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RobotCity Workshop
Categories: Shopping Electronics Shopping Toy Stores Electronics, Toy Stores [Edit]
3226 N Sheffield Ave(between Belmont Ave & School St)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 281-1008
- Nearest Transit:
-
Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Addison-Red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 7 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
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21 reviews for RobotCity Workshop
Review Highlights
"They all seem to love robots and are so helpful."
(in 14 reviews)
"...are tons of robots in store that they let you play with."
(in 3 reviews)
"...foster an interest in robotics, electronics and soldering."
(in 3 reviews)
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Amy H.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Robots automatically equal five stars. That's a given, but I'll elaborate more...
It was my friend's birthday and when I asked his wife what he would like as a gift she told me to "buy him something weird." So I popped into RobotCity Workshop.
I had been in this store once before with Zak O. but totally forgot that it was there because (1) we had been drinking and (2) we had been drinking a lot. I remembered playing Rock 'Em Sock 'Em robots with him and debating weather or not his cat would be scared to death of a Roomba. I also remember marveling at the full sized R2D2, asking if it worked, and wondering what my life would be like if he followed me around everywhere. [Conclusion: It would be awesome.]
This time around I was sober and on the hunt for "something weird." The clerk, who was incredibly nice, showed me some robot kits, some tiny creepy crawly robots, and some robots that were out of my price range. I finally settled on a robot magnet that crawls up and down your refrigerator.
When my friend opened his gift he wanted to go home right away to try it out. Robot success! -
Review from Franklin D.
Arlington Heights, IL
8/7/2010
Was walking up Sheffield to Wrigley with the fam today and came across this great little shop. We had so much fun looking at everything and checking out everything we could reach that we were late for the baseball game.
After the game w stopped back by again and decided to adopt a pair of nano hex bugs and got a little habitat for them...it wound up being $36 after tax and everything. That's only two dollars more than that amazonian on-line shopping place, and we got to play with them as soon as we got home....sweet.
I really wanted to get one of the Robotic Arm Edge kits to play with since they looked cool, maybe next time. The other thing they are carrying right now is the remote control R2-D2 that was featured in Robot magazine last year... looks so awesome!
One suggestion... more Vex kits and how about a remote control Dalek? Yes, I am a nerd, and yes, I absolutely need a remote control Dalek to play with. -
Review from Matt H.
Glenwood, IL
10/12/2009
I was in the neighborhood for a show at The Vic, and RobotCity Workship caught my eye. It was an outstanding little store. As a sci-fi geek, I couldn't resist the call of the robots.
The place is well stocked in robots of all kinds, including famous movie and television robots from Lost in Space, Futurama, Wall-E, and others. They also have kits of robots for you to build yourself, and offer affordable classes to teach you how to make them step by step.
For the more advanced hobbyist, they have individual parts such as motors and other necessary equipment for those who are capable of making robots of their own from scratch. I have trouble saying anything on the price as I don't know that there are any other robot stores in the area, but as a newbie, I thought everything looked pretty reasonable.
There are tons of robots in store that they let you play with. I had particular fun with a little claw robot that runs on tank wheels with a camera that shoots its image over a nearby television screen. It was a lot of fun, and it looked like other occupants were enjoying themselves with a couple of eight inch high robots that were beating the crap out of each other.
My favorite part about RobotCity Workshop was the awesome employees. They were all friendly and excited to help and teach about the robots in the store. Its nice to go into a store you know nothing about and be made feel like you're welcome there. When my nephew is of age, I am definitely bringing him in for a RobotCity birthday party. Everyone needs to have a day where you are served birthday cake by a robot. -
Review from blerk d.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2008
MANY ROBOTS. Sooooooo many robots.
it's ROBOTS. Do you need a robot? This ROBOT STORE might be the place for you. They have SOOOOO MANY ROBOTS.
The non-robot humans that work there love what they do. They work with ROBOTS ALL DAY. They showed us all sorts of robots there. They want people to LOVE TEH ROBOTS too. You can go there and just PLAY WITH ROBOTS.
Go buy a robot there. It's a new store, and you NEED A ROBOT. -
Review from Nourhy C.
