I miss everything about Chicago, except January and February
Gary Cole
Just so you know, I (Shy) grew up in the burbs of Chicago, so this city is somewhat familiar…but actually staying in the city just has such a different vibe.
Cost
| Dwelling | $726.50 |
| Food | $463 |
| Entertainment | $0 |
| Transportation | $210 |
| Total | $1399.50 ($100 / day) |
Fyi, high cost of food might be a trend. Food is a large part of traveling for us (like it is for majority of folks).
Days
April 13 2019 – April 27 2019
14 Days
dwelled
We stayed at an Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/172616
ate
4/15/19 – Noodle Soup at JJ Street Thai 
4/15/19 – Noodle Soup at JJ Street Thai 
4/14/19 – Matcha IceCream at Legend Tasty House 
4/13/19 – Pub food at Elephant and Castle 
4/19/19 – Chocolate Frozen Custard at Jarlings 
4/19/19 – BBQ Plate at Black Dogs 
4/17/10 – Fat Rice Bowl at Fat Rice 
4/21/19 – Chicken Special at Cafe Central 
4/24/19 – Drinks and Pickles at Au Cheval 
4/24/19 – Cheeseburger at Au Cheval 
4/17/10 – Peri Peri Chicken at Fat Rice 
4/17/19 – Chicken Special at Taqueria Traspasada 2 
4/26/19 – Chocolate Cake at Portillos 
4/26/19 – Italian Beef at Portillos
did
Walk around downtown
This city is very walkable and if the whether is nice, holy smokes it has a nice view. Chicago isn’t just the loop but rather about the neighborhoods that surround it, each with its unique characteristics.
More SNOW!
Wouldn’t be the midwest without some snow in April 😉
Day-trip to alma mater (UIUC)
Nostalgic seems to be the appropriate word to describe being back here. (Avi has a separate post for Urbana-Champaign with more details). Its funny how your perspective and thoughts change as you grow older and visit a place that had such an immense impact on your life. Obviously both of us had very different experiences here. Avi was, as Elsa from Indiana Jones would say say … “giddy as a school [girl]”. My most memorable times here aren’t about the education or classes, or even the walking around campus, but rather the time I spent with my friends and the relationships built here that contributed to the person I am today. I was going to write more about this journey, but I think Avi has more to say about it than me 😉 … food was still amazing and exactly how i remember, except much more expensive =(.
Walk the Lakeshore trail
Damn … I wish I did this more often. If the weather cooperates, there are several amazing parks and trails around the city but this one tops them all. Walking along this route with the lake on one side and the spectacular Chicago skyline on the other is quite a privilege.
Transport
CTA and Uber were our primary modes of transportation. Along with a few friends we knew in town who were kind enough to drive us around occasionally. This city has amazing public transportation.
Recs.
Chicago is definitely a foodie city! There really is food from all around the world here just like NYC and at a fairly reasonable price. Its very easy to get around with excellent public transportation, food is much cheaper than SF or NYC, and the lakefront is definitely worth a visit. For what you pay, I wished when i lived in Illinois, it was in the city and not the burbs.
We decided to skip the museums, aquariums, etc since we’ve already visited those before, but they are well worth a visit if you’ve never been.
Thanks for the food recommendations. All of them look terrific. I really like your budget information it really is a learning guide for a traveller. The lakeside trail is a very cool idea for an outing. One day I’d like to visit Chicago and walk this trail. I wait to read about Avi’s impressions on returning to school. Returning a decade later unleashes a flood of memories. I’m sure most of them….chuckle worthy
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Thanks for the food recommendations. All of them look terrific. I really like your budget information it really is a learning guide for a traveller. The lakeside trail is a very cool idea for an outing. One day I’d like to visit Chicago and walk this trail. I can’t wait to read about Avi’s impressions on returning to school. Returning a decade later unleashes a flood of memories. I’m sure most of them….chuckle worthy
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