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The Spice House
Category: Food Specialty Food Specialty Food [Edit]
1512 N Wells St(between Burton Pl & North Ave)
Chicago, IL 60610
Neighborhoods: Old Town, Near North Side
(312) 274-0378
- Nearest Transit:
-
Sedgwick (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Clark/division (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
225 reviews for The Spice House
Review Highlights
"I love, love LOVE the local blends."
(in 48 reviews)
"They have fantastic gift box sets."
(in 14 reviews)
"They really have everything you could ever need and want in..."
(in 6 reviews)
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225 reviews in English
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Review from Mike T.
Oak Brook, IL
1/30/2012
I love this place!! They have a wide selection of spices, everything is real nice and the price is reasonable.
Definitely coming back! -
Review from Dominick C.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
Spice House is like the scent of a sexy, exotic and ethnic lover who tempts, teases, tugs at your taste and smell buds, as if to say, "I am a spicy flirt bomb"-- whispering while walking away
(... kaboom.)
Enticing as tien-tien chilis, surprising like candied ginger, my Spice House lover's alluring gaze drifts from South America to India, cumin to curry, Pilsen to Roger's Park, sweet to savory to spicy and back again.
And after our exotic adventure, my Spice House lover floats me over the bill. I leave with my pockets oddly full and a gift with purchase-- "Come back soon," my lover whispers. And with a spicy kiss, I leave the pink peppercorn on the inside of my cheek.
Raaaaaaawr. -
Review from Dusty K.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/3/2011
Aleppo pepper, sumac, and poppy seeds OH MY! Middle Eastern cooking here we come. Bagels too.
And my usual stock pile of cinnamon, clove, coriander, peppercorns, and diamond crystal kosher salt. And a few vanilla beans thrown in for good measure because homemade vanilla extract is just a bottle of vodka away.Listed in: Specialty Shop Splurging
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/31/2010
Had a little taste this morning. Yep, it's still spicy. Read more »
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Review from Tammy L.
1/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I feel so fortunate to live within a reasonable distance of the Spice House. It's usually more economical than buying the overpriced stuff at the grocery store and, of course, has an astounding selection. If you love to cook, you must come here! I typically come in because I've run out of something basic like bay leaves, then walk out with a wallet $60 lighter because of stuff like strawberry sugar and dried shrooms. Yikes. Oh well, what's life without a little spice??
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Review from Luna H.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011
I adore this place! They have a wide selection of spices (including spanish ones that I hadn't been able to find anywhere else), they stuff is super nice, the environment is beautiful and the price is fair.
Definitely coming back! -
Review from Kristin R.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2011
I love the Spice House. It is a great place to come for gifts if you have friends or family with an affinity for cooking. I once bought some mediterranean spice set, which was a collection of 4 different spices along with a few recipes inside.
It always smells like heaven in the Spice House, and everything is just so beautiful, with all the colors and such. I came in here today because I needed pomegranate molasses, and they just never disappoint. I had read this was hard to find, but I knew I could count on the Spice House. Sure enough, they had it! My salad dressing turned out great, and I'll definitely be back for any future cooking needs. If only they were closer to my house, and it wasn't so hard to find parking! -
Review from Stephanie H.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2011
This place is amazing! You can smell the store a few blocks away. The selection is a bit ridiculous. There's so much. As someone who has travelled a fair amount I found the spices amazing and saw things I didn't think would be available easily in the US.
Also, any idea how long some of those spices have been sitting on the shelves in there?
Maybe a little pricey?? I find the bulk spices at Whole Foods to be a better bargain. -
Review from Paul S.
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
There's an old saying that "wisdom lies with the crowds". In the case of Spice House in Old Town, this is unquestionably true. Take it from 200+ reviews rated with five stars, this place has a fanatical following and with good reason.
Without filling more space than necessary by covering what has already been said by other reviewers, here's the quick and dirty:
+ They have a great staff, both knowledgeable and willing to help.
+ Unbelievable selection, there's every spice known to man in this small store and then some from other planets as well. Where do they find this stuff?
