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Lincoln Square & North Center Listings:
Bars, education & recreation, galleries, GLBTQ, lit, movies, music, parks, performing arts, restaurants, shopping, volunteering
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Shopping & Services
Armanetti Wine Shoppe and Beverage Mart This store claims to have one of the best beer selections in town (around 800 kinds), and also specializes in bourbon, scotch, and tequila. The number of wines it stocks approaches 1,000, at prices ranging from $3.99 to $200. It holds free beer tastings on Fridays from 5:30 to 8 PM and free wine tastings on Saturdays from 2 to 6 PM.  Mon-Fri 10 AM-9 PM, Sat 9 AM-9 PM, Sun noon-6 PM, 3530 N. Lincoln, 773-529-0288, armanettis.com. —Nick Teddy
Bellybum Boutique The key word here is boutique. This store for moms and moms-to-be includes an all-organic selection of cloth diapers, chichi diaper bags for men and women, and chic “transition wear”—clothes for early pregnancy that can also be worn postnatal. The store also hosts events, including free entertainment for babies, pre- and postnatal workout classes for moms, and a support group for stay-at-home dads. Mon, Wed-Fri 10 AM-6 PM, Sat 11 AM-6:30 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 4357 N. Lincoln, 773-868-0944, bellybumboutique.com. —NT
Buy Choice Resale This 15-year-old consignment store sells women’s accessories and clothes for sizes zero to 5X. Prices are on the low end ($5-$100) and there are “more than fairly traded” collections that support Vietnamese designers. Tue-Fri noon-7 PM, Sat-Sun noon-5 PM, 3860 N. Lincoln, 773-296-4525. —NT
Caravan Beads This independently owned shop specializing in seed beads also has a selection of vintage and modern beads from all over the world. There are regular classes (most are $25) and a free Bead Therapy social group on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 PM. Mon-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 3361 N. Lincoln, 773-248-9555, caravanchicago.com. —Keith Griffith
The Dressing Room This boutique specializes in casual women’s clothes and accessories that are trendy but not flashy—lots of colorful leather belts, printed cotton tops, and oversize handbags. It’s the place to go when you’re looking for that perfect summer dress or a quick fix like an inexpensive pair of earrings. You can always find some good jackets, and the jeans selection isn’t bad either, with versions from Joe’s Jeans, Hudson, and others. A small toy table in the back keeps tots occupied while moms comb the racks. Head down the street to Dressing Room Shoes (4657 N. Lincoln, 773-878-7400, same hours) for even more bags and shoes. Mon-Sat 10 AM-6 PM (Wed-Thu till 7), Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 4635 N. Lincoln, 773-728-0088, thedressingroomchicago.com. —Heather Kenny
Eclecticity True to its name, this store carries an extensive range of merchandise that's hard to categorize, from vintage china to mobiles to bath salts. A store dog and a plethora of funky mobiles hanging from the ceiling add to the eclectic ambiance. Summer: Mon-Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sun 11 AM-6 PM; winter: 9 AM-5 PM, 4718 N. Lincoln, 773-275-3080, eclec.com.
Elite Sportscards & Comics This store offers sports and trading cards, memorabilia, and a weekly Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament Saturdays at 11 AM. Tue-Fri 11 AM-5:30 PM, Sat 10:30 AM-4 PM, 2028 W. Montrose, 773-784-1396, elitesportscards.net. —NT
Easy Rider Bike Shop Independently owned store offering used bikes, new bikes, and flat-rate tune-ups. 4119 N. Lincoln, 773-549-1240, easyriderbikeshop.com. —KG
Embellish When this accessory store focusing on local and indie designers opened last August on a not-so-busy strip of Lincoln, I admit my first thought was “good luck.” But owner Barb Skupien has a great eye, scouring the Web to find designers and getting tips from her customers. I love the stained-glass cuffs, earrings, and necklaces by local designer Etta Kostick. Also of note: soft leather envelope clutches and bags printed with whimsical Vuitton-like graphics. Mon-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 4161 N. Lincoln, 773-525-4400, embellishchicago.com. —HK
Enjoy: An Urban General Store A gift store with cards and merchandise practical and impractical, making it a one-stop destination for salt shakers and yodeling pickles. Mon-Fri 10 AM-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, 4727 N. Lincoln, 773-334-8626, urbangeneralstore.com.
