r/AskChicago

The largest Barnes and Noble in Chicago is now open, are you going?

The new Barnes & Noble bookstore will offer over 20,000 square feet of books, complemented by toys, games, magazines, gifts and a cafe!

150 N. State Street

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u/chitownmike99 — 1 day ago

Is dating actually easier in Chicago than NYC?

I’m an Asian guy in his 30's from the NYC area and I’m in Chicago for about a month. I’ve only been here a couple days so obviously tiny sample size but the difference on dating apps has been kind of ridiculous.

I’ve gotten more matches and likes in a few days here than I did during some pretty long stretches in NYC. I used Hinge in NYC for around 6+ months and it always felt like I was fighting for scraps even with a decent profile. In Chicago, I’m matching with women I’m genuinely attracted to pretty consistently without changing anything about my profile.

I know part of it could just be the “new here” boost on the apps, but Chicago already feels less brutally competitive. NYC always felt like everyone had 500 other options and you were basically disposable.

For people (particularly men) who have dated in both cities, did you notice Chicago being noticeably easier than NYC?

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u/Hot-Possession3681 — 1 day ago

Any Gyms in/near the Loop NOT slammed after work?

Recent transplant, currently commute by bus from Little Italy into the NW corner of the Loop, and I’ve been going to the LA Fitness in South Loop, but struggling w/ consistency b/c it’s a detour from my regular route home, and once I get there, it turns into a game of snagging whatever machine is available in the moment, otherwise I’m waiting 10-20 minutes for a machine so i can stay somewhat consistent with my program.

So, kind of curious to hear if there are other gyms around where you have the luxury to not stop-and-start your lifting sessions after work.

Yes, i know the rush hour crowd is inevitable, but as an avid lifter for 10 years at a gym with plenty of space 3 mins outside of my commute before moving here, really struggling to get back into the rhythm since moving here.

Some gyms I’m most curious about:

  1. FFC West Loop
  2. FFC Union Station
  3. Planet Fitness - State St.
  4. Loop Equinox (begrudgingly)

Any anecdotes, suggestions, etc., all appreciated

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u/WoolyWeenie — 1 day ago

Are there options for in-home cat euthanasia?

Hi. Sad topic but my elderly mother (lives in Portage Park) has an elderly cat who has been fading (down to 4-5lb) and it's sadly that time to put her down. I was going to take her to the vet but my mom asked if there were any vets that do house calls for euthanasia? She had one on the south side, but obviously a little too far.

If not, what are some options that charge reasonable rate for euthanasia on the north side? I used to take my cats to the Cat Hospital of Chicago but they price gouge on everything.

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u/leader25 — 1 day ago

What are the quintessential fall activities in and around Chicago?

I’m looking for recommendations for things that really feel like fall in Chicago—especially activities, places, events, day trips, food/drinks, or traditions that are worth doing this upcoming time of year.

What would you put on a Chicago fall bucket list? And what are some good options just outside the city for a fall day trip?

I prefer prioritizing things that don't require a car btw!

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u/Green_Day_1878 — 1 day ago

How does the weather this summer compared to others?

I know that you all have gotten more rain and tornadoes than normal. But does it feel like summer still? My family and I want to move to Chicago next year from southern Missouri. We know the weather will be different and we are mostly excited for that, but in southern Missouri we know July and August will be hot and sunny. Is that how Chicago is for the most part? Does it feel hot in the summer like you can go to the pool most days? It’s hard to gauge from the weather forecast because rain is predicted so often right now.

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u/clk122327 — 1 day ago

Cheaper nicer apartment on the Pulse Dempster line or more expensive on the Blue line for commuting to O’Hare?

Hello, I’m an airline pilot based at O’Hare moving to Chicago. I had 2 apartments shortlisted. One is in Irving Park/Portage Park with a 10-15 minute walk to the blue line which would take me right into the airport and another one is in Des Plaines which although nowhere near the blue line is across the road from the Pulse Dempster Line which takes you right into the O Hare airport rental car center which has a train link to the terminal. I was weighing my options since this second option is alot more affordable but I don’t know much about the pulse Dempster line and I was wondering if paying for the extra convenience of the blue line is worth it along with being closer to the city? I was also wondering what you guys think of those neighborhoods. Thanks!