+ Useful recipe ideas abound throughout the store.
Although I don't visit very often due to living in the N.W. suburbs, whenever I am in Old Town, this is on my short list of places to hit up.
A small family-run business at its best.
Five stars. -
Review from Meghan B.
9/2/2011
The Spice House is a real Chicago gem, and I'm glad I finally got to check it out after hearing raves from many of my friends!
The selection of spices and rubs is ridiculous and I like that you're able to sample them. I bought some Korean Black garlic and sampled some of the homemade crystalized ginger, which was fantastic.
I'm not the best cook in the world, but if I was, I would definitely come here often to try all of the awesome spices and flavor combinations. -
Review from Kelly S.
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME. This place has everything a well stocked pantry could ever need and then some. The prices are also good.
I love walking in here and drinking in the smell!
Highly recommend the Saigon cinnamon and the Madagascar vanilla paste. -
Review from patrice c.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011
Always a fan I was treated to a special after hours spice talk by the owners, Patty & Tom. ( Great MeetUp group - Salut, A Culinary Experience)
They were delightfully informative. The spices are ground weekly and the entire staff is extremely knowledgeable. -
Review from Claudia D.
Austin, TX
12/21/2011
My first product from this was a gift from an aunt living in Chicago. Mmm, lavender vanilla sugar. When I finally visited Chicago, I was amazed by the selection they had. I have tried these things, all top notch.
Lavender-Vanilla Sugar
Maple Sugar
Smoked Paprika
Pizza Pizzazz
Dried Tomato Paste
Even if you don't live nearby, visit their website. The selection is fantastic. (Be careful not to blow your kid's college fund, you will want to try everything) Gift cards make the perfect gift for any foodie, or try a themed gift box like Baker's or BBQ. Best place to buy rare spices at, or just good quality spices. -
Review from John B.
7/16/2011
AKA the Crack House.
One day when I was in college, I went to friend's apartment. The news was on, and there was a story about a big marijuana bust. There was footage of the feds burning a huge mound of pot, and my friend was inconsolable. "If I was there," he said, "I would throw myself onto the fire and inhale as much of that smoke as I could."
That's how I feel when I go to the Spice House. I want to wrap the aroma around me and wear it home like a comfy robe.
I'm a home cook, and I admit, I buy my share of McCormick spices from The Jewels or Peapod. It's convenient. Then I go to the Spice House to pick up a specialty ingredient (grains of paradise, this time) and beat myself up for being such an idiot. Granted, I don't have a car, but you can spend a thousand dollars on spices and still take them home in nothing more than an average sized tote.
I don't shop here often enough to have ever figured out exactly how the store is organized. But the staff knows, and they'll get you what you need. Many of the spices aren't pre-portioned -- as you might guess from the photos -- so you'll need their help anyway. Fortunately, they're both knowledgeable and helpful, so that's a plus. -
Review from D. R.
Malibu, CA
Updated - 10/27/2011
Aleppo Pepper! The real deal from Syria is here!
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/31/2010
Yes Spice House! Seville orange peel zest? A given here. The best.
From late fall to early spring I… Read more »
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Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
9/20/2011
the smells from the moment you step in here are 5 stars alone. I've wanted to go here since I found out about it. Well, I made that trip today and had to get myself out of there fast before I did some real damage to the card. Well, that's not to say that damage wasn't done, it was just managed.
While I did contemplate getting a lot of the herbs and get them sized out for me, I really did want to try out some of their pre-made rubs and herbs. I couldn't stop smelling the ukrainian rub as i was driving in the car. The italian blend is just amazing. I normally like putting together my own italian herb blends, but this was just too good to pass up.
Most of all, they had white truffle salt. Being a massive lover of truffles this was just a flat out no-brainer for me. The only problem will be my own as I try to figure out how to use it only when needed.
It really wouldn't be too hard for me to drop $100 here. Its not like they're expensive, it's just that they have that much and have it all in great quality as well. -
Review from Jenn S.
