Shopping in Chicago

Chicago's premier gourmet market.
Really nice products. Most of them local products from Chicago.

Whatever your musical instrument wet dream may be, this is where the dream comes true. The Chicago Music Exchange has a great selection of new/used guitars, basses, amplifiers and effect pedals. The staff, which is made up of mostly musicians, is accommodating and very laid when it comes to trying out the equipment. There is never any pressure or rush to sell, even though they know you’ll likely never buy what you’re playing in the store.

RENEGADE HANDMADE is a unique one-stop shop for DIY goods, featuring the work of over 300 artists!

If you're looking for anything vintage — jeans, leather boots, shirts, jackets — this is the one-stop place in Chicago. Smack-dab in the middle of hipsterville, this place has the best collection of vintage leather boots I've ever come across. And the old guy that runs is as nice and can be, and if he recognizes you, will usually give you a discount on your purchase. You never know what you'll find in this place.

Huge beautiful and really cheap second hand bookstore. The best in Chicago.

This Wicker Park staple is a Chicago favorite. Direct all friends and/or tourists visiting town to Reckless Records! There’s an extensive selection here of CDs and LPs here that are thoughtful and well stocked. My favorite part about Reckless is their personalized labels that they’ll stick on CDs or LPs that are especially good. They’re pretty funny, like a good friend telling you, “you gotta get this.” They also have a wicked selection of used VHS tapes and DVDs.

I don’t go into this place often because I’m afraid I will spend too much money. It is so tempting. Their deli and grocery section is pretty much out of a dream. I have admittedly fantasized before that the contents of my own kitchen could resemble anything like the Goddess and the Grocer. My recent favorite is their Finger Lickin Chicken sandwich. Pulled roasted chicken tossed in BBQ sauce with melted muenster and coleslaw on a Kaiser roll. It is filling and rich, but so very satisfying.

If you’re planning a vintage clothing excursion in Chicago, definitely make Knee Deep in Pilsen a priority. Diehard vintage connoisseurs who make a point to look at everything will find that this collection is easily navigable as well as cute. And unlike most stores, you don’t have to sort through hundreds of pieces to find something that’s desirable. It’s clear that their buyer has an excellent eye. The prices are reasonable, ranging from $14-$50.