Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago

NFT - Chicago is the one book to carry around in your backpack as you cruise the city - but pay attention to the title. It really is not for tourists. The first thing to do with this book when you get it is to spend the time to walk through it, particularly through the chapters beyond the maps, and most particularly through the "Arts and Entertainment" sections. Once you've done that, then get acquainted with how the maps work by looking at a map of a neighborhood you know well. Never mind that it might not include your favorite corner bar or hot dog stand. Just get to understand how it works with an area you know. Once you've made friends with the book, then start using it as you walk, ride the "L", or drive in the city. The street maps are very good and each map identifies key places in the neighborhood. Each neighborhood map has a listing next to the map tells you about neighborhood Banks, Car Washes, Gas Sations, Hospitals, Landmarks, Libraries, Parking, Pharmacies, Pizza places, Post Offices, Schools, Supermarkets, Coffee Shops, Gyms, Hardware Stores, Liquor Stores, Nightlife Spots, Pet Shops, Restaurants, Shopping Locations and Video Rental Stores - but, of course, only if the neighborhood has, say, a bank in it. I have two minor complaints about this volume. The first is that I wish the North/South/East/West location markers ("3200W," "4000N") were more bolded and more frequent. Second, I would love to have an overall index of places so that, for example, if I could not remember which neighborhood Hopleaf is in, I could go to the general index and locate its map reference. But I'm just whining. It's a very well organized, well informed, and surprisingly complete piece of work for a list price of $16.95. By the way - be sure you're buying the most recent version, since it's published each year. If you buy one of the older ones, places like Millennium Park won't be in it. And, as the book itself points out, "The Chicago restaurant scene has exploded in recent years. . . .Lately it seems that trendy new hotspots are popping up by the minute." This, of course, cuts both ways, and the book is careful to point out some of what's closed and gone as well as what's new and hot; but the moral here is that last year's book might be very much out of date. Finally, while this book on its own will get you where you need to go, I would recommend, if you need something to supplement it, that you get the latest Zagat for Chicago.

uptown, oldtown, gold coast, north side.....sometimes it seems like Chicagoland has another name for every area. This book is great. Just what I needed to explore the areas of Chicago. It's organised by areas and lists all of the different things from restaurants to theatres to laundry mats in the area. The maps are very clear and easy to read. Excellent book for people who've just moved to Chicago (and aren't after the touristy things). I think it's equally useful for people who live in the 'burbs and downtown dwellers. Highly recommended.

This was my bible when I moved to Chicago 2 years ago. It has both practical information (such as video stores, post offices, bus and train routes) on detailed neighborhood maps, as well as shopping and cuisine listings. I used it, and recommend it, constantly. It was far more helpful than any other city guide I tried, and over time, I knew the city well enough to put it away! And THAT's when you're REALLY not a tourist anymore.

Outside of a few typos, I found the 2005 edition of NFT Chicago to be more useful than past ones (which were also useful). The main thing is, there's a lot more maps. Instead of just having central Chicago covered, it goes all the way to the city's borders, so it's great when I have to go way south or way west, or other areas I don't venture in very much. Also, it seems like thier arts listings are more comprehensive, and there's a huge new section about what to do with kids (although it seems to be targeted to the nanny-set). Still, it's an invaluable refernce to have in your car, or to hand off to guests if you have to leave them to thier own devices.

I work for an Apartment Management & Rental Service in Chicago & I HIGHLY reccommend this book for anyone who is (or maybe just thinking about) moving here! Everything from Transit (the trains can stump newcomers) to the local grocery to yummy eateries & trendy shopping boutiques are listed in clear, accurate, easy-to-read & follow maps. The Maps are divided into nieghborhhods with concise discriptions ( & sometimes apt criticism) that can help you find a place to live... or just a place to hang out this weekend. Everyone who's bought one has been grateful for it's usefulness... and never has to ask where the nearest movie theater (or rental store) is!