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City Cast Chicago

Keep It Local

Keep It Local by City Cast Chicago spotlights local businesses we love with personal, curated, and neighborly recommendations to help you live your best Chicago life. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and big box stores,

 sign up now for the new weekly newsletter from City Cast Chicago

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Kayleigh Padar

Do you ever look around the city and think to yourself, “Someone should make a board game about this?” Well, for the past eight years, the independent artists behind the gift shop 

, Transit Tees’ teams of creators enjoy the challenge of capturing all the things that make Chicago unique through interactive activities.

“We always want to have an insider’s angle, like, ‘If you know you know,’ and if you live here, you get it,” said owner Tim Gillengerten. “There’s so much joy here. We love celebrating Chicago and expressing that experience in our products so people can connect with the city.”

” players race to strategically visit five El stations and return to The Loop before anyone else.

“We had a family tell us that they draw their five destinations, play the game, and then make a day out of physically going to each of those stops and exploring those neighborhoods,” Gillengerten said. “I love that they found a way to use the game to expand their knowledge about the city.”

It typically takes the Transit Tees team about a year to design a game, but they usually repurpose some of the art to create lines of related gifts and apparel.

“It’s been really fun for us to draw and design the games, and to strategize about creating the gameplay,” Gillengerten said. “When we made The El, I laid out a map of the CTA in the office. We all grabbed stuff from our desks, like a box of Tic Tacs and a razor, just started strategizing about how we could turn the concept into a game.”

” — a drinking card game named after the classic dive bar combo of a shot of Malort and Old Style chaser. It’s filled with trivia questions and challenges based on common city experiences.

 about their next board game project, “Dibs,” where players can build a parking empire by saving spots with junk from the garage.

From board games about the city’s history to puzzles of iconic maps to card decks featuring local wildlife, Transit Tees’ teams of creators enjoy the challenge of capturing all the things that make Chicago unique through interactive activities. 

A board game that's centered around Chicago

How Transit Tees Turns Chicago’s Quirks Into Board Games

I’m pretty sure any kid who has to return to spending their days inside deserves a little treat.

From vintage toys to a workshop series for aspiring toy inventors, I’ve compiled a list of places that’ll help you spoil the kids in your life as they get back into the swing of sitting still and studying.

Why buy toys off a regular, boring shelf when you could make an afternoon out of grabbing them with a claw machine? Claw It at 2252 S. Canal St. has 

 filled with plush toys, collectibles, Pokémon cards, candies, and soda. They also host kids’ birthday parties!

🧸 If you win a handful of smaller plushies and toys, you can trade them in for a bigger prize. 

 at 2532 W. Fullerton Ave. has over 2,500 square feet of “Vintage, Toys, Arts & Farts,” making it one of the largest vintage toy shops in the city. They specialize in toys from the 80s and 90s, and regularly host group art shows themed around toys and pop culture. And if you’re in the market for fake poop, they’ve got that too!

🪀 If you have an old bin of Barbies or My Little Ponies or Star Wars action figures lying around, you can sell them at the shop! Just 

 of items they’re looking for before you go.

, which has locations all over the city, offers an extensive selection of toys organized neatly into themes, like “blast from the past,” “planes, trains, and automobiles,” “unicorns, rainbows, and sparkles,” and much more. If you send them your budget and a description of what the kid in your life is interested in, they’ll curate a pre-wrapped box of goodies.

 that’s perfect for commemorating the first day of classes.

 at 4749 N. Lincoln Ave. curates the store based on his passion for child development. This fall, they’re hosting 

 for the “Young Inventors Challenge,” where kids aged 6-15 can turn an idea into a real toy or game, build a prototype, and pitch it to the toy industry.

📚 For a back-to-school season sale, Timeless Toys is offering 15% off on all books through Aug. 28. On the last day of the sale, 

From vintage toys to a workshop series for aspiring toy inventors, Here's a list of places that’ll help you spoil the kids in your life as they get back into the swing of sitting still and studying. 

Some of the Best Toy Stores in Chicago

Your Guide to Chicago’s Toy Stores

Even now, my dad always texts me when he sees the school supply sections pop up in grocery stores. So, think of this roundup as me passing along the favor.

Whether you’re actually going back to school soon or you just love analog hobbies, these local shops will help you find all kinds of stationery goodies you didn’t even know you needed!

