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The Brown Elephant
Category: Shopping Thrift Stores Thrift Stores [Edit]
5404 N Clark St(between Balmoral Ave & Rascher Ave)
Chicago, IL 60640
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Edgewater
(773) 271-9382
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
112 reviews for The Brown Elephant
Review Highlights
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"...is LGBT welcoming, Donation pick-up service for free." In 3 reviews -
"The book selection is great, as is that of the housewares." In 6 reviews -
"All the proceeds go towards the Howard Brown Health Center." In 6 reviews
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112 reviews in English
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Review from Monica L.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Brown Elephant, to me, is where the (thrifting) party is at! Every time I step foot into this place I can't help but pop imaginary bottles and think to myself (and sometimes out loud), "Oh, it's on & poppin'..." Head-a-bobbin', sleeves-a-rollin'.
Yes, I've boxed out a senior citizen while trying to grab miniature village sets during their 50% off sale of Christmas decor. Yes, I've made friends with THE friendliest employees in the back room trying to carry out my new dining set. I've even brushed my shoulders off after finding a bunch of picture frames for $2-3 and grabbing them before the guy next to me, who was clearly very interested in my frames, had a chance to even pick them off the shelves.
Brown E (yes, I've given it a nickname), is a dangerous place for thrifters all around. There's always something...and they always have SURPRISE SALES which are heavenly. Where else can you go and be greeted with: "Well hello, see that already low-priced item? Yea, it's 50% off." Feels like being on the Oprah show and being given a bunch of things.
My life, may appear, sad. But at least I know where to thrift my butt off (and pop imaginary bottles as mentioned earlier).Listed in: Cruella A-Ville & Company…, Thrifty Treasures
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Review from Bev h.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2012 2 photos
for only $10, a fully functional FOG MACHINE was purchased here. shit just got real.
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Review from jenny m.
4/23/2012
My review is solely for their donation pickup service. I've used them twice now when I had furniture to donate that was to large for me to drop off myself. On the first occasion I was in no rush so I took the first available appointment and they showed up, collected my stuff, and were on their way. A quick & easy process! So when I decided to move out of state and knew I was going to be getting rid of numerous pieces of furniture before I moved, my first thought was donate to the Brown Elephant. But in typical procrastinator fashion, I waited until the week before I needed to move to try and arrange a pick-up appointment and to my shock & dismay, they were booked solid. I replied to the email begging for an earlier pick-up and they said they could only let me know if any appointments freed up - no guarantees. That was on Wednesday. On Thursday morning I got a call - could I be ready in 30 minutes? Absolutely!! The guys showed up, loaded up all my furniture and the whole process took probably 20 minutes. The guys were friendly & professional and seemed really appreciative when I tipped them (I am guessing they probably don't get tips more often then they do?). THis is really a great service if you have items that are in good enough shape to be resold. I probably could have gotten a few bucks on craigslist for what I donated, but the donation process is so easy that I'd rather go this route then go through the headache of dealing with craigslist idiots. And, the money the store makes is for a good cause, so a win, win all around.
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Review from Rima K.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2012
I went here today to donate a large bag of clothes and boots the guy was rude and didn't let my friend use the bathroom. Screw this place they aren't getting anymore donations from me. Also they lost customers I would have been shopping. Stupid idiot be nicer to your customers. No wonder a lot of businesses go under in the recession.
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Review from Helen S.
11/17/2011
I came here once on my own and once to volunteer with a Northwestern student group, which was pretty cool cause they gave us a 50% discount for sorting a few things (although my stuff only cost $3 to begin with). I like how this place is for a good cause.
The clothing selection is pretty sparse, and a lot of the stuff is just meh. The only cool things were the kitchen appliances. When we moved into a new apartment, I outfitted us with some new cooking utensils that were only like 25 cents each. I also got a spice rack from here, and a bundt pan.
My advice is don't come here if you have something in mind that you're looking for. This is one of those places to get lost in and to let your spontaneity get the best of you, so buy the useless stuff you don't really need because that's what stores like this are for.Listed in: Where the Hipsters Go
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Review from Laura S.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
The Brown Elephant reminds me of many thrift stores, in that some days you find absolutely nothing that interests you, and other days it's an entire treasure trove. You'll typically be less disappointed if you don't come in with a specific piece in mind, but instead look for something that speaks to you. I found the perfect head dining chairs when I least expected it (gorgeous, in perfect condition and $35 each), but when I came in for a low, long dresser, I was completely out of luck on several occasions.
