Mado
Like the butcher version of “The Candy Man,” chef Rob Levitt is one of a few dudes who can take a pig’s head or organ meat bits, cover them in cinnamon and clove and a miracle or two, and make the final product sing in your tummy.
1647 North Milwaukee
(773)342-2340
madorestaurantchicago.com
Audience choice:
Mado
Best of Chicago 2009
Myopic Books
The Wicker Park used-bookstore institution thrives on buying your books, and while it must enforce some restrictions—buying for only select hours Fridays and Saturdays, a three-boxes-of-books maximum for sellers—the store will surprise you with not only the amount it’ll pay in return, but also the range of literature it’s willing to take.
1564 North Milwaukee
(773)862-4882
myopicbookstore.com
Audience choice:
Myopic
Best of Chicago 2009
John Fluevog
A modern man wants some style but he’s not a woman. Shoe shopping cuts into Madden time, after all. A man wants style but not fashion. He’s not ready to comb magazines for the latest look, not ready to dump that $200 pair just because it is so last year. And a man wants one-stop shopping, because it’s a major inconvenience to sit down and unlace those John Varvatos Chuck Taylor hi-tops more than you have to. Fluevog’s just the right call for the modern man. The Canadian designer’s shoes are singular and timeless, styles that you can wear for years without fear of ending up like that guy still sporting a goatee and an untucked striped dress shirt. And with a range that runs from smart dressy shoes that suit up nicely to the most casual of streetwear, JF can hook you up. And stylish? Don’t blame us if you get mistaken for a rock star.
1539-41 North Milwaukee
(773)772-1983
fluevog.com
Audience choice:
Nordstrom
24 North State, (312)377-5500
55 East Grand, (312)464-1515
shop.nordstrom.com
Best of Chicago 2009
Swaby
It’s rare that a store completely takes our breath away, but Swaby in Wicker Park managed to do just that. From the second we walked in, we couldn’t stop drooling over the Canadian designer’s ruffled tops and pleat-pocket skirts, never mind the eye-poppingly beautiful evening gowns. Our heart skipped a beat when we discovered the bags—with fringe and bow workmanship rivaling that of fave brand, Kooba. We were ready to run off with the entire collection, tossing our current wardrobe aside in favor of owner and designer Shernett Swaby’s stunning styles. Welcome to America, Shernett—we hope you’re here to stay.
1933 North Damen
(773)276-7645
Audience choice:
Sofia Vintage
1165 North Clark
(312)640-0878
sofiavintage.com
Best of Chicago 2009
The Whistler
The easy-to-miss, brand-spankin’ new Logan Square exercise in swankery, the modestly sized Whistler features a commendably extensive cocktail and beer list, all reasonably priced (not all craft cocktails have to be $11) and, most importantly, strong. And, the owners understand one of the essential rules of bars constructed for hipsters—always have a two-dollar beer. So, amongst the craft brews and lovely gins, we find the classic $2 can of PBR. A stage at one end of the bar occasionally hosts live music, and when it goes dark, a DJ takes the reins. When we were there, we were privy to a mixture of Nirvana, Yo La Tengo and others, but we heard the bar’s got a kick-ass metal night and we plan to return for sure.
2421 N. Milwaukee
(773)227-3530
Audience choice:
Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen
(773)252-1500
Best of Chicago 2008
Le Dress
Division is quickly becoming one of the hottest streets of Chicago style and adding to the appeal is Le Dress. The charming boutique, owned by sisters-in-law Eva and Robyn Anderson, stocks frocks from the likes of Shoshanna, Nina Austin and its own eponymous label. A girl could outfit both her work wardrobe and after-hour attire from one rack alone—and many have been known to do just that. The fashion following has only just begun.
1741 W. Division
(773)697-9899
Audience choice:
p+L boutique
2956 N. Clark
(773)248-3758
Best of Chicago 2008
Aldo
While the economy suffers, many are forced to reconsider their expenses and clothing and accessories are often cut first from the budget. So it’s a good thing that the Aldo in Wicker Park offers quality shoes for up to fifty-to-seventy percent off the original price. They are just as trendy and well constructed as their full-price counterparts, so forget the guilt and keep on shopping.
1212 N. Ashland
(773)772-4953
Beadniks
Their motto is: “Don’t Worry, Bead Happy.” In addition to being one of the world’s largest bead sellers, Wicker Park’s Beadniks offers a comfortable and inspirational space for you to get creative and design your own jewelry. Their merchandise is collected from around the world and with a little imagination you can create a timeless original.
1937 W. Division
(773)276-BEAD
beadniks.com
Best of Chicago 2008
Lenny and Me
This popular resale/consignment shop in Wicker Park is known for its quirky vintage wares. In addition to eclectic clothing and jewelry, Lenny and Me offers a selective array of classic and contemporary women’s hats. The shop sells a rotating collection of twenty-five to thirty hats on any given day: “church lady” pillboxes, wool caps, fur-lined bombers and beautifully crafted vintage cloches. But if you’re looking for something to wear to a Cubs game, you’ll have to go to Lids; at this kitschy hipster shop, there’s nary a baseball cap in sight.
1459 N. Milwaukee
(773)489-5576
lennyandmechicago.com
Audience choice:
p+L boutique
2956 N. Clark
(773)248-3758
Best of Chicago 2008
Crossroads Trading Co.
We all love recycling. But why limit yourself to cans and boxes with the intangible reward of saving the planet? Get greedy and expect more. Recycle your used clothing at Crossroads Trading Co. and get some solid cash in addition to your pride. Fashionistas can even consider payback in store credit.
2711 N. Clark, (773)296-1000
1559 N Milwaukee, (773)227-5300;
1730 Sherman, Evanston, (847)492-9400
crossroadstrading.com
