People keep asking me how I like Chicago so I figured, having been here a month now, that I should talk about my new city.
How do I like Chicago?
To start with, I should point out that with my travel schedule I was only here for thirteen days out of the past month. Yeah… Yeah, that’s not right. It skews my perceptions, it does. Still, I can give you some initial impressions.
- It’s flat here. Really, really flat. Incredibly flat. The flatness astounds.
- It is much greener than I expected with lots of trees and small parks.
- It’s a very walkable city with lots of things within a mile of our apartment.
- Everything is a mile in different directions, so I have to plan my outings carefully.
- Good public transit
- People are freakishly friendly. Really. Why are you all so nice?
- Great difficulty in finding a way to compost as an apartment dweller.
- Still have not found the perfect coffee shop.
Actually… since I’ve brought it up, I’m open to suggestions on the coffee shop. We live in the Ukranian Village. I’m sitting in a coffee shop now with great atmosphere, close to my apartment, but in which the barista warned me away from the decaf. I have a caffeine intolerance so… this isn’t an option. And, yes, there is such a thing as good decaf when it’s properly done.
I’ll admit that I was spoiled by Case Study Coffee in Portland, but it shouldn’t be this hard. I just need a place with good coffee, that will let me sit and write, in walking distance. For cross streets, let’s say Division and Damen.
Got any suggestions?
Now you understand why the Cheeseheads call people south of the border Flatlanders.
And, lo! I learn knew slang.
Re: Slang: Cheeseheads also call folks from Chicago “FIBs,” which if I’m not mistaken is a bit of a vulgar acronym for “F—— Illinois B*stards.” Though the state rivalry is more fun than contentious. Friends of mine north of what we refer to as the “Cheddar Curtain” tell me FIB stands for Friendly Illinois Bicyclist. 🙂
Re: Coffee shops. It’s been a while since I was in the area, but there used to be one at Division & Winchester called Jinx. And another at Chicago & Damen called Atomix, though not sure the atmosphere is a cozy one for writing. Good luck finding the right spot… and the right cup of decaf.
Having grown up in said amazingly friendly city, have you mentioned to the barista and/or owner that you’re new to town, looking for a local coffee shop, and would love to stay if the decaf was better? If no one orders the decaf, there’s no reason for them to seek out a better blend. Perhaps the interest would cause them to take another look at it?
I had a similar conversation, but may try again next time. It wasn’t a bad decaf latte, mostly because it was masked by the froth in the milk.
I thought you liked in the UV based on your apartment photos… love the buildings there.
If you are willing to go a bit from Division/Damen, there is a great little place called Cafe Ballou at roughly Western & Division.
http://www.cafeballouchicago.com/
That’s actually where I was today. Great atmosphere and totally caters to writers, but serves Trader Joe’s decaf. I’ll be back, but will probably opt for tea next time.
It’s flat here. Really, really flat. Incredibly flat. The flatness astounds. And those of us raised here find most other places incredibly hilly. 😉
Are you attending Printer’s Row Lit Fest this weekend? You should attend. Good fun to be had and BOOKS and WRITERS!
Good heavens! I had no idea this was happening.
Maybe you should try the brew pubs instead. Wouldn’t beer be better for you than coffee?
Hey Mary- Check out Star Lounge on Chicago near Rockwell or Atomix on Chicago and Damen.
I do need to try them. My husband has been in and says the coffee is good.
Cafe Ballou is good– I don’t know about the decaf though.
Cafe Ballou is incredibly charming. but they server Trader Joe’s decaf, so…