Great Falls, VA
10/6/2011
I adore this place! The exotic and delicious spicy scents that come down the block from the Spice House are inviting and you will not be disappointed! This is a fantastic place that I discovered with some Chicago-based friends. Even though I am living in DC, I will buy spices from them online and have them shipped, because they are that good.
This is the place for hard to find specialty ingredients like preserved lemons, za'atar, orange flower water and star anise. I love their in-house spice blends like back of the yards, greektown, and sunny singapore. The staff is fabulous and will let you taste (almost) anything you want. They also have great recipes on their website to go along with your new spices! -
Review from Shenelle B.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2011
I LOVE the spice house. This is a great place for experienced cooks as well as beginners. The staff there are super nice and the spices are amazing.
I recently purchased the freeze dried corn. Now you may wonder...what the heck is freeze dried corn...well let just say that it's corn that sweet, fluffy (kinda like popcorn) and super yummy. Ladies, do you have a craving for chips, but feel guilty when you reach for the bag of Cheetos? Well that was me. The corn is so good that I snacked on that at work rather than my greasy chips. Great healthy alternative and they sale it right at the back by the register...just take a sample!
Now for the spice. I cant say enough good things about it. How may times have you gone to the store and you saw a spice that you had no idea how it taste, but you want to try something different because you are bored with your food?,,,and how may times have we wished we could try the spice to see if we like?...or have purchase a spice and hated it? Well if you answered yes to any of those question then The Spice House is the place for you. They allow you to taste the spices before you buy it...how awesome is that?
My dad and I spent at least 40 min in the "Spice House" a few weeks ago trying spices. This place has allowed me to take credit for some amazing food. Now I can make the best dishes and when my friend and family ask me how I got the food to taste so good....I just tell them I got skills! -
Review from Stormy D.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2011
Best place I've discovered in Chicago yet. It's no Rafal Spice Shop but the next best thing (wink, wink). Reasonable prices too. Worth going out of your way for.
I have a very, very sensitive sense of smell due to classic migraine aura. I can sniff this place out from a mile away. No, I'm not a dog either. -
Review from Alma P.
8/22/2011
This place was AMAZING! I came here on a food tour while visiting Chicago and have officially fallen in love with the place. I have never seen a shop w/such a vast array of spices and other items. They even sold molecular gastronomy supplies!
They were also super friendly and helpful. I love that they have testers for just about everything and I also thought the prices were so incredibly reasonable.
If you're not in Chicago you can order online as well. Spice House is a true find for anyone who likes to cook! :-) -
Review from Kate S.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2011
This place is wonderful! Lots of fresh spices at very reasonable prices. The staff are super helpful--you can hand them a list of your needs and they'll fill your order quickly. They've got a great selection of all sorts of spices--whether you're in need of holiday spices (cinnamon, pumpkin, allspice), Creole seasonings (gumbo, cajun), Herbs de Provence, smoked Paprika, Truffle salt and oil, etc. Since spice is their specialty, they run through stuff quickly ensuring spices are much fresher than the grocery store lot.
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Review from Holly F.
Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2011
Really great specialty spice shop with everything from peppers to salts, spices to spice blends. A spice recipe file is on site along with someone to mix those recipies. There are also great gift boxes that they can ship for you!
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Review from Aaron K.
6/8/2011
Looking at the distribution of reviews everyone seems to have had the same experience as I have at The Spice House. The service here could not be friendlier. Someone always says hello and wants to help as soon as you walk through the door. The selection of spices goes beyond what you could ever need. I particularly enjoy the Chicago neighborhood spice collection. They also have my favorite dry dill dip seasoning blend in the city (hint: put this on some steamed new potatoes with olive out for an easy dish that everyone enjoys.)
If you have been buying your spices at a chain grocery store come try the spices here. Though the price is a bit more, the quality makes up for a lot (since often you don't need to use as much). The Spice House is more definitely my first choice! -
Review from Charlotte O.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2011
As someone who loves to cook an bake and try different spices in their foods, this place is heaven. We came here on a whim hoping they would have Sumac for home made hummus, which they did, and then some. We found everything we could think of here. We even got a set of free dried whole spices with the micro plane we brought which was a nice surprise.
