History of the Sox

While the organization isn’t struggling with a 100 year world series drought like the Cubs, the White Sox are still one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Founded in 1900 as the Chicago White Stockings, the Sox have been at the center of some of Major League baseball’s most defining moments, to some of its greatest controversies, including the famous Black Scandal of 1919.  The team has no shortage of heroes either, and some of teams most gut wrenching performances, including their 2005 World Series run, have been immortalized by bronze statues that are sprinkled in throughout the park. So before you take your seat along the Third Base line, check out these in the park attractions and learn more about one of baseball’s most interesting storylines.

Comcast Fundamentals Deck

The pitching and batting cages, whiffle-ball field, and coaching clinics that make up the Comcast Fundamentals Deck are a favorite among Chicago’s younger baseball fans. Located in left field, this between innings pit-stop gives young ballplayers the chance run the bases and burn off some energy before the seventh-inning stretch. Don’t forget to bring your glove!

Private Bank Fan Deck

This two-tiered deck sits on top the concessions stands in center-field and offers a panoramic view of the ballpark–not to mention the perfect family photo op. The post-game firework display on June 5th seen from this vantage point is sure to impress to all sports fans.

White Sox Champions Brick Plaza

Whether you’re interested in World Series scandals or World Series champions, the bricks in the White Sox Champions Brick Plaza chronicle it all.  Located in front of the ballpark’s main entrance, this exhibit tells the story of the Chicago White Sox with interesting baseball factoids and elegant statues that will delight baseball historians and novices alike.

Right off of CTA red line and only a few stops down from our humble Chicago Popcorn shop, U.S. Cellular field offers a unique experience for baseball fans of all ages. Get your Tickets Today!

Don’t fret! We can help.

There are two main types of public transit in Chicago: The “L” (the elevated train) and buses.

The “L”
The public train system in Chicago proper is known as the “L.” The most important thing to know about the “L” is that all the lines converge downtown in the Loop, called so because all the lines except the red and blue lines (which make straight shots) loop around downtown. All of Chicago is broken up into different neighborhoods and each leg of the “L” snakes out from the Loop to these different neighborhoods. Here is a map of the different lines.

The flat rate for a bus or an “L” ride, regardless of distance or location, is $2.25.

A “transfer” from an “L” to a bus costs 25 cents and a second transfer is free.

You can pay on buses with either the exact amount in cash or a transit card. You must pay with a transit card or a Chicago Card (reloadable transit card) at “L” stations.

In addition, you can purchase cards that offer unlimited rides for a certain length of time.

1-Day Pass: $5.75
3-Day Pass: $14
7-Day Pass: $23
30-Day Pass: $86

Metra
The final type of public transportation is the Metra. This is a train that runs from many of the suburbs into Chicago. Find more information on the Metra here.

Among these is Chicago deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers and steaks.

In this post, we’ll focus on deep dish pizza. The classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza is not what non-Chicagoan might know it as, if they were educated by our national pizza chains. Real deep dish pizza holds all the toppings and cheese between two layers of dough with the top layer being nothing but thick, chunky marinara sauce.

This is fork and knife pizza, people! If you can pick it up with a hand and hold a beer in the other, you’re enjoying a lazy imitator. Once in Chicago, you’ll have myriad options as where to order this elusive pizza.

That’s where the debate begins. Everyone has his favorite place for deep dish. Here are three of the most popular ones.

Giordano’s
Founded in 1974, Giordano’s is often chosen as the source for Chicago-style deep dish pizza. With red and white table cloths, a friendly and helpful staff, and pizza as deep as the Grand Canyon, it’s no wonder Giordano’s is such a city favorite. These are pizzas just made to be stuffed with Chicago favorites like sausage and onions. Throw in a location next to Millennium Park in the downtown Loop, and Giordano’s offers up a little slice of heaven.

Locations:

• 1040 W. Belmont Ave.
• 223 W. Jackson Blvd.
• 5159 S. Pulaski St.
• 730 N Rush St.
• 5309 S. Blackstone Ave.
• 2010 W. Montrose
• 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• 815 W. Van Buren St.
• 6314 S. Cicero
• 6836 N. Sheridan Rd.
• 5927 W. Irving Park Rd.
• 135 E. Lake

Gino’s East
Another heavyweight in the battle of Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Gino’s East was chosen as the best by People magazine. The legendary pizza place, supposedly opened off Michigan Ave. and Superior Ave. by two taxi drivers who complained of Chicago traffic, has been a Windy City favorite since 1966. With an authentic decor that stills looks like it did when it opened and pizza that the city flocks to, Gino’s East is a home run.

Locations:

• 633 N. Wells St.
• 162 E. Superior St.
• 8725 West Higgins Rd.
• 2801 N. Lincoln Ave.