What sets this place apart for me, understandably, is the size of the lot. It's easy to lose track of time here, especially when you explore the shelves of knick-knacks, or paw through the records. They're also fantastic about picking up your donations, and they have great relationships with movers, if you buy a big piece that you can't transport on your own. I recommend visiting maybe twice a week if you're in the market for neat items on the cheap, perhaps even more often if you're looking for that one piece. -
Review from Matt T.
8/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Brown Elephant is a gem and I'm proud to support an organization like this that helps LGBTQ folks in Chicago with health care and other needs. My wife and I have come here and made some great finds for our home and we bought a bunch of vintage glassware and dishes we used for our cupcake display for our wedding. Everything was less than a dollar and we received a bulk discount. We certainly saved a bunch of money.
The staff ranges from helpful and pleasant to a bit rude and cold but it doesn't bother me too much because I don't need help while I'm there. There was once staff member that was a tremendous help when my wife and I were looking for things we could use for our wedding and without her help we would have gone in the wrong direction on some things.
This is the only place we donate items that we no longer need or want since I know it's going to a good cause and there's no religious undertones (like Salvation Army). We've donated a ton of clothes and other household items and I know that the revenue from the sale is going to people who need and deserve the assistance.
We'll definitely be coming back for years to come. -
Review from Jenna C.
Park Ridge, IL
Updated - 2/1/2012
I came back here over the weekend... and yes, I still love this place - it's one of my favorite Andersonville thrift shops, lots of cool stuff.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/10/2011
I came here yesterday to look for some pieces for my Halloween costume, and found exactly what I was… Read more »
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Review from Sharee M.
1/19/2012
I always go into The Brown Elephant prepare to buy. Has not happened yet. Nothing looks clean. Nothing is organized, well maybe like items together. Every time, I feel am looking at picked over selections. I want so much to going into this store and get something. But nope. I have to start walking pass this place as I know I won't find anything for me. Sadness, as I love thrift soo much. Maybe one day...
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Review from Crista L.
Surely, one of my favorite thrift stores in the city.
Andersonville is a cool neighborhood for thrifty shopping.
This Brown Elephant building is large and very cool. if for nothing else, visit this place just to check out the space.
While a few of my friends recommended this location over the boystown location, i like them both. Each location has it's unique flavor, both have a decent selection of goods.
Prices are fairly reasonable, however I have come across a few items that seemed to be overpriced..... Maybe I've been spoiled by the Salvation Army in Lincoln Park - their prices are so cheap, I feel like I'm stealing the items. -
Review from Laura P.
5/31/2011
As you all know, my thrifting abilities really are unmatched this side of the Mississippi. This Elephant really makes my trunk quiver....always a good selection of random stuff that I really like. A set of canvasses that were begging to be framed for $50 each, totally out of my price range but it is good to know that even as a poor person I still might be able to afford 1 piece of original art someday!
What really impresses me the most is the space that the random stuff is in....anyone else want to make this the newest hottest 1990's throwback club on the planet? With real club kids and all? We could just leave some of the stuff from the store in the club and everyone could play dress up!Listed in: Thriftstravaganza
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Review from Erin M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 6/15/2011
I just took two van-loads of donations to the Brown Elephant, and it was a no-hassle enjoyable experience. Most thrift-shops act really put out when you bring in donations, but Brown Elephant made it really pain free.
Both trips went like this:
I simply pulled up to the back door and called the shop. Less than a minute later, a man opened the loading dock. Together, we unloaded the van into a store room. I pulled boxes and bags out of the van and handed them up to him, and he completely handled boxes that were too heavy for me. He was friendly and helpful the whole time. The whole task was done in about five minutes.
We were given a sheet to fill out for tax purposes, but they said we could fill it out then and there or take it with us to save time. He thoroughly explained what we needed to do with it.
It couldn't have gone more smoothly, and when we have donations in the future, I'll drive right past the Salvation Army to donate to Brown Elephant.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2010
Easily the best thrift shop I've been to in Chicago. It is big, cheap, friendly, and interesting… Read more »
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Review from Amy W.
4/30/2011
50% OFF SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS! I'm a cheap and poor graduate student so I nearly peed my pants when I saw the sign.
