The Oak Park soccer league vs the Park District? Is one better for the kiddos? TIA.

Hi all! Has anyone heard of any bars or restaurants that are doing any deals or something for a Super Bowl watch party?

Thanks!

Can anyone recommend a good laptop repair place here in oak park? Would prefer not to have to buy a new one!

Hi everyone!

ISO a self-service dog grooming station near Oak Park, if there are any. I noticed that this area seems to be really pet friendly and I'm scouting out different services before I adopt. Thank you in advance for your help!

Vent sesh:

Knowing what’s going on in the neighborhood in terms of police activity was helpful especially if I was planning on driving somewhere, knowing which area(s) to avoid. Plus, for me at least, it was entertaining to hear some of the more lighthearted interactions officers had with the community. I absolutely understand the department’s concern with average joes tuning in from a security standpoint, but I just wish that they implemented something like a 30-minute delay rather than going completely off the air through encryption. When I hear sirens zooming by my place, I want to know what’s going on even if it’s not in that exact moment.

I'm thinking of selling my car and moving to oak park. I work in Franklin park. Is it possible to live in downtown oak park without a car? Like is everything including the gym/grocery store/cta/metra walking distance?

It's an ice rink out there today and walking the dogs was awful. It was a nightmare on every block. PLEASE take care of your sidewalks.

Looking for a local locksmith who can make replacement vehicle keys (checked with A Core, but they don’t do vehicle keys). Anyone have any recommendations?

I'm new in the area and I would like to sign up at the YMCA. I read on their website that they have a child watch service for members (I know I have to be in the facilities the whole time). I'm wondering if anyone here have used this service or know something about it? Thanks!

I moved to OP almost 4 years ago, and the only place within my price range was East OP, near the Austin neighborhood. I talked to several people in the area who assured me they felt safe, and I had felt that was true until the past year.

I witnessed a drive by shooting on Madison, close to the CRC on my way to work one evening. It was maybe 2 blocks from where I live. And now, someone was shooting a gun across the street from our home in broad daylight today.

WTH is going on with this area? I really love where I live (aside from OP predatory parking rules 😒) but this is now twice in a year and a half that we’ve been too close for comfort with gun violence near our home.

Have I just been lucky in the past that I didnt notice? I just don’t feel safe here anymore.

hello! I am looking to find a charity/shelter in the western suburbs that I can donate gently used clothing, purses, new unopened beauty/household products to. (Soap, body wash, unexpired makeup etc.)

I would prefer to give these items to women in need rather than a donation center like Goodwill. Any recs? Thanks!!

ETA: any recs in western suburbs or even in the city are fine!

Hello! I am new to the area as I relocated for a job and am a single 26F looking to make new friends in the area. I live near Lake street, and I’m wondering where I can get involved and if there are any local mixers for younger professionals. I like to run, play tennis, pickleball, eat, drink, and be merry.

I'm looking for a some good cocktail bar recommendations in the area. Ideally places that have a decent variety of cocktails (more than 12) maybe some seasonal variation, relaxed ambiance, the places don't have to be solely focused on cocktails or serving alcohol. Restaurants with good bars would work too. All spirits welcome.

For reference, I like Kettlestrings Grove (though seating can be hard to find and the music can occasionally kill the vibe). I've had some good drinks at Autre Monde and Little Gem too.

Willing to move around the area (OP, FP, RF, Berwyn) just looking for spots where I don't need to go into the city.

Update/edit: Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.

Does anyone know of a gas station or service center in the area that you can fill your tires with air for free? Not a costco member unfortunately... been searching for one for a while with no luck

hi everyone - I'm new to Oak Park (and Chicago and Illinois) and have been STRUGGLING with the parking situation. I've already received two parking tickets (woo) I know parking is a common theme here, but two main questions:

1. Does the street cleaning NOT happen weekly? I've been here for three weeks and I've yet to see my street cleaned, yet there's a sign that says not to park there 8am-10am Tuesdays.
2. Where in the actual hell do I park when there's a snow ban?

Thanks everyone in advance. I'm trying to stay optimistic about my move here, but need all the help I can get :/

I’m looking for a dentist in the area that’s friendly, nice and not so rough on the teeth. Would like if they don’t try to upsell you while you’re sitting in the chair. Any place you would recommend?

Anybody know what happened and if the shooter was caught?

I recenly moved to the area and I just started looking daycares for my toddler. I'm looking for next fall, so hopefully I still have a little bit of time.

How much are you paying for your infant/toddler/kid? Where? Any recommendations? Thanks!!!!

The build out there seems to be progressing ok. Does anyone know what's moving in there?

Selfishly, it would be cool to have a "third place" coffee shop or restaurant a little closer to NE OP than Fairgrounds/Courageous.

I'm logged into my account and select the "Start New Permit Application" button and then select "On-Street Permit - Residential Night" from the drop down list. I then put in my residential address and my address pops up on the drop down list. I select it but the "Start Applying" button is always greyed out. I've tried disabling my anti-virus extension, I've tried two other browsers, and I've even tried putting in another good address but the button still stays greyed out. My primary browser is Firefox but I tried Edge and then Brave. There is no link to report a problem with the site on the page.

Follow up: Looks like it's working now.

Hey Oak Parkers!

I grew up in Oak Park, my family and I live in San Francisco and are potentially moving back. My kids are 10 & 8, we would be in Holmes/Brooks zone. Any folks with kids in middle school, especially Brooks? My middle school experience at Brooks was not great but was also literal decades ago. Thanks!

I've just recently moved to Oak Park and was wondering if there were any coffee shops or other spots good for reading.