The staff know what they are talking about and are happy to help you find what you are looking for if you cannot yourself. They can also answer any questions you have.
Their prices are really fantastic too, and one of the employees explained that they can keep their prices down because they grind everything in house, How awesome is that? So it is also very fresh!
Spice House ROCKS! -
Review from Jaci G.
Manteca, CA
8/30/2011
It's been almost a year since I visited the Spice House courtesy of a food walking tour. I loved it! Suffice to say I have ordered online numerous times since. The selection can't be beat. The only problem with online ordering is the fact you can't actually smell the lovely scents of all of the spices! I wish I were closer. Spice House you are the best!
P.S. Prices reasonable. -
Review from Jen S.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
Spice House is great! I was recently introduced to Spice House and have been back twice since. They have wonderful mixtures, which are great for all my cooking needs. My personal favorites are the Milwaukee Ave. and Lake Shore Drive.
I'm wondering how I didn't know of this place sooner! -
Review from Sarah C.
Peabody, MA
11/20/2011
I LOVE the Spice House....I went w/my friend at least 7 years ago when we were visiting her sister and each time she goes back to visit I give her $$ to get me more spices, most definitely the JERK SEASONING....it's SO ridiculously good...I have jerk mix I got in Jamaica and I don't like it even a little in comparison...so now I"m just about out and I'm telling my husband "Santa" needs to get me at least another pound of the Jerk Chicken
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Review from L C.
Chicago, IL
6/3/2011
Am I in the wrong business or something? EVERYTIME I walk into the Spice Houses (Evanston too) there's 50 people working there.
So I exaggerate. Seriously though how come there's so many people/pirates there? What job positions do these agreeable staff pirates hold? Greeter, or rather Arrrghhher, Goodbyer, Buyer, Cashier, Duster (all that glass), Messier up of counter, Grinder, Manual receipt writer, Internet Sales Email Opener, Internet Sales Picker, Internet Sales Shipper, Looker of customer coming in-er.
I just want to lie down on the floor and have people politely step over me while I bathe in the wood and spice and niceness of all of those Spice Pirates. -
Review from Jessica M.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2011
National Treasure meets Marco Polo meets brainy foodies who know how to season.
Gave sets to friends and family for Christmas and actually got thank you cards this year.
I initially skipped past this place thinking it would be outrageously priced but the prices are better than any of the grocery stores peddling ancient, tasteless spices in those plastic bottles with red lids. -
Review from John H.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2011
They say that if you can hear the bells of St. Michael's, you're in Old Town. No need to limit the range of the neighborhood to one sense, though. If you can smell the scents of Spice House, you're in Old Town. Or possibly an adjacent neighborhood, or ten miles away. This place is quite pungent.
That's a good thing, though. Denizens of Old Town should be so lucky. Lots of fine scents floating throughout this city, really. Residents of West Lakeview are treated to the bakery aromas of Dinkel's, and anyone who works or lives near the Loop has picked up, without even trying, on the Blommer factory's chocolate production. And who could forget the nightly bouquet of stale hookers wafting out of Gibson's?
Now, it's always intimidating when you're walking into a Chicago institution for the first time, whether it's your first burger at Kuma's, your first dog at Hot Doug's, or your first hooker at Gibson's. Fear not, though. The folks at Spice House aren't bothered with any pretension (I think it's because they go home smelling so good every day). They'll be good enough to point out what you need for the best chili, why you should not snort anything in the shop, and where you'll find another place like this in Chicago (nowhere). Exceedingly knowledgeable and friendly folks, even to those like me who barely know salt from pepper.
After a sufficient amount of browsing and banter, I headed out with some chili pepper, cajun seasoning, and a Microplane Zester (a spice/cheese/citrus grater so efficient that some say it was responsible for the riots in Egypt).
I'm covered on spices for a while, but I'm more than ready for a trip back here. Several of their gift box sets have already staked their claim in future birthday and Christmas lists. I'm thinking the baker's special for mom and the fiery stuff for dad. Apropos of a man with ten different kinds of mustard in the fridge. Curse you and your crazy taste bud genes, old man. -
Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Open the door...do you smell that?
