I visited your fair city (Chicago, Skokie: neighborhoods, school, restaurants)

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by Gaylord_Focker

And was super impressed. Impressed enough to move there? IDK, but pretty close.

Positives -
Great downtown, duh, not much else to be said there. Gorgeous skyline, super walkable, a lot of great restaurants, people were friendly enough. Remarkably clean


People - down to earth, friendly enough.

Food - super diverse, lots of options. Had great pho and the best quesadilla I've ever had.

Negatives -
Weather- still a bit nippy for April. Not unbearable, but unpredictable for sure.

Drivers- I was expecting midwest friendliness. I didn't get that. Far more aggressive than Californians, which was surprising.

I don't think our "cleanliness" is well-deserved. This city is filthy, just less filthy than LA or SF or Denver or wherever. Did you notice all of the encampments under almost every significant overpass or bridge? Encampments taking over neighborhood parks as far away from downtown as Rogers Park? Chicagoland is my home and my native city. But, it has substantial problems that should not be glossed over.

[Kmanshouse]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

I don't think our "cleanliness" is well-deserved. This city is filthy, just less filthy than LA or SF or Denver or wherever. Did you notice all of the encampments under almost every significant overpass or bridge? Encampments taking over neighborhood parks as far away from downtown as Rogers Park? Chicagoland is my home and my native city. But, it has substantial problems that should not be glossed over.

Good Lord, man. Let the man enjoy his vacation!

Chicago is VERY clean compared to virtually any large city. All cities are dirty.

Nobody is going to Rogers Park when visiting Chicago on a trip.

Lighten up, Francis!

[Master Jay]

Kmanshouse, I visit Rogers Park when I take my trips to Chicago.

But I am NOT the norm when it comes to the definition of a "visitor."

I am, in fact, an abnormal visitor!



Here's to everyone having a great day, and a greater weekend!!

[reneeh63]

Originally Posted by Kmanshouse

Good Lord, man. Let the man enjoy his vacation!

Chicago is VERY clean compared to virtually any large city. All cities are dirty.

Nobody is going to Rogers Park when visiting Chicago on a trip.

Lighten up, Francis!

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Kmanshouse, I visit Rogers Park when I take my trips to Chicago.

But I am NOT the norm when it comes to the definition of a "visitor."

I am, in fact, an abnormal visitor!



Here's to everyone having a great day, and a greater weekend!!

Yes - so much great food in Rogers Park with Devon Ave. - great Indian food as well as Russian bakeries...great area for "real" food.

[Marv95]

Was down there for Memorial Day last year. Despite my limited time there I was impressed with the Riverwalk and Millennium Mile. Much cleaner than I was expecting. Walkable AF and plenty of transit despite running on a Sunday schedule.

If things don't work out with this job I'm at I will consider Chicago despite its obvious issues.

[Master Jay]

reneeh63, good morning.

You'll have to forgive me, but I have NEVER taken in any of the restaurants or bakeries on Devon Avenue! Although I agree that that is a very bustling part of town... But to be honest, if my memory serves me correct, that stretch actually falls more in the West Ridge neighborhood. But I imagine as you go more and more east on Devon Avenue (going into the actual Rogers Park neighborhood) there are STILL going to be the delicious establishments that you are mentioning!)

If one follows Clark Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood, they'll find an eclectic blend of other ethnic restaurants (certainly Mexican, but I believe maybe even some African restaurants).

Chicago is full of delicious places in all her "4 corners."

[Master Jay]

Marv95, good morning.

Thank you for mentioning the Riverwalk. I have actually never WALKED it!

But I WOULD recommend that one take the Water Taxi for a round trip ride, maybe starting in beautiful Ping Tom Park in Chinatown. It makes approximately 4 step before it turns around. And I think the price is $5.00 for a 1-hour roundtrip ride.

You'll see the city from the river's point of view (beautiful buildings, people walking and eating outside, etc)..

Ohhhhhhhhhh, I can't WAIT for the warm weather!

[Gaylord_Focker]

Originally Posted by Kmanshouse

Good Lord, man. Let the man enjoy his vacation!

Chicago is VERY clean compared to virtually any large city. All cities are dirty.

Nobody is going to Rogers Park when visiting Chicago on a trip.

Lighten up, Francis!

Haha! Right! Look, I can only speak for downtown. It was nice compared to a lot of cities I've been. Don't see anything wrong with comparing it to LA or NYC though, those are your peer cities.

[Gaylord_Focker]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Marv95, good morning.

Thank you for mentioning the Riverwalk. I have actually never WALKED it!

But I WOULD recommend that one take the Water Taxi for a round trip ride, maybe starting in beautiful Ping Tom Park in Chinatown. It makes approximately 4 step before it turns around. And I think the price is $5.00 for a 1-hour roundtrip ride.

You'll see the city from the river's point of view (beautiful buildings, people walking and eating outside, etc)..

Ohhhhhhhhhh, I can't WAIT for the warm weather!

Dang it, missed this part.

[Kmanshouse]

Master Jay, you come down from MKE, and are a full explorer, so Rogers Park makes sense for you!

As for Devon Ave, it's a cool cultural immersion vibe but I've not had great luck with my food choices, despite reading reviews ahead of time. You can get everything, but the quality is very mixed.

If you want extraordinary Indian cuisine, I'd recommend Basant on Lincoln Ave. Just south of Irving Park Road. Not cheap, but incredibly high quality.