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re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide
Posted on 7/13/26 at 6:38 am to hoopsgalore
Posted on 7/13/26 at 6:38 am to hoopsgalore
Can you swim in any of the Chicago beaches or should I go to Indiana Dunes?
2
Posted on 7/13/26 at 8:47 am to OhioLSUfan
You can swim at all the beaches.
Posted on 7/13/26 at 8:54 am to OhioLSUfan
You can swim, yes, but only "allowed" when a lifeguard is on-duty. There is a pretty steep drop in Lake Michigan, so there are designated zones. The most popular beaches are Ohio Street Beach, North Ave Beach, and Montrose Beach. My favorite of the three is Montrose because the beach is expansive and The Dock is a fun beach bar with live music.
I'd still recommend going to the Dunes if you can. Several different beaches to choose from, but you also won't be completely free of potential restrictions you see in Chicago, as well. Lake Michigan is a tricky one.
I'd still recommend going to the Dunes if you can. Several different beaches to choose from, but you also won't be completely free of potential restrictions you see in Chicago, as well. Lake Michigan is a tricky one.
This post was edited on 7/13/26 at 8:56 am
Posted on 7/20/26 at 1:52 pm to hoopsgalore
My wife and I will be in Chicago Aug 21-24. First time to Chicago for both of us. I rented an Airbnb about three blocks from the Kimball CTA station. So far, plan on seeing the Skydeck, Fields and probably the architecture tour. Would like to visit Chinatown and Wicker Park/Bucktown. Wife loves Chicago Fire, so we might walk up to Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown.
I feel pretty confident that the the Brown Line is pretty safe. However I’m reading some sketchy stuff about the Clark/Lake transfer to the Blue Line and the Red line subway. Any input welcome as I’d prefer to keep the car parked and use the trains.
Any recs for breakfast/brunch along the Brown line?
I feel pretty confident that the the Brown Line is pretty safe. However I’m reading some sketchy stuff about the Clark/Lake transfer to the Blue Line and the Red line subway. Any input welcome as I’d prefer to keep the car parked and use the trains.
Any recs for breakfast/brunch along the Brown line?
Posted on 7/20/26 at 2:24 pm to BluegrassCardinal
I’d really look into staying downtown (River North/Streeterville/Loop) rather than commuting from Kimball everyday. Brown line is generally one of the safer/cleaner lines, but frequency is a little slower. Regarding transfers, Clark/Lake has a major construction project going on so it may be a little difficult, I would offer Belmont as a transfer point to red line from brown.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 2:43 pm to BluegrassCardinal
You can transfer Brown to Red at Belmont to avoid the Clark/Lake transfer. I don't really see a reason you'd transfer Brown to Blue. For going to Wicker/Bucktown from where you are, you'd probably be best to take the Kimball bus south to Belmont Blue Line.
As for breakfast/brunch you can take the brown line to Western which is just 4 stops. You have your pick of Willow Cafe, Pastores, Bagel Miller. None are anything special but they all have outdoor seating.
Spoken at the Montrose stop is owned by a couple from New Iberia. Mostly a coffee/bagel place instead of a full menu.
Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club at the Damen stop is solid. Just make sure you are headed to the one on Damen and not the one on Bryn Mawr.
Southport Grocery and Little Goat Diner are options near the Southport stop.
As for breakfast/brunch you can take the brown line to Western which is just 4 stops. You have your pick of Willow Cafe, Pastores, Bagel Miller. None are anything special but they all have outdoor seating.
Spoken at the Montrose stop is owned by a couple from New Iberia. Mostly a coffee/bagel place instead of a full menu.
Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club at the Damen stop is solid. Just make sure you are headed to the one on Damen and not the one on Bryn Mawr.
