Andrew’s guidebook
Coffee
Order the donuts and whatever current drink special they have.
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Portage Grounds
5501 W Irving Park RdOrder the donuts and whatever current drink special they have.
Cool combo coffee/newsstand. Sometimes you can catch a performance here.
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City News Cafe
4018 N Cicero AveCool combo coffee/newsstand. Sometimes you can catch a performance here.
For the extreme coffee lover, this place is it. Although it looks like an old living room from your grandma's house, they serve up some fine coffee drinks.
FINOM Coffee
4200 W Irving Park RdFor the extreme coffee lover, this place is it. Although it looks like an old living room from your grandma's house, they serve up some fine coffee drinks.
I get it. Sometimes you need to spend those gift cards or you just are loyal to Starbucks, get your kick before or after hopping off the Blue Line.
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Starbucks
5406 W Devon AveI get it. Sometimes you need to spend those gift cards or you just are loyal to Starbucks, get your kick before or after hopping off the Blue Line.
Sightseeing
Portage Park
Enjoy a nice stroll through the park.
Neighborhoods
More family-oriented neighborhood that is starting to attract younger crowds as they get older or priced out of other neighborhoods. There's a food and drink scene starting to build to accommodate these people. Parking is plentiful compared to other neighborhoods and you are centrally located to many points of interest in Chicago.
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Portage Park
More family-oriented neighborhood that is starting to attract younger crowds as they get older or priced out of other neighborhoods. There's a food and drink scene starting to build to accommodate these people. Parking is plentiful compared to other neighborhoods and you are centrally located to many points of interest in Chicago.
Next neighborhood south and east, it's a highly sought after neighborhood as it is closer to downtown and just a few minutes from trendy Logan Square and Wicker Park/Bucktown.
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Avondale
Next neighborhood south and east, it's a highly sought after neighborhood as it is closer to downtown and just a few minutes from trendy Logan Square and Wicker Park/Bucktown.
One of the "cooler" neighborhoods in Chicago, this was quiet northwest side neighborhood booms on weekend nights to the sounds of bars and restaurants, considered by many to be some of the best in the city.
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Logan Square
One of the "cooler" neighborhoods in Chicago, this was quiet northwest side neighborhood booms on weekend nights to the sounds of bars and restaurants, considered by many to be some of the best in the city.
Hipster Enclave turned laid back bohemian. Lots of restaurants and bars span across Milwaukee, Damen, North, and Division.
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Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveHipster Enclave turned laid back bohemian. Lots of restaurants and bars span across Milwaukee, Damen, North, and Division.
Food and Drinks
Don't worry, they have beer and cocktails, too. But check out their ciders since you're here. Huge space with delicious food and drinks to start the night.
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ERIS Brewery and Cider House
4240 W Irving Park RdDon't worry, they have beer and cocktails, too. But check out their ciders since you're here. Huge space with delicious food and drinks to start the night.
Outstanding gem of a restaurant so close to the apartment. Expect to pay a little more. Expect to be blown away by the fusion of contemporary Korean and American cuisine. Cocktails are also delicious.
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Community Tavern
4038 N Milwaukee AveOutstanding gem of a restaurant so close to the apartment. Expect to pay a little more. Expect to be blown away by the fusion of contemporary Korean and American cuisine. Cocktails are also delicious.
Walk a few blocks to this newer bar and restaurant that offers great value for the quality you get.
Tavern Foundation Grille
5007 W Irving Park RdWalk a few blocks to this newer bar and restaurant that offers great value for the quality you get.
Places that are nice to know
Dutch Cleaners Inc
5058 W Irving Park RdNeed your clothes cleaned, ironed, etc. Check it out.
Walgreens
7155 W Foster PlPharmacy for your medical needs.
CVS
4777 N Milwaukee AvePharmacy for your medical needs.
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuhamba nezingane
Try to avoid rush hour if you can. Trains have limited space
Think about taking an Uber or Lyft.
Izindlela zokonga
Uber and Lyft Pool
Share a ride with someone and save some money.
Izindlela zokonga
1, 3, or 7 day pass
Get an extended pass that will give you unlimited train and bus rides/transfers for the amount of time you'll be spending in the city. If you plan on exploring via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), this is a must.
Bhukha ngaphambi kokuthi uhambe
Restaurants
Chicago has some world renowned restaurants so don't expect to book some of them the day or week of. If there is a place you've read about or has been recommended, check out their website or Open Table to see if you need to book a Reso.
Okufanele ukupakishe
Warm clothes...always
It's Chicago. Enough said.
Imishwana ewusizo
Dibs, the L, Bean, etc. etc.
Pop=soda, coke, etc.
Da=The
The Lake=Lake Michigan
The Bean=Cloud Gate located at Millenium Park
The L=Trains
Dibs=placing items to save a parking spot you shoveled out
LSD=Lake Shore Drive
Gangway=Walkway space between houses/buildings
Imikhuba namasiko
Experience the culture
Deep dish, Chicago Dog, Italian Beef...
Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Devon Avenue, Pilsen, Argyle
Revolution and Half Acre Breweries
Blues at B.L.U.E.S. or Kingston Mines
Theater in the Theater District Downtown
Cubs, Sox, Hawks, Bears, Fire
MCA, Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium
Imikhuba namasiko
Health & Safety
311 for non-emergencies...911 for everything else
The local police station is the 16th district at 5151 N. Milwaukee in Jefferson Park. Their number is 312-742-4480
Hospitals close by...Community First Medical at 5646 West Addison (5 min drive), Sweedish Covenant Hospital at 5140 North California (About 15-minute drive), or Resurrection Hospital at 7435 West Talcott (About 15-20 minute drive).