I know they’re viral on social media, and there’s always a line out the door, but I’m here to promise you that 

 at 5208 N. Clark St. is worth the hype. This queer-owned small business recently expanded into a bigger space, and it’s filled to the brim with journaling supplies and hard-to-find international brands.

🎨 The owners are working to launch Paper & Pencil Creative Studio in their former retail space at 1480 W. Berwyn Ave. They plan to offer meetups, open studio hours, pop-up markets, and creative workshops. Check out their 

Buying art supplies doesn’t have to be expensive. 

 at 1754 N. Kimball Ave. is like a thrift store for art supplies. Last year, they kept more than 50 tons of craft materials out of landfills and provided them to local creatives at more affordable prices.

🧵Overwhelmed by all the choices? Pick your favorite type of craft, and they’ll 

 at 2321 N. Milwaukee Ave. designs and prints a full line of their own greeting cards and gifts that are sold in 750 stores throughout the country. In addition to their original creations, you can find a wide variety of planners, journals, coloring books, notepads, and writing materials.

🌃 I’m a sucker for anything Chicago-themed, and they have an entire 

If you’re looking for tools that feel luxurious, this is the place to check out. 

 at 1463 N. Milwaukee Ave. has a very elevated vibe and aims to offer products that fit seamlessly into your daily rituals. They also have a second location in Lincoln Park at 810 W. Armitage Ave.

, this Japanese company offers quality home goods that’ll make your desk feel fancier.

Some of the Best Stationary Shops According to Us

Your Guide to Chicago’s Stationery Stores

“Everyone will always need to buy pens,” is the mantra that inspired Brendan Schmidt’s great-grandfather to open 

 in 1939. For decades, the family-run shop delivered office supplies in bulk to offices in the Loop.

“In years where business in the city was good, you’d see a ton of sales for black ink, and in years when it was bad, red pen sales skyrocketed,” said Brendan, who co-owns the store at 227 W. Lake St. with his brother Brian Schmidt.

When most Downtown offices shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the store was suddenly forced to change its business model. For the first time in the family business’ history, people actually 

So, Brendan and Brian shifted their focus toward selling fine writing instruments and stationery to individuals. 

“When I joined the team back in 2018, I thought my job was going to be selling paper and staplers, like Dunder Mifflin style,” Brendan said. “So, you can imagine I was thrilled when we made the decision to pivot, because the stuff we sell now is way more fun to be around than copy paper.”

If you’re new to stationery like Brendan was, his advice is: keep an open mind. It’s normal not to understand why anyone would buy a $20 (

) pen until you’ve used one yourself, he joked.

“We have people who’ve finally bought a nice fountain pen, and come back a week later, like ‘What did you guys do to me?’” Brendan laughed. “Before you know it, they’ve got a ton of pens, and some stickers, and that collection grows.”

Over the past six years, the shop has grown rapidly because journaling as a hobby has grown in popularity. Many of Atlas’ regular customers buy supplies for “

,” a messy mix of scrapbooking and notetaking.

Whether you’re working with the finest materials or some random hotel pens from your junk drawer, the point of journaling is to set aside some time for yourself to slow down, Brendan said.

“Journaling is a form of art and creativity on its own,” Brendan said. “We don’t always have to rush and jot down a note and move on. We can enjoy the process. The best thing is that there’s no rhyme or reason to any of it. I know people who have a journal ecosystem, with three different notebooks that each have their own theme. You can really do anything you want.”

For decades, the family-run shop delivered office supplies in bulk to offices in the Loop.

Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades

Family-Run Atlas Stationers Has Supplied Chicago’s Pens For Decades

Even though my dog prefers to eat at home, I’ve compiled some outdoor patio spots that I think your dogs would love. I’ve included one spot that is dog friendly-ish, and one spot that is totally dog-free, just in case you want a night off!

If you’d like some more options, check out Block Club Chicago’s 

. They even have a checkbox that indicates if the spot is dog-friendly!

 at 3509 W. Fullerton Ave. boasts a 6,000-square-foot beer garden with plenty of tables, lawn games, and firepits. When your pup’s ready for dessert, offer them the

 made with yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter.

🥂Does your dog like brunch? Try Park & Field’s 

, and taste-test a selection of over 70 beers, cocktails, and spiked slushies.

