Philip K.'s Profile

We buy our Christmas tree here every year.  They have a huge selection and they are SOO fresh--the needles stay soft and green way past Christmas.  

In summer, they have an overwhelming selection of high-quality vegetable plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, etc.

The staff is friendly and knowledgable in my experience.

Gethsemane is a beautiful business to sort of "cap" the north end of Andersonville.  I assume they do the landscaping in the median between Clark and Ashland where they meet.  Gorgeous.

Only ever eaten there once--I should go back to give them a fair chance.  But I just remember being unimpressed.  Me and my partner weren't wild about our breakfasts.  

Sounds like we should try desserts and scones next time.

Cute, kitschy scene.  I like all the windows and the view of andersonville from a corner of an intersection.

My partner and I were members for a year.  It was very clean, rarely too busy, and the staff was professional.  However, I wasn't motivated by the group exercise classes they offered.  And for a gym of their size, it seems like they might offer them more often and in a bigger variety.  

Back in the day, when we lived in Lakeview, we were members of "Sweat Shop," which is now closed.  Those were the glory days of these CRAZY group exercise classes I went to religiously.  Spinning, step aerobics, etc.  Loved them.  Still wish I could find the people that led those classes and join whatever gym they work at now.

For some reason, maybe it was just me, I just didn't get into this gym and ended up wasting a lot of money on months spent not using my membership.

We take our cat Bailey and frenchie Franklin to Uptown ever since moving to Edgewater a few years ago.  The staff is very friendly and professional.  It's usually pretty easy to get an appointment and they will squeeze you in if it's even possibly urgent.

Both have had minor surgeries here which went fine and the vet helped us work through our French Bulldog's digestion issues as a puppy until we finally found a food that agrees with him.

The vet has recommended teeth pulled from our cat twice, which we've done. ($$) Not sure if that is totally routine or if it's a little extreme.  But we go along with it since we trust their advice.

This is one of those places I always think "we should go to more often."  But honestly, on our budget, it's cheaper to go elsewhere or go home.  

But when we do go, watch out: Two of their giant martinis and game's over.  It's great in the summertime when the patio is open, otherwise, as others have said, it's a small bar.

Friendly, relaxed, creative, yummy, big drinks.

Lots of room to find a spot of your own.  Very clean and they just built a new beach house with restrooms, etc. to replace the little embarrassing shack that was there before.

If you're going to be seen or to see others, head toward the southern half.  If you're still trying to get rid of your love handles and don't want to feel self-conscious slash judged (like me) or you're opposed to frolicking gay men, then head north.  Luckily, there is plenty of room for everyone.

Of course it's busier on the weekends, but hit this beach on a weekday and you'll easily find a quiet spot.

Very short walk from Broadway Ave and it's at the end of the wonderful city-long lakeshore bike path.

I've gone here twice for checkups and have purchased two pairs of glasses here.  The doctor is really nice and professional.  The employees up front are nice, but everything just feels a little weird in there.  Hard to put my finger on it.  However, I definitely haven't had the bad experiences others have described here.

Their selection of frames is not the most diverse.  I usually just get cheap frames anyways.

2 weird phone encounters:
Once, a guy called me telling me it was time for my yearly exam when I had literally been in there days before for a checkup.  He was embarrassed.
Another time (maybe same guy), I called and the guy answered the phone with the name of a different eye place..."lenscrafters" or something.  He chuckled and was embarrassed.  Maybe he worked there before...or also?

I like to try to support neighborhood businesses, but I might go elsewhere for my next checkup and to purchase new frames.  My partner, who wears contacts, had a lot of hassle experiences with this place--not fraudulent, just mistakes and delays.

I used to work at Subway in high school.  I can still smell the stench of the baking bread that used to hang on my work clothes.  Surprisingly enough, I still like eating Subway from time to time.  And I can follow you down the line and critique their every cut, count, and vegetable placement.  At the same time, I'm always extra nice to fast food restaurant workers because I know how much those jobs suck, even at a place like Subway where there is no grease/frying involved.  

So be nice!

This location is one of the better Chicago Subways I've been, too.  I a while back I actually submitted a compliment on the subway website for one employee in particular who was consistently really good--great sandwich skills, patient yet speedy, and all around seemed like he liked his job.

We saw a production here a this summer and I was impressed with the level of performance in such a small theater setting.  The very small stage space was used very creatively to seat 3 rows on each side of the squarish space on risers. The space in between was the stage.  Lighting very effectively separated the action from the audience, yet it was really cool to be able to see fellow onlooking watching from across the theater.

While waiting for the theater to open, I read in the lobby about all kinds of awards Steep Theatre has won in past years and I get the sense that it's "up there" in the Chicago small theatre community.

I'll definitely keep my eye out for upcoming shows here.

oh yea, i think they were selling drinks in the lobby, but we didn't have any cash on us.

I like it because it's really close and they usually have what I need if I'm in the middle of a project.

But then sometimes they don't have what I need.  It's kind of hit or miss.

The employees aren't falling over themselves asking if you need help, but they're nice and as helpful as possible if they ask questions.  (Imagine standing in an aisle at Home Depot...I've searched high and low there for help...and then the person I find rarely knows the answer to my question)

I feel good supporting a local business when I can.