have to eat a slice with a knife and fork you are doing it wrong! JMHO but I do love a good vienna beef hotdog with my homemade chili on them. Scoogies in Mt. Pleasnt SC turned me onto those bad ass franks. SKOL!

 

[Taggart]

6. way to many IPA’s.

Never been to Chiraq but IMO there is no such thing as "too many" IPAs.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Never been to Chiraq but IMO there is no such thing as "too many" IPAs.

I like the variety of IPA's but i can only drink about 2 per sitting. They are very filling. Does this mean im gay?

 

[Rusty Student]

Any recommendations on what area to stay with someone who's never been there?

I was thinking the loop or by the Chicago river. Just want something centrally located for a quick weekend.

Thanks bros

 

[ChicagoFats]

I do want to say that before 2020, I used to love to compare what a shithole Chicago was compared to Metro ATL. However, we took a nosedive in 2020. I can no longer in good conscience make those comparisons. Not that Chicago is has improved and is not a shithole, because it is. However, Metro ATL has sunk.....not quite to Chicago's level though.

I still like the pizza though.

The pizza is one thing I could never come to like. Its really more of a lasagna if you ask me. Too filling and just not the right crust to cheese ratio.

 

[AgEngDawg]

Any recommendations on what area to stay with someone who's never been there?

I was thinking the loop or by the Chicago river. Just want something centrally located for a quick weekend.

Thanks bros

I was going to suggest somewhere near West Garfield Park as a joke, but I couldn't go through with it. Don't stay anywhere near there.

Would be like staying in Fallujah, Iraq circa Spring of 2004.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Any recommendations on what area to stay with someone who's never been there?

I was thinking the loop or by the Chicago river. Just want something centrally located for a quick weekend.

Thanks bros

You want to avoid staying in the loop. Its really the business district and not where you want to be after hours. Even during the day its a shell of what it was 2 years ago.

If you want to stay in a hotel you probably want to be in the River North area. It is safe, centrally located and has a lot of night life. You can also try and airbnb in Old town, Lincoln park or Wrigleyville. All good neighborhoods just north of the city.

Its a great walking city so the fall is a good time to go.

 

[tiderollsonu]

Wait you actually smoke still?

 

[Rusty Student]

You want to avoid staying in the loop. Its really the business district and not where you want to be after hours. Even during the day its a shell of what it was 2 years ago.

If you want to stay in a hotel you probably want to be in the River North area. It is safe, centrally located and has a lot of night life. You can also try and airbnb in Old town, Lincoln park or Wrigleyville. All good neighborhoods just north of the city.

Its a great walking city so the fall is a good time to go.

Thanks, I'm definitely looking for something safe and centrally located.

 

[Rusty Student]

Is it hard to find restaurants/bars without vaccine requirements?

@Rva
@ChicagoFats

 

[ChicagoFats]

Is it hard to find restaurants/bars without vaccine requirements?

@Rva
@ChicagoFats

I was there about 2 months ago and it was not an issue in the slightest. Things change fast though so not 100% sure but i think you will be ok.

 

[Rusty Student]

I was there about 2 months ago and it was not an issue in the slightest. Things change fast though so not 100% sure but i think you will be ok.

Cool. Had a friend visit recently and said some places required them. Should be easy enough to avoid those places.

Btw, decided to stay at the Loews. Seems like a good spot

 

[ChicagoFats]

Cool. Had a friend visit recently and said some places required them. Should be easy enough to avoid those places.

Btw, decided to stay at the Loews. Seems like a good spot

Yeah man that is a great spot. You are right in the middle of downtown close to the shopping, riverwalk, lakefront and a short uber from nightlife.

At the riverawalk you can do the architecural boat cruise which is a pretty good way to see the city. You will see some blue "divvy" bikes that are also a great way to see the city and lakefront path. If you use the Lyft app you can get electric bikes and cruise the whole lakefront up and down the city. Just remember to go into the wind when you start.

Id be happy to give more suggestions if you tell me more of what you are into. Have fun, it should be a good time.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Cool. Had a friend visit recently and said some places required them. Should be easy enough to avoid those places.

Btw, decided to stay at the Loews. Seems like a good spot

I would bet most people dgaf and are just going through the motions. If you flash something that looks like a covide vax card I seriously doubt anyone is checking it more than a quick glance. They want your business!

 

[Rusty Student]

Yeah man that is a great spot. You are right in the middle of downtown close to the shopping, riverwalk, lakefront and a short uber from nightlife.

At the riverawalk you can do the architecural boat cruise which is a pretty good way to see the city. You will see some blue "divvy" bikes that are also a great way to see the city and lakefront path. If you use the Lyft app you can get electric bikes and cruise the whole lakefront up and down the city. Just remember to go into the wind when you start.

Id be happy to give more suggestions if you tell me more of what you are into. Have fun, it should be a good time.

Appreciate the advice! We've already got a river cruise booked so that should be legit.

What about lunch/dinner? I was recommended Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, Athenian Room, Quartino, Au Cheval and Gilt Bar.

it's just me and my girl

 

[ChicagoFats]

Appreciate the advice! We've already got a river cruise booked so that should be legit.

