So, I am putting this out here. I would like to compile a list of good bakeries in the suburbs. They always talk about Chicago, but I know there are some amazing bakeries in the 'burbs.

Let's make a list of them here.

Just a heads up for anyone looking for a plumber in the NW suburbs. We had a leak and called a few places. The plumber they sent was polite and knowledgeable but their prices are some of the most ridiculous ive ever seen in my life.

Im talking $2,000 to replace a valve under your sink expensive. They are also trained to sell you a monthly subscription. Hard. Im having ABT come out to replace the same equipment for $150. I honestly think the guy felt bad having to show us the prices.

If anyone knows a good alternative, please let me know. Im not sure how S&J is still in business but the reviews (4.9 stars) dont do it justice.

Is the cheap "greasy spoon" diner a thing of the past? Seems like everywhere I look it's $18 for a waffle or something. Any recommendations?

Hi everyone! We just closed on a house in Winfield and are hoping to get some recommendations from people in the area.

We’re currently looking for:

• Someone to do a thorough deep clean
• A reliable HVAC company/person to service the furnace before winter
• Any other trusted tradespeople, handymen, or technicians you’d recommend

Our realtor has given us a couple of contacts for a cleaner and handyman, but we’d like to get a few different quotes and hear who people locally have had good experiences with.

Any recommendations would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Hello,

Please recommend fireplace cleaning service near Bartlett that you have used and will use it again.

Thanks

I am in need of a new glasses prescription as mine is probably 7 years old now. I had previously gone to Americas Best in Pleasant Prairie and got two basic frames + prescription (including PD) for like $125, but I’m wondering if I can do better? I didn’t have an issue with them at all. just wondering if there’s anything more competitive that also gives me prescription and PD, so I can order more frames online myself as needed

Hello! I took a ceramics class at clc a couple of months ago and I have a lot of spare clay I would like to use just for a one time project. Does anyone know of a ceramic studio with open hours where I don’t have to take a class to get access to the studio and is relatively affordable? I could get this project done within a month definitely less.

Hi all, I am looking for recommendations for upscale restaurants with a good atmosphere, relatively private/quiet dining experience primarily in the western suburbs (somewhere around Elmhurst, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Downer’s Grove, Lombard, etc). Open to all types of cuisine and we have no dietary restrictions, not super price sensitive.

Ideally looking for a place that has a walkable area in the vicinity as I am planning on proposing to my now-girlfriend after dinner/dessert. Right now, I am thinking Naperville area would be good with the riverwalk for the proposal, but I am looking for some other ideas and restaurants as well.

I'm trying to get back into working out after a very long time off away from the gym. I'm willing to go it alone but I know I always find exercise a lot more fun and easier to commit to when I'm on a time playing a game. I know there are lots of park district softball and basketball groups but I've never really been into those sports. I live in Lake County and work in northwest Cook County. I love more hard-hitting sports like football, rugby or water polo but really I'm just trying to do what's best for my health while making some friends so I'm open to anything. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Are we supposed to tip at StretchLab? If so, how much do you tip? I've been twice and haven't tipped. Not to be cheap, it just never crossed my mind and then I started to wonder.

When getting a massage, it's expected. When going to physical therapy, it isn't. This is kinda in-between.

Thoughts?

Looking for bridal shower venue recommendations near Tinley Park/Frankfort area and between there and NWI. Around 30 people.

Any suggestions for a great meatloaf? Extra points for home style mashed potatoes and gravy. I’ve had a hankering for it ever since the weather cooled down.

My parents are in their 70s and they don’t have a will. They live in the SW suburbs. Can anyone recommend an estate attorney to help me get their affairs in order? Please don’t recommend LegalZoom or anything like that. I want to work directly with a person irl on this. I appreciate any recommendations. Thank you 🙏

Hi! I’m taking my road test at Schaumburg DMV soon and feeling a little nervous 😅

What maneuvers did they ask you to do? Reverse around a corner, 3-point turn, or roundabout (I’ve heard this might come up)?

Also, how difficult was the test, and were the examiners chill or strict? Any tips would be appreciated! 😊

I recently got through a stressful six months of my life. Now, I can relax a bit.

I am looking for a good vegetarian or vegan restaurant in the Naperville area. I would prefer not to spend over $50 for myself.

Not looking for Thai or Indian restaurants right now. I really like sandwiches and the like. I would prefer something that caters to vegetarians and vegans instead of having one or two token salads.

Anyone have any recos for restaurants that serve on Thanksgiving that can cater to diverse palates? My wife is a vegetarian who likes the Thanksgiving sides, just not the turkey, and we have a couple kids so I'd ideally want something kid-friendly as well.

Ideally western suburbs, but we can travel. I looked at city spots but they're all like $100 a pop and I don't think that's worth it for my family.

I'm heading to work with a client in the Matteson area. I'll be flying in for two weeks in November. I'm looking for good restaurant and bar recommendations to unwind in the area after a hard day at work.

Looking for a place that's fairly laid-back and relaxed.

I’m looking to hike to a primitive campsite this weekend. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’m looking for some solitude and quiet. Are reservations required for a site like this?

I’ll be heading out from Schaumburg after work on Friday.

Thank you!

I am looking into alternative schooling options for my 3 year old daughter. She is a very sensitive child & has more separation anxiety than most kids her age. She is also likely 2E (twice exceptional) meaning she is gifted in intelligence but also neurodivergent. Likely both autistic & adhd. With all of this in mind, does anyone have any school recommendations? We are in Wheaton.

I am currently looking at:
Prairie School of DuPage
Waldorf School of DuPage
Carmel Montessori Academy

Any reviews of these schools are welcomed!

Thank you

Does anyone have a PT they like, ideally someone that is excellent at working with athletes and has successfully helped diagnose and rehab an injury?

I have a hip giving me issues. I've got a torn labrum in it which I've successfully managed for years. Not sure if my current issues are due to that, or another soft tissue injury around my hip flexor, but want some help figuring it out and getting back in action as I'm a multisport athlete.

Any recommendations would be appreciated, ideally NW suburbs but willing to drive to someome awesome.