r/AskChicago • • 4h ago

I READ THE RULES Anyone else having seasonal allergy symptoms really bad?

103 Upvotes

I never used to be affected by seasonal allergies. Now I am constantly sneezing and blowing my nose. I don’t think it’s a cold or covid. Anyone else suffering from seasonal allergies symptoms in Chicagoland? What is making it so bad right now??


r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES best Chicago bars for bathroom graffiti?

28 Upvotes

I'm working on a project highlighting the most interesting graffiti in bar and cafe bathrooms across Chicago. What are your favorite spots in the city to read the bathroom walls?


r/AskChicago • • 9h ago

I READ THE RULES Does anyone have recommendations for pottery studios in the North side? Not Penguin Foot or Made, please. LillStreet already mistreats its minority ceramics teachers/staff, something I recently learned, and now with this, there is no way I am giving them $2,000 per year in classes. Please help?

60 Upvotes

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/10/14/billionaire-family-behind-walmart-buys-lillstreet-art-center/

And if you are a billionaire bootlicker, do not bother to comment on this, please. I don't like them; you can like them all you want, but I just want recommendations, not a fight about billionaires being so misunderstood.


r/AskChicago • • 1h ago

I READ THE RULES What are some small cozy, lesser known, small neighborhood bars?... think amber lighting, kinda dark, few or no TVs?

• Upvotes

r/AskChicago • • 10h ago

I READ THE RULES CVS is back ordered on generic adderall. Any ideas?

45 Upvotes

The first four Walgreens I’ve called are out of stock as well. I’ve called damn near every CVS up and down the red line and beginning to feel this is a lost cause.
My doctor is willing to send the prescription to most pharmacies and any tips would be very helpful.


r/AskChicago • • 8h ago

I READ THE RULES Where to find other wheelchair users?

14 Upvotes

Hey, I (36, B, M) have MS and have recently progressed to using a manual wheelchair when I’m outside the home. Im waiting on my custom chair and I’m eager to build community as a navigate my new reality. Are there any social clubs for wheelchair users? I think I’m gonna pick up a sport too.


r/AskChicago • • 3h ago

I READ THE RULES Any indoor activity suggestion?

6 Upvotes

I just moved here a few weeks ago. My grandparents are coming to visit me next weekend. They’re obviously a little bit older and I don’t want to suggest anything overly exhausting for them. Any ideas?


r/AskChicago • • 13h ago

I READ THE RULES What are the non-arts buildings with surprisingly good art collections?

29 Upvotes

Just saw a post about how the Hallmark headquarters has a great art collection. What are the non-gallery/museum/arts buildings with surprisingly good art on display in Chicago? Especially interested in surprising locations that the public can access that are aren't included in Open House.


r/AskChicago • • 10h ago

I READ THE RULES Has anyone used the vet discount (VCA or NVA) after adopting from PAWS Chicago?

16 Upvotes

I just adopted 2 cats from PAWS and I’m pretty upset with PAWS’ veterinary care. I want to get them in at a vet within a couple of weeks.

The shelter has some sort of deal with VCA and NVA vet clinics where the first visit is free + some treatments are free, but the wording is sort of confusing so it’s not clear how much I’d actually save going to them. Trying to decide if it’s worth renting a car to go further away vs my vet within walking distances. If anyone has done this and had a good or bad experience, please let me know!

Any recs on good vets/clinics (within or not within that umbrella) are also much appreciated! Thanks!


r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES Think I found lead in my apartment, what do I do?

4 Upvotes

I’ve been working on repairing all the shit I did to my apartment cause I’m moving out, and one of them was fixing this area of my windowsill that the paint bubbled up on because my ac unit wasn’t tilted enough and leaked. I started sanding it down and remembered I bought lead test swabs when I was at the hardware store because the apartment is old af. They really landlords special’d it so there was thick cracks of paint, and I remembered to test it and the swab turned pink and it turned part of the windowsill pinkish/purplish. The box says that indicates a positive? But what do I do? I’m moving out at the end of the month and I don’t want to be charged for the damage, so should I just finish the job? I have pets too, will they be okay?


r/AskChicago • • 1h ago

I READ THE RULES Found a set of keys in Lakeview East (Broadway & Aldine) — what is the best way to return these or what should I do with them?

• Upvotes

I picked up a set of lost keys on the sidewalk on Broadway right near Wigglyville / Aldine today (Thursday, 10/15).
They have two house/apartment keys and an OnGuard bike lock key on the ring, along with a pretty distinctive character keychain and a painted key. 
For anyone who has found keys in the neighborhood before, what is the best protocol here? Should I turn them in to one of the storefronts right there on Broadway, drop them at the 19th District police station on Addison, or is there a specific Lakeview East Facebookgroup where people actually look for lost items?
(And on the off chance these are yours, shoot me a DM or chat describing the character keychain and the pattern on the painted key so I can get them straight back to you!)


r/AskChicago • • 4h ago

I READ THE RULES Best place to hire a poker dealer for a private game?

4 Upvotes

My birthday is coming up and I want to host a poker game for me and some friends, and I think it would be fun to hire someone to deal for us.

