Strange Beauty Show
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1261 N Paulina Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Colleen C. writes: Ok, so as it turns out...I can't handle a large, blonde streak in the front of my hair. I tried dutifully for nearly 2 weeks, and nope...I just cannot. Every morning I would wake and face myself...and every morning I'd wince at the sight of my…

Sine Qua Non Salon
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2766 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60686

Rocky B. writes: I feel guilty this morning because I totally cheated on my hair stylist last night. After a few cuts that I wasn't too happy with and especially after my last cut I decided to try and seek out a new stylist. Did some searches on naturallycurly.com…

Urban Lift Hair Salon
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3639 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Colleen C. writes: Ok, so technically I ended up at Urban Lift because I got a flat tire, and kadunka dunked it to Ashland Tire & Auto, about 2 blocks away from the salon. I simply could not justify squandering an entire hour while my hunka junka was getting outfitted…

Fuego Mexican Grill

17 W Campbell St
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Jennifer B. writes: 5 star drinks and salsa, 3 star food.  What kind of a mexiacan restaurant doesn't have HARD shells!!!  Actually, the salsa, guac and tequila make an excellent meal.

Also, the only place to give me a sombrero on my 39th birthday!

Andale!

Yojimbo's Garage
Neighborhood: Near North Side

1310 N Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60610

jen d. writes: i have not been here in years but marcus is really nice and helpful and i really like the store. it's like the cool dive bar of bike shops. does that make sense?

Fine Wine Brokers
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4621 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Robert F. writes: Holy mackeral can these guys talk about wine!  Especially Gerhard (the owner).  His knowledge is so thorough, you'd think he invented the stuff.  He can ramble on a bit, but if you get past that, you'll walk out with a pretty thorough education on…

The Professionals Inc Moving Specialists
Neighborhood: Irving Park

3801 N St Louis Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Pam J. writes: I've been struggling to find the perfect title to describe our moving day on Sunday August 26, 2007:

"Three Brothers and Hercules"
"82nd Airborne-esque Rescue and Evac"
"4 Smiling Faces and Positive Attitudes Prevent 2 Cardiac Arrests"
"I Have Seen the…

Bonsoiree
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2728 W Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Natalie R. writes: When I was in high school and college and would flip through Architectural Digest or Bon Appetite, I would see pictures of happy, healthy, well-dressed, interesting, and apparently affluent people eating dishes with amazingly long names that were…

Canady Le Chocolatier
Neighborhood: South Loop

824 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

Lauren H. writes: Some say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, well, one of the ways to this woman's heart (amongst other of her places) is through fine chocolate.  I have not been in the store, but received a very thoughtful gift of a box of truffles.…

Sister's Salon
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville

845 N Michigan Ave
Ste 964W
Chicago, IL 60611

Xtie G. writes: Look, I don't do this very often.  Admittedly I used to come here more often before got married, but you know how it is.  It just seems like $150 a month is a lot to spend on a perpetually baby-smooth cootch, y'know?  But on that special occasion…

Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea
Neighborhood: The Loop

53 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604

JC D. writes: What can I say that hasn't already been said?

Fair-trade coffee baby!

The wait is unexpected, but worth the wait. The coffee is amazing.
I recently made a switch from Breve to Soy Latte, because I'm lactose intolerant. There, I said it!!  
The switch…

Eclecticity
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4718 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625

Tari F. writes: Eclecticity is my favorite store in the entire city!  

The stock is, as one might expect, eclectic - jewelry, tchachkes, vintage photos and books and sheet music and magazine covers and china and typewriters, gorgeous/hilarious/whimsi cal stationery,…

Fish Keg

2233 W Howard St
Chicago, IL 60645

jessica c. writes: The Fish Keg is one of those places that makes me realize that my life was incomplete before destiny brought me here. My B.F.K. (Before Fish Keg) self was OK with settling for mediocrity. No longer!

For a die-hard fan of fried food like myself, this…

Permanent Records
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

1914 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

majel e. writes: I already bought the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack, so unless they have multiple copies you might as well give it up... they seem to have quite a collection for such a teeny place though, so I'm sure you'll be fine.

Lush Wine and Spirits
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

2232 W. Roscoe
Chicago, IL 60618

Ellie B. writes: After attending the Yelp event at the University Village location, I thought I would check out this stop, much closer to my abode.

Loved this shop!  Phenomenal selection of $10 and under wines.  Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

I can't imagine…

Anne Suh, M.D.
Neighborhood: The Loop

111 W Washington St
Ste 1801
Chicago, IL 60602

Andrea R. writes: Wow...just left Dr Suh's office and boy am I impressed.  I owe Kelly M & Julie B for this fabulous find!

I've been seeing my previous internist for about 5 years and haven't been overly pleased with her during my last few appointments.  Lately I get…

Baby Wants Candy
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2540 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Andrea R. writes: We were standing in the lobby waiting to be admitted into the Apollo Theater when I noticed the scowl on my fiance's face. I asked what's wrong and he informed me that he doesn't like improv and it was late (he's getting to be a very old man if he…

BomBon 4
Neighborhood: The Loop

170 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602

Julia W. writes: Oh boy, I think Bombon is just a little too close to work.  

Now here's something--I'm a brown-bagger.  I've been bringing my lunch to work with me since my first job.  Bombon Cafe is not necessarily the cheapest lunch option out there, but DAY-UM…

Magnifique Nail Salon
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Old Town

153 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610

Annie Y. writes: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!  This is the best nail salon that I've been to!  

