Apocryphally, there have been a bunch of folks from the south moving here for a more friendly environment for LGBTQ adults and (especially?) families moving for nb/trans kids. I'm a nb parent of two nb kids myself, so welcome here! How are you doing? What are your biggest experiences of culture shock? What are you surprised by? What do you wish you knew before you got here?
First time parent and I didn't grow up in the Chicago school systems. We're 74th for our top choice, and our highest spot is 49th for our 5th choice. We just bought a place may 11 so I waited to fill out the gocps preschool application until we closed and I'm kicking myself. Curious if I should hold out hope or just start looking into private?
Hey, everyone!
I am organizing a company outing with around 100 of us. We usually make a small group reservation of around 10 people per group at restaurants in the cities where our training takes place. This year, we are headed to Chicago in late July.
Can I ask for your help in suggesting decent local gems that will not break the bank (doesn't have to be steakhouses... oysters)?
We are staying at the Royal Sonesta in the Chicago River North area. Any other suggestions for spots we need to visit? Karaoke joints you all suggest? I was going to suggest an evening when we break into smaller groups, have dinner, and then do an activity together. Something like: Museums + Dinner, Karaoke + Dinner, Bike Ride along Riverwalk + Dinner...
The architecture tour is coming up way too expensive for us this year, unfortunately. Open to any and all suggestions!
For years I went to The Hair Cuttery on Broadway at Sunnyside, near the Target. My stylist’s name was Diana and she was amazing! They closed that location during Covid and I have no idea where she went.
What I do know about her: Latina woman, young (8ish?) son, bought a two-flat or duplex with her parents and they had a squatter.
I haven’t been able to find a stylist as good as she is since then, so I thought I’d give this a shot.
Thanks!
Taking my boys to their first cubs game on Friday and was curious if players sign autographs. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a ballgame and i grew up going to Sox games and I distinctly remember going early and there would always be a player or two by the dugout signing balls or hats and stuff. Does this still happen?
I moved to Chicago a few months ago and have been trying to meet people / build a social life (mix of Bumble BFF, random events, etc).
Something I started noticing is that the best hangouts I’ve had here were completely unplanned. Like same-day, “what are you doing right now” type of plans.
So I started paying attention and kind of unintentionally ran a little experiment across a few different groups:
Group 1 (met at a park cleanup event):
We barely knew each other, but after the event we made spontaneous plans to grab coffee + walk around. Since then we’ve hung out 4+ times, mostly same-day plans or quick “anyone free?” texts. Super easy, very low friction.
Group 2 (met at brunch):
We all got along really well, made a group chat, etc. But every time I tried to do something spontaneous (happy hour, aquarium day, etc), it just… didn’t happen. People were busy, timing didn’t work, responses came hours later. No one’s fault, just never materialized.
Group 3 (just one person I met in my building):
We planned one thing in advance, but everything after that was super last-minute. He texted me about a farmers market, I said yes, plans changed, we pivoted to coffee + the beach. Ended up being one of the better days I’ve had here.
What I’m noticing:
It feels like people want to hang out and be social, but the more planning involved, the less likely it actually happens.
The “we should hang soon” energy vs “I’m outside, come down” energy are completely different outcomes.
Curious if other people in Chicago feel this too?
Do you actually hang out more when things are spontaneous, or do you prefer planning everything out?
I’m looking to go camping soon but don’t want to be at a campsite that’s too crowded. I thought about Starved Rock but I hear it gets very packed. If anyone has any suggestions that’d be great! Thanks!
Got my car stolen while parked near midway airport and was later found with some damages. Filed a police report and called my insurance. Is there anything else I should be doing?
​
31F in Chicago. i’m trying to use fewer dating apps because having Hinge, Bumble, Tinder, etc. open at once is making me feel insane.
i just want something that doesn’t eat an hour of my day and make dating feel like another inbox.
Coffee Meets Bagel seems calmer, but sometimes it feels too quiet. The League seems more filtered and intentional, but i can’t tell if that means better dates or just a smaller pool.
for Chicago people, which one has actually been better for real dates: Coffee Meets Bagel or The League? or should i just stick with Hinge and use it with stricter boundaries?
I’m planning to go on vacation in Chicago this summer with my boyfriend, and propose to him at some point during the trip! But I’ve only visited Chicago a few times, and I don’t know the area super well.
The plan is to perform a romantic song on the piano, one that means a lot to us. I’ve been pretending to be a terrible piano player for literally all 5 years of our relationship, so it’ll be a big surprise! He just thinks I have awful stage fright and am embarrassed to play in front of others. In reality, I took years of lessons as a teenager and I’m pretty good.
But I need help finding a good spot to propose! Where can I find a piano?
I’m open to public options, like a pretty museum with a piano in the lobby. Or a nice restaurant that has live music, so I can call and ask to use it for a song. Really any place that’s conceivably romantic and has a piano will do. We like museums, gardens, art, and beautiful architecture.
I appreciate the help!