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u/neverontheground — 1 day ago

After a cubs game there’s a line of several 152 buses. Why don’t they fill them all at once?

Every time I go to a game (or other event at Wrigley), there are at least 5-6 152 buses sitting there. There’s also a long line of people cramming into one bus. I’m curious as to why they won’t fill multiple buses so that way people don’t have to waste time standing around (especially in the downpour like yesterday) and they can get more out quickly

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u/FinancialAd5337 — 1 day ago

Psychiatrist for young adult w ADHD can you recommend a great one?

Downtown or on a train line preferred for this student who lives in South Loop. Thank you.

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u/Cannot_Change_It_ — 1 day ago

People with Elderly Parents in Assisted Living in the Chicagoland Area, what is their experience and how expensive is it, really?

My parents are getting to that age and mind where they have to consider assisted living or possible memory care. If you have parents or know of someone in this situation, can you share your experience? We are especially concerned about cost. One place requires a $500K deposit, and $6K a month,

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u/False-Average-9368 — 2 days ago

Women in Chicago, have you also had an experience like this?

Today I was waiting for the bus and some guy started yelling at me and threatening me and even threw his cup at me for no reason. It’s the first time that it happened and I’m from a relatively safer area so it was shocking to say the least. Looking for reasons not to feel confused and alone right now.

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u/Aware-Zone7962 — 2 days ago

Any Hema Enthusiasts in the Chicagoland Area? Do y'all want to meet up and train?

What's hema? Historical European Martial Arts aka sword fighting/historical fencing. I am looking for any other Hema enthusiasts in the Chicagoland area that have full kit and are willing to train and spar. Also if there are any secert club/groups that isn't on Hema Alliance I would love to meet y'all.

I know of 3 clubs in the Chicagoland area. Forteza, the vampire one, and Lake Forest. I respect what Forteza is doing and they do have a lot of good fencers. I just don't agree with their approach to hema. Lake Forest is great but they're far from me. I'm not at that level of nerd so no vampire larpers for me.

For the record, I (35M) to tend lean toward the "sporty" side of hema. I've practicing hema for about 2+ years and I do longsword and a little bit military saber. I tend to blend my sources for my fencing. I've been to a couple tournaments and have done okay. I haven't gotten past elimins but I haven't embarrassed my self either. I am not willing teach.

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u/StuffyWuffyMuffy — 1 day ago
▲ 4 r/AskChicago+1 crossposts

Apartment Water Damage Due To Rain - No Landlord Action. What can I do?

Since the first week of July we have had an issue with substantial amounts of water coming into our apartment through both west facing windows. When first reported we were told we were not the only unit who experienced water issues during that storm - and once things had dried up a bit they would send out someone to inspect and remedy. It’s now almost 2 months later, I’ve reported multiple other instances of the water damage, it’s also coming in through the wood around the windows - leading to water damage in the walls and ceiling not to mention possible mold growth or electrical outlet damage. It’s to the point now where we have to leave towels in the window all day in case of any storms as we both work out of the house, often coming home to water everywhere.

I understand that for a proper repair to happen the outside of the building may need to be dry - but certainly there is an interim repair that can be made of other action taken to remedy this issue.

It’s to the point now that my emails and calls are being ignored and not returned.

Obviously damage to our health and the health of our pets from potential mold is also of concern.

What can I do?

Mostly just want to get this taken care of

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u/joeverr8ed — 1 day ago

Moving from Brooklyn to Chicago in January - Andersonville vs Ravenswood vs Lincoln Square?

My husband and I are relocating from Brooklyn to Chicago this January and just did a scouting trip. We’ve narrowed our target neighborhoods down to Andersonville, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Square, and would love to hear from people who live there (or have lived in more than one).

A little about us: we’re in our early 30s, two dogs, no kids, don’t need a huge nightlife scene, but do want walkable, some good coffee/restaurants/bars nearby, and a real neighborhood feel. We’re renting first before buying, so we’re also open to hearing if one of these areas is easier to find good rentals in right now. Also, would appreciate any broker/realtor recs who can help us find our rental and then later a home once we’re settled and ready to buy.

