Hey, you Chicago guys. . .

Sierra_Bravo · Mar 22, 2018

I travel a lot for business and go to Chicago quite a bit. Now I've been there enough to know that Lou Malnati's beats Giordanos, but Connie's in Chinatown beats them both. And I also know that if you go to Portillo's and don't order their chocolate cake your missing out. No one has to tell me not to wear the other team's jersey at Soldier's or to take a side as an out of towner on Cubs vs White Sox; you're better off sticking to talking about the Blackhawks.

But what I don't know is: Who's the best coral vendor that's worth the time to check out while I'm there? I have a business convention in Chicago next week and will have about half a day to kill. I'll have time to get to anywhere but the far Western Suburbs, I would think.

ajhudson15 · Mar 22, 2018

Kush corals. About an hour south of Chicago

gig 'em · Mar 22, 2018

I'll be visiting next week, I'll have to hit up Kush Corals. I always like going to Reefwise

MikeyB · Mar 22, 2018

Kush is great as is reefwise.

There's another shop in Naperville that i enjoy called Blue Line coral. It's probably 15ish mins from reefwise so you can hit both of them.

Xmoji · Mar 22, 2018

Reefwise is one of the better ones with a really unique setup. Prices can be kinda high though.

Nice write up btw. Don’t worry about wearing a Cubs jersey to Soldier field, it’s a Cubs town anyway.

jp_75 · Mar 22, 2018

wojtek’s reef (95% lps) and reefwise.
other than that don’t bother.
ps kush is not that great.i wouldn’t waste your time! enjoy your time here .

Xmoji · Mar 22, 2018

I should mention Aquapros in Glen Ellyn, Dave is one of the nicest owners and has great prices!!

His store is small but makes the most with the room they have.

gig 'em · Mar 22, 2018

So for a mostly SPS guy with some interest in hammers and gonis, just stick with Reefwise and maybe Blue Line Coral?

Sierra_Bravo · Mar 22, 2018

Xmoji said:
Don’t worry about wearing a Cubs jersey to Soldier field, it’s a Cubs town anyway.

I was there for a Bears/Packers game several years ago. There was a kid (20 yr old or so) with friends about 10 rows down. . .he had on a Cheesehead hat. One of the people behind him lit the hat on fire. Chicago police removed the Cheesehead kid for causing a disturbance.

Sierra_Bravo · Mar 22, 2018

gig 'em said:
So for a mostly SPS guy with some interest in hammers and gonis, just stick with Reefwise and maybe Blue Line Coral?

Hey John - what days are you there for? I'll probably head to the shops Thursday afternoon. If you have an evening with nothing going on and want to get a bite to eat or a beer, PM me and let me know. Have a safe trip.

gig 'em · Mar 23, 2018

Sierra_Bravo said:
Hey John - what days are you there for? I'll probably head to the shops Thursday afternoon. If you have an evening with nothing going on and want to get a bite to eat or a beer, PM me and let me know. Have a safe trip.

Aw nuts, I'll be going to the shops on Wednesday and flying back Thursday afternoon

CWR24 · Mar 23, 2018

Laughing here in regards to the food/cake comments.

Go somewhere for pizza that is not a big chain for the best......those places mainly rely on their name and aren't terrific.
And the Portillos chocolate cake.......brother you can buy a box mix and some frosting and do it yourself just the same.

tripdad · Mar 23, 2018

It's a little far south but try Aquatica in Tinley Park. Good corals selection, various types, and large selection of fish.

Sierra_Bravo · Mar 23, 2018

CWR24 said:
Laughing here in regards to the food/cake comments.

Go somewhere for pizza that is not a big chain for the best......those places mainly rely on their name and aren't terrific.
And the Portillos chocolate cake.......brother you can buy a box mix and some frosting and do it yourself just the same.

Hey, cut me a break for not being a local. At least I've been there!

We have the same thing happen down here with BBQ. I wonder how many people went back North or East thinking Rudy's is the epitome of smoked brisket???

boozeman27 · Mar 23, 2018

If you want amazing corals and the best bang for your buck, go to ReefGeeks in Northbrook. You will only find him on Facebook for info tho. Don’t look at website as it says closed.

gig 'em · Mar 23, 2018

Any local hobbyists with frags to sell? Always interested in home grown frags!

Chitown tom · Mar 23, 2018

Second vote for reek geeks
He ran a special last week for $75 purple tangs and $35 powder blues.

He sells colonies of SPS for what you would pay for a frag!

His motto "wholesale prices for everyone"

Chitown tom · Mar 23, 2018

gig 'em said:
Any local hobbyists with frags to sell? Always interested in home grown frags!

I have some sweet rainbow bubble tip nems $45 each

Deezill · Mar 23, 2018

jp_75 said:
wojtek’s reef (95% lps) and reefwise.
other than that don’t bother.
ps kush is not that great.i wouldn’t waste your time! enjoy your time here .

Yes Wojtek's reef is great. he has some really nice LPS. Prices are very nice too.