Devon R.

Argo Tea

Argo Tea just about makes me want to stop drinking coffee. Their range of tea drinks is awesome, and they are all so tasty, from teappuccinos and tea lattes to bubble teas and chai. It really is amazing what they can do with tea! This isn't just your basic Lipton's tea here!

The atmosphere in the store is really nice and comfortable. It's a great place for conversation and stopping in for a bite. Their bakery and cafe also have some nice items. They are also a retailer of Illy coffee, and many looseleaf teas and coffee and tea accessories as well. This is a revolutionary tea shop that will make you reconsider your morning cup of coffee!

Active Endeavors

This store is filled with excellent high-end designer fashions for adults. They carry a great selection of T-shirts and jeans, all the great $100 and up brands such as Citizens of Humanity, Miss Sixty, Imitation of Christ, and even designers like Marc Jacobs. The fashion is cutting edge and the hippest of hip, and prices are not cheap. Store clerks are sometimes helpful, sometimes not, depending on the day. Their sale prices are good to watch for, but usually sizes can be limited. If you want to blow the bank on some ultra-hip clothes, Active Endeavors is the place to do it!

New Leaf Natural Grocery

New Leaf is a great natural foods store that carries above-average organic produce. They specialize in produce boxes filled with the freshed in-season fruits and vegetables. The boxes can be picked up or delivered, and you can choose from different price ranges. The store kind of has its own culture -- friendly and informative and always eager to help and discuss anything!

Edgewater Produce

Edgewater Produce on Chicago's North Side is mainly known as a Mexican ethnic grocery store, but the big secret is that they have excellent fresh produce at some of the best prices in the city. They frequently run specials, such as a dozen limes for a dollar, or two pounds of peaches for a dollar. The quality is comparable to what you'd find at your local farmer's market -- very good! They also have a nice meat section, and of course their selection of Mexican specialty foods can't be beat.

Rl Restaurant Ralph Lauren

RL Chicago is the Ralph Lauren restaurant, and like the designer, the food is traditional, classic, and chic -- with a twist. Their menu is upscale American and very tasty, but beyond the food is the atmosphere. To die for! So rich and warm and comfortable. The decor is as mulitfaceted as the fashion line, including many photos of American icons and symbolic images. Service is impeccible and only adds to the enjoyment. This is a place to sit and savor your meal and the wonderful surroundings!

Cupcakes

Who doesn't love cupcakes? Cupcakes bakery takes cupcakes to a new level. Now they're gourmet! They're the perfect little treat, and Cupcakes makes flavor combinations you've never heard of, including chocolate Merlot (one of my favorites), spumoni, and double coconut. Their menu changes weekly so you can try different cupcakes all the time! They also do a good job on classic, more traditional cupcakes. Their cake is moist and delicious, and not too sweet, and the icings have a great consistency. The shop is cute, and the cupcakes are priced according to their haute cuisine status (not cheap, but worth every penny). These are ideal for special occasions, incuding birthdays and other celebrations -- but they're a great treat for everyday too!

Metropolis Coffee Company

There's a good reason Chicago Magazine voted Metropolis as the best latte in the city -- this coffee shop rules! Not only is this a great place to go and drink coffee and hang out in their newly expanded store, but it's also a great place to buy beans. They are roasted in-house and are of the highest quality. The blends are skillfuly mixed and roasted and the prices are better than what you would see in other bigger coffee chains. Food and Wine Magazine also rated it one of the 10 best coffee houses in the country! Stop by and see why! I'm sure you'll agree.

Parkview Pet Supply

Parkview Pets is a great place to shop for your pets if you don't want to go to a national chain pet store retailer where it can be impersonal and boring. They offer many of the same products at the same good prices -- and they have a large selection of organic and natural pet foods. I especially appreciate the store because they don't overlook cats and have a lot of great cat toys you don't see anywhere else. They also have pet adoption listings and can help you find a new pet if you're looking to add one to your family. This is a great store with personalized serivce, and everyone is friendly and truly loves pets!

Higher Gear

My husband bought his new fixed-gear bike at this shop, and he was really happy with the service there. The shop offers more high-end bikes and is geared toward serious bike enthusiasts. They offered personalized service and one-on-one attention, and he was happy with their advice and expertise. It's a high quality shop with high quality gear!

Sweet Occasions and More

Sweet Occasions in Andersonville serves up delicious ice cream and many other treats, such as baked goods and cakes. The number of ice cream flavors is astounding -- it's so hard to decide! But the high-quality ice cream is so rich and creamy that you can't go wrong whatever your decision. The atmosphere in the shop is homey and comfortable, with dark wood and an old-world feel. They also offer a great selection of sandwiches and salads, to go along with your ice cream or shake!