Chicago Accent Basics:
** “th” becomes “d.” This, that, there, the Bears = dis, dat, dare, “da Bears”
** Short “o” becomes short “a” i.e. Hot = haht, Dog = dahg, Pop (soda) = pahp, Mom = mahm
** “ctu” becomes “ch” i.e. Picture = pitcher
** “th” becomes “t” i.e. 3 is pronounced like tree
Travelers and locals are both amused by and curious about the classic Chicago accent. Thanks to epic skits – like SNL’s Superfans – the Chicago accent is celebrated and adored.
A Chicago Magazine article from 2012 (quoted below) explored where the Chicago accent comes from while answering key questions like: why Chicago sounds so different from the rest of Illinois (and more like Buffalo, NY)? The article suggests that the answer to these questions seems to begin with the construction of the Erie Canal. One of America’s great linguists has explored how accent and dialect travel as much along political lines as geographical ones. And we here in Chicago are at the center of the most dramatic shift in American dialect, which has its roots in politics (via Digby).
“Although the vowel shift is often associated with a Chicago accent, some linguists believe it actually originated in the eastern United States in the late 1800s. William Labov, a linguist and Northern Cities Vowel Shift expert at the University of Pennsylvania, believes the trend may have started during the construction of the Erie Canal, which brought thousands of immigrants from the east to the west.
During the late 1800s “you had people from all over coming to that part of the country speaking different kinds of English,” Gordon explained. “That’s the kind of environment where you expect language to shift very quickly.”
This talk of Superfans has sparked our passion for Chicago sports. Yes, da Bears, but in honor of spring, we’ll highlight north side baseball – DA Cubs!
One of the many fun facts about The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park is that Wrigley Field – home of the Chicago Cubs – is less than 1.5 miles from the hotel!
If your trip doesn’t fall over a game day, check Wrigley’s website and sign up for a tour of the field to experience the magic of a ballpark built in 1914!
If you’re here in the summer, you should also check out Wrigley’s concert lineup — great way to spend a hot summer night in the city! There are also rooftop viewing options listed if you’d like to experience Wrigley from a cool perspective and create another party vibe.
Getting to Wrigley:
The walk is easy and a straight shot down Clark Street from the Hotel. Just 1.4 miles and a cool, urban walk – great way to experience the vibe of the city.
2. The Red Line “L” train will also take you right there. The closest L (elevated train) stop is right around the corner from the hotel on Diversey. Catch the Brown or Purple line here with an easy red line transfer one stop down on Fullerton (or just a quick walk to Fullerton for direct red line access).
3. UBER
4. Rent a Divvy (Chicago’s rental bike system) bike a few steps from the hotel on Clark/Wrightwood.
Side note: the red line connects the city north/south which is super convenient.
Now, let’s highlight the best stops on the way to Wrigley!
1. You can always get a dog at the game, but if you’re going for a two dog day (no judgement, YOLO!), stop at The Wiener’s Circle (directly next-door to the hotel) and get your classic Chicago hot dog fix. Don’t even think about asking for ketchup.
2. A very solid pizza place is a few blocks before you reach Wrigley — it’s under the radar and delicious. Grab some ‘za at Zazas Pizza — highly recommend the Grandma pies.
Once you’re close to Wrigley you’ll start to see a bunch of bars. Our faves for a pre/post game beer…
3. Murphy’s Bleachers: This place is family owned and has been around for more than 80 years! Sweet Chicago vibe. Plus, they were the first ones to add a rooftop which has since become a trend in the area – not all rooftops are ideal for watching the game but the energy is FUN.
4. Sluggers: This is another classic, family owned bar that not only offers alcohol and solid food but also: batting cages! And other cool games like air hockey, pop a shot, etc..
5. Trader Todd’s: Something to note right off the bat — they have a shot-ski. This is a straight up dive bar w/ a tiki theme. It’s not lux, but super fun.
6. Big Star: This is a newer spot so less of a quintessential Wrigley place BUT the tacos, guac/salsa/chips are very, very delicious. Their Bucktown location has been around for a few decades so it’s got history and is an excellent pre/post game meal.
7. On the walk home enjoy that post game high. Then, stop at Trader Joe’s (a block from the hotel) and grab some snacks/dinner/drinks and CHILL on your suite’s comfy couch!
BOOK THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL LINCOLN PARK
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by travel enthusiasts who enjoy spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2025 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about TNBHD in: Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn!
