I've always been really fond of the front porch in Chicago for a similar reason. They are a bit more elaborate -- they are often covered, and are much larger as

I've always been really fond of the front porch in Chicago for a similar reason. They are a bit more elaborate -- they are often covered, and are much larger as a whole, but they are pretty much the perfect place for 4 or 5 people to hang out. I've met so many people because they are drinking on a porch or on a rear deck and I've started talking to them, and next thing you know I'm drinking a beer. There's often a sunroom/living room/den connected to the front porch in Chicago. This room is known as the frunch room. I'm not entirely sure how to spell it, but it's a portmanteau of front and porch.