My friends and I went on Sunday and every day they have mani + pedi for $35, which I think is a great deal.  Everyone here is really friendly and we were seated in the back…

LUSH
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

859 W Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614

Katarina X. writes: How to Seduce Clueless Man (using appropriately named products from Lush):
Fill bath with warm water and deposit one Lush bath bomb in "Sex Bomb" scent.
Retain second bomb for later.
Display array of Lush soaps (Sanadalwood bar and King of Skin Bar)…

Argo Tea
Neighborhood: Near North Side

819 N Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60610

Michelle B. writes: I cannot stop thinking about their gingerbread chai!

It has replaced any chance of sugar plums dancing in my head.

Adams & Son Gardens
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

1057 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

julie e. writes: Wandering home one night, I thought it would be nice to get a plant for my home.  It was winter, so the shop's usually plentiful outdoor section was barren, and the front windows were coated from the inside with the mist of a well-hydrated plant…

Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
Neighborhood: Near Southside

1300 S Linn White Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Rachelle G. writes: What a great venue!  I honestly don't think there is a bad seat, not to mention, in addition to the stage view, you get a nice view of downtown's skyline.

Didn't buy anything here so I can't comment on prices but there are plenty of concession stands…

Coco Rouge
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1940 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Nancy K. writes: "I tasted life"  Emily Dickinson
A quote from their front page

This is an upscale mom and pop fine chocolatier, run by the husband and wife team of Erika and Jeremy who met while attending school at Le Cordon Bleu in London. The in house kitchen is…

Roscoe Village Animal Hospital
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

3131 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Allison G. writes: Please refer to my review of North Center Animal Hospital for an explanation on why I began bringing my dog here... I don't feel like typing it again!

I absolutely *love* the people that work at this office.  Every single person working there - at the…

Be By Baby
Neighborhood: Lakeview

1654 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60657

Matt W. writes: My wife and I are dirty granola hippie attachment parents and carrying our nine month old in a sling goes with the territory. We co-sleep, we cloth diaper and pretty much follow the stereotype to the letter. So imagine our horror when we pulled our…

Ravenswood Pub
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Edgewater

5455 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60640

Colleen C. writes: I really just like Ravenswood as a "name" in general. I like the street, I like that it runs right by the Metra tracks, gaining it an almost "backwoods/abandoned" feel. I like the name, the neighborhood named after it, I like ravens in general as…

Weegee's Lounge
Neighborhood: Logan Square

3659 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Vaughn C. writes: I often wish to myself that I could view life from the lens of Christopher Doyle and Wong Kar-wai: dark ambiance contrasting wistful plumes of smoke, Nat King Cole crooning softly in the background, and Maggie Cheung in a slow motion swagger. If any…

Molina Molina Salon
Neighborhood: Near North Side

54 W Maple St
Chicago, IL 60610

heather h. writes: I work in the city, a friend saw a review on yelp and tried  Ann Riordan. She recommended I try Ann. She said she spent a great deal of time with new clients. I see someone in the burbs where I live. I thought what the heck. I feel weird seeing…

Stubbs Cafe
Neighborhood: North Center

3827 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Colleen C. writes: :::::cash only::::::

I could not fathom a better place to spend a rainy Thursday. Bright (well, as bright as possible, I suppose), open, relatively clean...full of nomadic, studious folks. Laptops aplenty, original art splayed about, and some…

Bare Escentuals
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Streeterville

855 N Michigan
Chicago, IL 60611

Erika G. writes: The best makeup on the planet. I'm skincare obsessed, and always liked the *idea* of powder for a flawless finish, but could never wear it 'cos my skin is too dry. No more! This stuff makes my face look airbrushed with just a little bit. And no…

Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

715 W Devon Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Nancy K. writes: New Indian restaurant that had a soft opening on 10.04, that is owned and operated by a US Army Soldier, Chris, who is a down to earth and friendly guy.  Large and spacious room with a nice decor.  The lunch buffet has a very good selection, tasty…

Lavazza Cafe
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

134 N LaSalle St
Chicago, IL 60602

Julia W. writes: Never mind my caffeine sensitivity and that I've slept like crap for almost 2 weeks now...  There is something about the foam at Lavavavavazza (as I like to call it) I cannot resist.  I have a special place in my heart for the latte artistry at…

Yogaview
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2211 N Elston
#200
Chicago, IL 60614

Kimberly C. writes: I'm cheating on my old yoga studio. But those long distance relationships never work out... you know how it goes. I know I said I'd never love another studio as I loved Tranquil Space. I stand corrected. Sorry old studio, I'm with yogaview now.…

The Spot
Neighborhood: Uptown

4437 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60640

Amy H. writes: My new favorite bar in Chicago!

I came to The Spot a few weeks ago to watch the Packer/Seahawks playoff game.  I initially went to The Spot just because it was a Packer bar.  I didn't really care about anything else, but this bar (quoting my 15 year…

Kozy's Cyclery
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

219 W Erie St
Chicago, IL 60610

Andrea R. writes: I used to think that spinning shoes were just an unnecessary way for the fitness industry to make money. I've been spinning for years and my regular running shoes work just fine.  However, I've been looking around the dozens and dozens of people…

Insight Studios
Neighborhood: Noble Square

1026 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

Maya C. writes: HOLE...IN MY FACE.

I finally did it. I grew a pair and finally got pierced.

Bob Jones was great. He was really calm and talked to my friend and I about everything we needed to know about aftercare. He also talked me through the piercing procedure,…

Gino's East

8725 W Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60686

Holly T. writes: Now that I've had Chicago cornmeal crust pizza, I don't know if I can go back.

Let me back up a little. My obsession with cornmeal goes way back. You might even say it went as far back as when I used to chow down on Hopi piki during my Arizona…

Knit 1
Neighborhood: North Center

3823 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Carrie M. writes: I love this yarn shop. The shabby chic shop with a pretty orange wall, antique mirror, and modern touch of white cubes is a delight to be there everytime. The yarn is high quality and worth every penny. The shop always has a good selection of Misti…