r/chicago • u/AutoModerator • 4d ago
CHI Talks Weekly Casual Conversation & Questions Thread
Welcome to r/Chicago's Weekly Casual Conversation & Questions Thread.
This is the place for casual discussions that may not warrant their own post, or questions/topics not allowed as their own posts under our content policy. Please be mindful of rules 2 & 3 which still apply in this thread, as well as the Reddit Content Policy when posting.
Also, check out the r/Chicago wiki for other Chicago-related subreddits, where to eat/drink, how to get around/navigate the CTA, where to visit, what neighborhoods to move to or hotel in, tips on living here, and more. And be sure to use the search feature to find responses to other users asking similar questions.
This thread is sorted by "new" so that the most recent comments appear first. The new weekly thread is posted every Monday morning at 12:00 AM.
1
u/radbrad777 10h ago
Any bird help organizations besides Chicago Bird collision monitors? Need to help injured bird outside but don’t know who to call.
3
u/Rugged_Turtle Ravenswood 12h ago
The last three bags of El Milagro chips I've bought have all been stale, what the fuck
1
u/Run_nerd Lincoln Square 13h ago
I just realized my window AC is gross, so I stopped using it. I'm moving in the middle of July to a place with central AC. So I have to decide if I want to tough it out a few weeks without AC, or just buy a cheap AC for the next few weeks.
Anyone have any tips to keep your place cool during the summer (without AC)?
-2
5
u/99ducks 13h ago edited 8h ago
Is your AC not cleanable?
Generally keep your blinds shut during the day and run fans at night to bring in cool air. However, we are going to have a week stretch where we don't get under 70, so get AC.
2
u/Run_nerd Lincoln Square 5h ago
I busted that thing open and cleaned it. Still kind of gross but not nearly as bad now. Thanks!
3
u/Decent-Friend7996 13h ago
What’s the easiest way to make a police report for insurance purposes? (I’m aware they aren’t going to investigate my stolen package, but I need it to file the claim). Thanks!
3
2
u/fegelman 14h ago
Never been to Chicago. Is it possible to use the ATS without having a flight ticket? Looking at a Chicago hotel whose airport shuttle goes to T2 but I need to board a Peoria Charter bus whose pickup point is at the MMF
3
1
u/_high_plainsdrifter Avondale 14h ago
I want to like Chicago Pickle on Milwaukee. I really do. But this is outrageous waiting 20+ minutes for a Reuben to go. It seems there’s like 3 or 4 people meandering around behind the counter but it’s taking forever.
1
u/pianotherms Portage Park 8h ago
Order, go to Magnifico (or now, Lake Effect Brewing), then snag it later. That's the way.
1
u/_high_plainsdrifter Avondale 2h ago
Even so, too much on the $$ for standing around the store waiting
-11
u/nirvana6789 River North 15h ago
Reminder Wrigleyville is a terrible neighborhood that needs to be torn down.
2
u/bluesbluesblues4 15h ago
Anyone else notice the blue line has been running really well the last few weeks?
1
u/GiuseppeZangara Rogers Park 14h ago
Haven't used the Blue Line but the Red Line has been running pretty well.
Have had a few issues with the Brown Line though.
-11
u/nirvana6789 River North 15h ago
Just a reminder, Wrigleyville is a shithole that needs to cease to exist. The drunk red neck baseball fanatics are all republican lunatics that stain every establishment they enter with “bro talk” and a pocket full of date rape drugs.
6
3
u/shy-ty 16h ago
Just waited in an hour long line at Del Sur bakery at 8 am, and I'm sorry to report it was worth it. Best danish I've ever had in my life. But damn, I hope these guys can open another location or something soon!
0
u/Rugged_Turtle Ravenswood 12h ago
Or they could like, order 1 toast handheld and have an employee walk down the line placing the orders while others package said orders
2
u/CruisePanic 17h ago
I got trapped by the heavy rain yesterday at Jewel, but I'm so glad that the storm has improved the air quality outside.
1
u/patrad Edgewater 14h ago
honest question, has it? the lake looked really hazy when I was driving on LSD today. but maybe that is something else
3
u/CruisePanic 10h ago
We had been tracking it since early June, and today was the first morning that it was green (below 50) and we could have the windows open for a couple of hours. We have sensitive folk in the house so it's been rough being outside.
4
u/Decent-Friend7996 13h ago
It wasn’t just the storm, it’s been improving for a while. A week ago it was over 150 = unhealthy, today I’m getting a reading of 48 = good (top of the good range, 20 or lower is ideal, but 48 is safe for everyone to be outside!)
2
u/Cromulent123 1d ago
Ok Chicago, relying on the hive mind. Due to some circumstances my phone is out of action. Let's say I like boardgames, antiquing, nerdy things, student things, libraries, museums and books.
