Where are Chicagoans’ favorite ‘third places’?

Where do you spend your time between work and home?

These informal social spaces are known as “third places,” a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg that refers to a wide array of spots people gather to socialize and pass time outside of their house or office.

In Chicago, there are plenty of “third places.” Here are some of our readers’ favorites, lightly edited for clarity:

“One of Chicago’s excellent book shops, such as The Book Cellar or Unabridged Bookstore or the new Barnes & Noble in Wicker Park.”
— Craig Barner

“Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary and beach.”
— Jeanne Brady

“The Point.”
— Steven Lucy

“The Chicago Public Library, Northtown branch. When weather allows, I love sitting in their enclosed courtyard.”
— Nava Cohen

“Billy Goat Tavern.”
— Deborah Fuller Tobias

“The lake for sure.”
— Matt Conlon

“I tend to be at the fitness center.”
— Jan Tee Cra

“Fifth Third Arena. My son is a travel hockey player for the Chicago Stallions. They have excellent Wi-Fi, a decent bar and the best chicken Philly sandwich on the planet. Go, Stallions!”
— Heather McCowen

“Wrigley Field.”
— Jamie L. Russell

“Library, coffee shop or community center.”
— Cordell Longstreath

“The Art Institute.”
— Janice Gehrman

“On State Street, looking at the places and people.”
— Annie Foster Williams

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