Chicago Tips and Information  

Mayor's Office of Special Events

Mayor Daley has a website that lists all parades and special events in the City of Chicago. The website is a little difficult to navigate (things are broken up into categories, but if you do not know what category an event was put into, you have to go on a treasure hunt), but this is the most complete City-of-Chicago-Stuff-Happening website we have come across. NOTE: This MOSE (Mayor's Office of Special Events) website loads slowly. It isn't you; it is a problem on their end.

Yo! Try da Chicago style pizza

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is the best type of pizza made. It is approximately 1200 calories per slice, takes over an hour to bake, but two slices are more than a meal. Some pizza restaurants let you call your order ahead, so that you don't have to sit there for two hours waiting to eat.

Pizzaria Uno and Duo (almost across the street from each other) claims to have invented the Chicago-style. Whether they did or not, the superior taste is undeniable. Both locations are very busy - try getting there on a Tuesday night. 29 E. Ohio at Wabash -- 312-321-1000

The famous Ginos East has moved from its Michigan Avenue and Superior location to newer digs on Ontario. The old location was famous for encouraging the customers to write all over the walls (about 25 years worth of writing). We're not sure if the new décor is the same. The dough used to make their pizza is incredible...almost like a cornbread. 62 E. Ontario -- 312-943-1124

Getting the Grid

Chicago is built as a large grid. When asking for directions, make sure you get the cross-street. From that information (the number address and the cross-street), any local can help point you in the right direction. Beware of Lincoln Avenue and Elston Avenue. These two streets are part of the Bermuda Triangle, and angle through and around the grid system. If someone gives either of these streets as the cross-street, they are messing with you. Laugh and run away.

1. State Street is the zero point for East/West.
   
2. The lake is always East.
   
3. The suburbs are West.
   
4. "Downtown" always means the main downtown Loop area.
   
5. The higher the street number, the farther North you are going, unless it specifically says it is "South" something (like "South Michigan")
   
6. If you get lost, look up. The tallest buildings are all clustered together downtown in the Loop area. This makes a great point-of-reference.
   
7. Each major street is one mile apart.
   
8. One-way streets alternate (if you just passed one going East, the next one goes West) (the exception to this is when you are trying to find parking).
   
9. Even addresses are on the North or West sides of the street (900 Mich)
   
10. Odd addresses are on the South or East sides of the street (3023 Clark)

Do not drive in Chicago!

There is no parking. None. Go home. Do not think that if you drive around enough you will find parking. No, no, no. Everyone in Chicago:

1. walks
   
2. takes public transportation (bus or train)
   
3. takes taxis

There are over 6000 taxis in Chicago. They are safe and convenient. The few parking spots that pop up cost so darn much it is actually cheaper to cab it. If three people are going somewhere, it can actually be cheaper to share a taxi than for all three to take public transportation. From the downtown business section to the near-north side is about a $10 fare. From O'Hare to downtown is around $35 depending on traffic. From Midway to downtown is around $35, depending on traffic. For about $2, you can get to anywhere in the Chicago area via public transportation. In fact, getting to and from O'Hare airport is most convenient via the "el" (elevated train...which while going out to O'Hare it isn't elevated) (hey, we didn't name it). The el going out to O'Hare terminates right in the airport terminal. You can't park that close!

Trucks are Illegal in Chicago

This sounds like one of Eric's stories, but it is true: it is illegal to drive a truck on Boulevards, major thoroughfares, and most residential streets. In fact, as you are probably figuring out right now, with this limit, you can't drive anywhere in a truck without breaking the law at some point. Oh yes, this also applies to pickup trucks. And yes, the police will stop you and point out this law...sometimes also writing a ticket.

Shopping your troubles away on Michigan Avenue

Chicago has world-class stores and a pretty darn nice shopping environment. Michigan Avenue is the main drag, starting with the Bloomindales Building at 900 North Michigan. The Water Tower Place is almost right across the street, next to the Hancock Building. You now have about two and a half miles worth of stores on both sides of Michigan Avenue...pretty much ending at the Art Institute. Now cross over to State Street and do another mile and a half. Weekends make for crowded shopping, but weekdays fairly open. Many stores stay open late on Thursday night (until 9pm). Most stores are normally open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday. Several stores on the main strip are also open on Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.