I got a Canon G-III QL film camera for a mere $7.50 (although I am waiting for a battery to come in the mail to see if it will actually work), a functional TI-86 (for my boyfriend, mind you... I'm not touching anything math-related!) for $10, and a variety of housewares for $2 or $3. I'm a bit of a germophobe so I was wary of the clothing and furniture, but I would definitely buy anything else from here. LOVE!
Update: THE CAMERA WORKS! Amazing! -
Review from Michelle N.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2011
At this place you will be guaranteed to find high quality stuff. Don't expect prices like those at Goodwill or Salvation Army (especially on furniture), but their goods are still at a steep discount compared to if you were to buy them new or even at many consignment shops. And you can feel good about shopping here because the proceeds go to a good cause.
As someone who not only was in graduate school for a while and then was collecting vintage decorations for our wedding, I also LOVE to find a good bargain. I've bought clothes, dishes, baby books, Christmas items and home items over the past 6 years. I've been generally pleased with my purchases.
As is the case with any thrift store, don't go expecting to find one particular thing on one visit, plan on making a few trips over the course of a few weeks and let yourself be surprised with what you come across! -
Review from Jen G.
Chicago, IL
9/29/2010
A round of applause for the fountain of thrift knowledge that is Colleen C.
After getting stood up by the Salvation Army, I immediately searched Yelp for a recommendation for a company that you know, would actually show up and take my stuff away.
I filled out the online form, e-mailed briefly with the coordinator (all of this in less than 24 hrs) and set a date. When the day rolled around, as promised they called with an ETA. And showed up on time! And were pleasant and accommodating. Color me a Brown Elephanter for life! I'd always liked visiting the various stores, but now I am talking them up to everyone I know who needs donations picked up. DO IT. -
Review from Annie W.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2010
Like most thrift stores I've gone to, I expected to walk in and be bombarded with stuff I just *MUST HAVE!* Alas, it seemed like pretty slim pickin's.
I give'm an extra star for having a really cool ambience, though - I loved the giant room with the pillars...and I wish more thrift stores had such a gritty NY look that makes you feel hip about the fact you are looking for used stuff cause you're poor. -
Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/26/2009
Dear "People who leave nice stuff in alleys" (aka: WASTERS!)
Did you know Brown Elephant will actually come pick up your donations, free of charge?
Form/info is here: http://www.howardbrown...
You're Welcome,
Colleen
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Now generally I convince myself that I MUST get my donations to Brown Elephant as an excuse to wander around aimlessly purchasing things I probably don't need, and rescuing under appreciated items that again, I really don't need.
But, I ended up having a HUGE trunk full of stuff to go, and getting it into the hallway took me about 28 minutes, so getting it downstairs and into my car was probably out of the question.
So, I called BE. Scheduled an appt, and they arrived on time, whisked away my items...and done, and done.
Don't forget to tip the guys, too! They work hard :)
You now have NO excuse for discarding stuff into a dumpster just because you don't have a car or are too lazy to drop it off yourself. I'm serious! (biggest pet peeve, ever)Listed in: Individual., Cheap! Cheap!, Thrift Fit., Homemakin', Yea-ndersonville!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/19/2007
Yes, I am giving this place 5 stars for attitude, ambience and cause.
I dropped by over the weekend… Read more »
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Review from Caitlin G.
Chicago, IL
It's early Saturday afternoon. Dazed in a food coma, I find myself wandering yet again to the Brown Elephant. I feel a bit like the alcoholic who stumbles into his last-call bar. "I'm here again, boys!" I call as I slump past. "Don't mind me."
Truth is, this is my A-ville haven for when the thrift bug bites. I can't help but hope to find some fantastic pill box hat or amazing wall art. More often than not, I leave empty-handed, but I must admit that I am a picky thrift shopper. There's always something I fall in love with and it's almost always reasonably-priced.
If you're not convinced, here are some of my past scores from Brown Elephant, just to clue you into what you might find:
-A tomato red, Cleopatra-like evening gown, perfect for those unexpected dress-up occasions
-A set of pins your grandmother would covet
-Framed and matted "chocolat a boire" posters, perfect for my kitchen
-You Don't Know Jack computer game a la 1999
-High quality empty frames for finally hanging photographs that didn't have a home
-An iPod charging dock (take that, Apple!!)
