13 Things Chicagoans Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
We do some crazy things in Chicago that other cities and states may give us shade for, but we love our way of life. Once you live here, it makes sense why everyone does these 13 things.
Don’t judge us until you read this post. Scroll on for all the reasons we seem insane.
Just looking at this type of traffic gives some people anxiety. The tight lanes and large buses, people trying to cross the street, taxis cutting you off... It can be a nightmare, but if you're patient, you'll get where you need to go. Depending on where you live, the train may be a better option, but there are just some times when you have to drive.
Most of the county doesn't think about deep dish when they think pizza. While the rest of the world is all about that thin, floppy stuff, Chicagoans are digging into something hearty, fresh, and delicious. One slice makes a meal that will stick with you all day.
Advertisement
There's a unique pizzeria in Chicago that bakes pizzas in a bowl. Chicago Oven & Pizza Grinder layers cheese and meat in the bowl and then caps it with a dough that becomes the crust. Patrons are treated to the spectacle of waiters flipping the concoction over at their tables. It is like a pizza bread bowl, and it's one of the city's hidden delicacies.
Advertisement
Many other cities likely think we're insane, but the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos around. Free does not mean low-quality, though. Donations and other fundraising keep the park open and well-kept with dozens of different animals and exhibits to enjoy. During the holidays, ZooLights draws residents from all neighborhoods for a night of light tunnels, glowing critters, and other spectacular views.
Of all the crazy things we do in Chicago, this may take the cake. If you're new here, you'll quickly learn that Chicagoans take this method of reserving shoveled-out parking spots very seriously. Basically, if you shovelled your car out of a plowed-in mess, you place a lawn chair or two in the spot to designate that your hard work earned you this spot.
Though they haven't won a Superbowl since 1986, the Bears still have the full support of true Chicagoans. Just like Cubs fans, we're willing to do some crazy things and hold out until the next time our team makes it big. Hopefully, it won't take more than 100 years.
Related Stories
Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Tiny Neighborhood Bakery In Illinois
With An Art Museum, Gardens, Mega-Playground, And Concert Venue, This Illinois Park Is the Ultimate Family Destination
Spice Up Your Summer At The Chinatown Summer Fair In Chicago
Because... why not? Chicago doesn't want to get pinched, so we make her wear green that day. For real though, it's a fabulous event that people from all over the area love to attend.
Whether it's to celebrate our love of food, music, or culture, we block off certain city streets throughout the summer to have some fun. Our festivals include parades, concerts, and more incredible eats than you could possibly fit into one day.
Advertisement
A true Chicago hot dog is a delicacy you don't mess with. The "garden" includes yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Traditionally, dogs are served on poppy seed buns.
To many people outside of the city, Chicago is the place you go on vacation. Obviously, since we live here, it's not as much of a commodity to spend our long weekends in town. It's nice to visit a smaller city like South Haven, Michigan or get back to nature at the Wisconsin Dells every once in awhile.
Chicago's most famous ice cream is the rainbow cone. It's a combination of several different flavors with goodies inside. This beautiful dessert features the tastes of orange sherbet, pistachio, vanilla with cherries and walnuts, strawberry, and chocolate.
Chicagoans are obsessed with their flag. We wear it on shirts, hats, and accessories as well as in the form of tattoos. No other city is as proud of their symbol.
We do some crazy things in Chicago, some of which can be explained and some, well... We don't care, anyway. We have immense pride for our city and our way of life. This is how we do it.
Another wacky thing about Chicago? Our one-of-a-kind restaurants! Check out this mac-and-cheese themed eatery in the city that will make you feel like a kid again.
What other crazy things do Chicagoans do that don’t make sense to the rest of the country? Share your thoughts with us below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.