UNO Chicago Grill
Uno Chicago Grill, formerly known as Pizzeria Uno, might be the most famous pizzeria on this list. Non-Chicagoans have likely seen Uno locations in airports throughout the country and might be familiar with its brand of deep dish pizza. Still, that is no reason to ignore the one that started it all. Built in 1943 by a University of Texas football player and a World War II G.I., Uno’s quickly became a Chicago-wide (and then a country-wide) favorite. One bite of its deep dish pizza will tell you why.

Locations:

• 29 East Ohio St.
• 619 North Wabash Ave.
• 49 East Ontario St.

And don’t forget, after you enjoy a Chicago-style deep dish pizza, make sure to get some Chicago gourmet popcorn like gourmet caramel popcorn.

Today, we want to share with you some of our favorite online resources for finding food in the Windy City. Chicago is revered for its gourmet popcorn, deep-dish pizza, and Chicago-style hot dogs. If you’ve lived in Chicago for at least a few years, you’re probably well aware of most of the gems this city has to offer. Still, in a place like Chicago, there are always new gems to be discovered. And if you’re new to the city or planning on visiting, these five sites will prove to be even a greater guide for getting your hands on Chicago’s iconic grub.

5 Sites About Chicago Gourmet Popcorn, Deep-Dish Pizza and Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

1. ChicagoPizza.net – Allows you to search through over 1,500 pizzerias in Chicago, narrowing down your search by area, including downtown, north and south sides, west side and suburbs.

2. HotDogChicagoStyle.com – Searching for the perfect hot dog? You’ve come to the right place. Read reviews on Chicago hot dog joints and even get help on making your very own Chicago-style hot dog!

3. UrbanSpoon.com – Gives visitors the opportunity to search for a variety of types of food in Chicago, including pizza and hot dogs. Also, read user reviews and break down spots by neighborhood, price and other relevant categories.

4. BBB.org – For some of us, we rely on word-of-mouth to tell us where to go. Others like it more official. The Better Business Bureau Web site lets you search for accredited Chicago businesses in categories: pizza and popcorn and supplies.

5. GreaseFreak.com – A great site to learn where to go for hot dogs, wings, burgers and etc. Comes complete with pictures and a five-star rating system in categories: ambiance, presentation and taste.

Aside from these five, you can find other information on food in Chicago from such popular local guides, among others, as Yelp.com, Metromix.com and City-Data.com. Take a look, find your place and dig in!

Be Patient
Traveling by plane requires a little more than just showing up at the airport, getting on to the plane, and then taking off. Don’t forget that you have to find parking and check-in your tickets and baggage, all the while accounting for crowds, unexpected situations and delays. The frustration of sometimes playing the waiting game at the airport is best combated by taking care of all the things that you can control and not sweating the rest.

Be Prompt
It is much easier to feel less rushed and subsequently less stressed when you have no tasks left to complete and all the remaining effort is left getting to the airport, leaving you to just sit back and relax. The best way to accomplish this is to arrive at least two hours early (most airports now require that you arrive at least 45 minutes before flight to check-in). Arriving this far ahead of time will allow you ample time to do all the before-mentioned tasks: find parking and check-in your tickets and baggage. Also, to avoid any problems with airport security (and the hassle of having to open your bags and possibly having to toss your belongings), make sure that if you plan on bringing any liquids, gels or aerosols with you, they’re packed in three-ounce or smaller containers. These containers should be in one-quart sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bags.

Be At Peace
A positive attitude will go a long way and with a good amount of restaurants, concessions and other shops, O’Hare gives you a sound opportunity to relax while you wait. Grab a cup of coffee from Starbucks, unwind with a back massage from Back Rub Hub or remind yourself what city you’re in with a mix of Gourmet Cheese Popcorn and Gourmet Caramel Popcorn from “NUTS ON CLARK.” Before you know it, you’ll be where it is you want to be!

The next time you fly into or out of O’Hare, try following these tips on travel preparation and see if it doesn’t make your time spent at Chicago’s largest airport that much better.

Chicago is home to several museums, all with their own appeal and attractions. The following are some great ones to check out when in the Windy City:

• The Field Museum – Gives visitors an array of exhibits relating to natural history. For women who believe diamond truly is a girl’s best friend, check out The Nature of Diamonds, running until March 28. Open Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.(1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.)