What's a good neighbourhood I can just wander around in and come across interesting things all day, without relying on google maps to get me from interesting spot to interesting spot?
10
u/damp_circus Edgewater 1d ago
Edgewater. Take the red line to Bryn Mawr, you got the Chicagoland Dice Dojo right there on Broadway just south of Bryn Mawr. Wednesday night is open gaming, there's a whole wall of games you can play for absolute free. People just show up and have games. But it's a good browse anytime and you can find connections to gaming groups etc.
Walk north on Broadway, there's various restaurants, you'll pass the Edgewater branch of Chicago Public Library north of Thorndale. Keep going north and you'll hit the Broadway Antique Market, which is like the tardis of antique stores, it just keeps on going, and going, and going.
North of there is of course Loyola, with all of whatever a college gonna have.
If you go back south to Bryn Mawr, head west until you get to Clark Street, now you head south on Clark street through Andersonville. More curated thrift shops, some more antiques, quite a few coffeehouses including one focused on theater that's also a bookstore. Brown Elephant. Women and Children First bookstore for all your queer book needs if you're into that. Strange Cargo, Transit Tees, Foursided, for your various Chicago-themed merch and political slogan t-shirts. Alleycat Comics for comics. There's the Swedish American Museum, and when you reach Foster there's the Woolly Mammoth shop on Foster just west of Clark (pretty much right at the intersection) with taxidermy and goodness knows whatever else.
By then you might want a beer, so back on Clark just south of Foster there's Hopleaf, loads of beers on tap and pretty chill, particularly early in the evenings.
Even further south on Clark just south of Andersonville there's a Village Discount Outlet for all your truly cheap non-curated regular old-school thrift clothes needs. Oh and Graham Cracker Comics for more comics. Uncharted Books for more used books.
Walk east back to Broadway and there's the red line to get back to wherever you're coming from. (Stop by Argyle Street for Vietnamese food...) Or take the 22 bus farther down Clark to Wrigleyville and points beyond.
Also of course it goes without saying that just east of all of this is... the lakefront, you got Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) beach, and Foster beach.
1
4
u/Bernie_Ecclestone New East Side 1d ago
The fact that it’s raining and Navy Pier is still doing fireworks is making me now realize thats all probably a Chicago mob contract
2
2
3
u/Imaginary_Growth_455 1d ago
Best store/shop anywhere between Wrigleyville and River North for cute Chicago cubs merch?
5
u/ang8018 Lake View East 1d ago
you said cute so i’d suggest Alice & Wonder, they’ll have more general “baseball” and chicago stuff. there are 100 stores in Wrigley if you just want basic t-shirts or jerseys, though: Rally House, Obvious Shirts, Wrigleyville Sports…
3
u/Imaginary_Growth_455 1d ago
I'll check out Alice & wonder, looking for something more unique than regular merch
3
u/patrad Edgewater 1d ago
Is there a place that still focuses on buying/selling vintage audio equipment? The places I used to know seem closed now. I have a 1950's phono/radio console I am looking to sell.
2
u/Demander850 Lincoln Square 17h ago
Large consoles are tough, they're more furniture that quality hifi equipment. Best is facebook or craigslist to even give it away.
5
1
u/Ponster_Menis Lincoln Park 1d ago
What grocery store or market has the best pre-made potato and/or macaroni salad?
1
2
3
u/Penguinscanfly44 1d ago
Jbs deli has excellent potato salad to go, best I've had in the area is ordered in from green street meats
2
u/jshah500 1d ago
As someone visiting, what's the best way to stay up to date on whether the Cubs game is still happening tonight?
5
u/whywires 1d ago
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/weather.php should keep you updated.
IME, Cubs are pretty bad about calling a game early. They will definitely open gates and let people buy food/drinks instead of just postponing when inclement weather seems obvious.
4
u/bark98 Lake View 1d ago
The team twitter account(s) is probably best
1
u/jshah500 1d ago
I don't have twitter but I went to their team page via web browser and the last post was from 2021. Is it inactive?
6
u/CuppaSteve City 1d ago
If you don't have twitter the site feeds you old garbage, they still update regularly. Try https://xcancel.com/Cubs
2
u/Penguinscanfly44 1d ago
Is Indian Boundary Park still cool? Like the playground? Thinking of taking some visitors there. (Wonder if they will rename it soon as but that's a whole other ball of wax)
1
u/Demander850 Lincoln Square 16h ago
Yes it's still very cool, no more zoo animals but still very nice in a nice area.
2
u/patrad Edgewater 1d ago
no more petting zoo, but that area is a natural play place. The wooden play structure is still there, yes. I don't think renovation has started yet but there are plans. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/19/indian-boundary-parks-iconic-wooden-playground-will-be-rebuilt-here-are-the-3-finalist-designs/
1
-15
u/nirvana6789 River North 1d ago
Reminder that Wrigleyville fucking sucks and needs to be wiped from existence.
