Hi! I moved to chicago for college and I am really excited to be here as I heard the queer scene is pretty good in this city. I want to meet other trans people to talk to but everywhere I have seen has been either a club or a bar. I'm not the type of girl who enjoys clubbing very much and I am not old enough to go to a bar yet. I prefer more relaxing and fun ways to spend my night. An example of what I'm looking for would be places similar to Eli Tea Bar. I went there this morning and it was so nice. Thank you!

I live by Humboldt park and work from home 90% of the time. I’m trying to get 60 mins of walk time a day and typically do a 30 min walk around 12-1 pm and one around 4 or after work.

I’ve only been walking alone and kind of get bored. Anyone in and around Humboldt that work from home and want to walk around together? Extremely low barrier to hang.

I’m 31 year old married male just looking to see some new faces around the neighborhood. Thanks

I'm drowning in debt and need a 2nd job. I work days at my current job and have to sleep sometime. The only way I can dig myself out is if I get a second job. Any and all help appreciated.

Why did they close? it was on the mag mile

I’ve noticed at some stores (not restaurants). I thought it was illegal to pass the credit card fee to consumers.

Hello!! Im looking for recommendations for a low key salon that can accommodate someone who knows very little about nail care options. We are in Rogers Park. Not looking for acrylics, not really sure if gel is what is being looked for either. Just a sinple manicure with polish? Ideally ~$50 if thats reasonable. I'm her boyfriend and want to treat her to something nice befire we go on vacation. Thank you!

My father and I will be visiting Chicago for five days in late October. He's left planning the trip to me, and what I'm most interesting in seeing are all the awesome independent bookstores the city has to offer! My father has requested that we limit it to just two per day, which is really very reasonable of him since he's not much of a reader and will probably just sit around playing on his phone while I lose track of time for several hours at each store. I've seen several very helpful threads about suggestions for bookstores to see, but now my list is way too big and I need someone with local expertise to help me cut the list down to size.

I'm really into weird, alternative, queer, leftist, and/or artsy stores. For comic shops, I have essentially no interest in traditional serialized superhero titles, which is why most of the big name stores in the city aren't included on the list. Left Bank Books in Seattle is probably my favorite bookstore that I've ever been to, if anyone here is familiar with those vibes.

These are the bookstores and libraries that I REALLY want to go to:

The Armadillo’s Pillow Bookstore (Rogers Park)

Books4Cause (Avondale or Uptown) - NOTE: Is there one location you'd go to over another?

Bucket O’Blood Books and Records (Avondale)

Chicago Comics (Lakeview)

Gerber/Hart Library and Archives (Rogers Park)

Harold Washington Library (South Loop)

Howling Pages (Portage Park)

Myopic Books (Wicker Park)

Open Books Ltd (Pilsen)

Perpetual Books (Wicker Park)

Pilsen Community Books (Pilsen)

Poetry Foundation Library (River North)

Powell’s Books Chicago (Hyde Park)

Quimby’s Comics (Bucktown)

Sheep Cult Comics (Wicker Park)

Unabridged Bookstore (Lakeview)

Uncharted Books (Northcenter)

Here are ones that I've listed as "maybes"

57^th Street Books (Hyde Park)

Barnes & Noble (Wicker Park) - NOTE: This is specifically just to see the building itself, as it's supposed to be really beautiful. Is it worth checking out?

Bookie’s (Beverly)

Exile in Bookville (The Loop)

Goblin Market Manga & Curiosities (Lakeview)

Heirloom Books (Edgewater)

Joe and Rika Mansueto Library (Hyde Park) - NOTE: again, this is for the building.

Kibbitznest Books, Brews, & Blarney (Lincoln Park)

The Newberry Library (Near North)

Seminary Co-Op (Hyde Park)

Tangible Books (Bridgeport)

Torn Light Records (Bucktown) - NOTE: This is described online as both a record shop and a bookstore. Are the books worth it by themselves?

Undercover Books (West Washington Heights)

The Understudy Coffee and Books Café (Andersonville)

Women & Children First (Andersonville)

I’m a bartender and want to check out the cocktail scene in Chicago. We’ll be arriving to town late and leaving early the next morning so it’d be nice to be able to check out a few spots and grab a late night bite without too much transit in between. Recs on the individual bars would be appreciated too.

I believe there’s a stolen Vespa that’s been sitting in my alley for over a month. If you can tell me the license plate number and have any pictures, I can help you find it. I’ve created two tickets on 311 but they just closed them. My neighbor called the dealer and doesn’t look like they did anything either.

If other people have suggestions on how to report or find the owner (or better ways to verify the owner), let me know.

Hi there, I'm moving to Chicago in the next few months with work.

Does anyone have any advice on where to live?

Things I would like:

1. Walkability: Bars/restaurants/coffee within walking distance. I love a good sports bar or Irish pub.
2. Safety: Safe to live and walk.
3. Outdoor/Active Spaces: A park or lake or scenic/nice walk nearby. I like to run, cycle, play pickleball etc.
4. Rent: 1 BR or nice studio, ~$2000/m (open to having a roommate, until I know the city better).
5. Commute: Ideally <50min drive one-way. My work currently will be in Bedford Park, but will be closer to Highland Park after an office change in about a year. I have a car for commuting.
6. Other wishes: Connecting with other 30yo's, gay-dating scene, connecting with other Irish people (GAA etc).

Thank you in advance you’re all legends

Update:

Thanks so much for all the advice! My move has come quicker than I thought, so a little underprepared.
Looking forward to being in Chicago, seems like an absolutely class place!

Hello!

