Ros R.

Muddy Waters Coffee House

A low-key neighborhood hangout place. If I lived in this neighborhood, I would definitely be here frequently.

Good coffee, the food is alright, friendly service.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Urban Ore

This place is especially great for building materials, kitchenware, and office supplies.

There is a constant inflow and outflow of things, but one useful, mainstream thing I can always count on to be here are office supplies. Don't ever buy paper products, binders, desk organizers, bulletin boards or anything of that sort ever again.

The salvage materials and all are great and amazing and provide for fun projects, but the office supplies really stand out to me because I need them for my work (a small non-profit, which means we are in charge of supplying whatever we need).

There are other salvage places, used book stores, clothing thrift stores, and used tools (ever gone to the Laney College Lake Merritt Flea Market? That's the place to go if you're looking for tools.) But I can always go to Urban Ore to supply the office with these needed (but usually expensive for their value and wastefully-produced) items.

Also check out the East Bay Depot for Creative ReUse for other paper goods.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Semifreddis Bakery

Touted as local and preservative-free, they make massive quantities of "additive-free" bread. it's even made with wild yeasts.

What's better than buying their bread is checking out the often still warm and steaming bread that's in their numerous BREAD-ONLY dumpsters! Sourdough, foccaccia bread, cinnamon twist... never buy bread again. give bread to your friends or strangers. it's good, clean, newly placed-in-there stuff. and it's still in those breadbags. Mmm, rescued food.

Excluded from Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser because chain store reviews are ineligible.

Skokie Theatre Music Foundation

This place is wonderful. Downtown Skokie needs a place like this- heck, every town needs a place like this.
It is an old movie theatre converted into a music venue/performance venue/community space.

The only drawback is that there is seating, but it's theatre-style seating so it is easy to see no matter where one is sitting.

Their mission is: "to educate aspiring musicians in the business of music, and also provide a state-of-the-art venue for their talents."

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Als Cycle Shop

This little cycle shop is tucked away on the edge of downtown Skokie. When I was looking desperately for a bike box so I could take my bike on a plane, they were the only ones who offered one for free.

It turns out that this place has been there for at least 20 years! And it's owned by pretty much the same folks who started it. The lock and other accessories I bought was a bit cheaper than I had seen it at other bike shops, and the person there (not Al, but I forget his name) was courteous and helpful. We talked bikes for a little bit, and I went on my merry way.

Go here. Patronize this business. More little bike shops are needed, and I believe this might be the only independent one in Skokie. They're great.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

The Mexican Shop

The title about sums it up. They sell a lot of things that would be under $5 or $10 in a market, but here, it is sold for at least twice or even five times that. You are better off scrounging in a resale shop or looking for it online, unless you have a lot of money and are in a rush.

The clothes and accessories are pretty and hip, but are at stupid prices.

At least they're independent (ly grubbing for your money while expending a minimal amount of effort to pocket it?... It's a drag to shop here.)

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

The Pita Inn

I love food. And when I love a restaurant, that means something.

My favorite baba ghannouj (indescribably good) and tabouleh in the world (not overloaded with bulgur, lemony, tangy, flavorful, plenty of green, with delicious marinated tomato and onion bits).

Really good falafel sandwiches (the patties are crunchy, but not dry. moist and steaming and very tasty) with lots of tahini sauce. I now live in California, which is kinda hippie-falafel-land, but they got nothin on Pita in.

(insider tip: You can also ask for a little plate of complimentary(!) green olives, radish pickle, and seasoned raw onions when you pick up your food.)

Go here. Give em your business. And don't get fazed by the line out the door; they're quick enough and it's worth the wait.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Vik Distributors Incorporated Retail & Snackshop

You order to a busy, yet friendly staff. It's always packed, and it's a pretty huge place. You get the vegetarians, the Indian families, the neighborhood people all coming to stuff face at this restaurant.

Decent portions, not pricey, made quickly. Not the largest menu, but what they have is pretty good for fast food Indian. I'll go there again, and I don't eat out very often.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

The Broken Rack Incorporated

It's pretty expensive - something like $9 or $11 an hour. The employees were pretty nice. There are also no clocks, so you have no idea how much time you've spent.

It's nice, though, because it definitely is a pool hall. There's so many tables there. It seems like a neighborhood joint as well, not jam-packed with hipsters either. Good music too. I'll maybe go again, but I'd have to go one of the discount nights, where it's half off.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!

Seller's Markets Incorporated 2

Local food, organic food, sustainable food - you get what you pay for. It's high-quality and delicious and aesthetically appealing.

This is the second Seller's Market, and the people seem friendly. In the busy hours, you get a buzzing thing to tell you your food is ready. This location also offers dinners after 5 pm, which are usually some delicious kind of pasta dish. There's a nice outdoor patio at this location.

Both the Seller's Market 2 and the Seller's Market delivers. You can also call in for pick-up, which is not a bad idea. This place can have a line snaking out the door.

They are supplied by local businesses Niman Ranch, Boulangerie Bay Breads, award-winning cheese providers to include Point Reyes Blue, Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove and Equator Estate Coffees & Teas. They also have a built-in tax so that their workers can get insurance and other benefits.

Counts toward Chicago Coalition for the Homeless fundraiser!