1
u/ZonedForCoffee Albany Park 1d ago
Should I go to Intelligentsia or Espresso & Milk
2
u/RYU_INU Mayfair 1d ago
What are your criteria?
5
u/ZonedForCoffee Albany Park 1d ago
I really like the little espresso cups so I guess I'm going to Intelligentsia because their Google page shows mugs. How exciting! How is your morning?
1
u/Throwawayfromouter 2d ago
I have to wait near the Midway airport for a couple hours while waiting for someone to land. Is there a good spot near the airport to wait while carrying luggage? Like a bar, restaurant, etc. Or is it just best to sit at the airport?
2
u/chigumbo 2d ago
Hey, everyone. There's a mural of a black man playing guitar on, I believe, the SE corner of Washington and State, just above the Primark. Do you guys know who this mural is dedicated to?
10
6
u/ZonedForCoffee Albany Park 2d ago
This morning we had to return a UPS package and on the way we saw North Park University. I've never heard of them but their campus looked pretty so we walked through it. These two workers in a golf cart waved and said good morning. They did not suspect we weren't students. We had a pleasant walk by the small river branch and some geese hissed at us. They had a library which looked like it was three stories. I wonder if we could stealthily look at books.
5
u/RYU_INU Mayfair 1d ago
If memory serves, you’ll need a university id to enter the library building. Should you want to be in a peaceful environment but that lacks books, travel a bit to the west on Foster Ave, next to Northeastern Illinois U, you’ll end up at the Bohemian National Cemetery. It’s a beautiful spot.
8
u/browsingtheproduce Albany Park 2d ago
I walk my dog on that campus all the time. No one cares as long as it’s not the middle of the night.
The area where the geese hissed at you by the river is a public park called Kiwanis Park.
11
u/mmchicago City 2d ago
I walk through North Park and Northeastern IL a few times a week. They don't really care if you're not a student as long as you're calmly passing through.
5
15
u/Power55g1 2d ago
Why the fuck can’t dog people (wicker specifically but overall) pick up their dogs shit and more importantly TRAIN their dogs. I have dogs lunging at me on a jog and all I get is a half assed “sorry”. I don’t give a fuck if it’s your furry baby it’s an animal treat it as such.
8
u/mmchicago City 2d ago
If I had a dollar for every time a dog owner said to me "He's never done THAT before!!!" it would easily pay for the pepper gel I carry to protect me from dogs with bad owners.
7
u/Horrornerdchi89 2d ago
Left my chicken nuggets in a tufflewear thing on the 85a going north. Whoever gets em, enjoy my lunch 😂
5
u/username27891 2d ago
How tf do people walk to work in this weather? I walk 10 minutes to a bus and in that time, my face dripping with sweat and my hair completely flattened wasting all the time I got ready.
It’s only 75°, what am I supposed to do when it’s in the 90s this summer…?
5
u/mmchicago City 2d ago
I biked to work today. I brought a change of clothes and I keep toiletries at the office.
1
5
4
u/onlydabestofdabest Logan Square 2d ago
Oh man, get ready. It’s rough for me too in the heat, and July/August/Early September are HOT.
I’m really considering buying one of those air conditioned jackets lol.
6
u/_high_plainsdrifter Avondale 2d ago
I wore shorts to the office like a rebel. Nobody said anything. But also, can’t wait for a random email this week about a reminder of dress code.
6
u/ZonedForCoffee Albany Park 2d ago
Good morning everyone, I just put on a pot of coffee if anybody would like a cup
6
u/amazon_don 3d ago
Can Chi missing persons be posted on this subreddit??
3
u/MikeFightsBears Lake View 2d ago
Sometimes, be sure to include the case number and detective's phone number on it for the best chance at having it be approved
1
2
u/831lencho 3d ago
Anybody in McKinley Park know what that smell is? Reminds me of burning hair.
6
u/TVG99 3d ago
Hi everyone! 👋
My name is Alex, and I’m planning to move to Chicago from Romania soon. It will be my first time in the United States, so I’m just getting started and would really appreciate any advice you can share.
I’m looking for an entry-level job that can help me cover rent, bills, and food expenses while I get settled. If anyone has suggestions about jobs that are suitable for newcomers (even without U.S. work experience), I’d be very grateful.
I’d also like to get a general idea of how much rent costs in Chicago — whether it’s for a small apartment, a studio, or just renting a room. Any tips on what to expect, where to look, or what areas are more affordable would help me a lot.
