Brian & Rachel's Neighborhood Guide
Neighborhood Dining Recos
Our favorite local spots in the neighborhood (in no particular order). This is a small sampling...we are happy to recommend additional ideas!
No frills Vegan & Veg bar / resto (they do have fish I believe). Covered patio out back, get the Fried Pickles, Nachos & Tofu Scramble! We love to go for apps, FYI it gets busy during brunch on weekends.
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Handlebar
2311 W North AveNo frills Vegan & Veg bar / resto (they do have fish I believe). Covered patio out back, get the Fried Pickles, Nachos & Tofu Scramble! We love to go for apps, FYI it gets busy during brunch on weekends.
Huge patio, a fun casual vibe, great margaritas / cocktails. We love their chips / guac / salsa, Walking Taco and various other tacos. Big whiskey / bourbon selection as well.
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Big Star
1531 N Damen AveHuge patio, a fun casual vibe, great margaritas / cocktails. We love their chips / guac / salsa, Walking Taco and various other tacos. Big whiskey / bourbon selection as well.
These are all over the city for good reason! Breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, grab & go salads, sushi, bowls, cheese plates, snacks, etc. Amazing wine selection, local goods & various upscale unique pantry items.
Foxtrot Market - Milwaukee & Damen
1576 N Milwaukee AveThese are all over the city for good reason! Breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, grab & go salads, sushi, bowls, cheese plates, snacks, etc. Amazing wine selection, local goods & various upscale unique pantry items.
Directly across the street, popular spot for Indian food. BYOB. We've gotten takeout from here, it's excellent.
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Rangoli Classic Indian Dining
Directly across the street, popular spot for Indian food. BYOB. We've gotten takeout from here, it's excellent.
Standard Thai spot 2 blocks west. Not really much of an ambiance, but is BYOB or good for takeout. Lots of vegan options.
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Thai Lagoon
2322 W North AveStandard Thai spot 2 blocks west. Not really much of an ambiance, but is BYOB or good for takeout. Lots of vegan options.
Extremely popular burger & fries spot with lots of picnic tables / outdoor seating. We have not been but everyone loves it. They do have a veggie burger apparently :) Short walk from our place.
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Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee AveExtremely popular burger & fries spot with lots of picnic tables / outdoor seating. We have not been but everyone loves it. They do have a veggie burger apparently :) Short walk from our place.
Great spot for casual lunch or breakfast. Lots of salads, soups, sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, etc. Also a section of prepared foods that can be reheated as well as wine, charcuterie and various snacks. Also have a patio above or grab and walk over to Wicker Park or the 606!
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The Goddess and Grocer
1649 N Damen AveGreat spot for casual lunch or breakfast. Lots of salads, soups, sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, etc. Also a section of prepared foods that can be reheated as well as wine, charcuterie and various snacks. Also have a patio above or grab and walk over to Wicker Park or the 606!
Upscale Mexican spot a block west. Great cocktails, nice vibe, delicious unique tacos.
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Bàrbaro Taqueria
2525 W North AveUpscale Mexican spot a block west. Great cocktails, nice vibe, delicious unique tacos.
Rachel's all-time favorite place for salad or a bowl. It's a chain but you can't beat it. Can order ahead or in store. Spicy-cashew dressing + hot sauce always!
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sweetgreen
623 N State StRachel's all-time favorite place for salad or a bowl. It's a chain but you can't beat it. Can order ahead or in store. Spicy-cashew dressing + hot sauce always!
HUGE patio, thin crust pizzas, fun people-watching. Recommending because it's a fab patio on on a great strip on Division full of lots of bars and other restos. Rachel loves their hummus w/grilled breads. There are literally pizza places everywhere but this one stands out for the patio.
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Parlor Pizza Bar Wicker Park
1824 W Division StHUGE patio, thin crust pizzas, fun people-watching. Recommending because it's a fab patio on on a great strip on Division full of lots of bars and other restos. Rachel loves their hummus w/grilled breads. There are literally pizza places everywhere but this one stands out for the patio.
NY Style slices, grab one and walk across the street to Wicker Park! They also have several vegan pizzas featured daily.
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Dimo's Pizza Wicker Park
1615 N Damen AveNY Style slices, grab one and walk across the street to Wicker Park! They also have several vegan pizzas featured daily.