After your dog dips their paws in the water at Montrose Dog Beach, head over to 

at 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr. for a quick refresh! While you enjoy a salad or fish & chips, your furry friend can order a chicken breast, hamburger patty, or cup of whipped cream.

 even includes craft beer. It’s non-alcoholic, of course, and comes in two flavors: beefy brown ale or chicken porter.

Okay, this is the part of the list where we’re slowly transitioning toward patios with fewer dogs. 

 at 1818 W. 99th St. found a way to make everyone happy. While dogs aren’t allowed on the patio itself, you can drop them off at the “Barking Lot”— a fully-fenced dog park where your dog can hang out while you grab a coffee.

🍋I LOVE when a coffee shop has homemade lemonade. Check out 

 which is freshly squeezed lemonade with strawberry and lavender syrups.

Even dog-parents need a night off once in a while. Take a break on this dog-free patio outside of 

 at 1711 N. Halsted St. This old-school Italian restaurant offers a quiet alcove that’s glowing with fairy lights, perfect for a peaceful summer night.

, which is a grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass filet served with vegetables, or 

, which features sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a cream sauce.

Want to enjoy patio weather, but hate leaving your pup at home? Check out our guide on the best dog-friendly patios in Chicago.

Dog-Friendly Patios in Chicago

Your Guide to Dog-Friendly Patios

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a 

. Since then, the venue has blended live music, performance art, and gallery spaces “for the good of art, entertainment, and events.”

“From the outside, people might think that we’re still a church with a practicing congregation, but once you go inside, you realize how unique it is,” said gallery director Vincent Uribe. “People are always blown away. It’s fun to see people come in and start to imagine all the things they can do with the space.”

,” features a stage that’s equipped to host shows of all kinds, from jazz ensembles to complex theatrical productions. Walk up a grand staircase to find “The Sanctuary,” a vintage room with 

vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows

 that’s suited for cabaret-style music productions, literary arts, comedy, and magic shows.

Nestled underneath the building, you’ll find “

,” which feature original stone walls, wood beams, and a dimly lit champagne bar.

 every season that are free and open to the public.

“We’re not a white-room gallery space, our space is multi-functional and every room is unique,” Uribe said. “We open all of the galleries at the same time so that you can have an adventure going upstairs and downstairs, and getting lost within the building itself while you discover the art and music.”

When booking artists and performers, Epiphany’s curators strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and foster a space where established artists can work alongside emerging artists.

“I notice people tend to be really excited for each other, and the community feels tight-knit,” Uribe said. “For me, what makes Chicago’s arts and music scene unique is how supportive the community is of one another.”

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a shuttered, historic church at 201 S. Ashland Ave. into Epiphany Center for the Arts. Since then, the venue has blended live music, performance art, and gallery spaces “for the good of art, entertainment, and events.”

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts

From a rehabilitated opera house to a theater with its own craft brewery, there’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of my favorite spots in town where you can check out acts ranging from the biggest names in music to your neighbor’s garage band.

Modeled after the Prague opera house, the original 

 finished construction in 1892 at 1807 S. Allport St. It was restored in 2013, and has since regained its reputation as a community gathering place. Stop by for a show, grab 

, or sit down at its in-house restaurant.

 and collects donations for the Pilsen Food Pantry. Attendees can experience live music and explore a market of local vendors.

 at 1035 N. Western Ave. has hosted musicians of all genres in a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. Personally, I spend most of my time here playing pinball in the lobby. I love that there’s a quieter alcove to hide away in whenever the music gets too loud.

a Lolla afterparty with indie acts After and (Chicago’s own!) Sunshy

 at 3520 S. Halsted St. is home to an indie music venue, craft brewery, and taproom. The owners live just a few blocks from the theater with their three kids. Look closely, and you’ll see signs that this 1,800+ capacity venue was once a movie theater over a century ago.

 that combines Latinx and Electronic music in an “immersive sensory journey.”

at 2011 W. North Ave. has been a cornerstone for live music in Wicker Park. The owner has worked to preserve the original features of the historic building, including an iconic chandelier that hangs above the dance floor. Originally built in the 1890s, the building once served as a brothel, bath house, and a wire room for gambling during the Prohibition era.

🏢 If you didn’t get enough of The Strokes at Lolla, check out the 

 featuring the band and their many rock influences, including Blondie, Talking Heads, Arctic Monkeys, and more.

There’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of our favorite spots in town.

City Cast's Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Two decades ago, The Recyclery at 7628 N. Paulina St. was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the Rogers Park shop has 

helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug,

" as program coordinator Tzippora Rhodes put it.