This is what the kitchen in heaven must smell like!!
Mmmmmmm.
The perfect store for cooks of all levels.
You want to jazz up dinner and don't know how?
Walk into The Spice House, tell them "I would like to cook...(fill in the protein/veggie blank) for dinner tonight and I want it to taste like...(fill in the flavor blank)" then one of the very knowledgeable, helpful staff will help you "spice up" any dish.
They have fantastic gift box sets.
I LOVE the ethnic "Chicago Neighborhood" spices...gotta love these names:
-Historic Pullman Porkchop Seasoning
-Argyle Street Asian Blend Mixed
-Greektown "Billygoat" Seasoning
-Bronzeville Rib Rub
-Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Pizzazz
-Back of the Yards Garlic-Pepper Butcher's Rub
-Pilsen Latino Seasoning
-Ukrainian Village Seasoning
-Bridgeport Seasoning
My all-time favorite... "Lake Shore Drive" Seasoning (mix of shallots, garlic, onion, chives, green peppercorns) I make an awesome veggie dip with it (recipe given to me by one of the staff)
I gave the "Some Like It Hot" Gift Box to one of my very favorite "Yelp Hot Heads" as part of her bridal shower gift, she loved it.
This review reminds me...I'm outta the LSD seasoning, I need to get more! -
Review from Annie G.
3/27/2011
Excellent spices and excellent customer service!! I have never been in the Spice House, but I have ordered online numerous times. The prices are far better than any brand you would find in the supermarket and the quality is incomparable. There is an amazing selection and when ordering online, I have always received my order very quickly.
I ordered a gift set for a friend and when it showed up the packaging was so well done. There were bay leaves and cinnamon sticks surrounding the spices and a printed out description of all the different spices.
My last order was shipped and then I got an email saying that they were able to save me money on the shipping cost and said they were going to credit back my credit card the extra money. That goes above and beyond for me.
Some of my favorites include the Italian blend, the herbs de Provence, the toasted granulated onion and the ancho chili powder.
I will only buy spices from here for now on. -
Review from Doug v.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2011 6 photos
Walking into this place is like going back in time. All spices are hand filled into the Spice House's signature black-capped jars. Purchases are totaled by hand behind a vintage cash register. Patrons can nibble on samples of candied ginger or sweet corn while they wait.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. When I go in with a list to refill my spice cabinet, they take the list and put my order into small plastic sacks so I don't have to keep purchasing their signature black-capped jars.
In terms of stock, there's nothing you can't find here. Nothing. Beyond herbs and spices, they sell any kind of dried pepper or dried mushroom you could ever need. They even have a full line of proprietary spice blends. Besides regional faves such as Cajun & Creole blends, they also have a fantastic line of Chicago-inspired blends and rubs. Must-tries include the Pullman Pork Chop Seasoning, Pilsen Latino Seasoning, Back of the Yards Butcher's Rub, Lake Shore Drive Seasoning, Bronzeville Rub, and so on. You can indulge in the trendy salt craze, finding every hue of salt, from black or red lava salts from Hawai'i to fleur du sel from France, to pink salt from the Himalayas. While you're there, splurge on the tiny jar of truffle salt. It will utterly transform your popcorn!Listed in: Local Businesses
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Review from Laura A.
Bartlett, IL
9/4/2011
Let it be known: I am a huge fan of the spice house. Their Chicago Spiced Sugar changed my life; my oatmeal has never been boring since. They've got awesome concoctions for every kind of recipe you could want, including really good meat rubs (and I'm a vegetarian -- grilled veggies are awesome with their Zaatar or Moroccan blends) and all the amazing ingredients you could want for baking. Plus weird things like lavender...they suggest it for bizzare things like homemade ice cream (who has the time?!) but actually it's perfect for a sock drawer or pillowcase.