Delicious Costa Rican food, lovely owners as well!! 1/2 mile north of us, make sure to get the Sofrijo (they can make it vegetarian). BYOB, open air dining on a nice day :)
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Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering
1865 N Milwaukee AveDelicious Costa Rican food, lovely owners as well!! 1/2 mile north of us, make sure to get the Sofrijo (they can make it vegetarian). BYOB, open air dining on a nice day :)
Ava's Italian Ice
1814 N Western AveYUM! The best treat on a hot day. Just off the 606 trail and 2 blocks south of us.
Gorgeous space, beautiful bar and incredible Greek food. We go sit at the bar and order dips with crudite & pitas (Santorini Fava Spread & Spicy Whipped Feta are faves). Brian loves the kebab skewer app. Incredible Greek wine & bubbles list and excellent cocktails (esp the olive oil martini). Patio seating avail.
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Andros Taverna
2542 North Milwaukee AvenueGorgeous space, beautiful bar and incredible Greek food. We go sit at the bar and order dips with crudite & pitas (Santorini Fava Spread & Spicy Whipped Feta are faves). Brian loves the kebab skewer app. Incredible Greek wine & bubbles list and excellent cocktails (esp the olive oil martini). Patio seating avail.
People love this spot for unique brunch & cocktails!
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Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen AvePeople love this spot for unique brunch & cocktails!
Local bar Brian frequents. Look for Scottie B the bartender, tell him Brian sent you!
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The Revel Room
1566 N Milwaukee AveLocal bar Brian frequents. Look for Scottie B the bartender, tell him Brian sent you!
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveUpscale, fancy cocktails, cult following.
Our favorite special occasion restaurant. Sit at the bar or by the windows and make sure to order the Crispy Spring Rolls, Tofu Salad, Curry (they can make it w/Tofu if you're vegetarian). Brian loves the whole fish. All the sides are also amazing!
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Le Colonial Chicago
57 E Oak StOur favorite special occasion restaurant. Sit at the bar or by the windows and make sure to order the Crispy Spring Rolls, Tofu Salad, Curry (they can make it w/Tofu if you're vegetarian). Brian loves the whole fish. All the sides are also amazing!
Get the combo meal!! So much food, such a deal. We love their falafel, lentils / rice & hummus. Also have great lentil soup or Falafel sandwiches. Our favorite Mediterranean option in the area.
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Sultan's Market
2057 W North AveGet the combo meal!! So much food, such a deal. We love their falafel, lentils / rice & hummus. Also have great lentil soup or Falafel sandwiches. Our favorite Mediterranean option in the area.
Hand-made pasta & sauces, can takeaway or dine indoors or beautiful patio out front
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Tortello
1746 W Division StHand-made pasta & sauces, can takeaway or dine indoors or beautiful patio out front
Our favorite sushi! They have patio seating are are BYOB :) Amazing creative vegan sushis as well. Brian recommends the hamachi appetizer.
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Seadog Sushi Bar
3344 1500 W Division StOur favorite sushi! They have patio seating are are BYOB :) Amazing creative vegan sushis as well. Brian recommends the hamachi appetizer.
Rachel has not been here but it is Brian's #1 Fried Chicken Recommend :) He says get the wing dinner w/hot & mild sauce on the side.
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Harold's Chicken Shack #36 (Wicker Park)
1361 N Milwaukee AveRachel has not been here but it is Brian's #1 Fried Chicken Recommend :) He says get the wing dinner w/hot & mild sauce on the side.
Upscale tacos, outdoor seating, people love the fried chicken burrito. Amazing habanero popcorn, fresh guac, rosemary margarita, etc.
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Antique Taco Wicker Park
1360 N Milwaukee AveUpscale tacos, outdoor seating, people love the fried chicken burrito. Amazing habanero popcorn, fresh guac, rosemary margarita, etc.
Tons of outdoor seating, unique cocktails & beers brewed on site. Very popular spot for brunch, lunch & dinner.
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The Perch Kitchen and Tap
1932 West Division StreetTons of outdoor seating, unique cocktails & beers brewed on site. Very popular spot for brunch, lunch & dinner.
Classic diner-style vegan spot. Check out the specials although we usually order nachos & wings or the soul bowl!