“It has expanded so much from an insular group of friends into lots of people who are motivated by our mission, love bikes, and love getting their hands greasy,” Rhodes said.

The nonprofit has refurbished more than 10,000 bikes that otherwise would’ve ended up in a landfill. You can also drop by the shop to borrow their tools and fix your own bike!

Through its Earn-A-Bike Program, the group has seen how putting bikes in people’s hands can make a powerful change in their lives. The Recyclery 

distributes 250 free bikes to the community each year

Whether it’s a teen who no longer has to ask their parents for rides or an adult who doesn’t have to rely on public transportation to get to work on time, bikes increase people’s autonomy and change people’s relationship with the city.

“It’s invigorating,” Rhodes said. “You’re outside among people. It changes your commute from a passive and often aggravating thing into a more energetic, joyful experience.”

The Recyclery offers bike repair and bike safety classes, so riders can feel more confident on the roads. It also partners with local schools to offer internships and is currently hosting 17 teen summer interns.

“I live really close to the shop, and it’s always been a bright light in the neighborhood,” said summer photography youth intern Denise Lee. “Whenever I’m here, there’s always someone who draws me into a conversation. I’ve learned a lot through the program, especially how to deal with anxiety around talking to people.”

Two decades ago, The Recyclery was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the shop has helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug," 

How The Recyclery Helps Chicagoans Catch the 'Bike Bug'

Repair and Refurbishment Help The Recyclery Spread the ‘Bike Bug’

From the lakefront to the 606 to the Major Taylor Trail to all the neighborhood bike lanes, Chicago’s a great place to 

. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

 It was founded by two women who wanted to create a supportive environment for women cyclists of all abilities. Their goal is to be the kindest, most approachable shop in the city.

💪 Training for a race? You don’t have to do it alone! BFF Bikes offers monthly triathlon

If you’re looking for the kinds of bikes professionals are riding during Chicago Grit, visit 

 at 2030 W. Hubbard St. The shop specializes in custom-designed and custom-built bicycles, high-quality replacement parts, and accessories.

, where you can learn anything from basic bike maintenance to professional bike building and repairs.

Working Bikes at 2434 S. Western Ave. is a 

 with tons of affordable refurbished bikes for sale. The nonprofit uses money raised in the shop to give away thousands of free bikes throughout the city and across the world.

🗑️ Since its inception in 1999, Working Bikes has saved more than 10,000 bikes from ending up in landfills every year.

 at 4710 N. Damen Ave. has helped riders repair their bikes and get back on the road. Even if you’re not in the market for a new ride, they encourage people to stop by and chat about cycling. (Can you tell these guys really like bikes?)

🔎 If you have no idea what kind of bike you want, Turin Bicycle’s in-house kinesiologist will 

do a full evaluation and recommend a style

 that best suits your body type and individual needs.

Not quite sure where to start? Check out this 

 that covers how to choose the perfect bike, offers maintenance tips, and provides even more recommendations.

Chicago’s a great place to navigate on two wheels. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

Bike shops in Chicago

Where To Buy A Bike In Chicago

Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.

 opened at 4105 N. Lincoln Ave. earlier this year

“Since there are so many bookstores in Chicago, we wanted to do something unique,” Jeff said. “It’s worked out really well for us because we get to stock the books that we want to read and focus on the genres that we’re most passionate about.”

Both of the genres feature familiar structures and are known for grabbing readers’ attention.

“They’re books that just keep rolling, you don’t really run into slow spots,” Amanda said. “There’s always something to look forward to, and you know that in the end, you’ll get a resolution in a thriller or you’ll get a happy ending with a romance.

Right now, the shop is full of books that take place during the summer, from beachfront mysteries to romantic road trips.

If you’re looking for a thriller, Jeff recommended 

, a twist-y thriller in which a woman travels to the remote island where her fiancé died in a tragic accident in order to uncover what happened to him.

If romance is more your style, Amanda suggested 

, which came out earlier this year and “had me giggling.” It follows a chronically ill woman who’s about to open a cannabis dispensary when she’s rudely interrupted by her next-door neighbor, a doctor with a lifelong vendetta against weed.

“I love that we specialize in two genres that are really meant to be an escape, they’re just meant to be fun to read,” Jeff said. “There’s no pressure to overthink, but you can still explore so many different topics.”