Chicago, IL
8/3/2009
Was a crazy little store! I was killing some time and I came upon the funnest window display with all these Robots and it was so fascinating I just had to go in and check out Bender and his little friends. It was so fun to see all the robots I have grown up with in my life both all and new, from tv shows to cartoons!
I bought a little robot kit for my nephew's birthday, you put him together and you use a soda can for the body, how cool is that. That will keep him busy for awhile and help him learn something.
I think anyone, and I mean girls and boys and grownups can find something there and they even do robot building birthday parties for 8-up kids. -
Review from Chris M.
Stuart, FL
1/5/2009
This place is great!! The guy whom owns and operates this place is really cool, and you've got to give him props for opening up such a place. There are loads of things from kit 'bots to take up a boring evening, to fun gifts, and on over to great parts bins to pick over for your own uses at home. I'm still amazed that there is a place in the city where I can pick up a neat toy for my nephew and some serious stuff for my own gear at the same time.
DIY is back, America! And this is a place where you can learn it. Classes in soldering, and various other topics are in the works, and are to be very accessible. Got a Roomba collecting dust in the closet? You can learn how to make it into something else here- Just grab a book and ask the guy behind the counter. They'll help you make something great! Just have an itch to solder something? Pick up an inexpensive and interesting kit- this is the only place in the city that you can- I've searched! Stop by, have a look, and pick up a magazine, book, little kit, whatever- you might just be starting down a very interesting and new path.
This store is more than a store- it's a place of learning and experimentation. A place where you can make your ideas real, invent, and learn how. It's also new and growing- it will be a wonderful place for the community, but it needs help- so stop by, there's a great tea place next door, and see what tickles your fancy- and if you don't see it, just ask! The owner is a really, really cool guy who is very open-minded towards new things and his customer base. In fact, I think I might just make a call and see if he has that oddball thinger I need for a project.. and I'm pretty sure he will. Beats making an online order any day! And as a bonus, I can just soak up new ideas just standing around- It's that great of an environment. I look and see what's there, and it's just amazing.
I really can't say enough good about this place- and I'm very hesitant to give such good reviews. But this place is a winner- and constantly growing. It's only been open a few weeks, and it's getting better all the time. Give it a shot! -
Review from Vy T.
Morton Grove, IL
9/19/2010
What exactly should I say? This store has all things robot!!!
But I was pleasantly to find the place well-kept, clean, and inviting.
Don't hesitate to check it out!
My fiance was not too happy that I found the place on our walk, but even he couldn't resist playing with the toys! -
Review from Anthony M.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2010
There is no doubt that if you find robots appealing, you will LOVE it here. Right as you come thru the door you find yourself in the imaginarium of Greg, the owner. Greg is as polite as can be and beyond helpful.
If it's robot related - this store has it. This place even has a small shelf of popular robot themed DVD's. The real kick is how there are robots running all around the place. There's this bot following a track on the floor that should make even the coldest heart warm with delight. -
Review from Patrick H.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2009
I. Love. This. Store.
Robot City Workshop is definitely one of the coolest stores in Chicago, possibly anywhere. As far as its selection and the passion of its staff, few places compare.
Want to spend $300+? You can. But there are tons of interesting finds for under $10, stuff you'll have difficulty finding any place else. Whenever I have youngsters visiting me (I live down the street), I take them to Robot City; no matter what other exciting events are on our day's agenda, RC is always the highlight. Kids love it, I love it, and there's no question that your inner geek will jiggle and twitch when you walk through the door.
Cleanliness may not seem like a selling point for a small niche store, but I feel I should mention that I've never seen dust in this place. The place sparkles, which I think says a lot about the owner/salespeople. They love what they do, and it shows. -
Review from Taylor O.
6/13/2009
Coolest store ever. Just around the bend of bustling Belmont and Sheffield lurks the future.
From Bender in Futurama to Roomba and iRobot; they have all our friends and a DVD of Johnny Five coming alive. They even have the 1980s Tomy robots on display I grew up with.
It could use more booze and hookers though. -
Review from Robert S.
4/4/2009
Geeks, dweebs, nerds, boffins, eggheads and other creatures who love anything robotic, this is your haunt. A wonderful shop filled with robots of all types including nice collectible pieces. Books, magazines, directions and a bunch of how-to kits are in great supply. Kudos to a clean place that dweebettes can visit without feeling they're in someone's basement.
