400.sh.ft.shoppingawards.readerschoice.MilkHandmade07xSS.jpg
Photograph: Nicole RadjaMilk Handmade is one of the best shops in Uptown.
Photograph: Nicole Radja

The best Uptown shops

A shopping corridor has sprung up south of Foster, but there's still a ton of opportunity for Uptown shops

Advertising

Uptown shopping is on its way up. The neighborhood isn't yet considered boutique central, but with Andersonville's Clark Street corridor extending south of Foster into Uptown, new Chicago shops from furniture stores to adult stores are taking the leap. Still, there are a lot of empty retail pockets to fill. But with the mayor's plans for an Uptown makeover in the works, there's nowhere for Uptown shops to go but...well, you know.

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Uptown

Top Uptown shopping

  • Shopping
  • Design and interiors
  • Uptown
  • price 3 of 4
Baan Home
Baan Home
Baan means home in Thai. It's a fitting name since this shop features reasonably priced antiques from all over Asia. Look for chest and vases, as well as plenty of other fine furniture selections. Baan also sells candles and spa goods, such as bath salts and all-natural soaps.
  • Shopping
  • Sex shops
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4
Early to Bed
Early to Bed
This lady-friendly sex shop offers workshops, toys, lubes and weekly specials. Don't worry, fellas—there are plenty of options here for you, too.
Advertising
  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4
Foursided
Foursided
It's as if the two Lakeview outposts of Foursided (one featuring custom frames, the other greeting cards and gifts) have morphed into the ultimate home-design general store. Yes, frames and greeting cards still make up a big chunk of the shop, but we're all about the prints (including vintage maps and medical charts) and other cheeky art, such as reproductions of weathered flash cards.
  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4
Milk Handmade
Milk Handmade
TOC readers crowned this Uptown shop as 2012's Best New Boutique in our annual Shopping Awards, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Owner Hallie Borden focuses on handmade women’s clothing and accessories, which is especially refreshing in a ’hood full of home-decor shops.
Advertising
  • Shopping
  • Sports
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4
A Nearly New Shop
A Nearly New Shop
Looking for an awesome, affordable used bike that no one else will be riding? How about a quick, easy spot to get your bike fixed? Head to this Uptown shop for vintage Schwinns (1971 raspberry Schwinn for $200, anyone?), Columbia Trailheads, repairs and more. Note: It's cash only.
  • Shopping
  • Womenswear
  • Uptown
  • price 2 of 4
Notice
Notice
This family-owned accessories and gift shop makes its city debut in Uptown, joining two successful suburban outposts in Evanston and Barrington. Look for a wide variety of handbags (including a large selection of Orla Kiely styles), as well as Jonathan Adler ceramics, handmade jewelry and personal-care products.
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising