Mets v. Cubs: 7 Ways Queens is Better Than All of Chicago

Chicago and Queens are alike in many ways.

They have similar populations: 2.29 million (Queens) vs. 2.71 million (Chicago,) according to the U.S. Census.

They've both hosted World's Fairs. 

They each have two airports.

They both have neighborhoods that include the name Hyde Park.

But as the Mets and Cubs get ready to square off in the National League Championship Series, we look at seven reasons why Queens is the best — and Chicago will always be a "Second City."

► CLICK HERE TO SEE METS FANS GO WILD DURING THE WIN OVER THE DODGERS.

1. PIZZA

Let's get the obvious out of the way. Queens is home to some of the best pizza in the world. You could step into any pizza joint from Far Rockaway to Whitestone and get better pizza than you'd find in Chicago.

Here's a slice from Lucia's Pizza at 136-55 Roosevelt Ave. in Flushing, near Citi Field.

^(Facebook)

Meanwhile, in Chicago, they have this:

^(Giordano's)

Not for nothing, but, what are you?

WHAT ARE YOU?

(Psst. If you disagree, here's a good roundup of Chicago pizza from our colleagues at DNAinfo Chicago.)

2. BEACHES

Queens actually has beaches that are connected to THE OCEAN. And seals hang out with us:^{(DNAinfo/Katie Honan)}

Chicago, meanwhile, has Lake Michigan. People put their beach chairs around this and swim there, we're told.

^{(DNAinfo/Benjamin Woodard)}

3. MUSIC

So many great bands come from New York City. (You can catch many up-and-comers at CMJ this week.) There's too many to list, but here's a photo of Queens natives The Ramones.

^{(DNAinfo/Mary Johnson)}

Meanwhile, Chicago's got this guy:

 

More from DNAinfo New York:
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4. GREEN RIVERS

Newtown Creek is ALWAYS GREEN.

^{(Green Shores NYC)}

We don't need to pour green dye into it, as the Windy City does for the Chicago River every year on St. Patrick's Day:

^{(DNAinfo/Josh McGee)}

5. BEER

Where to begin?

There are so many breweries in Queens these days as well as beer gardens to drink in. Long Island City alone has plenty of offerings. 

^{(Queens Brewery)}

Chicago's got Goose Island, which is decent. But Yankee Stadium used to sell it among the "imported" beers. Just sayin'.

^{(Goose Island)}

6. ANIMALS

We've got the Rally Raccoon. This critter turned the season around. 'Nuff said.

^{(DNAinfo/Katie Honan)}

Chicago has a Billy Goat. Its curse has caused the Cubs nothing but misery for 70 years.

^{(Facebook/Billy Goat Tavern)}

7. NICKNAME

C'mon! Queens is the World's Borough. Here are Borough President Melinda Katz, right, and Queens Transportation Commissioner Dalila Hall:

^{(Courtesy of Queens Borough President Melinda Katz)}

Chicago: They don't call it the "Second City" for nothing!

Let's Go Mets!