But...you'd think they'd have a collectible of the robot from Lost in Space? How about a Dalek from Dr. Who? Maybe Twiki from Buck Rogers? -
Review from Laura G.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2010
I am surprised I never got into robots, considering my misanthropy. And after visiting this place, I like robots more and more. People / robots- um, I'll take a nice afternoon with an electrical tape track and my new "friend" I built.
Yes, I long for my own Frankenstein. If you do too, visit Robotcity workshop packed full of new friends and bizarrely helpful geeks- it's OK to call them that when you are one of them.
PS
Kids give Robotcity classes two thumbs up! -
Review from eli s.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2010
Is there anything more adorable and happy-making than robots? I submit that there is NOT. Go here and play with rock 'em sock 'ems until you puke, or they hand over the controllers for actual fighting robots that will walk around in a ring and roundhouse kick each other! Purchase hexapods, arduinos, and various DIY junk they have lying around. Roombas! Robosapiens! Sweet cashier folks!
They also have classes. After-school robot building? Absolutle! -
Review from Matthew R.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2010
Robots! Freaking Robots!
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Review from Robin S.
New York, NY
1/11/2009
This store is so fun! I love robots, and they have all kinds here. They have toys for those with a passing interest in robots all the way to serious robot builders and model enthusiasts. They also let you play with anything in the store for however long you want, including the dueling robots in their own cage in the middle of the floor. LOVE.
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Review from Katherine G.
Chicago, IL
6/17/2010
These folks know how to throw a party. I co-supervised a birthday celebration consisting of seven hyper 7-10 year olds at RobotCity Workshop and was very impressed by these guys' ability to keep the kids under decent control, especially in a store full of intriguing things to play with. The assemblage was very entertained and left happy, new robot in hand (the birthday boy got to pick a robot set that the group was then taught to put together).The best part is, they have an old school robot roll out to present the birthday cake. That's entertainment, no matter your age.
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Review from Alessandro D.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2009
Fantastic place to foster an interest in robotics, electronics and soldering. Definitely check out R2D2 if your in there, and check out the classes that are offered. I am enrolled in the soldering class and have had a blast learning from a pro like Greg. Very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Great place Greg!!
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Review from Patty S.
Schaumburg, IL
2/17/2010
I don't think that anyone can resist the awesomeness that is this store. The people that work there are amazing. They all seem to love robots and are so helpful. I purchased two robots for my boyfriend here for Christmas and they were so helpful. They only had one left (and were about $50 cheaper each than Amazon) but they sold me one of the displays after trying to find me another one from somewhere else to no avail. They gave me a great discount for buying two at once. This is a really fun place to check out even if you don't have a need for a robot. They also sell little robot notepads, toothbrush holders, etc. Go check it out!
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Review from Patience G.
Brooklyn, NY
12/19/2009
A super fun store for both young and young at heart! If you have even a slight interest robotics, trust me, treat yourself and stop in at this lovely little store. The staff are friendly, helpful and not precious about yourself or your children playing with the robots. They have many, many robots to look and toy with and they even do birthday parties! And workshops, obviously. I bought my 10 y o brother a 'build it yourself' robot which monkeys along rope or apes on the ground! I can't wait to see his face!
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Review from John S.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2009
This place is awesome. The owner is pretty cool and is happy to let you play with just about anything in the store - and there is A LOT of cool stuff to play with. They also offer classes and stuff on soldering and circuitry, etc. Great place to find a gift for a nerd like myself.
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Review from Kat M.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2010
This store is SO AWESOME! Even for someone who had a fear of robots when they were little (yes, really), I was totally enamored by RobotCity Workshop. I found it on accident while wandering the neighborhood, waiting for a show at The Vic. They have every kind of robot you can think of - and even a couple you haven't. There are classes! kid's parties! workshops! They have all your favorite robots, from Bender to Wall-E and beyond. My favorite part of the store was the little robot who runs on a grey track all around the store. I was looking at a Bender robot when I felt something collide with my foot, only to look down to see I'd stepped in the path of this little guy. This store lets you be a kid again, and that is worth gold. The staff are super friendly and happy to answer all your robot related questions. If you haven't already visited, you must go and experience the magic of RobotCity Workshop!
