Now that the Chicago Cubs are the reigning World Series Champions, Lakeview is sure to get more foot traffic than ever before. Check out TimeOut Chicago’s 15 trademarks of Lakeview!
1. Wrigleyville bros. Walking down Clark Street feels like a special feat one should only attempt after plenty of shitty beer and a high tolerance for backwards baseball caps and “hey mans.”
2. Everyone’s a comedian. Seriously. Meet a new group of people? One of them is in an improv troupe or on their way to a show at the Annoyance.
3. The roar of people at Wrigley. Whether they’re a Cubs bandwagon fan or a lifelong diehard, you’ll always hear “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch.
4. Lines down the block at Metro. Regardless of who’s playing, there’s always a line at Metro (and Smart Bar), in which case, your obvious solace is the Gman Tavern next door.
5. Helicopters hovering overhead. If the Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears or any other important Chicago team wins an important game, be prepared for helicopters over Lakeview. The block of Addison between Racine and Sheffield is prime for fans to celebrate.
6. Fireworks by Wrigley for the 4th of July. What’s more patriotic than watching a baseball game at Wrigley followed by postgame fireworks?
7. Dogs in Cubs shirts. Of course man’s best friend wants to root, root, root for the Cubbies.
8. The Belmont Transfer. The Belmont El stop is that farthest north station in the city where one can transfer from the Red to the Brown Line, and, with Boystown nearby, the Belmont Transfer has become one of the best sexual innuendos in the Chicago lexicon. On any given night off the Belmont stop, you’ll see a countless number of folks looking to switch from the “red” to the “brown” line in the neighborhood.
9. Stroller parking. Yep, that’s right, places for the strollers to hang out while mom shops. And if not, rest assured, mom’s already on it, making her very own parking spot.
10. Froyo and ice cream shops. If you’re worried about what your post-brunch snack will be, don’t. There’s plenty of froyo, ice cream and gelato spots within a few blocks from each other. Just pick one.
11. Lines outside of sports bars on Clark Street. It doesn’t matter if there’s a Cubs game or not—you’ll find crowds of thirsty people clutching slices from Dimo’s.
12. …and outside of gay bars on Halsted Street. Roscoe’s anyone?
13. Lululemon-wearing yoga moms. It’s not uncommon that you’ll be passed up on the sidewalk while these ladies power walk to Core Power Yoga.
14. Lots of Chicago imports. People just beginning to learn the city have probably just moved into that empty apartment next door. Be nice to them, they want to love Chicago too.
15. Bar crawls. From TBOX to self-organized pub hops, the abundance of drinking establishments in Lakeview makes it a perfect place for a bar crawl.