The Enterprising Kitchen The natural soaps and spa products sold here are made by participants in this nonprofit organization’s program to help prepare low-income women for employment. See also Volunteering. Mon-Thu 9 AM-5 PM, Fri 9 AM-2 PM, 4426 N. Ravenswood, 773-506-3880, theenterprisingkitchen.org. —NT
European Import Center Specializing in German imports, with goods ranging from beer steins to garden gnomes, and German-language newspapers and magazines delivered weekly from the fatherland. Mon-Wed 9:30 AM-5:30 PM, Thu 9:30 AM-7 PM, Fri-Sat 9:30 AM-5:30 PM, 4752 N. Lincoln, 773-561-8281.
Festa T-Shirts These shirts pander to the regionalist in all of us (“northside girl—we’ve got everything except parking”), but the real attraction, some say, is Festa’s popular holiday pub crawl, “The 12 Bars of Christmas.” Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM, 4313 N. Lincoln, 773-478-3378, shopfesta.com. —NT
Fine Wine Brokers A staple of the neighborhood for nearly 15 years, Fine Wine Brokers looks a bit snooty but is really a friendly place for wine lovers of all income levels. Locate wines from your preferred region by the map painted on the walls, or check out the newly expanded beer selection, featuring Belgian options and English ales. Also new: a selection of cheese, meat, paté, olive oil, and other comestibles. The store holds free wine tastings every Saturday from 1 to 4 PM and occasional classes. Mon-Fri noon-7:30 PM, Sat 10 AM-6:30 PM, Sun noon-4 PM, 4621 N. Lincoln, 773-989-8166, fwbchicago.com. —HK
Fleet Feet Sports This running store's meticulous fitting process includes both seated and standing foot measurements and "gait analysis." There are weekly fun runs and walks Saturdays at 8 AM and Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Mon-Fri 10 AM-8 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 4555 N. Lincoln, 773-271-3338, fleetfeetchicago.com.
Giving Tree Resale Proceeds from this second-floor secondhand shop benefit the German School Chicago Project. Mon-Sat 11 AM-5 PM, Sun noon-4 PM, 4740 N. Lincoln, 773-561-1900, thegivingtreeresale.com.
Harvestime Foods Neighborhood grocery store known for its produce and deli items, specialty ingredients, and weekly price specials. Mon-Sun 7 AM-9 PM, 2632 W. Lawrence, 773-989-4400, harvestimefoods.com.
Hazel Gift shop selling fresh flowers and home decor, as well as cards and jewelry, some by neighborhood artists. Mon-Sat 11 AM-7 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 773-769-2227, 1902 W. Montrose, hazelchicago.com. —KG
Homey The name evokes Pier One-style housewares, but the selection looks more like the Modern Wing gift shop. Wedged between two auto shops under the Brown Line, this home and garden store is also an art gallery. See also Galleries. Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, Tue-Fri 11 AM-6 PM, 3656 N. Lincoln, 773-248-0050, ilovehomey.com. —NT
Knit 1 This mod shop is warm and cozy even by the standards of yarn stores. It’s little more than a table surrounded by shelves full of yarn, but they still find room for weekly knitting and crocheting classes for all levels. Mon-Tue 1-5 PM, Wed-Thu 1-8:30 PM, Fri 1-5 PM, Sat-Sun noon-4 PM, 3823 N. Lincoln, 773-244-1646, knit1chgo.com. —NT
Lincoln Quality Meat Market A family-owned butcher shop with homemade sausages, made-to-order sandwiches, and imported specialty items. Mon-Wed 10 AM-6 PM, Thu-Fri 10 AM-7 PM, Sat 9 AM-5 PM, closed Sun, closed Mon in winter, 4661 N. Lincoln, 773-561-4570, lincolnqualitymeatmarket.com.