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The Chicago Diner, Logan Square
2333 North Milwaukee AvenueClassic diner-style vegan spot. Check out the specials although we usually order nachos & wings or the soul bowl!
Estereo
2450 N Milwaukee AveCool open bar with creative refreshing cocktails on tap.
Very casual spot for Bahn Mi or various Vietnamese fare. Good takeout option. Lots of vegan options
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Bon Bon Sandwiches
2333 W North AveVery casual spot for Bahn Mi or various Vietnamese fare. Good takeout option. Lots of vegan options
Fun bar with lots of beers on tap, sausages and other english fare. Vegan options!
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Bangers and Lace
1670 W Division StFun bar with lots of beers on tap, sausages and other english fare. Vegan options!
Upscale Tex-Mex, great cocktails, outdoor seating, speakeasy in the basement.
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Lonesome Rose
2101 N California AveUpscale Tex-Mex, great cocktails, outdoor seating, speakeasy in the basement.
Extremely popular bakeshop featuring daily pie slices & biscuit fare. They have an outdoor seating area, can get busy on weekends.
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Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveExtremely popular bakeshop featuring daily pie slices & biscuit fare. They have an outdoor seating area, can get busy on weekends.
Brian's favorite pizza! He recommends the Major Payne with extra jalapenos & the Route 41 salad. They also have a great vegan pie on the menu. Kid-friendly so we don't typically dine in lol...but they do have a bar & outdoor seating.
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The StopAlong
1812 N Milwaukee AveBrian's favorite pizza! He recommends the Major Payne with extra jalapenos & the Route 41 salad. They also have a great vegan pie on the menu. Kid-friendly so we don't typically dine in lol...but they do have a bar & outdoor seating.
Iconic pizza & brewery. One of the originals for the area.
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Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveIconic pizza & brewery. One of the originals for the area.
Super fun ambiance, BYOB, great Cuban food. They have awesome vegan options and lots of great appetizers. We love the tostones with mojo sauce, plantain chips, Brian always get the Cubano and Rachel loves their stewed tofu.
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90 Miles Cuban Cafe
2540 W Armitage AveSuper fun ambiance, BYOB, great Cuban food. They have awesome vegan options and lots of great appetizers. We love the tostones with mojo sauce, plantain chips, Brian always get the Cubano and Rachel loves their stewed tofu.
The Freeze
2815 W Armitage AveGo for ice cream or milkshakes
Vaca’s Creamery
1436 West Blackhawk StreetVegan soft serve & toppings <3
People love the food here, we have gone for cocktails. Lovely ambiance.
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Gretel
2833 West Armitage AvenuePeople love the food here, we have gone for cocktails. Lovely ambiance.
JuiceRx
1880 N Damen AveFresh juices if you need a refreshing pick me up!
Huge outdoor patio, amazing negroni slushies, fried chicken & fish, hush puppies. Apparently they also have a vegan chicken sandwich (new to us).
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Parson's Chicken & Fish
2952 W Armitage AveHuge outdoor patio, amazing negroni slushies, fried chicken & fish, hush puppies. Apparently they also have a vegan chicken sandwich (new to us).
Classic upscale cocktail (not pretentious), small menu, unique fare.
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Scofflaw
3201 W Armitage AveClassic upscale cocktail (not pretentious), small menu, unique fare.
Huge patio, amazing vegan tacos, burgers, etc. Also have non-vegan fare :)
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The Moonlighter
3204 W Armitage AveHuge patio, amazing vegan tacos, burgers, etc. Also have non-vegan fare :)
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
1559 North Milwaukee AvenueUpscale plant-based fare
Brand new and absolutely obsessed! It is no longer Joe's but is instead called Le Midi Wine Bar but this won't let me change it. Incredibly unique wines, lots of interesting blends and really really great small plates. We loved literally everything we had!!
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Joe's Wine Cellar
2108 W Division StBrand new and absolutely obsessed! It is no longer Joe's but is instead called Le Midi Wine Bar but this won't let me change it. Incredibly unique wines, lots of interesting blends and really really great small plates. We loved literally everything we had!!
Convenience / Beverage / Grocery Stores
Self-explanatory, mentioning because it's on the next block!