What about lunch/dinner? I was recommended Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, Athenian Room, Quartino, Au Cheval and Gilt Bar.

it's just me and my girl

Damn some of my favorite places.

Athenian room is one of my favorite "local" places. I used to live right around the corner. Its not fancy and it used to be BYOB (bar next door you can order from, not to worry) but the Chicken Kalamata is one of my favorite meals. They also have a little sidewalk that you can eat on if its nice outside.

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is a Tapas place and is a solid choice. We usually order a bunch of small plates and share instead of ordering individual entrees. Good atmosphere too.

Quartino is closer to where you are staying and a great choice. Great outdoor seating and good food. Right next door is "Osteria Via Stato" which is also a solid italian place too.

Lunch I always hit up Potbelly Sandwich shop. There are a bunch of them but its kinda a famous chicago chain. Portillos is also another famous Chicago lunch spot.

You can take your girl shopping on Michigan avenue, there are all kind of brands and the prices are actually decent. Alternatively, especially if you go to athenian room, there is popular boutique shopping at the corner of Armitage and Sheffield. Its either walking distance of a short uber from Athenian room.

For nightlife, if you want to party and be in the "scene" you can go to the "viagra triangle" at the corner of State and Rush streets. Good people watching at night. Also Hubbard street downtown will have a bunch of nightlife and is a fun area to hang out.

All of those areas are very safe but keep your normal city guard up.

 

[Rusty Student]

Thanks @ChicagoFats
Much appreciated

 

[HunterPKP]

We took a short honeymoon to Chicago. (Got married Friday of TG weekend).

We pop over from time to time just to get away for a couple of days.

It's a good town, shitshow not withstanding. Always enjoy the city.

Chicago is one of my favs. Hate their leadership, but all the gunfire isn't really in downtown area. Southside is terrible and some areas to the West.

We usually stay at the EMC2 hotel when there. Great location and walking distance to great restaurants like Purple Pig, Girl and the Goat, Bavette's, etc.

Want really good Italian? Eat at Volare. I know it's not highest rated, but I've now been multiple times and when you hear customers speaking fluent Italian to the bartender you know it's going to be damn good. Also do half portions on the pasta dishes so you can order multiple to try.

Also, if you don't like good deep dish, you're missing out. Pequods is best I've had in Chicago.

Love Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Wrigley and more.

Also, talent is every where in and around where we stay. Happy Hour on Friday at The Hampton Social has amazing talent.

We go once a year.

 

[Rusty Student]

@ChicagoFats

Do you recommend catching a drink at the bar on top of the John Hancock instead of the Willis tower?

 

[ChicagoFats]

@ChicagoFats

Do you recommend catching a drink at the bar on top of the John Hancock instead of the Willis tower?

Absolutely. Check to make sure its open first of all but it is a great view from up there. Will be kinda expensive so be prepared but you are paying for the experience. If you get there early enough you can get a window seat, and make sure your girl checks out the womens bathroom. Ive heard its a great view in there (seriously).

The Willis tower doesn't have drinks but they do a good job with videos explaining the history of the building etc, but at the end of the day its not that exciting imo. Lines tend to be long and touristy, at least before covid. The Hancock tower is right in the middle of where you want to be hanging out, the willis tower not so much.

 

[Rusty Student]

Absolutely. Check to make sure its open first of all but it is a great view from up there. Will be kinda expensive so be prepared but you are paying for the experience. If you get there early enough you can get a window seat, and make sure your girl checks out the womens bathroom. Ive heard its a great view in there (seriously).

The Willis tower doesn't have drinks but they do a good job with videos explaining the history of the building etc, but at the end of the day its not that exciting imo. Lines tend to be long and touristy, at least before covid. The Hancock tower is right in the middle of where you want to be hanging out, the willis tower not so much.

Thanks man. We can just get a drink at the bar right? Read something about how each person has to order an entree but I'm thinking that may be on the restaurant side only.

 

[ChicagoFats]

Thanks man. We can just get a drink at the bar right? Read something about how each person has to order an entree but I'm thinking that may be on the restaurant side only.

I don't remember any rules about ordering entrees.

Pre-Covid you would take the elevator up and there would be a line. You kinda of get whatever seat is available but they basically have stool seating all along the perimeter of the building, try to sit there if you can. So you are sitting next to the window looking out over the city. We used to try and get there about an hour before sunset. Gives you enough time to have a couple drinks and an appetizer and then the you get sunset views just as you are finishing up.

Try to read online ahead of time about where to catch the elevator up. Its technically called "The Signature Room at the 95th" so just follow the signs if you can. It can be a little tricky to find the right bank of elevators though.

 

[Rusty Student]

Thanks @ChicagoFats

 

[Rebarcock.]

I do want to say that before 2020, I used to love to compare what a shithole Chicago was compared to Metro ATL. However, we took a nosedive in 2020. I can no longer in good conscience make those comparisons. Not that Chicago is has improved and is not a shithole, because it is. However, Metro ATL has sunk.....not quite to Chicago's level though.

I still like the pizza though.

I was just talking to a buckhead buddy. Atl gonna get fucked if they incorporate on their own. That is a shitload of tax base. Not easily replacing the rich part of town