Okay I’m spiraling a little and need help from people who actually know Chicago 😭 it’s 4 days away..
Planning a small bachelorette day trip for my sister group of 4. Looking for somewhere with a really pretty space, amazing food and drinks, bright and airy vibes. Thinking of le colonial but open to other options please
Also open to any suggestions on any activities around to make it a memorable day out in Chicago
I’ve been summoned for Jury Duty at George N Leighton Criminal Ct. on California Ave.
Can I bring a purse?
My letter states the time 9:30am, how early should I arrive? And how long should I expect to be there?
Anything else I should know ?
Thank you :)
Hey everyone, I just moved into a new apartment with lots of space and I want to start making my own furniture as new hobby. Pretty simple things at first like a wine rack and book shelf. Is there anywhere in Chicago where I could get cheap or free wood that’s still good quality?
I am moving into a new place and was surprised how high the non-refundable move in fee was. I did research and according to Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance section 5-12-35 I am entitled to a itemized breakdown of the move in fee. When I asked them (pretty nicely) they said they did not have that available. Is this something I can push? Or will I risk losing the place? I love the place and really don't want to lose it but also feel like they are screwing me over.
Hi everyone. My cat has been up a tree since last night and keeps climbing higher. We've called several locations including firefighters but no luck at all. They said utility lines are there, so they wouldn't be able to go up. Its a bit windy, so im worried he'll fall. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Update: I've called several recommended places, including ComEd and the fire department. As I mentioned before, most did not want to provide the service due to the utility lines, and some did not offer it. ComEd said they would need 5 business days notice to send someone to temporarily shut down the service, which I did not want to wait for.
We've attached a bucket to all pole for him to come down but hes too high up and scared to jump. We're trying a different bucket. He has moved from a thin branch but I cant see if hes in a better position since its dark. He is crying less than before when the wind was strong, so im guessing he's in a thicker branch.
If he doesnt come down tonight, we'll prob have to wait till tmrw
Update: we gor him down after using a bigger bucket. He did fall and hit the garage but we got him, warmed him up, and fed him. Ive been monitoring for the past 30 mins and so far hes walking fine, he played with his favorite toy a bit and pooped. He is sleeping and breathing ok but will be visiting the vet.
Thank you so much everyone!
Doing a weekend trip for a friend’s event next month in North Aurora. I lived in DC for over a decade and have been to Chicago multiple times, so I’m very familiar with the city itself and comfortable using public transit. On previous trips though, I mostly stayed in Chicago proper and relied on CTA/Metra, so I don’t know much about the suburbs/outskirts.
I’m staying in my usual hotel in River North because I still want to spend most of my time in the city. Looking at GPS, North Aurora seems about 45-50 minutes out depending on traffic. I’m only going to this event for maybe 8-10 hours max.
I’ll also be traveling with my 50-year-old mother this time. She’s fully mobile and independent, but she does have some neurological issues and can get overwhelmed if there are too many transfers/steps/chaotic situations. We do fine navigating DC Metro and using Uber when needed, so I think we’ll be fine getting around downtown Chicago with transit like usual. For the event though, I’m willing to spend a little extra money or time if there’s a much simpler/more direct option.
My first thought was to use CTA/Metra normally while in the city and rent a car just for the day of the event, then return it that evening or the next morning.
I’m assuming Uber/Lyft that far each way could get expensive and would definitely limit us being able to get around if the event lasts long or shifts locations as parties sometimes do, and public transit looks doable but inefficient once you get past Aurora itself.
Does renting a car for that one day sound like the smartest move, or is there a better option locals would recommend? Open to Metra + Uber combos too if that’s the better move.
Hi! I’m getting back into badminton after playing a bit when I was younger and looking for somewhere welcoming to play. I’m a beginner/rusty beginner level and would love to find open play sessions where beginners are welcome and get to play.
I’ve heard mixed things about some clubs being quite competitive and unwelcoming to beginners, so would love any honest recommendations or things to avoid.
Also — if anyone on here is looking for a casual hitting partner, I’m down! Thanks in advance 🏸
34F in Chicago interested in having a past life reading done by someone legit - has anyone been to someone they’d recommend or see again themselves?
Separately, looking for a trustworthy home cleaning service to have come through a 3rd floor condo 3bed 2bath 1x a month.
TLDR-lots of juju to better understand, make peace with and purge - doing so energetically and physically. TIA!
For those of you who raised a puppy in an apartment with no yard access, how did you manage potty training / socialization during the period of time where they are not fully vaccinated? I have heard so many things about not taking your puppy to high traffic areas or letting their paws touch the ground, but living in Chicago, almost every street is a high traffic area for dogs. Any advice is appreciated!
I’m helping get the word out for a weekly backgammon night in Portage Park at The Nest Bar & Eatery. It’s every Wednesday from 6:30-9:30 PM, beginner-friendly, and meant to be social.
Curious if people here like this kind of structured weeknight meetup? Event link in comments if anyone wants details.