• The Museum of Science and Industry – The largest science museum in the Western hemisphere provides visitors an opportunity to watch films, enjoy live experiences, view exhibits and events related to all things science. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (57th Street and Lake Shore Drive)

• The Art Institute of Chicago Museum – Half the Art Institute of Chicago (the other half is a school), the Art Institute of Chicago Museum houses more than 300,000 works of art. Open Monday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (free 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (111 S. Michigan)
  

• Chicago History Museum – The exhibitions and events here are dedicated to collecting, interpreting and presenting the rich multicultural history of the city. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. Mondays are free! (1601 N. Clark)
  

• Museum of Contemporary Art – One of the larger contemporary art museums in the nation, the Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to showcasing thought-provoking art made after 1945. Open Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (220 E. Chicago)
  

• National Museum of Mexican Art – Located in the thriving Mexican Chicago neighborhood of Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art features both permanent and traveling work by some of the world’s premiere Mexican and Mexican American artists. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for exhibitions. Events are subject to ticketing prices. (1852 W. 19th)
  

• Adler Planetarium – Leave the confines of this world behind you and visit the famed Adler Planetarium. Features information, resources, exhibits, shows and news about astronomy. Great for kids. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Every third Thursday of the month (6 p.m to 10 p.m.), Adler After Dark allows guest to sip on cocktails and enjoy appetizers while glancing up into the sky through the lense of one of Adler Planetarium’s high-power telescopes. (1300 S. Lake Shore)
  

• DuSable Museum of African American History – Founded in 1957, DuSable Museum is America’s foremost museum of African American history. In one exhibit, visitors can trace the Civil Rights Movement from 1848 to 1968 through artwork, artifacts and photographs. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (740 E. 56th)
  

• The Notebaert Nature Museum – For you nature lovers, the Notebaert Nature Museum entertains while expanding the public’s knowledge of nature and environmental science. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2430 N. Cannon)
  

• Shedd Aquarium - Explore the deep blue sea with the largest indoor aquarium in the world, with more than 8,000 aquatic animals. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Step into history and explore other worlds in one of these Chicago museums. And remember, for a taste of Chicago history, visit Union Station and grab a tin of Chicago gourmet popcorn.

Be sure to check the museums’ respective Web site for additional information like special events and admission prices.

Especially for visitors to The Windy City, a place like iconic “NUTS ON CLARK” is a rather nice introduction into Chicago. Whether you’re a visitor for a few days or a few hours and want to do the things all true Chicagoans know, here are some suggestions:

1. Visit Wrigley Field - If you just so happen to be in the city during baseball season (April to October), there is almost nothing more iconic than catching a day game at Wrigley. Still, even if you’re here during the off season, taking a trip to the field itself is something to write home about. (1060 W. Addison)

2. Visit Buckingham Fountain – The famous fountain, featured in the intro and credits to “Married With Children” is a sight to behold. It’s probably bigger than you think, too. Note: the fountain is only on during the warmer months. (500 S. Columbus)

3. Eat at Uno’s Pizza - Chicago is as famous for its deep-dish pizza as it is for its Chicago gourmet popcorn and — spoiler alert! — Chicago-style hot dogs. Uno’s does it better than anybody else. (29 E. Ohio)

4. Eat a Chicago-style hot dog - You haven’t lived until you’ve sunk your teeth into a Chicago-style hot dog. Preferences may vary, but for the most part, Flub A Dub Chub’s (3021 N. Broadway), Wolfy’s (2734 W. Peterson), Chubby Wiener’s (4652 N. Western), and Portillo’s (100 W. Ontario) are seen as industry standard. Remember, no ketchup!

5. See the entire city from Hancock Tower – You can’t come to Chicago without getting a beautiful, panoramic view of the entire city. Atop the Hancock Tower offers one of the best views of the city and is much more awe-inspiring than Google Earth could ever be. (875 N. Michigan)

6. Take in a show at Second City - A plethora of comedians and personalities got their start here, including John Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Jeff Garland, Steve Carell, Andy Dick, Chris Farley and Tina Fey. Don’t miss an opportunity to catch a glimpse of today’s rising stars. (1616 N. Wells)

7. Eat at Al Capone’s Hideaway and Steakhouse - What is cooler than a restaurant converted from an old Al Capone hideout? Nothing. (2222 S. Wabash)

8. Get “spouted on” at Millennium Park - Millennium Park is undoubtedly one of the more popular tourist attractions in Chicago. In the warmer months, two opposite fountains — with larger-than-life projected faces on them — shoot water out at awaiting guests. Guess where the water comes from? The mouth. (201 E. Randolph)

9. Ride the “L” - Ask any native Chicagoan and they’ll tell you the best way to venture through the city is by elevated train, also known as the “L.” Categorized by color, the “L” offers visitors and residents a cheap alternative to the bustling city traffic and expensive cab fare.

10. Tour neighborhoods – It is highly recommended that you perform some preliminary research first since some neighborhoods can be downright intimidating to those unfamiliar with them. But if you stay safe (go during the day and keep on main roads), taking your own individual tour of the city’s more than 70 neighborhoods could provide you with an unique, eye-opening experience into the city’s vast culture.

Keep in mind: There are myriad things to do and places to eat when you come visit Chicago. Sometimes, the most fun you’ll have is finding gems of your own.