Chicago: Where to Shop

While Chicago’s Michigan Avenue is well known for its Magnificent Mile of shopping, it’s worth noting that the city has a lot to offer in terms of cute, off-the-beaten-path shopping options outside the long lines of downtown department stores.

Unabridged Bookstore
3251 N. Broadway St.
(773) 883-9119
Located in Lakeview, Unabridged Bookstore is known for its helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous staff, as well as its unique selection. Whether looking for a best-seller or an obscure title by a local writer, the staff at Unabridged can help track down the perfect piece.

Women and Children First Bookstore
5233 N. Clark St.
(773) 769-9299
Opened in 1979, Women and Children First is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country. This Andersonville bookstore features frequent in-store readings, and is one of the inspirations for a recurring sketch on IFC’s Portlandia.

He Who Eats Mud
3247 N. Broadway St.
(773) 525-0616
This Boystown store specializes in unique odds and ends, t-shirts, cards, and miscellaneous items. While the staff isn’t exactly renowned for their kindness, this shop is worth checking out if you happen to be in the area.

Brown Elephant Resale Shop
3651 N. Halsted St.
(773) 549-5943
The Brown Elephant is a thrift/resale shop, affiliated with the Howard Brown Health Center. HBHC is an LGBT health center, and revenue generated by the Brown Elephant helps fund medical services for uninsured and underinsured HBHC patients. Additionally, the Brown Elephant’s selection of items is vast, unpredictable, and worth checking out.