Lulu’s at the Belle Kay Well-preserved vintage women’s gowns, furs, purses, shoes, and costume jewelry dating from the 1920s to 1980s. Prices range from $110 to $700. Tue-Fri 11 AM-6 PM, Sat 11 AM-5 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 3862 N. Lincoln, 773-404-5858, lulusbellekay.com. —NT
Maya Essence Volunteers for Casa Guatemala, a nonprofit that supports humanitarian causes abroad, run this year-old store selling clothes, accessories, jewelry, chocolate, coffee, and honey—mostly South American and all fair-trade. There’s space in the back for community art exhibits and other events. Tue-Fri 2-8 PM, Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 4357 N. Lincoln, 773-661-6947, mayaes.com. —NT
Merz The interior is a re-creation of a turn-of-the-20th-century apothecary shop, and Merz has indeed been around for a while—since 1875, in fact. Besides sweet-smelling soaps, lotions, and perfumes from high-end brands like Dr. Hauschka and Diptyque, the shop carries more mundane items (bath oil, mouthwash, etc) from Europe—brushing your teeth seems less of a chore when you’re doing it with Marvis toothpaste from Italy. Staff pharmacists and herbalists will also listen to your ailments and dispense appropriate homeopathic and natural remedies. My only complaint: it’s closed Sundays. Mon-Sat 9 AM-6 PM, 4716 N. Lincoln, 773-989-0900, smallflower.com. —HK
Multiple Choices III This brightly lit store sells “preppy and practical gifts” like stationery, picnic gear, and tumblers stamped with Big Ten football helmets. Mon-Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 4612 N. Lincoln, 773-728-8920, shopmultiplechoices.com. —KG
Old Sau’s Resale & Antique Shop The recession hit North Center’s resale stores particularly hard; on a block once studded with antique shops, Old Sau’s is one of only two that remain. The store is packed with an eclectic mix of furniture, clothing, and accessories, including vintage designer bags and jewelry. Daily noon-6 PM, 3854 N. Lincoln, 773-665-7769. —NT
Praha Owners Todd and David based this inexpensive “lifestyle store” on a shop in Amsterdam, but the name references Prague, where their first line of cottage-style furniture was produced. Alongside found furniture and recycled metal items, the shop sells gourmet food and bath products. Wed-Sun 1-6 PM, 3849 N. Lincoln, 773-549-1227. —NT
Quake Collectibles Jam-packed from floor to ceiling with enough sci-fi collectibles to make any hardcore nerd tremble. The usual Star Wars and Star Trek figurines abound, and a sizable collection of used comic books ($1) and records ($3) broaden the shop’s appeal for the more casually geeky. Owner David usually mans the counter, and has been known to give a deal to the serious collector. Or so I hear. Mon, Wed-Fri 1-6 PM, Sat noon-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 4628 N. Lincoln, 773-878-4288. —KG
Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa Barbara Royal’s specialty vet practice offers alternative therapeutic and rehabilitative services for pets, fromacupuncture and massage to cold laser light treatments, and underwater treadmill sessions. There are also weekly “doga” classes (yoga for dogs and their owners). Appointment required. Tue noon-8 PM, Wed 10 AM-3 PM, Thu-Fri 9 AM-3 PM, Sat 8 AM-2 PM, 4130 N. Rockwell, 773-267-9966, royaltreatmentvetspa.com. —NT
Smythson Yeats This antique store specializes in art deco and art nouveau furniture, but the broad selection, ranging from 18th century to the mid-1950s, also features an especially large collection of desk globes. Tue-Sat noon-5:30 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 3851 N. Lincoln, 773-244-6365, smythsonyeats.com. —NT
The Stadium Seat Store “For the Cubs fan who has everything,” this store sells actual Wrigley Field seats installed in 1967 and removed during renovations in the 1990s. In addition, there are Sox seats and freestanding Wrigley chairs from 1914. Mon-Fri by appointment, 4251 N. Lincoln, 773-404-7975, stadiumseats.com. —NT