Finally, it must be mentioned that the Brown Elephant makes its home in the old space of the Calo Theater, a beautiful beaux art movie house built in 1915. The space was a movie house until the late fifties, and was even site of a deadly shoot-out with a jail-breaking police-killer named Gus Amedeo. In the early 1960s, it became a bowling alley, and later in the 90s it was a small theater house. Today, we're lucky to have the Brown Elephant in its space. In case you're interested, here's an old shot of what the theatre used to look like in 1916: http://chsmedia.org/me...Listed in: Andersonville: The Little…
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Review from John B.
10/27/2008
Here's the unfortunate truth about the Brown Elephant: the more the AIDS epidemic comes under control, the less interesting their selection gets. Back in the 80s and 90s, the original Brown Elephant was a treasure trove. Sure, you were rifling through the castoffs of the dead, but what finds! Today, Brown Elephant is no better than any other thrift store.
This particular Brown Elephant is big. That's the best I can say for it. Sometimes the picking are good, sometimes less so. They do have some interesting choices, like air conditioners, and a huge vintage stove. If you're in the market for such a thing. And there's a decent selection of books and vinyl records, but they're in no discernible order, so you'd better be patient. For a gay thrift store, you'd think their selection of men's clothing would be more interesting. And that they wouldn't have that funky aroma of the lost lives of strangers.
If you love to thrift, or if you need some dollar kitchen supplies, you may find some good bargains. I always feel like I'm waking up next to last night's trick -- but you were so cute outside!Listed in: Gay is Good
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Review from Dhruv P.
9/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm in shock at what people throw away in order to buy new (read: not well made, cheap, sucky) stuff.
I've found great poster frames, great cookware (french and german made), and great home stuff at Brown Elephant for ridiculous prices.
Its true. Some people's garbage is other people's treasure. But instead of throwing it away, please donate it. Other people will actually appreciate quality. Other people will appreciate the value too.
Now, in the past, this location had better prices than the one on Halstead. But on my most recent visit, I noticed some very expensive pieces. 6 mid century chairs for $500? That just made me think of architectual artifacts on Ravenswood.
Still, for the home or yourself, Brown Elephant is a exceptional value. Treasure Hunting, indeed. -
Review from Jenn H.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2008
The total came to $18.19 with tax. What, you ask, did I procure for such a small amount. Let me tell you...
2 red wine glasses.....$2.00
1 white wine glass......$1.00
a vase.........$2.00
a coffee mug.......$.50
two cd's.......$6.00
....and......
A pair of brand spanking new Dansko shoes (in my size!) for $5.00! Life is good.
Obviously it's a resale shop so it will always be hit or miss. I guess I hit a good day.
p.s. To the chic who buys size 40 Danskos and gives them away brand new....there are these kick ass Frye boots (http://www.thefryecomp...) that I have my eye on at Alamo Shoes.......dying to own....you should totally buy them and decide that they aren't what you thought they were and donate them to the Brown Elephant. Just sayin'. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2007
Man, when this shop used to be on Ashland it KILLED. There was not a day that went by that I didnt go in there and score fabulous crap for pennies. Plus it was stuffed full and thats how good thrifting is supposed to be, like a treasure hunt, or an archeological dig. oooh, look what I found!!!
Now it is on Clark, and oooh, how edgy and wild it is that you took over an old theatre! Yeah, OK, whatever. It doesnt help that you are in a cool location if your stuff sucks! Plus, you arent some hip little Wicker Park boutique, stuff spread out and perfectly arranged does nothing to enhance the experience.
I have been in there on 4 different occasions and have been brutally disappointed each time. Awful selection and definitely more expensive than it used to be. I dont know how many more times I can go back before I give up entirely. Come on Brown Elephant! Go back to your glory days! I miss you!Listed in: Hello Mr. Anderson-ville
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Review from Nick M.
5/21/2009
Do you remember that Ikea** commercial where you see this lady just leaving the store with a bunch of bags, at first she is walking slowly looking over the receipt then when she realizes it was so cheap she yells at her husband "start the car, start the car" and then they drive off with her screaming because the prices were so low that she thought she was stealing... Well I was that girl at Brown Elephant... Wait, that didn't come out right, I mean I was trying to run after they told how much it all was. I almost asked the guy if he was messing with me but didn't want to jinx myself by saying something.
I now understand people's obsession with this place, it has everything from records to tea cups, end tables to sport coats.
