I was down there just a couple of days ago, walked through the Loop in the daytime.
Despite the best boosterism out there, it’s hardly coming back. Vehicle traffic on State Street looked like a Sunday/holiday level of activity, and foot traffic is nowhere near what it was pre-Covid. My impression is most are still working from home, and those who are back to the office bug out as soon as they can.
I can’t tell if there were more “bandits” on the street, or if they were just more noticeable due to the lack of foot traffic. Some panhandlers were noticeably aggressive.
Many downtown venues (especially expensive ones, and office-traffic lunch spots) closed during the Covid lockdowns and have not been replaced. Lots of vacant spaces. Of those remaining, many of them are not open all days of the week, and they close early, taking last orders around 7-7:30. Again, people aren’t sticking around any later than necessary.
If you want Vietnamese food, look north to Argyle Street or Albany Park. Just be aware that the surrounding Uptown neighborhood has improved greatly from what it was twenty years ago, but still has plenty of legacy issues.
Do NOT take the Red or Blue Lines, there are incidents reported practically every day. And wherever you may go, be on your guard.
Quite honestly, I don’t go into the city any longer unless I must, and then where possible I prefer to drive. (Watch for the speed and light cameras, they no longer allow any margin of error!)
Hope this helps.
Best post your FR goodby today, while you can...
Shame you didn’t quite make it to 20-years...ðŸ˜
My SIL told me there are car-jackings everywhere now. She doesn’t want to live there anymore.
Don’t go. Not now