Moving from Boston to Chicago...questions

[chitown85]

Chicago is lively all the time, but obviously more so from St. Patty's Day to Halloween. I've noticed downtown still has its crowds in winter, while the outer neighborhoods tend to only have the regulars at the bar. People still go out in their neighborhoods from Nov-March, but they will stay close and people tend to go home earlier (save for Christmas week). Save your energy during the winter since you will need it for summer.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by Kenrod89

Thanks. A few people have mentioned the walk-ups, are those Brownstones? I checked out the link for the Lakeshore Athletic Club and noticed there are two locations. I think I may try and live very close those either of those since the gym is an important thing to me and during the cold winters I can not imagine walking too far. The highrises are nice because most seem to have pools and at least some treadmills if the cold weather is making me feel extra lazy.
Boston turns into a bit of ghost town after the holidays during the winter, no one ventures too far.
What are some of the bars folks love to go to in the winter time for a nice warm meal and a Guinness?

some are, some aren't. Most are 3 flats and courtyard buildings where you have the 3 flats in a shape of a U with a courtyard in the middle.
As for irish grub and guinness... I like Mystic Celt, O'Shaughnessy's and Galway Arms as far as north side places go. Thinking some fish/chips and shephard pie maybe irish style curry bangers and mash..
Favorite though is Celtic Crossings...although they only sell crisps, and no televisions. no food, but you can order a pizza or something from next door and bring it in.
There are a lot of irish bars in Chicago though so, wouldn't worry, but I'd personally avoid all the ones near Rush/Division.
Wherever you choose, you'll more than likely be able to walk to several irish bars.

^I actually do the reverse of many during the seasons, probably more in the bars during the winter, and doing outdoor activities, out by the lake, getting some running in, etc. in the summer.

[Drover]

Here's a list of bars with fireplaces. Pick a couple near wherever you end up living that have Irish names and check 'em out.

[chitown85]

I like the Division and Rush area, especially those Irish pubs during the day. Dublins in the spring when they have all the doors open and you can people watch from the bar onto the sidewalk.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by chitown85

I like the Division and Rush area, especially those Irish pubs during the day. Dublins in the spring when they have all the doors open and you can people watch from the bar onto the sidewalk.

Of course people will have different taste in places to go out. That area to me caters to tourists and people from the suburbs coming in for the weekend. Lots of obnoxious stuff that goes on. I'd personally rather avoid it, but I guess to each their own.