Where Chicago GOES For Apartments

Chicago is the city of Broad Shoulders, the Windy City, Chi-Town, Second City, The City that Never Sleeps, The Big Apple, The Capital of Southern Hospitality, The Mile High City, The Big Easy, Gothan City... OK maybe not all of that but for us who love Chicago we know it should be. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods all bound by a love for Chicago.

Our advice is to take a week or two and really walk around your neighborhood, try restaurants and all that your amazing neighborhood has to offer before exploring everywhere else. You will see how awe inspiring your place really is!  


Below are ideas for getting involved in Chicago life once you are settled into your apartment!

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CTA Trip Planer - As much as those in Chicago all love the EL Trains often buses and other forms of transportation are faster and easier.   This site lets you punch in where you are going and tells you exactly how to get from your new apartment to museums, bars, street festivals, or even work!

• Trip Planner: http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/
  

Intramural Sports - The parks and rec system really makes it easy to meet people and get involved as an individual or a team Check out their site to learn more. Where else in the world do people play softball with a ball the size of a mellon and can you do martial arts all through the same group?

• Chicago Park District: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/
• Chicago Sport and Social http://chicagosportandsocial.com/

Coffee Shops - If you cannot see one or two from your front door check out the web sites. Be sure to also consider some local places.  Coffee is a great way to meet people and really stay on top of your game.

• Noble Tree http://nobletree.tumblr.com/
• Starbucks: http://www.starbucks.com/
• Caribou Coffee: http://www.cariboucoffee.com/

Restaurants when someone else is paying - you will have no problem finding a place for $4 Thai but when you have someone in town or someone you want to impress or someone else is going to pay... we recommend...

• Avec- Avec is a place to enjoy with Friends. Avec is French for With and we recommend bringing friends with and having an amazing meal- meeting others at a long table-  and having a great time.
• Blackbird: Chicago Gourmet at its best no tie required but a dressy environment for you to enjoy great food and company.
• Signature Room: The top of the John Hancock Center: it is not that expensive and really Amazing Chicago Views.
• China Grill: It is like Asian American Family Style in a chic club. You will not be disappointed.
• North Pond: it is actually in Lincoln Park by Deming. The location is awesome but not another Tavern on the Green... Locals are the ones who enjoy this place!
• Gibson's Steakhouse: It is the all around classic steak. You will run into famous people and always have a good meal.
• Le Colonial- This restaurant is a fusion of French Vietnamese cuisine.  A georgous interior and  beautiful plates of food are a guarantee.
• Jin Ju- Korean Food at its finest.  This restaurant features dishes you have never tried but will love in a nice atmosphere for sharing a bottle of wine with 1 or 20.
• Gabriel's Restaurant and Miramar Bistro:  Gabe's is a great place to get outside of the city and enjoy a gourmet meal.

Getting Involved - Charity work can be another great way to meet people in Chicago. Chicago people care about their community, the environment, and others in general. Charity Events are also really fun and afford young people great involvement to plan events and really build a resume outside of your work.  There are charities for all interests and commitment levels!    Below are a list of ideas but the sky is the limit!

• Ronald McDonald House- Provides housing for families while children are in the hospital.
• March Of Dimes- Helping all babies be born as healthy as possible!
• Special Olympics- Providing sport and social outlets to special abled individuals.
  
• SEWonderful Quilts- Creates comfort quilts for children in grave medical situations.
• Center on Halstead- GLBT Community Center for support, health, arts and other issues.
• The Bicycle Federation- Promotes the safe and proper uses of Bicycles in Chicago.
• Beyond Media- Promotes under represented classes of people in media.
• Chicago Books to Women in Prison- Provides resources and hope to women who may have never had either.

Nightlife - Ask anyone and you will get a different story check out metro mix or the places around the corner. You will learn in Chicago the best bar is the one where you know people and do not have to walk very long to get home!  Every neighborhood has its own character and unique places.

• Chicago Bar Specials  http://www.chicagospecials.com
• Metromix Chicago: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/

Dinner Out - food is like bars... you will find your places in your neighborhood.  Chains are easy to locate and often easy but the best places may not have flashy signs and a well known name.   Many Chicago restaurants also offer BYOB "Bring Your Own Bottle" where you do not have to order drinks from a bar- you can bring your own!

• Brunch: http://www.mhenry.net/
• American and Wine: http://www.dunlaysonclark.com/
• Burgers For All: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dukes-bar-and-grill-chicago
• BYOB Restaurants: http://www.drvino.com/chicagobyob.php
• Mexican: http://www.themayanpalace.com/
• Mediterranean: http://chicagofalafel.com/
• Pizza: http://www.saporedinapoli.net
• Menus.com: http://www.menus.com/

Gyms and Personal Trainers - most of our buildings have good work out rooms but if you need a bit more take the time to actually visit the place a couple of times and really get the feel for it before joining.

• ChicagoTrainer.net
• LuisBracamonte.com
  Contact Luis Bracamonte: 312.437.0425. He can help you find the right trainer.