I have lived in Seoul, Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles in addition to Chicago. It has everything you could want from a city - it has great food (New York has better high society, but Chicago has better casual dining in my opinion), tons of attractions, nightlife and events. The neighborhoods are actually neighborhoods and people do know each other, but the city is broken into two populations - and in my opinion, there is no better summer than the one in Chicago. With more than 400 street festivals and thousands of block parties, there is no better time to be in Chicago from mid May through mid September.Why would I give it two stars then?Crime is everywhere although violent crimes are typically contained to 6 wards. The schools are so bad that public school teachers put their children into private schools. A bankrupt (money and morals) government caused by decades of corruption, a deteriorating infrastructure with no money to repair, unfunded pension liabilities and then the normal city stuff -- congestion, homelessness, etc. and the winters are disgusting.Long story short- Chicago is a pretty Faberge Egg. All of the pretty and amazing things which make you say "oooh, amazing" but hollowed out from mismanagement. The city and state will need to undergo a financial restructuring much like Detroit. They are in better standing and won't crash
What is the Best Steak House in Chicago?I've been to Chicago half a dozen times and every time I go I always make an effort to get to a Chicago steak house! So far, I've been to Gibsons (1028 North Rush St), Smith and Wollensky (318 North State St) and Shula's steak house (301 East North Water St). It's hard to pick a favorite, but I have to say Gibsons was the most memorable experience. My steak …