4 records, 2 candle holders, 3 books, 1 really cool C-mas decor = $14.88
2 large beautiful end tables = $28.89
I love it here, its thrift store heaven
** Ikea = Hell on EarthListed in: Andersonville
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Review from Sarah L.
11/6/2009
Colleen's review inspired me to contact Brown Elephant when I cleaned out my closet a couple weeks ago. I could just leave the stuff in the alley and a "dumpster diver" will pick what they want. I could also dump it in those green dumpsters that you see scattered around the city. Instead I went to http://www.howardbrown... to schedule a pick up. They do pick ups on Saturdays and Sundays!
They called with a hour window for pick up. The actually ended up coming 2 hours earlier, thankfully I was home! They came and picked up all my unwanted clothing and shoes free of charge! The guys taking my donation were friendly and I will definitely use them again! Just make sure you slip them a couple of bucks for them taking your unwanted stuff off your hands :) -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
9/6/2007
The building itself is really amazing, I wish the 'Elephant had a little more help/ financial backing/ merchandising management to utilize the space a little better.
The book selection can't be beat, lots of bestsellers- recent ones like "Mr. Darcy takes a Wife" "The Crimson Petal and The White" "Faithless" by Joyce Carol Oates- first edition hardback, the new Diana biography, literally a TON of children's books- in really great condition... I was pleased and my total was less than $5.00!Listed in: Look Chic... Not Broke!
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Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2008
I've been on a major nesting spree lately. I think I've bought more stuff for the apartment in the last week than I have since I moved in.....7 months ago.
I hit the jackpot Sunday at Brown Elephant. I got a huge stack of National Geographic magazines, in perfect condition, from 1968 - 1996 for 25 cents each, a gorgeous hard cover travel photography book for $10, 6 vinyl records (inlcuding the soundtrack to the Big Chill) for $1 each, and 3 huge silver/wrought iron look picture frames for $3 each!
The place is huge, the staff is friendly and you are shopping/donating for a cause. It was pretty busy when I was there around 3pm on a Sunday so I imagine stock moves quickly. Stop in often and I'm sure you'll score, and don't forget to donate your items so someone else can find some treasure!Listed in: Pottery Barn style - Kmart…
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Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2007
I got a couch here for $35 and it's comfy as hell!
Also, if you come on the right day you will find that Urban Outfitters dumps all the stuff they're unable to sell (at $79 an item) and now those same clothes are thrift store price. Hurrah! But obviously, it goes fast.
When you're actually able to nail down a staff member - they're all seem super busy - they will be helpful, polite, and sometimes willing to haggle if it's something big like furniture.
I've been to two other Brown Elephant locations, Wicker Park and Oak Park, and the Andersonville location is by leaps and bounds the best. Nice use of a derelict ballroom!Listed in: You say "hipster" like it's a…
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Review from Richie D.
Rainbows, Costumes & Junk--OH MY! (Don't believe me, check out my uploaded image). I purchased a beautiful leather Kenneth Cole laptop bag for $5!!! If you pick up an Andersenville visitors entertainment guide from one of the many shops/restaurants, there's a coupon for 25% off one item. All the funds go to Howard Brown Health Center that provides HIV/STD services to the insured and uninsured Chicago-wide community so even without the coupon, you AND THE COMMUNITY is getting a deal! Great for any furniture or house items, oh and duh, Halloween Costumes---or perhaps ideas from eyeing the clientele! Credit cards can only be used for purchases $5+.
Oh and instead of throwing out clothing or other items, someone may find your trash as treasure. Donate it anonymously!
Everything's cheap...The worst part is the Chicago tax!!Listed in: Taste the Rainbow
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Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2008
This is the jewel in the Brown Elephant crown, a donated, stickered, and slightly dusty jewel.
I've now been to three Brown Elephants, and this is by far the most cavernous, loud, and eccentric of the three. Arriving on a Monday morning at 11 am, the place was swimming in bargain hunters, used book mavens, ne'er do wells, and roustabouts, all picking over the fresh leavings.
I was there on a mission: find an old Chemex coffee brewer and acquire one or two useful kitchen objects for Evan's pathetic kitchen. Unfortunately, most people do not recycle their All-Clad, so options were limited to non-stick crap and old aluminum, neither of which I will use for cooking. Instead I picked up a $2 piece of Corningware, which works wonderfully in the oven (man, it is so non-stick, you don't even need to soak it) and a hideous mug "Best Duet, 2nd Place" from Bradley University, a school I hadn't heard of until I moved to Chicago.