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Walgreens
3646 North BroadwaySelf-explanatory, mentioning because it's on the next block!
Large Mexican grocery store with super organized fresh produce, huge tortilla selection, homemade tortilla chips and other various grocery items, 1/2 mile west
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Cermak Produce
2701 W North AveLarge Mexican grocery store with super organized fresh produce, huge tortilla selection, homemade tortilla chips and other various grocery items, 1/2 mile west
Walkable (1/2 mile), Carries Beer, Wine (large wine selection) & Liquor. Has parking out front.
Garfield's Beverage Express
1704 N Milwaukee AveWalkable (1/2 mile), Carries Beer, Wine (large wine selection) & Liquor. Has parking out front.
Located 1 block west across the street, carries Beer / Hard Seltzers, Liquor & Wine (limited wine selection). Also variety of convenience store snacks.
West Town Wine & Spirits
2501 West North AvenueLocated 1 block west across the street, carries Beer / Hard Seltzers, Liquor & Wine (limited wine selection). Also variety of convenience store snacks.
Go Grocer
2060 West North AvenueSmall grocery with fresh produce and pantry staples, 1/2 mile east
To do!
Rooftop bar at The Robey (hotel at Six Corners), 1/2 mile east. Great view of the city, gets busy during weekends. Have not had food, just a cocktail or frozen drink.
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Cabana Club
2018 W North AveRooftop bar at The Robey (hotel at Six Corners), 1/2 mile east. Great view of the city, gets busy during weekends. Have not had food, just a cocktail or frozen drink.
The best park! With a fountain :) Wonderful Farmer's Market on Sundays during the summer (8AM - 2PM). Lots of local food / smoothie / snack vendors at the market in addition to produce. Definitely check out!
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Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveThe best park! With a fountain :) Wonderful Farmer's Market on Sundays during the summer (8AM - 2PM). Lots of local food / smoothie / snack vendors at the market in addition to produce. Definitely check out!
The Bloomingdale Trail is a 2.7-mile elevated linear park running east–west, lots of bikers, runners, walkers and dogs! Fun to look down into the neighborhoods. Located 2 blocks North of us, there are access points throughout the trail including at the end of our street. A must!!
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Damen Access Point, The 606
The Bloomingdale Trail is a 2.7-mile elevated linear park running east–west, lots of bikers, runners, walkers and dogs! Fun to look down into the neighborhoods. Located 2 blocks North of us, there are access points throughout the trail including at the end of our street. A must!!
Beautiful trail on Lake Michigan, several beach / trail dining options or plenty off Michigan Ave downtown. Lots of bikers, walkers, roller-bladers & beach-goers. Can rent bikes as well.
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Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailBeautiful trail on Lake Michigan, several beach / trail dining options or plenty off Michigan Ave downtown. Lots of bikers, walkers, roller-bladers & beach-goers. Can rent bikes as well.
Our favorite park! We love to go walking on the trails here, check out the lagoon and the boathouse.
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Humboldt Park
1400 N Humboldt DrOur favorite park! We love to go walking on the trails here, check out the lagoon and the boathouse.
The riverwalk is beautiful! A must if you're downtown, various places to grab a glass of wine, beer or food right on the river as you can watch the boats go by!
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Chicago Riverwalk
306-370 W Wacker DrThe riverwalk is beautiful! A must if you're downtown, various places to grab a glass of wine, beer or food right on the river as you can watch the boats go by!
Shuffleboard spot within walking distance of our place!
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The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
1750 N Milwaukee AveShuffleboard spot within walking distance of our place!
The Langham, Chicago
330 N Wabash AveGo for a cocktail at the bar Travelle, beautiful views of the river!
Coffee / Pastry / Breakfast / Lunch
Go to coffee shop if we don't do the longer loop to Tous Le Jours. Get the Black & Tan with Oat Milk if it's a hot day and walk over to Wicker Park :)
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La Colombe Coffee Roasters
5158 N Clark StGo to coffee shop if we don't do the longer loop to Tous Le Jours. Get the Black & Tan with Oat Milk if it's a hot day and walk over to Wicker Park :)
Part of our daily loop, we walk down Milwaukee to Division and stop here for coffee & a pastry. Amazing, unique French-Asian inspired style savory and sweet pastries, Brian loves their mini hot dogs in brioche and any of their daily pastry offerings and Rachel always gets a mochi. They also have boba tea & breakfast sandwiches if that's your thing!
