What Apps to Use in Chicago (Besides TikTok)

Expecting to have a lot more free time now that TikTok is (almost) banned in the U.S.? More room on your phone? Here are other apps Chicagoans should have that could at least make your life easier.

Entertainment

Pie Social

The Chicago-based startup hopes to make it easier for people to make friends in the city. Scroll through to find events that interest you with like-minded Chicagoans.

The Nudge

One of the best parts of TikTok? Finding things to do in Chicago. Luckily, The Nudge has ideas for everything from date night to new restaurants in the familiar shortform video format.

Bracketology TV

Whether you’re tuning into “The Traitors” or awaiting the upcoming season of “The Bachelor,” Bracketology TV is the fantasy sports app for reality TV shows. Draft contestants for different games and compete against fellow fans. Bonus: You can fill out brackets for awards shows.

Food

Too Good To Go

The app connects people with leftovers that restaurants and grocery stores would otherwise throw away (e.g., day-old pastries, entrees that were returned, etc.). The City Cast Chicago team had a big learning curve when we tried it out a couple of years ago.

Beli

If there’s one thing we know about Hey Chicago readers and City Cast Chicago listeners, you’re all foodies! Beli lets you rank and recommend restaurants — and see what your friends are eating.

Pete’s Market

City Cast Chicago producer Michelle Navarro’s mom swears by the Pete’s app: You can clip coupons, make lists, and earn rewards!

Jewel-Osco

One of my Near Year’s resolutions is to finally use the Jewel app to find deals and save at the grocery store. Fifty cents off Yoplait yogurt? Paper towels for 90 cents? Say less!

Services

Flush Toilet Finder

Don’t wait until you have an emergency to download this app: The Flush Toilet Finder app helps you find bathrooms at nearby businesses and public buildings.

Chi311

Whether you need snow shoveled or a pothole filled, make your request to the city’s non-emergency service via their app. Complaining isn’t ideal, but it is the way we get things done in Chicago …

Chicago Public Library

Put books on hold and renew titles in the app. Plus, you can check out books with your digital card. You’ll need to download Libby to borrow e-books and audiobooks from the library.

Transportation

Ventra

Upload money to your card and see when the nearest CTA bus or train is coming. You can also purchase Metra tickets on the app.

Transit

I toggle back and forth between a few different apps to track the bus, but my favorite is the Transit app, where fellow riders can let you know where buses and trains are in real time.

Park Chicago

It’s no secret that parking in Chicago sucks. If you’re looking for street parking, you’ll need two apps: one to see a map of open spots and another to fill the meter.

SpotHero

Reserve parking spots in garages and lots or valets through this third-party app. You can make hourly or monthly reservations.

Curb

Tired of surge pricing on Uber and Lyft? Request a ride in a licensed taxi now or later. You can pay in the app or with cash.