New to Chicago- need recs for services and furniture shopping

kellyjo4.16.04

Hello ladies.  Soon to be Chicago Resident here!  Hubby got a job with United Airlines, so we've moved from Indy into Chicago.  We're in our early thirties, no kids yet (but kinda TTC).  We're familiar with the city- been visiting for years and have friends in the area- but are interested in any recs you might have for the "living" kind of stuff.  Doctors, dentists, vetrinarians, dry cleaners, stylists and more urgently- furniture shops!  (we're buying a new bedroom set and a couch... of course, we'll check out IKEA and the other normal chain spots.. but if you have any additional recs, we'd love to hear them.) 

We've got a great condo in Hyde Park, so anything downtown, south loopish area is ideal... but we do have a car and will drive if the service is worth it. 

Thanks so much and look forward to getting to know some of you!

lmb5109

Welcome to Chicago!

I live north of the city so I can't help with the vets, dry cleaners, and dentist but for the doctor, I go to Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group by Michigan & Erie. Really like them, have been seeing them for 5 years.

For furniture that I can think of:

Room & Board, The Room Place, World Market, Pier 1, & Jennifer Convertibles

celiabeth

If you are looking for nicer looking furniture, but at a similar price point to Ikea I recommend Roy's or Affordable Portables.  Be careful with Roy's though, took them longer to deliver my order than stated.  I also go to Northwestern for my doctor, but at the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation at St. Clair and Huron.  I also live on the North Side, but I did like Honey Child Salon for my hair when I lived in River North which is located at LaSalle and Chicago.  Hyde Park is a nice neighborhood, but for most of those services/needs you will have to trek a little north. 

shakken

Welcome! So I don't have a furniture rec, but I lived in HP my first year in Chicago and I liked it. I'm still down there quite a bit, too. My only complaint was the transit is more limited (to buses and Metra) than in other areas (that have more access to the el lines). But, I think you will really like it, especially given that you have a car (the south side has much easier street parking than the north side). I definitely miss certain things about it.

 

As far as basic services, I do a lot of them in downtown and the south loop. There are two I want to recommend: 

I love my dentist - Dr. Alan Kushner Jr. - on N. Michigan Avenue & Lake. The #6 will drop you right outside the door.

 

I also have finally found a hairstylist that I actually love - Stephanie at Aniko Salon (Roosevelt & Wabash in the South Loop). I can really only speak for her cuts because I don't have my hair colored. But, this is the first time I've ever stuck with a stylist for more than 2 cuts. Oh, and if you decide to go to her, let me know before you go. There's a referral bonus of $25 off for both the referred and referee. 

 

 

As far as staying in Hyde Park for things -

Cleaners: Ann's Cleaners on 55th Street (55th and Harper) is good and consistent. She also does a good job at tailoring.

 

Haircut: If you want to stay in Hyde Park for a haircut, I'd recommend the salon on 57th Street by Salonica. I went a few times and my husband went for years (saw Skip & Marguerite, the owner). While I don't recommend it above my current salon, from both of our experiences, they do a pretty good, consistent job.

 

Also, while we're on the topic of HP, the Snail on 55th still has some of the best Thai I've had in the city. Love that place.

shakken

And, if you haven't heard about it, Bonjour Bakery in the shopping plaza is wonderful if you like French pastries at all.

Okay, I'll stop

kellyjo4.16.04

Thanks, all!  All recs much appreciated and will be investigated!

lal9905

Hello! I just wanted to say hi and welcome you. I don't think I've officially announced myself to the Chicago nestie board...I just moved here from Fishers (Indy also!) last month. We live in River North and my husband works for Hertz @ O'Hare...I'm currently looking for a job.

We are in our late 20's and no babies (still traveling too much!) yet. If you're ever interested in getting together for coffee or something, let me know!

 Welcome to the frozen tundra!

mbs79

Welcome Hoosiers!  My bestie is from Westfield.  

As for recs, I second Roys.  We had no problems with them. We have friends who have had their pieces from Roys for a lot longer than us and it has stood up against time and a toddler.  I work near HP, but I don't have any personal recs in the area.  I'll ask around.

ChiTwnMEA

I also vote Roys. We did really well there adn LOVE what we got. It has totally stood up to a husband and a puppy.

 

Welcome to Chicago!

Marcy