almostsinglemom

We just went recently for lunch and they were having a $5 burger special. We chose the Mushroom Sandwich and Reuben. The Reuben came with some kind of kraut that was a great addition to the corned beef

For the dinner, I remember we had some special tasting menu and it was fantastic. I believe they change their menu seasonally and everything on it is great.

Highly recommended for the South Loop lunch or a splurgey dinner!

Hyde Park is the home of the University of Chicago. One of the best universities in the world and the home of the beginning of the atomic age.

A trip to the university can yeild amazing information.

Under Stagg Field Stadium a makeshift lab was build and it was here that the first self sustaining nuclear reaction. 25 years exactly- to the minute- after this a bronze statue was unveiled to commomeorate the beginning of the atomic age.

Hyde park is an interesting area. It has a massive concentration of intelligence. It is home to the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago among other centers for learning.

Within a block or sometimes even just next door the neighboorhood can go from impoverished to very well off. It is a very vivid illustration of the reasons for racial tension in the area.

When I was in my early twenties the only Potbellies sandwich shop in the area was in Lincoln Park. We would often begin nights out there after a day of window shopping we would often stop there before heading out for an evening of bar hopping and clubbing. We inevitably had a wonderful sandwich and shake.

This neighbor hood has been incredibly hot for years! While it mathe new up not be and coming anymore there is still a lot of fun and unique things to do.

Chicago has so many neighborhoods and areas in it that describing it as a whole is darn near impossible. There are areas that have incredible shopping and busy with a cosmopolitan feel. There are also areas that have a small town feel where everyone knows everyone else. Sadly there are also of abject and extreme poverty. So a review would be very different based on the reviewers location in the city.

I love it though. As a whole Chicagoans are nice and generous people who are willing to help others out. We strive for excellence and demand the same of our colleagues. I am proud to be a life long Chicagoan.

is what Jefferson Park has been called.

a nortwestern neighborhood in Chicago- like many north side neighborhood is home to a great many city workers and has a large Polish population.

Home to the Gateway Theatre which was formerly a movie palace now is the seat of the Copernicus Foundation.

The neighborhood puts on 2 big fests every year the Taste of Polonia and Jeff Fest.

there are two other locations of this gourmet deli and bakery but for some reason I always associate The Goddess and The Grocer with Bucktown.

So so much more than Jewel or Dominicks the selection here is fresh and unique a great stop for any foodie.

The cupcakes, of courses are fantastic but one unique offering that I love is the prepacked picnic that is perfect for a night at Ravinia or an evening at the beach.

I actually have dreams about the California Dreamin' sandwich.

Another wonderful thing is they offer delivery. Which when you live in an area where parking is scarce is FANTASTIC. But, I like to go and just browse.

Contrary to what a lot of America thinks, he is NOT from Hyde Park, but Kenwood, a distinct area unto itself.

It went through a downturn which reached its nadir in the 1990s but has been steadily coming around. I bet with in the next few years it will be so far 'in' its out.

There are a large number of landmarks here, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters are here as well as the Blackstone Library. Kenwood is located in close proximity to Hyde Park with all of its advantages.

Fun place. This area has been impacted by every major social change in the country.

Now it is a stop on Gangster tours of the city. Many locations are tied to infamous individuals including Al Capone.

In addition to that the Riviera theater is located there as well as the Aragon Ballroom- which many a-list groups have played at.

Goose Island is known as known very well as a brewery- and a very good one at that.

Long ago 'Goose Island' was a place that Irish squatters inhabited. It was known as Goose Island because of the migratory geese that inhabited the island.

But now--- it is a good place to buy beer.

Don't misunderstand me. I love Lincoln Park I think it is a fantastic area. There are unique boutiques and top not restaurants on nearly every street. But it is becoming too trendy, too popular, and far to expensive for someone like me.

One of the best children's hospitals in the nation is located here as is one of the few remaining free zoo's.

Lincoln Park Zoo and its carousel are huge draws for my children while North Pond leaves me drooling.

There is something for everyone there

Old town is one of the most well know neighborhoods in the city, it is very historic yet modern.

It is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. There are so many unique things about this area.
Second City is located here- if you have not been to one of their shows- go. It is a great comedic time.
Also located here is the Old Town Art Fair- a renowned celebration of art.

