Essential Chicago
The tools you need to survive any city situation.
 | Windproof hair: Which hairstyle stands up best to a wind machine? TOC staffers test it out. |
 | Chicago guys: To succeed at life in the Windy City, you’ll need a gang of guys to help you with everything from busted hems to busted tires. |
 | Essential trunk items: To be prepared for emergencies, every Chicagoan needs these essential items in their car. |
 | Airport hideaways: If your flight out of Chicago is delayed, here’s where to go to chillax. |
 | Essential CTA survival tips: The things you need to know to survive Chicago’s public transit system. |
 | The ultimate Friday night in Chicago: Our map details where to go for dinner, karaoke, sex and breakfast. |
 | Poking fun: Local comics make us laugh about the city’s weather and politics. |
 | Winter-weather clothes: Use this gear when the temps get into the negatives. |
 | Chicago weekend escapes: Door County, Wisconsin, or Harbor Country, Michigan. Which getaway is more your speed? |
 | Bartender wisdom: Five of the city’s most talkative and skilled mixologists spill on what you need to live well in the metropolitan Midwest. |
 | Neighborhood bars: Use this checklist to find out if your favorite bar qualifies as a hoodie. |
 | Chicago’s best ethnic restaurants: To be a real Chicagoan, you need to have some go-to ethnic restaurants. |
 | Chicago’s other essential sports teams: Tired of the big-name, nonwinning teams? Check out our city’s lesser-known, but equally thrilling, sports organizations. |