Southport Grocery and Little Goat Diner are options near the Southport stop.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 7:19 pm to keakdasneak
Make sure you really STUDY the mass transit system BEFORE you try to utilize it i.e. Amtrak/the EL and the bus system have apparently NEVER had a joint meeting to discuss 'connectivity' ! Amtrak will drop you downtown/Loop with virtually no information booths to explain why the closest EL station is a mile and 1/2 away and busses are near impossible to understand...also there are DIFFERENT pay systems for each !! Trying to get close to Soldier Field = NOT possible...have to walk about 2 miles from one of only 2 'entrances' and ubers are not allowed in their 'vicinity'. That park district runs the show anywhere around 'their lakefront' area and this also partially explains why the city is losing the Bears to Indiana.....basically lots of moving parts to figure out and none of the 'agencies' seem to give a rats arse about assisting first time visitors !
Posted on 7/21/26 at 6:20 am to cubbynole
quote:
Clark/Lake has a major construction project going on so it may be a little difficult, I would offer Belmont as a transfer point to red line from brown.
Pretty sure construction closures only affected a couple weekends this month, including this past.
But, yes, if he and his wife need the Red Line, always transfer at Belmont (or Fullerton).
quote:
I’d really look into staying downtown (River North/Streeterville/Loop) rather than commuting from Kimball everyday. Brown line is generally one of the safer/cleaner lines, but frequency is a little slower.
Only reason I'd push back is the assumption that cost is a factor - Hotel rates in the summer months can be quite expensive.
Staying at the top of the Brown Line can take some time getting to/from some of the tourist sites, but Albany Park is a great neighborhood. It's so diverse with some incredible food options (e.g. Kabobi, Lawrence Fish Market, Kim's Home Cooking, and Atzlan).
This post was edited on 7/21/26 at 6:48 am
Posted on 7/21/26 at 6:23 am to BluegrassCardinal
quote:
However I’m reading some sketchy stuff about the Clark/Lake
There are some characters, but it's not worth actively avoiding. This is the busiest transportation point in the city. I get off at Clark/Lake from the Blue Line ~4x/week.
quote:
Any recs for breakfast/brunch along the Brown line?
Put some Albany Park general food recommendations in my immediate previous post to this. For breakfast, though, make sure you do Dulche De Leche Cafe and Khepri Cafe. Can hit both before even getting on the Brown Line. Albany Park is one of the most underrated food neighborhoods in the city, especially as affordable options go.
quote:
Would like to visit Chinatown and Wicker Park/Bucktown. Wife loves Chicago Fire, so we might walk up to Lottie’s Pub in Bucktown.
Few thoughts / recommendations for both:
In Chinatown, Nine Bar (No. 76 on 50 Best in North America) is a worthwhile cocktail bar. For food, go with MCCB, QXY, Triple Crown, or Phoenix. These are the four most popular restaurants in the area, so choosing one will be good for a first time visitor.
To note, Chinatown is a quick hop from Pilsen. If you like Mexican, don't rule this out. Great neighborhood with a lot of good drinking to boot.
Wicker and Bucktown are both great, but I very much encourage you to also Logan Square, which is one or two (either California or Logan Square stations) on the Blue Line or, honestly, walking. Behind West Loop, best restaurant neighborhood (e.g., Mi Tocaya, Giant, Lula) in the city and it's the best cocktail bar neighborhood (e.g., Meadowlark, Best Intentions, Cara Cara). Looks like you'll be around Sunday, as well, and Logan has a pretty renowned Farmers Market with a lot of shops, bars, and restaurants flanking the market around the newly renovated square.
Lottie's is worth going to. I've been countless times for Wisconsin games and it's always a good crowd no matter if a game is happening or not.
Like someone else said, no reason to transfer from Brown to Blue - That just adds time. Google Maps is your friend this trip. It is extremely accurate for mapping routes, both with bus and train. Then, use Transit Stop app for wait times.
Can download Ventra app for a transit card or just use contactless on your CC. Best value is getting an unlimited Ventra pass at 3 or 7 days. Grab on Ventra app then add onto your Apple Wallet.
