Laura Vecchia

We all know that Chicago is a great city for dating, but it can still be a huge pain to try and make it work out with a significant other. Some traits that are palatable in other cities can easily become deal-breakers here. If you've ever tried to make it work with a suburbanite or a Packers fan, you'll know what we mean. 1. They live in Schaumburg: Chicagoland is an expansive area with plenty of wonderful suburbs that seem relatively close to the city. But after an hour-plus commute, you’ll have a better relationship with your vehicle or Metra conductor than you will with your suitor. 2. They make fun of your accent: Any non-native Chicagoan making fun of how we pronounce certain words is recipe for disaster. If your significant other gives you flack for accenting your A’s or turning your th's to D's, there's no shame in showing them the door. 3. They refuse to go out during the winter: Anyone who uses the excuse "it’s too cold out" will be forever alone in Chicago. Also, if they make fun of you for your long puffy coat, two scarves and thick boots, tell them to move to California. Comfort trumps style for us. 4. They root for any non-Chicago sports team: It's hard to understand how Packers fans find a significant other in Chicago. While our sports teams aren't the best, they're still a huge part of our civic pride.  5. They don’t appreciate Chicago's iconic food: Hot dogs, deep dish and Italian beefs are staples for every Chicagoan. We have tons of other food options to be

You may think that Chicago isn’t much of a fermented grape city, with all of our breweries and Malört obsession, but there are plenty of wine options around town. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to sip on pinot and chardonnay throughout the day. It’s actually a highly recommended practice. With that in mind, here’s a suggested tour for sampling some of the best wine flights that the city has to offer in a single day. If you’re able to get through this gauntlet of a wine crawl, consider yourself a hero (or at least possibly an alcoholic). Follow the map above for a suggested route in your wino-inspired endeavors. 1. Enolo Wine Cafe Head to River North to start your wine binge. Enolo has a nine different wine flights to satisfy even the most expert wine drinker. 2. Zed 451 Head a few blocks north on Clark Street and hit this great spot. With four wine flights (along with hefty options of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as beer and cocktails) plus the stunning city views, what more could you ask for? 3. D.O.C. Wine Bar At this point, you’re hopefully still sober enough to maintain composure on the CTA. Hop on the northbound 22 Clark bus after leaving Zed 451, exit at Wrightwood and grab a seat at D.O.C. You can enjoy one of the four wine flights in the neighborhood bistro with a cozy atmosphere. 4. The Twisted Vine Depending on your state of mind, you might want to consider hailing a cab in order to get to this Boystown spot. The location offers three distinct

Ever see someone order a drink at a bar and immediately conjure up what that person’s personality is probably like? How can you not? Make sure you're aware of the impression that your beverage of choice is conveying. Here’s a list of what your drink order says about you: Malört: "I'm a Chicagoan and I'm so proud of it that I'm willing to burn my throat. Also, I am way too drunk and trying to impress a potential date." Frozen Daiquiri: "We have a babysitter until midnight." Manhattan or Old Fashioned: "I know the difference between 'whisky' and 'whiskey.' Also, I'm going to give you the cold shoulder while conversing at a bar."  Wine: "I either have refined taste or am trying really hard to prove that I do (because even getting drunk off of cheap wine is incredibly classy)." Commercial beer in a bottle: "I'm on a budget. I have no shame, especially if I'm downing said beers on a boat on the lake." Cheap beer in a can: "I'm in Wrigleyville and fresh out of college." Or: "I am a tourist who wasn't sure where to go and asked a 23-year-old." Craft beer on draught: "I support independent breweries. I probably live in Wicker Park or Logan Square." Mojito: "I ordered this solely because I like the way that it's pronounced. Look at all the plants in my glass, aren't I fancy?" Margarita: "I'm looking to have a good time! Also, I'm likely to be hammered drunk by 11pm with shoes my off walking barefoot down Hubbard Street." Cosmo: "I'm here with a bachelorette party." O