Chairs & picnic benches out front.
Tous Les Jours
1685 Milwaukee AvePart of our daily loop, we walk down Milwaukee to Division and stop here for coffee & a pastry. Amazing, unique French-Asian inspired style savory and sweet pastries, Brian loves their mini hot dogs in brioche and any of their daily pastry offerings and Rachel always gets a mochi. They also have boba tea & breakfast sandwiches if that's your thing!
Chairs & picnic benches out front.
Cult following, excellent coffee / beans. Local donuts & pastries avail as well.
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Electric Mud Coffee Bar
1856 N Western AveCult following, excellent coffee / beans. Local donuts & pastries avail as well.
Coffee & mini donuts that is next to a lovely park off the 606 trail with boulders to sit and people-watch while you have your coffee.
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Ipsento 606
1813 N Milwaukee AveCoffee & mini donuts that is next to a lovely park off the 606 trail with boulders to sit and people-watch while you have your coffee.
Lost Larson
5318 N Clark StSwedish bakery with a cult following. Outdoor seating!
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen AveIconic donut shop
Baked empanadas, great snack, fun dipping sauces! Breakfast & vegan options.
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5411 Empanadas | Wicker Park
2045 W North AveBaked empanadas, great snack, fun dipping sauces! Breakfast & vegan options.
Neighborhoods
Cute shops & boutiques on Damen Ave as well as lots of dining options (listed above). Fave shops are Asrai Garden (floral / decor), p45 (clothing / accessories boutique) & plenty of other retail options along Damen & Milwaukee (Warby Parker, Lululemon, Aesop, Scotch & Soda, Urban Outfitters, etc)
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Bucktown
Cute shops & boutiques on Damen Ave as well as lots of dining options (listed above). Fave shops are Asrai Garden (floral / decor), p45 (clothing / accessories boutique) & plenty of other retail options along Damen & Milwaukee (Warby Parker, Lululemon, Aesop, Scotch & Soda, Urban Outfitters, etc)
Tons to do here, very popular / trendy cocktail bars & restaurants. Amazing Farmer's Market on Sundays during the summer.
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Piazza Logan
Tons to do here, very popular / trendy cocktail bars & restaurants. Amazing Farmer's Market on Sundays during the summer.
Divison Street on Wicker Park is its own scene, lots of bars, boutiques & restaurants. 6 Corners in Wicker Park also has a variety of bars & restaurants and Damen has lots of shops.
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Wicker Park
1425 N Damen AveDivison Street on Wicker Park is its own scene, lots of bars, boutiques & restaurants. 6 Corners in Wicker Park also has a variety of bars & restaurants and Damen has lots of shops.
West Loop
Restaurant Row, extremely popular restaurant & bar scene.
Boutiques
Amazing vintage boutique for houseware, small decor, jewlery & clothing. Our friend owns it and it is amazingly curated! Several items from our Airbnb are from here.
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Dovetail
1452 W Chicago AveAmazing vintage boutique for houseware, small decor, jewlery & clothing. Our friend owns it and it is amazingly curated! Several items from our Airbnb are from here.
Super cool floral shop with curated goods such as scents, jewelry and other unique home goods & gifts.
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Asrai Garden
1935 W North AveSuper cool floral shop with curated goods such as scents, jewelry and other unique home goods & gifts.
Boutique, primarily clothing / accessories. Carry some french designers (not high-end, accessible lines)
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Penelope's
1913 W Division StBoutique, primarily clothing / accessories. Carry some french designers (not high-end, accessible lines)
P.45
1643 N Damen AveWomen's boutique, high-end hand-picked designers, great accessories as well
Eskell
2029 N Western AveHome goods, vintage, jewelry, gifts, etc!
Carry stationery, everyday carry, house shoes, eyewear, and more. Great gifts, awesome pens and other various paper goods.
Topdrawer
1463 North Milwaukee AvenueCarry stationery, everyday carry, house shoes, eyewear, and more. Great gifts, awesome pens and other various paper goods.
Famous record shop, huge selection, grab a record and play it in the nook!
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Reckless Records
929 W Belmont AveFamous record shop, huge selection, grab a record and play it in the nook!
Myopic Books
1564 N Milwaukee AveLocal bookstore
Quimby's Bookstore
1854 W North AveLocal book & unique wares store