This post was edited on 7/21/26 at 7:05 am
Posted on 7/21/26 at 9:51 am to hoopsgalore
quote:
Put some Albany Park general food recommendations in my immediate previous post to this. For breakfast, though, make sure you do Dulche De Leche Cafe and Khepri Cafe. Can hit both before even getting on the Brown Line. Albany Park is one of the most underrated food neighborhoods in the city, especially as affordable options go.
That’s what attracted me to Albany Park, in addition to it being a quiet neighborhood. We’ll survive the longer travel times on the Brown. Being a huge railfan, I’ll rather enjoy it.
I’m hoping to get to Chicago much earlier that Friday, so this will likely turn into three days, and still I feel like I’m only scratching the surface. I don’t want to spend much time in the Loop, other than to see the Sears Tower and some of the older buildings like the Rookery, maybe towards Millenium. I’ve heard it’s sketchy towards Harold Washington, so might steer clear.
I’ll study the bus routes and consider bus from Albany park to Wicker.
Posted on 7/21/26 at 12:08 pm to BluegrassCardinal
quote:
That’s what attracted me to Albany Park, in addition to it being a quiet neighborhood. We’ll survive the longer travel times on the Brown. Being a huge railfan, I’ll rather enjoy it.
I’m hoping to get to Chicago much earlier that Friday, so this will likely turn into three days, and still I feel like I’m only scratching the surface. I don’t want to spend much time in the Loop, other than to see the Sears Tower and some of the older buildings like the Rookery, maybe towards Millenium. I’ve heard it’s sketchy towards Harold Washington, so might steer clear.
I’ll study the bus routes and consider bus from Albany park to Wicker.
Noodles Party and Birrieria El Texcal are great Albany Park spots. You didn't mention bars but Nighthawk is a great neighborhood spot as is Bokeh.
Be sure to take the brown line all the way to the loop at some point. Not many better city rail experiences than crossing the river on the brown line.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 9:57 am to BluegrassCardinal
quote:
That’s what attracted me to Albany Park, in addition to it being a quiet neighborhood. We’ll survive the longer travel times on the Brown. Being a huge railfan, I’ll rather enjoy it.
Absolutely - Each neighborhood is its own small community, so it's a great way to get to know Chicago.
Brown Line is a great route for being a "rail fan." The entire route is elevated, so you can see some of the neighborhoods from above. You'll get a great skyline view between Sedgwick and Chicago (the street / station name) and, as someone else said, a really nice look down the river between Merch Mart and Washington/Wells.
quote:
I don’t want to spend much time in the Loop, other than to see the Sears Tower and some of the older buildings like the Rookery, maybe towards Millenium. I’ve heard it’s sketchy towards Harold Washington, so might steer clear.
I'd carve time for the architecture boat tour and, by extension, stroll the Riverwalk and grab a beer at The Northman, Tiny Tapp, etc. That said, I hear you on limiting your time downtown if just a few of the standard tourist attractions are of interest.
Yeah, that part of The Loop near Harold Washington and the Library is a bit barren and weird. Chances are, you'll be fine and just run into homelessness but I totally get why it's not the top of your list.
This post was edited on 7/22/26 at 9:58 am
Posted on 7/22/26 at 11:01 am to hoopsgalore
quote:
The most popular beaches are Ohio Street Beach, North Ave Beach, and Montrose Beach. My favorite of the three is Montrose because the beach is expansive and The Dock is a fun beach bar with live music.
Our move used to be North Ave beach but at the northernmost part of it (walking south from Fullerton). Effing phenomenal when it would get to golden hour and the beach would start clearing out. Clear water, great sand and sand bottom, sun setting next to the skyline, and everyone half in the bag from drinking all afternoon...tossing the football around in the water. Elite summer stuff.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 3:45 pm to hoopsgalore
quote:
note, Chinatown is a quick hop from Pilsen. If you like Mexican, don't rule this out. Great neighborhood with a lot of good drinking to boot.
We love authentic Mexican. After reading your posts, Pilsen is moving up fast on my list of neighborhoods to visit. I’d like to visit the Mexican Art museum and maybe grab early dinner/beer. I might pair this with Chinatown or try to convince my wife to stay another day. Too much to do and it’s easy to overwhelm the “to do” list.
