Poker in Chicago

[domer2]

I saw there have been topics here and there about poker in Chicago, but I'm trying to hone down my questions a bit for more specific information.

I'm flying in tomorrow (for ND game) and looking to play live with my buddy who lives south of Chicago this weekend. He is kind of averse to playing live due to the rakes.

So what exactly are the rakes like?
What are the best poker rooms in Chicago in terms of rakes/quality of the casino/busy-ness of the casino?
What are the busiest stakes in NL in terms of action (1/2? 2/5? higher?) and the best places to play NL?

I'm used to playing in SoCal Indian casinos with a $4 straight rake per hand in $1/3NL and $2/$5NL and in Vegas casinos with moderate rakes. What should I expect as far as rake differences in the more popular poker rooms? How are the players generally speaking? If it's just the same 40 regulars showing up every weekend shootin' the hsit while donking it off to the rake week after week, probably not my type of deal.

My buddy is more leaning towards me hooking up my laptop and us just playing online. So trying to find out the best places to play and whether it's even worth it to play to begin with.