The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because the Spice House in Geneva is better than the Old Town location...after going to both, the Geneva one, while being way out in the burbs, has employees who are much more friendly and helpful. I wish I could give 4.5 stars to the Old Town one, because a number of employees did ask to help me, but the one I ended up asking for a certain size of spice grater had to get it from the back room, and he took forever getting it! I had to wait while he chatted with another employee for several minutes while I was standing there waiting. Not cool.
so if you live in the burbs, hit up the Geneva spice house instead of trekking all the way to the city. They have all the same stuff anyway. -
Review from Sita B.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2011
I know my spices, or at least I thought I did until I walked in here. I've been shopping here for years and they hands down have the best quality for anything they sell. The ground cardamom is de-shelled before it's ground (i used to do it myself for baking, what a pain in the butt, just buy small quantities from them!), the cinnamon tastes unlike anything you'll find on your supermarket shelf, the chilles are simply gorgeous. My favorite blends are the cardamom/lavender sugar and the vulcan fire salt. If you sign up for their newsletter they'll let you know when they have free shipping specials. But for the quality they offer, if you buy the refill bags they have really terrific prices.
For nerds like me, their catalog is the perfect bedtime reading. I got a discount one time for being "such a fun customer". Hah! I guess I asked all the right questions. -
Review from John D.
Chicagoland, IL
10/27/2010
I'll keep this brief. I've been to my share of places and if you need spices, this is where you need to go. Spices I've never heard of are sold here. to feature some:
- 6 types of paprika.
- 18+ spices based on types of cuisine (American, German, Mexican, etc).
- CHEESE powders?!?!
- staff recommendations by type of cooking (meat, poultry, etc).
This place is gastronomic genius. It's incredible that they can keep all of this stuff straight. You can visit or shop online. You won't be disappointed in your purchase. The prices are very reasonable. Chances are you'll find a spice that you may not have thought about previously.Listed in: Chicago Metro Retail, Cook's Corner, Products I Like
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Review from lisa p.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2011
I have to write this review because of the customer service. I went in on a sunday afternoon and couldn't get anyone to help me. All I wanted was 4 oz of crushed red pepper. I waited at the desk for about 15 minutes while people bagged about 20 different spices then the employee would go and check the person out and not come back but go and help someone else. I was absolutely frustrated because all I wanted was 4 oz of crushed pepper which would have taken just less than a minute to bag.
Comment from Patty E. of The Spice House 11/22/2011
Please accept my sincere apology. We take customer service… More » -
Review from linda g.
10/28/2010
If you are looking for a gift that says "Chicago" The Spice House has Chicago -themed selections of spice blends named after Chicago neighborhoods.
This is a great thing to bring when you are House-Guesting... Blends named like Old Taylor Street Cheese Sprinkle, Lake Shore Drive Seasoning, Bronzeville Rib Rub, Back of the Yards Garlic-Pepper Butcher's Rub etc.
They pack them in a sturdy white box and use bay leaves and cinnimon sticks as packing "peanuts" ...And they include a Chicago map of the neighborhoods. I've given this gift about 6 times and people are still thanking me. -
Review from Isla E.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2010
If you haven't been to this place you are missing out. Unless you have a personal chef, you will definitely benefit from a trip here to make any food you prepare more exciting. So many different spices and salts! (and the olive oil store is just up the street)
Also, they have a whole collection of Chicago-themed neighborhood spice blends that make for cool gifts.
My only complaint is that they should carry maybe at least one lower grade of saffron. But their saffron set-up and selection is good, you don't have to buy a ton of it. Enjoy! -
Review from Kimberly C.
Palo Alto, CA
8/7/2011
this place is amazing..every spice you need is here..staff is amazing, they have great ideas and suggestions. Wish they had one of these in the bay area just like it.
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Review from Lucas P.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2011
Ran into this stow as I was in old town the other da, and this store is a little delight. It is a quaint small store that just has the spice selection that you may have been looking for. Really looking forward to getting some new spices from this store, and they allow you to purchase small enough amounts for trial purposes. They are not the most affordable store, but they do offer the largest selection and makes you forget about McCormick spices as they are usually overly dried and overly produced.