The variety of restaurants here is without compare: from Alinea to the Old Town Ale House- you can find anything.

This is another area I would be thrilled to reside in. For now though- day trips will have to suffice.

You do not hear a lot about Hegewisch. It is a south side neighborhood that has the last remaining mobile home park in Chicago.

Most of the food options are neighborhood places that are beloved by residents but not widely known.
So while it probably would not make for a terribly exciting mini vacation. It would not be a bad place to call home.

Many people mistakenly think that President Obama hails from Hyde Park. This is simply not the case. He is from Kenwood- a very distinct difference to people from the area.

Kenwood is undergoing gentrification. But that revival is still beginning which makes touring this area best by bus or car. However- if it is good enough for the Obama's it is certainly good enough for me.

To be frank- this is an area I know fairly little about. I will however take field trip and explore so I can review it more effectively.

One thing I can mention about it is the Ain't She Sweet Cafe. Fantastic. A must if you are in the area.

This neighborhood is the home of the Museum of Science and Industry, University of Chicago, and the Du Sable African History Museum.

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is fascinating for all ages. I have taken my four children there and not run out of things to see and discuss for hours.

Some of their favorite exhibits are the train layout, the moon landing, the hatchery, the agricultural exhibit, and the dollhouse. They have not expressed a huge interest in the children's area. They were far to busy looking at other things.

A lot of it was over their heads though, the coal mining was boring to them and the circus scared them- but it will come in time.

More and more Chicago is a destination for filming movies. Chicago has a unique feel and incredible architecture that are often used in tv and film.

Lots of movies and tv shows have been shot here or had scenes filmed here. Recently, Transformers 3 took over Michigan Avenue. It was a pain in the butt for anyone who wanted to drive downtown as it was closed to traffic and the Michigan Ave. bridge was closed to even pedestrian traffic; but it was really cool to watch the film industry invade our city.

So while it can be a pain; it is a good thing for our city as it brings jobs (even temporary ones) and gives it publicity.

It also gives local celebrity hunters someone to keep their eye out for.

When I started college the walk from the west side of campus to the east side was interesting at best and scary at worst.

By the time I graduated there had been a townhouse and and condo development started and shopping was expanding from the people selling socks by the expressway.

On Taylor street there are a ton of great options from Pompeii to Francesca's. One of my favorite food spots is Thai Bowl. I always got the red chicken curry- and since moving to the suburbs have many times considered driving into the city just for this.

Another tasty place is an Italian Ice place that is only open in the spring and summer the best Italian ice in the city of Chicago.

Is one of the largest street fests in Chicago. It is amazingly fun without being overwhelming.

Roscoe Village prides its self on its inviting nature and community oriented spirit

One of my favorite shops is on Clybourn- Be By Baby. It is one of the few shops that caters to natural parenting. They carry a wide variety of natural parenting goods and host playgroups and classes.

Awesome area.

RoPa did not used to be considered trendy. Now it is becoming a trendy area for people who do not want the 'label' of Lincoln Park or Bucktown.

Rogers Park is one of my favorite areas in the city. There area affordable apartments to be had and a great feel to the area- sure there are some shady parts- as long as you pay attention to your surroundings there should be no issues.

One unique store that you will not find anywhere else is Sonia Roselli's make up studio. Make up artist to the stars and designer of her own line you can book an appointment here to make you feel beautiful. It is a treasure of RoPa.




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79th street in Chatham is filled with shops and businesses owned by local individuals. One amazing restaurant is Yassa- in moments you feel you have left the Southside and traveled to West Africa. You can also find a incredible Caribbean chicken in this area.

It is a solid middle class area who can claim one of its current notable residents is Senator Roland Burris.

By South Side Chicago standards this neighborhood is very quiet. It is not Mayberry, be sure, but it is not nearly as rough as some surrounding areas.

It is another Irish enclave of Chicago that owes much of its history and development to the former Union Stock Yards.

It does not have hot trendy restaurants or clubs. But it does boast several neighborhood eateries that are beloved by locals. The area sees the most activity when the Sox are playing- as being a Sox fan in the neighborhood is almost a prerequisite.