Stay Dog Hotel The well-heeled bring their dogs to this “modern dog hotel,” which has better facilities than most human Ramadas. For an extra fee during daycare, doggies can enjoy one-on-one personal training in the lap pool (all dogs wear life vests); for boarding they can await their owners’ return in 160-square-foot suites with river views, fresh flowers, and “black and white prints by Keith Carter.” Owners can even watch their dogs on webcams. The facility incorporates a grooming “spa,” a retail store, and a training business, Barker Behavior, which also makes house calls. MonFri 7 AM7 PM, SatSun 8 AM6 PM, 4130 N. Rockwell, 773-509-0001, staydoghotel.com. —NT
Stellar 26 Youngish looking duds by both local designers and big west coast brands. Mon-Thu 11 AM-7 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 4164 N. Lincoln, 773-388-2626, stellar26.com. —NT
Thairapy Plus The sprawling, richly decorated interior of this spa and jewelry studio has space for hair, nails, massage, facials, waxing, and even jewelry repair. Tue 10 AM-9 PM, Wed-Thu 10 AM-9 PM, Fri 10 AM-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-5 PM, 4247 N. Lincoln, 773-248-5353, thairapyplus.com. —NT
Timeless Toys, Ltd. A spacious and fun independent store specializing in classics like puppets, puzzles, games, blocks, and other hands-on toys. An eco-dollhouse made from reclaimed rubberwood features a solar panel and a wind turbine. Mon-Wed 10 AM-6 PM, Thu-Fri 10 AM-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM, 4749 N. Lincoln, 773-334-4445, timelesstoyschicago.com. —KG
Traipse Owner Margaret Jung relocated a few blocks south of Lincoln Square proper last March, but the store is pretty much the same—she still carries brands known for combining hipster appeal with comfort. Chief among those is Cydwoq, whose handmade leather shoes have a fairy-tale quality—the flat handmade sandals look like something a fashion-conscious genie might wear. You can also find the line’s rustic-looking leather bags and belts here. Chunky platforms by Biviel and Cordani come in bright colors like green and blue and are a little safer. There are even a few pairs around from the coveted Spanish brand Chie Mihara. Men can find off-kilter takes on standard footwear by Cydwoq and Camper. Mon, Wed-Fri noon-6 PM, Sat 11 AM-6:30 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 4341 N. Lincoln, 773-935-5511, traipseshoes.com. —HK
West Lakeview Liquors This store, which has been around since 1988, boasts that it has the best keg selection in town—and with several hundred choices, from Three Floyds Dreadnaught to Surly Furious to Allagash White, it just might. They also offer a large selection of wines under $10, and free beer tastings Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9 PM. 2156 W. Addison, Mon-Thu 10 AM-10 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM-11 PM, Sun 11 AM-10 PM 773-525-1916, wlvliquors.com. —NT
Western Automatic Music This store sells, rents, and repairs a vast selection of vintage jukeboxes, pool tables, video games, and pinball machines. Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-6 PM, 4206 N. Western, 773-463-5300, e-wami.com. —NT
Zola Jones The man who sits sewing behind the counter at this shop and atelier is Jason Loper, who named the store after the line of handcrafted bags that’s in turn named after his cat. The newest design is a sporty piece made of vinyl-like material he calls “vegan leather” that can be converted from a backpack to a messenger bag. Loper also carries items by independent and local designers, such as vintage-y looking fabric-hemmed rubber gloves and cuffs made of repurposed and scavenged leather, perfect for that casual-yet-tough summer look. Tue-Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-5 PM, 1944 W. Montrose, 773-275-1845, zolajonesdesigns.com. —HK
Zulu Dog & Cat Boutique “We have socks for dogs,” says co-owner Jennifer Phillips. Then, holding up what appear to be tiny slippers, she adds, “They’re actually supposed to go inside their boots.” That’s more or less par for the course at this posh pet shop, which offers organic treats and dog food, grooming services, and Shih Tzu-size Cubs uniforms. The store also hosts frequent events, such as a Dog First Aid Clinic and pet photo shoots. Tue-Fri 11 AM-7 PM, Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun noon-4 PM, Mon 2-7 PM, 3919 N. Lincoln, 773-281-2009, zuluonlincoln.com. —NT
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