An eGuide to Shopping Small in Chicago
We wanted to take a second and recognize some of the wonderful local businesses right in our city! And who doesn’t like discovering new hidden gems in their neighborhood? These are all businesses that the eGuide team personally endorses. We have been to these establishments, we love them, and we want you to love them as well!
Restaurants
Mom’s Chicago
Serving up Japanese comfort food on the weekend at the Marz Brewing patio. With signature dishes like their Mom’s burger which perfectly blends Japanese and American flavors, or their rotating selection of ice cream sandwiches, it’s hard to not crave their unique flavors 7 days a week. Mom’s is also a community driven restaurant that has been serving up some of their specialties at the Community Kitchen and The Love Fridge Chicago. Check out their Instagram for drool worthy photos of all their most recent creations.
Boeufhaus
Off the beaten path near Augusta & Western, Bouefhaus combines the art of butchery with french technique. Looking for an amazing lunch? Try their Boeuf on Wreck, or Pastrami Sandwich. Perfect for an indulgent work from home lunch.
Tortello Pastificio
Located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, owner Dario Monni brings his italian roots into the Windy City to offer “a rotating menu of fresh, handmade pasta alongside a small but expertly curated selection of artisanal Italian goods.” The pasta is so fresh that you can watch it being made through the window along the sidewalk (social distancing approved!). Check out Tortello’s website to place to-go orders for expertly prepared meals or meal kits to test your skills as a budding sfoglina.
Happy Camper
Not only does Happy Camper have quirky, non-traditional pizza’s, most with human names, but they also have Instagram worth aesthetics at both their Wrigleyville and Old Town locations. Happy Camper is one of Lauren’s favorites because they make a delicious gluten-free crust (which keeps her tummy happy). Happy Camper also has an extensive booze delivery menu to keep you hydrated during quarantine and an option for you to “ice” your friends from a safe distance with Smirnoff Ice delivery. For a veggie friendly option, try the Linda. For the carnivores, try the Dime Piece.
Jennivee's Bakery
Tucked in a corner of East Lakeview, Jennivee's Bakery features amazing Filipino-American pastries. The Taro cupcakes are filled with Buko (fresh young coconut) and top with a silky buttercream. From cake slices to custom orders, Jennivee's is a proud LGBTQ+ Owned and operated business, that will hit your sweet tooth.
Trio
One of the things we miss the most about being in the office together is team lunches! Trio is a delicious fast-casual mediterranean restaurant that became an eGuide lunch staple shortly after they opened. You can build your own bowl, salad, or juice and they can accommodate basically every dietary restriction. If your getting a build-your-own bowl, the eGuide team HIGHLY endorses the cauliflower shawarma. For those who like a little spice, the spicy tahini sauce is a must. Order Trio for delivery on any of your favorite food apps!
Kasama
New to the scene, Kasama combines Filipino fare with acclaimed pastries. If you are into wings, Kasama owners were paired with standup comedian Jo Koy via Uber's Ultimate Wing Showdown, and made adobo wings that were to die for.
Nine Times Bakery
Another one of Lauren’s favorites is Nine Times Bakery which offers a great selection of gluten AND dairy free treats for those of us with food sensitivities. And with cookies and brownies as tasty as these, you’ll wonder if you ever need to eat gluten again. If you’re feeling nostalgic and in the mood for a timeless treat, the classic chocolate chip cookies are a staple. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the chocolate and marmalade bars are delectable. Can’t decide? Just get the Nine Times sampler to taste test all the desserts!
Do Well Sandwich Co.
Owners of Do Well, Malaika and Mike, are passionate about featuring fresh food without all the preservatives. During the pandemic, they've broadened their selection to include craft bitters and cocktail kits. Cause, let's be honest, who doesn't need a little buzz to get through 2020.
Uncle Mikes
Support local, support Filipino. Uncle Mike's is a staple of West Town. If that virtual happy hour was a little too intense on Friday, a perfect hangover cure is the Filipino Breakfast. Longanisa (garlicy sausage) and Tocio (cured pork) served with eggs, rice, sawsawan (think pico de gallo, but with more vinegar) lugaw (like a rice porridge similar to congee) and champarado (like chocolate maltomeal). Sure to induce a mid-afternoon nap that gets you ready for round two!
Retail Shops
Humboldt House
Located in Humboldt Park, Humboldt House is a female, queer-owned business that showcases unique finds ranging from bold-printed coveralls and equally bright statement rugs, to ceramic french presses and terrazzo planters. Whether your looking to add some color to your home or interested in staying safe in style with their reusable masks, Humboldt House is definitely worth the trip, or click!
Nomad Chicago
Nestled in River North, just a few blocks away from the eGuide office space, Nomad combines the best parts of a coffee shop and niche retail. Their cafe menu includes caffeinated classics as well as the not-so-classic golden milk lattes, adaptogen elixirs, and cbd beverages. Muted pink and thoughtful, simplistic design make Nomad the perfect place to wind down with friends and maybe treat yourself to a luxurious candle or throw. For some major ~aesthetic vibes~ check out their Instagram.
Semicolon
Have you ever wanted to read alongside Bear Champ? Well now you can at Semicolon Bookstore! Semicolon is a black-woman owned shop located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Alongside shelves stocked with all of the most coveted books, Semicolon also seeks to connect with the Chicago community and improve literacy rates among the city with the #cleartheshelves initiative and their non-profit, Parenthesis. Maybe we’re biased because of little Campbell on our team, but also how cute is this lil’ book package?
Foursided
At eGuide, we often think: where can I get Schitt’s Creek and Queer Eye merchandise? And the answer to that question is: at Foursided! With literal walls filled with colorful and thoughtful greeting cards, Foursided is the perfect place to pick up a few paper goods to send over to your friends across the country or across the block and support the USPS! Got an oddly shaped art print that needs framing? Foursided has custom framing services! Need an eggplant puzzle, Golden Girls playing cards or the perfect pin for these trying times? Foursided has you covered.
Neighborly
With two locations in the city, Wicker Park and Lincoln Square, Neighborly is dedicated to providing ethically sourced local goods for you and your home. They believe “you deserve to know about the products you choose to bring into your home - who made it, what was it made from, how was it made.” Neighborly has everything you need to get started, or continue working towards a zero waste lifestyle with their zero waste care package. Interested in sprucing up your walls with some unique artwork? Neighborly has just the pieces to make your place stand out.
Penelope’s
If you’re looking for a wardrobe refresh that includes bold prints for every type of style, Penelope’s is the place to look. Their quirky finds don’t stop at clothing. Collect every print of Baggu bag from Penelope’s infinite collection or accessorize with eclectic jewelry pieces like beaded strawberry earrings or fashionable gingham masks.
If you’re in the area you can swing by their sister store next door, Gemini!
