day 5

Holy crap, day 5.
It’s getting real in here.

For day 5 I was going to write about something else... but then in bed this morning I just kept thinking about all the little things I've picked up in Chicago over the years that have made living here easier.

I kept thinking I hope I meet those people in other cities who know all the little "secrets" of New York and Boston and wherever else I might land.

I keep thinking that I need to download all my Chicago thoughts someplace for someone to read, and benefit from.
Some of these are really silly... but I don't care.

Chicago Tips & Secrets

  • You can find “evening special” parking downtown for $10 (Van Buren/Wabash) — or there’s a lot across the street that’s $12–$14 for the whole day on weekends.

  • You can park in the 900 N. Michigan Ave building in the evening for $6 if you make a purchase in the mall (hello, this is why I have so many wonderful Williams Sonoma kitchen towels).

  • You can find free neighborhood parking just about anywhere as long as you read signs and know what time it is.

  • Sprinkles Cupcakes has a “secret word” of the day — whisper it to the cashier for a free cupcake! You can go every day, but it’s only for the first limited number of people.

  • The best all-you-can-eat sushi place is Sushi Para II on Clark/Webster — $18.99 per person.

  • You can get free museum passes from the library and go even if you don’t have kids.

  • Craving Chicago-style pizza by the slice? Go to Art of Pizza in Lincoln Park — $3 a slice.

  • The best Chicago-style hot dog is at George’s in Bucktown.

  • You can furnish an entire apartment (including your mattress, if you’re brave) on chicago.craigslist.org.

  • IKEA is not really that far!

  • The best place to sit by yourself with coffee and toast: Julius Meinl on Southport.

  • George’s Ice Cream has the best Rocky Road I’ve ever had.

  • At Ann Sather’s, you only need to order the 2 Eggs Special — it comes with all the sides you’ll need (including cinnamon rolls!) and it’s super cheap.

  • Hunan Wok has the best Chinese you’ll ever taste (get the General Tso’s Chicken and you’ll see...).

  • Lawrence Fish Market may not look fancy, but you’ll go back there for sushi when you’re broke and craving it.

  • There’s a food court in Whole Foods on Kingsbury where you can eat on their beautiful outdoor deck.

  • Take a food tour in Wicker Park!

  • Go to iCream in Wicker Park.

  • The best falafel is at Sultan’s Market — remember, the Wicker Park location is cash only.

  • The best time to go to a “nice” restaurant is lunch (if they’re open). My favorites: Blackbird or Province in the West Loop.

  • Go to Mindy’s Hot Chocolate in Bucktown — and skip the hot chocolate. Get any of their appetizers (I love the mini pretzels and the cheeseboard) and a dessert. Go with a Restaurant.com certificate.

  • Order à la carte from Mayan Palace — the quesadillas and $4 margaritas on Tuesdays/Thursdays are perfect.

  • Garcia’s in Lincoln Square has the best fajitas (yes, the chicken is orange — that makes it better).

  • Frasca Pizza is buy one, get one free on Wednesdays.

  • DMK is known for their burgers, but when we go we split one burger and order half orders of all the different kinds of fries on the menu.

  • Big & Littles on Orleans/Oak — just go! Get one shrimp taco, one tilapia taco, and an order of truffle fries. Don’t be scared of the neighborhood.

  • Pretty much any Bikram Yoga studio in the city has a $29/$30 first-month special — go try it.

  • The best way to find an apartment here: padmapper.com.

  • The best view of Chicago is from the Ladies’ Bathroom in the Hancock Building.

  • Ride the Brown Line from Kimball to the Loop and back — it’s the best tour of the most neighborhoods in Chicago, and it’s only $2.25.

  • Do not fear the Tamale Man — he’s been at the Map Room in Logan Square the few times we’ve gone. Yes, he’s selling tamales out of a cooler.

  • My favorite Chicago beer: Half Acre Gossamer Ale.

  • Best quick bite downtown, right off Michigan Ave: M Burger on Huron (right behind the Apple Store). It has a window inside that looks into the kitchen of Tru.

  • The only place to get Stumptown Coffee in Chicago is Bagel on Damen (cash only!).

Chicago, Eating Out, Sturds Thoughts1 Comment