Well, it is official. I just accepted a job in Chicago. I should be there around April 15th. I’ve been browsing apartments online for a while in anticipation of this job working out, so I guess it is time to get serious about it.
I think I’ll be living in Lake View or perhaps Lincoln Park and working for a brokerage firm in the Loop.
I can’t wait!
Welcome! I think you’ll like it here, we’re nice folks. 
Congrats! Time to starting studying your Chicagoisms.
Hilarious. And after spending my seven weeks living there, I nearly cried in agony when the girl sang that effing Luna jingle.
Dale – congrats and good luck! Planning to adopt the Cubs?
Condolences.
Welcome aboard, duder, it’s awesome here (for most of the year . . .) . Start a Chidope thread when you get here.
Welcome! This fall will be my 25th year as a transplant.
Obviously, I love it here. I hope you do as well! 
Stay away from the suburbs! Except you might wanna check out Shikara in Downer’s Grove if you like Indian food. And H-mart in Niles if you like sushi, bubble tea, green tea ice cream, or jade beds without mattresses. And Gene’s and Jude’s in River Grove for classic Chicago dogs (cash only!).
Welcome. Great city. Have lived in Lakeview and Lincoln Park for 16 years. If you’re single it’s very easy to meet people.
Zipcar http://www.zipcar.com/chicago/find-cars
My personal choice is I-Go, but they have cars closer to me than Zipcar does. See what’s in your neighborhood and look at the various pricing options. Obviously, you are not marrying either one of them. Also most Jewel supermarkets deliver for roughly 10% of your total bill.
Speaking of supermarkets, if you are telling someone that you are going grocery shopping, you DO NOT say “I’m going to Jewel.” You say you are going to “the Jewel.” Subtle but important distinction.
Sarahfeena, i already have mandated a welcome to Chicago gathering. You in?
Also, this is good to see this today. I’m FB friends with dalej42 and got the news there and told The Wife “dammit now I can’t even remember his Doper name!”
Actually, it’s “the Jewel’s.”
And to make sure you look like you belong, pronounce Chicago:
She-Caw-Go.
not
She-Cah-Go.
A couple more questions.
Any sports bar suggestions in Lake View or Wrigleyville area to watch the NHL playoffs?
Mexican restaurant suggestions? I love, love, love Mexican food.
I’m not a sports fan, but I would think Cubby Bear, or Sluggers, or any of the sports bars on Clark Street near Wrigley Field would be ideal.
Far too many to count! You’ll be trying them until the day you die. My personal fave is Fiesta Mexicana, not far from the aforementioned Sports Bars. El Jardin (also nearby on Clark) is also excellent. Also, www.yelp.com is your friend.
Lots of sports bars but Clark street has a good few both by Wrigley and down by Fullerton. Lincoln Ave has loads as well (along with lots of young, attractive women). Southport is a bit older but Schoolyard is a good sports bar.
I usually hear either “Jewel’s” or “the Jewel” but rarely a combination.
But what do I know, I prefer Dominick’s.
Congrats for this new appointment. Chicago is a great city.
Here are my recommendations:
Cafe Adobo in Old Town. Table-side guac, really good margaritas shaken table-side and served up in a martini glass.
Uncle Julio’s Hacienda. It’s a chain, but it’s really good. Gets rather loud though.
Lalo’s. Has several locations but it’s not a national chain. I used to always get Lalo’s Ultimate Skillet (steak, chicken, chorizo, bacon-wrapped shrimp, grilled veggies on a fajita skillet) before I apparently got old and couldn’t eat greasy stuff like chorizo anymore. Lots of good stuff that’s different than the usual Mexican fare (wife likes this soup that’s basically a whole ocean reduction).
The town (? or area/neighborhood/something) of Pilsen has several Mexican restaurants. I’ve been to one but don’t remember much about it. I believe they are all BYOB, but there’s a close liquor store.