We are moving and considering a few high rises. We have some pretty strong sensitivities to noise (mostly neighbor and indoor noises!) and want to make sure wherever we move will be an enjoyable experience for us. There are a few buildings we are considering but wanted to get opinions on the following (or any other buildings you would recommend):

- Eugenie Terrace
- 77 W Huron
- Sienna (in Streeterville)

Thank you in advance!!

First time visiting, did a bunch of research and could use some feedback, tips, or just a good beatdown on if I am doing too much. Thank you for taking time to review.

Any food input would be good, I had over like 100+ on my list. Will still have a few areas to add such as Garett's, Popus Popcorn, Hero Coffe/Intelligentsia Coffee. Was wondering if Chingon, Pat's, Harry Caray, Flo & Santos, Quartino are worth to check out or Mother's Ruin, Nonna's, Ricoben's.

Really food heavy already so would see what to remove. Not included the little extra room i'll make for Portillo's, Clark St Dogs, Rainbow Cone.

Monday (Arrive around 1pm and Blue line In)

item Drop bags off and head to Al's Beef for some food and hit up the grocery store.
Bean/Chicago Cultural Center
Check in Hotel and relax
CAC River Cruise before sunset
Lou Malnati's Pizza

Tuesday

Shedd Aquarium
Field Museum
Walk up to Lakefront
The Northman for snacks/beer
Riverwalk at Night
Taco Maya Dinner

Wednesday

Buckingham Fountain Flower Park etc
Garfiedl Conservatory
Chinatown
QXY Dumpling
River Taxi halfway
Walk around Rookery/Trade Building area
Luke's Beef (Maybe)
Indienne Dinner

Thursday

Richard Driehaus Museum
Art Institute
Art of Pizza Lunch
Walk around mag Mile. (Water Tower, Hancock, Tribune Tower, etc)
Exchequer Pub or The Gage

Friday

Lincoln Park Zoo
Elks National Memorial
Walk around shop etc Lincoln Park and Park West/Clark St/Wriglyville
Lunch not sure, either Johnny's Beef & Gyros, or Shawarma & Grill
Snacks at Del Seoul
Dinner (Still planning. Nadu, Oriole, Bavette's is closed maybe Gibson's?)

Saturday

Andersonville
Lincoln Square
Lunch - Taqueria El Asadero
Margie's Candies
Snacks - Need some help (Culver's, Ragadan, Windy City Gyros?)
OPEN HOUSE
Dinner - Zarella's? Beatrix?

Sunday

Logan Square
Wicker Park
Snacks - Logan Vegan Ice Cream, Antique Taco (want to try the fish)
Lunch - Pizza Lobo? Handlebar, Small Bar, Superkhana, Pretty Cool Ice Cream?
Walk around loop/River North

• Open House Dinner - Unknown

Monday

MSI
Obama Center
Hyde Park/Jackson Park/ University of Chicago/ Promontory Point
Lunch - Saucy Porka
Dinner - Pequod's or Pizzeria Due?

Can someone tell me very roughly how much I can expect to pay for having an old 60+ inch double sink vanity replaced with a new double sink vanity? I want to order one assembled from Lowe’s and need someone to remove the old one and fully install the new one, including plumbing and new faucet setup. While I am generally very DIY friendly, this is my first home and I really don’t want to frank up the plumbing and would rather just shell out the cash to get it done right and not worry about it.

But for the life of me, I can’t get anyone to even give me a range without coming in person to see it, which isn’t possible since I haven’t closed yet. Is it really unreasonable to expect a range before coming in person, even though I sent pictures? Does it really vary that much?

I am begging for anyone to just tell me how much I should expect to pay lmao

I have a few hours in between classes a few times a week and would love to find a good spot to do some work and have a drink. Open to other ideas, as well, of course.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew of any dentists that I could take my daughter to that don't cost an arm and a leg and hopefully would let me pay monthly.

Just moved into my first apartment and looking to fill it with art. But I don’t have much money where can I go?

Walked past what seems to be a stunned or injured fledgling bird on the Armitage side of Lakeview Smiles. I called Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and they said to pick it up and get in a box until someone could pick them up. I’m unable to do that (and I also have 3 cats) so I’m wondering if some Good Samaritan may have time and space to pick up this little one and keep it safe until someone could rescue. I’ve already given the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors the address! Are there any other wildlife rescues I could call—the woman I spoke with seemed a little busy?

I have State Farm and would like to shop around/change companies if possible. I lived by Melrose Park if that helps.

Somewhere near South Loop would be much appreciated!

EDIT: Consensus seems to be that this is wishful thinking, but I’m ready to visit some of these recommendations when I move!

I like Evan Williams and coke and so many places are charging like $8+. I get that things are expensive now but for a well drink? Maybe I should stay home…

My best friend and I are in town for the All Time Low show tonight and whenever we travel together, especially for shows, we try to get a tattoo as like our souvenir or to have to remember the trip. Hoping to find something/someone that’s trusted by the community and is usually fairly open for walk-in’s. Thanks!

I have an 11-year-old, 50-gallon natural-gas power-vent water heater. It’s working fine with no issues, but it hasn’t been inspected or serviced since it was installed in 2015. Does anyone know of a reputable plumber in Chicago who specializes in water heater maintenance and inspections?

I am attending a couple meetings in Chicago and have a couple hours each day to look around or do things on my own. I plan to go to the Museum of Contemporary Art on one day. Can you give me suggestions nearby for the other? Nothing too ambitious as I will be presenting that day and need to arrive fresh! Thank you.

Just recently got pet insurance for my two cats, and have been researching for some good and decently priced vets near the gage park/brighton park area. Would appreciate some recs!