Travel Tip: Find the Lake as fast as you can

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Moody's stands for Moody's Pub and Last call at Moody's Pub is a subjective thing, or so im told but thats not what I noticed first. There were two things wrong about my expectations:

1. Moody's is not right off of the Thorndale stop on the CTA Redline as I was told by a Chicago resident. It's actually about a minute and a half from the Thorndale stop if you are a quick walker and three minutes if you're not. Is it splitting hairs? Maybe. But from the looks of things there are places that literally are right off the ________ stop. I think that if I can't see it from the destination stop then it doesn't in fact qualify. Look at this from my perspective, I've recently moved here from Chicago and I'm surrounded by large tall buildings. My sense of direction is off by a longshot. I've of course gotten myself lost right off the bat as soon as I get off at Thorndale. Listen, if your only instructions to find a place are "right off" then you really have anywhere to go when you cant see it straight away. That is what I did, pick random direction and begin walking. It becomes clear to me that somewhat soon that I've gotten myself turned around and lucky for me there are a few college students, nightwalkers, and homeless people more then eager to help me out with directions. What is a nightwalker you ask?

How do you spell Sangria with a "7"?

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'Nightwalker' - a Chicago resident that appears to be standing, sitting, or in the process of forward momentum (see bicycle) in a casual or idle state. Mostly found after dark, Nightwalkers are true city denizens, mostly solitary and attracted to busy streets, intersections, popular locations where other people are present. Nightwalkers are mostly harmless though some have been witnessed with aggressive behavior when provoked. Nightwalkers seem to have the ability to 'hang around', eager to strike up conversation, also eager to illicit money, or the request of goods and services "Hey man does anyone want to buy a bicycle?"

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I soon discover when asking for directions that I was walking too far west of my desired location. "Which way is east?" I would ask. "Towards the lake" I was told. Here is my biggest problem about being a native outsider to this city. People usually give directions to me according to my location as it pertains to Lake Michigan. I have no problem with this as a fixed point makes a fantastic reference. The problem is that I cannot see the lake unless I am reasonably close to it. There are all these large buildings in the way so I really don't have grasp on where it is if I can't see it. Soon though the Nightwalker points me on the right path and I follow her instructions to the letter which arrive me to Moodys. Here is my second problem:

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2. Moody's has no Burgers, well normally they do according to the menu and word of mouth from Moodys Patrons. However when I got there, no Burgers, there was an equipment malfunction. My dismay grew proportionately when I discovered that A. I hadent eaten all day and B. According to other Moodys patrons these were "The Best Burgers In The City". Very locally recognized and very rewarded with praise by prominent reviews from major Chicago area newspapers. Though you have to be careful ( as I come to find out) in Chicago when somebody recognizes something as "The Best In The City" - It's not to say that it isnt worth trying... it means be ready to be surprised. That phrase gets thrown around a lot and though what it's being applied to may certainly be really really really good you may be missing out on the very best if that is what you seek.

This was however not entirely a night of disappointments. Moodys outside eating area is why it's worth going. Even in cold or long sleeved weather this dark and inviting seating area is relaxed and completely chill. You can still order drinks even if there will be no food. I struck up a conversation with a few Chicago residents after they overheard that I had come to Moodys strictly on a strangers recommendation alone. The back seating area is calm and low key and the drink of choice for many is the Sangria which comes in at about 9 bucks a pitcher. It is the best 9 dollar a pitcher Sangria i've ever had and if you start it on an empty stomach you can get very drunk very quickly. I spent the night waxing intellectual with many Moody's patrons who were willing to discuss anything from Wonder Showzen to Descartes. The patrons of this Edgewater hangout are a very approachable and kind lot who really know how to make a local tourist feel welcome. When lastcall came I felt like a kid at a fun sleepover and it was time to go home. Then again I was really drunk and at some point I passed out hard...

www.moodyspub.com