Just today I found another thing I’d like to check out-Kingston Mines for live music.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 8:54 pm to BluegrassCardinal
quote:
After reading your posts, Pilsen is moving up fast on my list of neighborhoods to visit. I’d like to visit the Mexican Art museum and maybe grab early dinner/beer. I might pair this with Chinatown or try to convince my wife to stay another day. Too much to do and it’s easy to overwhelm the “to do” list.
You can pair both, for sure. In Pilsen, I'll steer you to some popular spots to make it easy: Don Pedro, QuesaBirria Jalisco, La Luna, El Milagro, and Rubi's.
quote:
Just today I found another thing I’d like to check out-Kingston Mines for live music.
Very fun. Another classic: Green Mill.
Posted on 7/30/26 at 6:33 am to hoopsgalore
Dear Chicago God,
I think we’re going to put the kiddos on the river taxi and cruise down to Chinatown for the day on our upcoming trip. Will do this midweek so not too worried about crowds.
Anything more to recommend for Chinatown? I see the restaurant recs. Otherwise I assume we’ll all just let kids peruse the shopping and buy some pajamas and Candy cigarettes.
I think we’re going to put the kiddos on the river taxi and cruise down to Chinatown for the day on our upcoming trip. Will do this midweek so not too worried about crowds.
Anything more to recommend for Chinatown? I see the restaurant recs. Otherwise I assume we’ll all just let kids peruse the shopping and buy some pajamas and Candy cigarettes.
Posted on 7/30/26 at 6:50 am to ned nederlander
quote:
Anything more to recommend for Chinatown? I see the restaurant recs. Otherwise I assume we’ll all just let kids peruse the shopping and buy some pajamas and Candy cigarettes.
Water Taxi drops you at Ping Tom Memorial Park, which is worth the walk through itself w/ skyline views.
For savory and sweets, I'd take the kids to Chiu Quon (popular bakery), Legend Tasty (rolled ice cream), and Ichiban Candy (candy and snacks).
Less for the kids but if you're in the market for any cook or dinnerware, check out Rong City.
Posted on 7/30/26 at 10:59 am to hoopsgalore
Always appreciate it. And that’s the plan water taxi down. Stroll over to China town. Lunch. Treats. General walking around and water taxi back to hotel.
I saw you listed a few restaurants.
My kids are pretty great and fun eaters. I’m thinking mccb or golden bull for lunch. Anything you’ve done or particularly like for lunch?
I saw you listed a few restaurants.
My kids are pretty great and fun eaters. I’m thinking mccb or golden bull for lunch. Anything you’ve done or particularly like for lunch?
Posted on 7/30/26 at 2:50 pm to ned nederlander
quote:
I’m thinking mccb or golden bull for lunch. Anything you’ve done or particularly like for lunch?
If your kids like spice, MCCB hits the spot. Incredible flavors.
Another option nearby is MingHin - Casual, fun atmosphere and your family may appreciate the dim sum options.
Its been discovered more in recent years but Go 4 Food is one of my favorite casual restaurants in the city.
This post was edited on 7/30/26 at 2:52 pm
Posted on 7/31/26 at 4:58 pm to hoopsgalore
quote:
If your kids like spice, MCCB hits the spot. Incredible flavors. Another option nearby is MingHin - Casual, fun atmosphere and your family may appreciate the dim sum options. Its been discovered more in recent years but Go 4 Food is one of my favorite casual restaurants in the city.
1st time in Chicago and got in on Wednesday. Went to the Yanks/ Sox Wednesday and just got out of the Yanks/Cubs.
Ate lunch on the riverwalk, had beers at Green Door Tavern and went to the speak easy to watch the burlesque show.
Did the Chicago crime tour also. Just ran into Bill Murray at the cubs game. I had would have never guessed he was as tall is his is.
This post was edited on 7/31/26 at 9:09 pm
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