If I lived near this location, I'd be here weekly. No, daily. But since it is in a part of town I seldom venture, (I'm a west of Western kinda gal), I'll have to content myself with the HB near the crotch, and brave the hipster hordes. -
Review from Jo W.
5/2/2009
Honestly, I've never set foot in the place. I've donated clothes, sure, but somehow managed to never go inside.
So what I'm writing about, dear Yelper friends, is their donation pick up service.
I recently redid my bedroom, and the old furniture needed to go. Part of me wanted to just toss it in the alley, but I hate being one of "those" people. But tripping over it every day wasn't cool either - I simply don't have room in my apartment for two bedroom sets. After some unsuccessful attempts with other organizations, I went to Howard Brown's website.
Arranging for a pickup was so easy I almost couldn't believe it. Fill out their online form, they email you back and give you some days, and then they call you the day of to confirm the time.
Today they called me and said my window was from 2:30-3:30. Great. The guy on the phone was so polite and friendly I just wanted to hug him.
Then my phone rang around 12:30, and a different friendly gentleman asked if it would be an inconvenience to me if they could come by in a little bit. Um, not at all!
Now, here's the best part - redoing one's bedroom leads to encounters with a variety of delivery men. The men I had been dealing with at other places all reeked of cigarette smoke, which in turn left my apartment reeking of cigarette smoke, which in turn left me grossed out. So in preparation for some more delivery men, I moved everything right in front of my door to minimize the contamination of my apartment.
But no! These delivery men did not reek of cigarette smoke! And they were some of the nicest, friendliest delivery men I'd ever encountered! And polite too! Who knew?!
They also gave me an envelope containing my donation forms (for tax purposes) pre-filled with the information I entered on the website. So they even do all the scut work for you too! Sweet!
So, if you need to unload some furniture do a good deed and give Brown Elephant a call. The process is painless, everyone is polite and friendly, and their delivery men are all kinds of smoke-free awesome.
Love. -
Review from Darek L.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2011
I found an excellent couch here for $60! And not the kind of couch you find in a frat house, but a really decent, comfy couch.
Donating here is very easy. There's someone there to take your stuff and smile at you. They also pick up furniture, which is really cool.
I like what they stand for and prefer them to Salvation Army. The place is clean and organized. -
Review from ryan w.
Bronx, NY
12/7/2008
Yeah. It's like any other thrift store, as John B. pointed out on October 27 (great writer by the way). They had jeans for 6 bucks that were in decent shape. I'm averse to wearing used pants, so I passed. They also had a conservative Neiman Marcus topcoat for 45 bucks that looked fairly new. My parents just bought me a scary, green Army-looking topcoat so I passed on that, too.
Funny: They had like a thousand Backstreet Boys and N'Sync CDs in their music section. Remember how those boy bands used to front in the 90s, how they'd posture like Ice Cube and say things like, "We may have a lot of girls listening to our music, but we're all really STREET. We all grew up in the slums of Orlando, bla-bla-bla." Remember that? Man, seeing all those boy band records in a gay-friendly thrift store kinda cracked me up. Lance Bass and his ilk tried so hard to be macho, with their feigned East Coast accents and baggy pants, and the gays saw through it all along. Makes me giggle.
Four stars for the cause. -
Review from Carolyn B.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 6/12/2010
I have been furniture hunting and schlepping through this whole city looking for deals and bargains in order to make it so my walls don't echo in my apartment anymore. I need to thank Brown Elephant for existing as I have a feeling over time that it will assist in decreasing the echo and giving me some great finds throughout the months it will take to finally have a home.
We recently bought a versatile piece that will initially serve as an entertainment center, and it's super cute. They helped bring it out to the back, although I had to use my muscles to get it IN my car.
There are too many "vintage" "thrift" stores in Chicago that are not quite that "thrifty", so... thank you Brown Elephant for existing.Listed in: Furniture Hunt 2010!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2009
While I'm historically adverse to checking my bag, I am able to over look this and endorse the Brown… Read more »
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Review from Jenni S.
Chicago, IL
6/12/2009
I've got clothes in different area codes...