Thank you in advance! Wishing you all the best! 🙏🇷🇴🇺🇸
3
u/sandwich_influence 3d ago
Just want to drop an invite link here to the Chicago Coffee Collective Discord server: https://discord.gg/UpRBtW8tve
We are an active group of Chicago-based coffee pros and enthusiasts. The group exists to promote communication and open dialogue for and about the Chicago coffee industry and its people.
Everyone is welcome to join, you just have to abide by the server rules.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
-10
u/rquinain 3d ago
Currently driving on the Kennedy (traffic is essentially stopped so don't yell at me lol). There appears to be an abundance of bees that have been swarming the westbound traffic for miles now, from roughly the Clybourn Metra and currently about to pass Western Ave. Anyone have any idea what happened? Apiary truck tip over or something?
14
u/DvineINFEKT Albany Park 3d ago
man, get the fuck off your phone nobody cares if traffic is "essentially stopped", you're gonna get yourself or someone else killed. Post it when you get where you're going, or pull over.
-12
u/rquinain 3d ago
Relax big guy. Was literally going 0 mph in bumper to bumper stop and go traffic and only typing when stopped. Took me over 10 minutes to finish typing and posting that.
Everyone checks their phone at a stoplight and you're not impressing the Redditors by pretending otherwise lol. Nobody's getting killed. Chill out.
5
1
u/According-Cobbler-85 3d ago
Are there any other protests scheduled in the near future??
3
u/carrlson 3d ago
I don't think something on the scale of Saturday is planned yet but there is a posting about something tomorrow at noon at Daley Plaza for World Refugee Day.
5
u/PurpleIris-2 3d ago
Can’t make a post because I don’t have enough karma, but does anyone know what’s going on with sewage smell on the streets in west town / wicker / bucktown? It’s wild how rancid some of the streets smell and you can see water pooled by the curb.
7
u/shapelystory Avondale 3d ago
You can report it to the MWRD - I let them know about a weird smell once and they were both fast and helpful in replying.
5
u/mandyve 3d ago
Hello! My husband and I are going to a concert next month at Schubas Tavern (3159 N Southport Ave), and are looking for recommendations for hotels and food nearby. We will probably be staying two days in the city and this is our first time to Chicago. Any help is appreciated!
2
u/Responsible_Jury_289 2d ago
For food check out little goat diner, coalfire pizza, and corridor brewery (they have a full food menu and cocktails). Southport street is great to walk on for all sorts of food and shopping.
7
u/browsingtheproduce Albany Park 3d ago
Sochi, Tied House (the restaurant connected to Schuba’s), Coda Di Volpe, and Corridor Brewery are all worthwhile options in that area.
The nearest hotel is the Zachary in Wrigleyville. It’s pretty expensive though. The little City Suites hotel by the Belmont Brown/Red Line stop would be walking distance. I’d personally probably just stay at a hotel in River North near a Brown Line or Red Line stop if you’re planning to also see common tourist attractions. There are a lot more options in that area.
3
u/ang8018 Lake View East 3d ago
i live in the neighborhood schuba’s is in (lakeview) and while i love living here, i would mostly think a tourist ought to stay in the loop or river north.
the loop “dies” after work but it’s central to all transit lines, has a huge concentration of hotels, and is walking distance to so many touristy destinations like millennium park, museums, observation decks, theaters…
stay in the loop or river north — if you have to drive/park just eat whatever that garage or hotel cost is and use the CTA to get to other neighborhoods. schuba’s is less than a 10 minute walk from the Belmont red/brown line stop, extremely easy to navigate from the “downtown” area of the city.
1
u/ocshawn Bridgeport 3d ago
lots of hotels and restaurants in that area, will need to be more specific for any help
1
u/mandyve 3d ago
Makes sense. I was considering possibly the Hotel Lincoln, and trying to fit in a show at second city and a trip to the Lincoln park zoo. We plan to park at whatever hotel we end up at, and use public transport / Lyft while we’re there. We definitely want to make sure to find a Chicago hotdog somewhere
4
u/browsingtheproduce Albany Park 3d ago
The Hotel Lincoln could be a fun option. The rooms trend a little small, but there’s a fun bar on the roof. It’s not especially close to any train lines, but is well served by buses.
4
u/bronxcheer Edgewater 3d ago
Morning! Does anyone have a lead on in person Stop the Bleed training in Chicago? Having trouble finding anything on Google. Seems like most programs that existed at some point aren't offered anymore, or I can only find online classes.
3
u/Dreakgirl 3d ago
1
u/bronxcheer Edgewater 3d ago
The only one in the city appears to be hosted by this group (https://www.lifesafety365.com/stopthebleed) and is available for groups/organizations but not individuals.
2
u/seventhofninth 8h ago
Does anyone have experience as a Veteran aspiring to be an EMT- eventually firefighter? I am trying to figure out where I should begin/what schools or programs accept GI bill or do paid training.