r/AskChicago • • 14d ago

/r/AskChicago Monthly General Discussion Thread

1 Upvotes

Welcome to r/AskChicago's Monthly General Discussion Thread!

The purpose of this thread is to provide a place for general discussion that would otherwise fall outside the scope of what is allowed in r/AskChicago. If you want to share how your trip to Chicago went, comment on topical Chicago-related events, share feedback on improvements for r/AskChicago, or just to simply say hi, this is the thread to post anything that isn't a question.

Rules 2 & 3 (Be Civil and Don't Break The Law) still apply within this thread and any comments that violate these rules will be removed.


r/AskChicago • • 38m ago

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

• 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 • • 5h 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?

48 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 • • 6h ago

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

37 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 • • 4h ago

I READ THE RULES Where to find other wheelchair users?

11 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 • • 8h ago

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

27 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 • • 6h ago

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

14 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 • • 1h ago

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

• 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 • • 8h 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?

7 Upvotes

r/AskChicago • • 4h 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 • • 5h 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!


r/AskChicago • • 21m ago

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

• 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 • • 23h ago

I READ THE RULES Does anyone have recommendations for any solo night activities?

58 Upvotes

I know this will be kind of difficult but I don't drink or smoke. Kind of new to this city and don't have friends to do stuff with. I'm 28F for reference and want to do stuff on my own, especially with winter approaching. I don't want to lose my mind at home lol.

It can be be simple or unhinged but would love to hear some ideas! Thanks!


r/AskChicago • • 5h ago

I READ THE RULES Where the best corn maze / pumpkin patchin the Chicago land area?

2 Upvotes

Looking for some fun for all ages small kids and so that teens don’t complain


r/AskChicago • • 23h ago

I READ THE RULES anybody know how to block ALL the political texts? It's really annoying. I have family issues that require monitoring, and I'm being disturbed by a political candidate. Android. How can I make them stop?

52 Upvotes

r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES Does anyone know of any upcoming craft markets or shows in Chicago that are looking for vendors?

1 Upvotes

I make jewelry, and I am hoping to try out some new markets this year. Does anyone know of any that are looking for vendors?


r/AskChicago • • 2h ago

I READ THE RULES Oktoberfest Fulton Market still have a decent crowd?

0 Upvotes

Will Oktoberfest in Fulton market still have a decent crowd this Saturday? Just wasn’t sure if a lot of people go still since the event has kind of run its course lol. Thanks!


r/AskChicago • • 1d ago

I READ THE RULES What's the deal with the monkey that lives inside the parking garage on Monroe next to 111 S Wacker?

60 Upvotes

Or if it's not a monkey, what is it that makes monkeyesque noises all the time?


r/AskChicago • • 9h ago

I READ THE RULES are there any muffler shops you guys recommend?

3 Upvotes

not sure if i can post this here but,

any muffler shops yall recommend? the couple ones i been to haven’t been the best, some leaving leaks and some doing a bad welding job.

would prefer something in the northside towards evanston or skokie but if yall have any recommendations anywhere lmk! $


r/AskChicago • • 1d ago

I READ THE RULES What’s it like to live in Tribune Tower condo?

42 Upvotes

Mid-50s couple here. Currently live in Lincoln square; we love the community, love our neighbors, and take advantage of everything the neighborhood offers.

But kids out of the house now and we’re thinking of transitioning to a sweet condo downtown.

Don’t want to shovel snow any more. Hate lawn care. Want to spend my time doing what we want to do—fewer obligations, more fun. But I fear we may miss the community here.

So, for those with actual knowledge or experience, what’s it like in Tribune Tower?


r/AskChicago • • 20h ago

I READ THE RULES Synagogues on the South + West side?

19 Upvotes

I'm currently living in Back of The Yards and am looking to build more community on the South side since none of my friends on the North side are really able to make the trek to come hang out with me.

I'm looking into converting to Conservative Judaism to reconnect with my ethnic roots for a while now (maternal grandmother was Jewish, converted away from the religion for safety before I was born, she is now dead), but I've been really overwhelmed looking at all the options, especially since I've never really been a part of organized religion before and don't know what kinds of things someone might want to consider when searching. I also don't have any Jewish friends in my immediate circle I can talk to about this.

Has anyone on the South or West side of the city been involved with any synagogues that they liked? Or does anyone have any pointers on how someone can find something that works well for their needs? Like if there are any particular questions I should be asking myself to make a more concrete choice?

Thanks in advance!


r/AskChicago • • 5h ago

I READ THE RULES Events happening on Halloween day/night?

0 Upvotes

I'm new to the area and Halloween is my favorite holiday, so I'm looking for fun things to do on the 31st with a couple of friends. I live on the northside but would be willing to travel for a fun event.

Looking for:

- Events that encourage people to wear costumes

- All ages or adults only events are both fine, but nothing that is specifically geared toward kids/families

- Events that don't cost a lot of money to attend (less than $50)

- Events that offer more to do than just drinking (so no bar crawls)

So far the only event I've found that fits with what I'm looking for is the Halsted parade and block party. Is that a lot of fun? Is there anything else going on that day/night that you'd recommend checking out?


r/AskChicago • • 1d ago

I READ THE RULES Dentologie - Deceptive Practice?

90 Upvotes

Has anyone filed a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General for deceptive practice at Dentologie? I’ve been here several times for my dentistry. I paid Invisalign out of pocket and then was told I needed four separate crowns and was told they needed to be dealt with. I said I wanted to see if my insurance covered it and they said they could check. They contacted my insurance and then gave me a document that stated how much my insurance would cover and how much I would owe. I was told my treatment was covered. But I had to sign stating I would pay my amount and if insurance for some reason didn’t cover, I would be responsible. But I didn’t have to worry because they contacted them and they showed me how much they would cover on each crown. 6 months later I receive an invoice for the remaining amount. I was told that my insurance denied coverage because it wasn’t medically necessary. I read reviews (should have done that first) and there’s several people with the same issue.


r/AskChicago • • 20m ago

I READ THE RULES Is $1555 studio in a prime area a good deal?

• Upvotes

Utilities are included. I currently pay $1555 in a 366 SF studio. The area is very close to the loop and walkable (west loop) however I feel like I may be going crazy in this tiny space despite having decently separated the layout. I am also on the last floor facing a brick wall but with a view of the courtyard. There is a washer dryer and I have amenities. They’re not top notch but they serve is purpose and it’s not all bad. I’m also north facing which is driving me insane lol

I am in the prime location where typically the studios go from +$2000.

Should I move out? Am I wasting my money?

Or should I stay? I signed another year so I’m stuck here but thinking about it makes me wonder if I can get bigger and better . I do love the walkability but I always find myself walking to another neighborhood just to enjoy the walk since where I’m at its very commercial

I would say my studio looks cozy and cute

I’m 27 f single not sure what areas within my budget fit. My budget is max $1700 -$1800

and I also need parking.

I know my rent will increase by $50 every year


r/AskChicago • • 8h ago

I READ THE RULES Bars or happy hours with hot cider or other hot alcoholic drinks?

2 Upvotes

Are there any bars/happy hours that serve hot cider or drinks in the Loop or River North in November?

I've seen a lot of recommendations further north or in the suburbs, but I was wondering if there are any in the city.