There is a special feeling I get when I say “I was born and raised in Chicago”. I went to boarding school in Wisconsin, part of my college career was spent near Detroit. I’ve been to New York City, Boston, Dublin, London, and Berlin, but there is something about Chicago that always brings me back. Perhaps it is the sweet smell of the Blommer chocolate factory, the sounds of the trains and sirens at night that calm me, or maybe it is because Chicago is just a beautiful city inside and out. Chicago has a little bit of everything for everyone. Are you a Jazz fan? Take a trip down to The Green Mill. How about baseball? We’ve got two teams (but really, it is all about the Cubs)! As stated in an earlier post, it is no secret I have a full blown shopping addiction. Chicago is home to some of the best shops around and here is a map of some of the greatest shops Chicago has to offer.
Enjoy: General Urban Store
4723 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60625
From a onesie with Mister Mysterio on it to bacon flavored toothpicks, Enjoy has something for everyone.
Email mom@urbangeneralstore.com
Phone (773) 334-8626
Joong Boo Market
3333 N Kimball Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60618
The Joong Boo Market was the first store I went to when I moved into my first apartment in Avondale. They have a wide selection of Asian produce, meats, specialty items, and spices. They also have a tiny restaurant inside and free parking!
Phone 773-478-5566
Strange Cargo
3448 N Clark St
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Strange Cargo is a shop that has that one-of-a-kind item that you can’t find anywhere else. From custom made goods (t shirts, bags, wallets, and others) to Chicago themed clothing, Strange Cargo truly has strange cargo.
Email website@strangecargo.com.
Phone 773-327-8090
Belmont Army
855 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Belmont Army is an independent clothing shop located in Lakeview. Belmont Army has 5 floors and over 10,000 square feet of merchandise space. They stock unique designers and labels from all over that are funky and affordable.
Phone (773) 549-1038
Dill Pickle Food Co-op
3039 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60647
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op offers healthy food choices while helping building the community of Logan Square.
Phone 773-252-2667
Myopic Books
1564 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
Myopic is deceivingly large. This three floor used book store has shelves and shelves of books from travel guides to old Civil War books. Although situated in Hipster Park, you can sacrifice your sanity for a few minutes in here.
Email myopic@myopicbooks.com
Phone (773) 862-4882
Rapid Transit
1900 W North Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
Rapid Transit is a bike shop located in Wicker Park. They offer top-of-the-line bikes for our tough Chicago roads as well as on-site repairs with their skilled mechanics.
Phone (773) 549-1038
Reckless Records
1379 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
Reckless Records was a few blocks away from my grade school and soon turned into my after school treat.From those old VHS tapes you need for your collection or that half priced Madonna CD you’re dying to have, Reckless has it.
Email orders@reckless.com
Phone (773) 235-3727
The Spice House
1512 N Wells St
Chicago, Illinois 60610
The Spice House is truly magical. The offer every type of spice under the sun, freshly packed in house. You can order a sample tasting of a spice or bulk bags. They also offer “neighborhood blends” that are very unique and beyond flavorful. I recommend their “Lake Shore Drive” for a delicious blend for pasta, salads, and veggies or their “Bridgeport” seasoning for potatoes.
Phone (312) 274-0378
Where’s your favorite place to shop in Chicago? Share in the comments below!