Really appreciate any honest takes, good or bad!

Some things we’re curious about:
- What’s the actual day-to-day vibe like in each (quiet vs lively, family-heavy vs more mixed)?
- How’s the commute/transit if working partly remote but occasionally going downtown?
- Anything you wish you’d known before moving there?

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u/Four-Pets-Brooklyn — 2 days ago

Do you say you live in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square?

I’ve lived near Damen/Lawrence for the last 4 years and have always said I live in Ravenswood. But I know people who live near me who say Lincoln Square. I guess technically the whole community area is called Lincoln Square, but I kind of think of just the immediate area along Lincoln to be Lincoln Square. Do you consider them interchangeable? Do you have a clear designation between the areas? Is one inside of the other? And for people not on the north side, are you more familiar with Lincoln Square or Ravenswood?

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u/gavinfr36 — 2 days ago
▲ 4 r/AskChicago+2 crossposts

Can you give me food/catering recommendations for a house party?

I had a housewarming in January and picked up Lawrence Fish Market sashimi (and it was outstanding and a good value). I’m debating going back there but I’d like other options for lunch. Any recommendations?

Trying to spend $200-300 for say 15 people ideally not too far from Logan Square.

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u/muttersindisgust — 2 days ago

What can be done about large number of mosquitoes where I live?

I reported to 311 but it says they don’t spray on request. I haven’t been able to identify the source but it’s not on the property I live so either public property or someone else’s.

Specifically Uptown has been bad

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u/DJ_Baxter_Blaise — 2 days ago

New Grad Nurse Pay Transparency?

Hey guys, newly licensed RN here. I’m currently interviewing for jobs in different hospitals and I was wondering what hospitals across Chicago are paying their new grad. I just got offered $36 base pay by St.Mary of Nazareth. I’m very surprised on how little is being offered and I’m wondering if this is normal across the city. If you new grad nurses could share what hospitals are currently offering them, that would be great! Thank you!! Pls include the hospitals too.

Also this was for an ER offer 😭. Could yall also recommend other companies?

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u/Internal_Exercise464 — 2 days ago

Nice spots to visit in Chicago for my gfs birthday?

My girlfriend‘s 24th birthday is coming up in September. She’s big into traveling and likes to visit lots of spots where she can collect souvenirs and gain new experiences. It’s one of the reasons that I love her so much. He attention to even the smallest details about people and nature, her random factoids that she tells me about different architectural designs in cities and street layouts makes me wanna make sure that she explores every ounce of the city, and the beauty it has to offer. The only issue is she’s a very meticulous person and plans things out to the very minute detail. And makes it her priority to arrange things and pay for others so no one misses out on the fun. Can you tell she’s the oldest daughter, lol? Well, unfortunately, she’s been very discouraged this year for her birthday because a lot of her family members aren’t able to attend this year’s trip so she canceled it. I don’t wanna see her down on her birthday, so I’ve been taking the initiative to plan a surprise weeks getaway to Chicago. I’ve booked a few things like hat making, perfume making and riding the architectural tour boat, along with many others but I need a few more ideas of places we can go and different restaurants to try. I found a few on the the Internet and TikTok and from Chicago’s visitors website, but I’m looking for some other spots that I can take her with better and reputable reviews. Any recommendations on some other free or low cost activities she may like or that we can do together?

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u/TeamIntelligent1552 — 2 days ago

Who is your favorite neighborhood celebrity or local legend?

There was a post made recently about Pigeon Lady in the r/Chicago sub. And someone in the comments mentioned "freeing the Man in the Bean", and another mentioned "Preacher Man". I've heard of Pigeon Lady and her husband, but have not yet stumbled into them.

I have not heard of the other two examples. I'm preatty new to Chicago (about two months in so far) so I don't know of many other examples. I wanna hear your favorite well known chicago residents that are well known for odd reasons, and I especially wanna hear the lore behind them!

Also! Does not need to be a human lol. Ex: I've heard of an alligator that was nicknamed "Chance the Snapper".

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u/mk7732 — 3 days ago