...but this place has my favorite racks. While this is a wee bit smaller than its Boystown counterpart, the A-ville Brown Elephant has offered up better buys, at least for me. Today, for example, I found a lovely buttoned-down Oxford shirt; my big-ass score, though, was a fabulous tuxedo shirt with tabbed collar for five bucks--dry-cleaning tag still attached. Excellent.
There's also books, furniture, DVDs, rollerblades, and knicknacks--plenty of stuff for people with an eye for retro treasures and/or a tight budget. Take the #22 bus or bike, because parking sucks bigtime; if you fall in love with a bookshelf, table, or other large-scale item too big to strap to your back or lug via public transportation, they'll hold your stuff for a day until you get your car or con a pickup-driving pal into helping you.
When you shop here, don't just keep your head down going through the racks--look up. The walls are exposed brick and plaster remnants that give the space a declining-ballroom feel that's undeniably cool. -
Review from Nick H.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2006
Not only is this a cool store, but it is a cool building. It used to be a theatre and it looks pretty cool.
They have a great assortment of knick-knacks. From little cheap film cameras to out of order Nintendos for $4. The artwork that they have hanging as you walk in is fun to joke about and there are some REALLY interesting titles in their book collection.
The first time I ever went there I needed an ugly sweater for an ugly sweater party. They had quite a few to choose from. But not all the clothes are ugly, they have a small but worthwhile selection. -
Review from Tasha C.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2009
This is the BEST thrift store in Chicago,.
Not only do they always have the greatest finds but all of the money goes to charity which leaves you on a Karmic high when walking out.
Every time I enter this store to fine millions of treasures waiting for me. In this store i have nabbed a brand new leather jacket, 12 http://gay.com pint glasses, tons of books, and the couch i am writing this review from.
The quirky staff makes your shopping experience even better with their fun take on what your buying and always are willing to lend a helping hand! -
Review from sidney p.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2007
Spacious and un-smelly: two very nice attributes in a thrift store.
A full step higher than the Village (both in price and in atmosphere), it is a great "gateway" place... I often recommend it to those who are just dipping their toes into the glorious world of the pre-used. The clothes here have been edited for content & cleanliness, and will not disgust the novice thrift shopper. Also a huge plus: 2 decent dressing rooms, complete with signs reminding you that your mother doesn't work here...
This store seems to be particularly strong in men's shirts, but I scored a bunch of great skirts here this summer, so no complaints on that front. Books occasionally yield some great finds, and the shoes are worth a quick breeze-by. Glassware, too, has been known to offer up some gems: get a bunch for your next party - who cares if they get broken. As has already been mentioned, this is a good spot to find sundry cast-offs from Urban Outfitters, although much of that has been spurned for a reason.
Final verdict? - definitely worth a visit! -
Review from Katie G.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2008
I pretty much furnished my studio apartment with Brown Elephant in December. I got a desk, a desk chair, a table, two other chairs, a dresser and an end table for under $100. Granted, I moved at the right time, and they had all of their furniture half-off, but still! The book selection is amazing, the staff is super friendly, and even if they look busy, just pop by the desk and ask, someone will be more than willing to help.
I'm not a big used-clothing shopper, but for everything else, I love the Brown Elephant...
I've been to the location on Halsted, but I like the one on Clark better. Not only because I live closer to that one, but the one on Halsted feels like a garage sale. The old theater just has a cool feel.
I definitely recommend the Brown Elephant for a peruse... as with any thrift-shop, it's hit or miss. -
Review from Lisa A.
3/15/2010
The key for thrift shopping is: timing timing timing. You must be willing to keep coming back - and coming back often (not too often so that all the store clerks would high-five you anytime you strolled in).
This huge-unpolished-gem is just about a couple blocks away from where I live. Sweet. Last time I was here, I picked up a piece of (signed) painting for $12 (framed and all). Me likey.
They have quite good selections of furniture - but then again, first grab first get kinda deal (d'uh). If you're talented in refurbishing old/slightly broken furnitures, they have tons of these, too.
Other stuff that I really enjoy browsing at this place would be books and dishes. I'm still looking for a cute butter dish, btw - just in case you spotted one.Listed in: My Favorite Dates Places
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Review from Nicole L.
8/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I never leave without finding something I needed.
I like that Brown Elephant is LGBT welcoming, Donation pick-up service for free! (yes absolutely free) and pretty organized every time I come in.
I've donated bags upon bags of random things and they've taken it all with no hassle. Thrifty shopping!