When I google all I get are ads for casinos and online poker because the internet is broken now. Anybody have experience with something like this / any suggestions?


r/AskChicago • • 1h ago

I READ THE RULES Best place to look for cheap/discount scrubs?

• Upvotes

My mom is visiting me from a somewhat rural area and hoping to look for some discount scrubs (in a bit of an admittedly obscure color of hunter green). Any recommendations?


r/AskChicago • • 1m ago

I READ THE RULES Can anyone give me recommendations on food in downtown Chicago?

• Upvotes

A few buddies and myself are going to Chicago in a few weeks.

I was told to try an Italian beef (wet), a deep dish pizza, and a Chicago dog.

Any recommendations not only on the best place to get these from but also any foods I may have missed. Preferably in downtown Chicago as we’re staying near soldier field.


r/AskChicago • • 1h ago

I READ THE RULES What are your absolute favorites or hidden gems we shouldn’t miss?

• Upvotes

Looking for all your must-try food recommendations! Of course, we have to try some Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza! 🍕🌭
We’d also love recommendations for a nice dinner spot and some great coffee shops! ☕️
What are your absolute favorites or hidden gems we shouldn’t miss?!


r/AskChicago • • 1h ago

I READ THE RULES Is your xfinity internet working?

• Upvotes

My xfinity internet went out about 1:20 this afternoon. When I finally got through to speak to a person they promised it would be back up by 7:45.its now about 9 and my internet isn’t back. Anyone else having this problem?

Southwest side.


r/AskChicago • • 1h ago

I READ THE RULES Condo decided to skip it this year 🥲.? Where can I pass out candy on Halloween?

• Upvotes

My condo usually hosts trick or treating annualy and I like to prepare for it in advance, so I bought a lot of candy to make goody bags. But the association decided that they're not doing it this year 😭 Does anyone know if there's a place where I can pass out candy & be festive? Maybe register for a trunk or treat event?


r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES Does Chicago have some plac to call for birds with potential avian pox?

1 Upvotes

I came across a mourning dove at my window feeder with a beak thats a bit misshapen either from pox or just a deformity. Is this a concern for the city at all? I know with migratory birds, there's usually a bird collision line but this is a bit different.

Can't post pics but I have pics of the bird.


r/AskChicago • • 6h ago

I READ THE RULES Anyone who works at Christ or Northwestern Palos Hospital?

2 Upvotes

I’d love to hear about your experience working at either hospital! Bonus points if you work in the ER. I’m especially interested in the work environment, patient acuity, staffing, and how they are with new-grad nurses. Would you recommend either hospital?


r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES What’s your opinion on Manierre School?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone ever worked at Manierre School in Old Town? What is the school environment like? I know it’s an underperforming school, but how is admin there?


r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES Aritzia Superpuff Options for Chicago winter?

1 Upvotes

As someone gearing up for her first Chicago winter I definitely want to invest in an Aritzia Superpuff. I have a north face nupste puffer jacket that I love, but know I need something longer. I’m pretty set on getting the supersnug instead of regular super puff, but I can’t decide between the mid and long. I’m about 5’4” so the mid hits at or right below my knees and the long is mid calf to ankle length. Which length will I get more benefit from? My instinct is get the long, but I could see where the mid is more convenient going from outside into a warm train or store and could maybe get some more wear in slightly warmer temps?

I have about 10 min walk both to and from the station and to and from the office, plus walking to groceries and other errands. I do like going for walks tbd what that will look like when it’s freezing out. I’m also potentially getting an Aritzia wool slouch coat too in case that changes the verdict. Finally Im planning on getting the 2o waterproof version because if I’m investing this much might as well make sure it’s fully waterproof?? Any advice is appreciated!!


r/AskChicago • • 12h ago

I READ THE RULES Found a Indiana Real ID on the street in Chicago (Sheridan and belle plaine) belongs to a female would like to return expires 2028?

5 Upvotes

r/AskChicago • • 8h ago

I READ THE RULES Vet recommendations for cats in old Irving park?

3 Upvotes

I recently moved to old Irving park from Atlanta and have two cats that are in good health, but need their annual vaccines and a check up to make sure they’re still healthy.
In Atlanta I was going to VCA and never had any issues there, but it seems people here don’t trust VCA as a good vet. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on vets near old Irving park?


r/AskChicago • • 3h ago

I READ THE RULES Best Open House 2026 Locations?

1 Upvotes

Any recommendations on spots to check out this year? Our #1 spot is Uptown Theatre…looking for grand and unique!


r/AskChicago • • 10h ago

I READ THE RULES What are some Chicago mural artists or art programs that work with modest corporate budgets?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m helping coordinate a mural project for a Chicago office and am looking for local advice.

We’ve been exploring the possibility of commissioning a mural that reflects themes such as Chicago, water, community, sustainability, and diversity, but we’re working with a more limited budget than some of the established mural artists we’ve spoken with.

Does anyone have recommendations for:
• Chicago-based mural artists who do great work but may be earlier in their careers?
• Local art schools, university programs, or community arts organizations that connect businesses with student or emerging artists?
• Public art programs or collectives that you’ve had a positive experience with?

We’re hoping to create something meaningful while also supporting local talent, so I’d love to hear about artists, organizations, or programs that Chicagoans think deserve more visibility.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!