Best Thrift Stores in Chicago 2025

Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s Best Thrift Stores & Vintage Shops

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of thrifting in Chicago—you never know what you’ll uncover. Maybe it’s a stunning piece of estate-sale jewelry tucked away in a display case, or a long-forgotten crystal vase that once graced the dining room of a North Shore mansion. I’m always on the hunt for an eclectic treasure: maybe a piece of Italian majolica; a discarded Staffordshire dog or a vintage jade bracelet. That’s one thing I love about the city: you never know what type of treasure that will turn up in its sprawling environs.

There’s one thing I know for certain: the city’s thrift stores are filled with stories waiting to be rediscovered, and half the fun is the hunt! From quirky vintage shops to budget-friendly second-hand stores, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best thrift stores in Chicago where you can score one-of-a-kind fashion, home décor, and unexpected gems. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just starting your treasure-hunting journey, these spots are a must-visit. Let’s dive in!

Use the Interactive Chicago Thrift Store Map Below

North Side Thrift Stores

Unique

Neighborhood: Irving Park
Address: 3748 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60618

Unique is a chicago-local thrift store chain with multiple locations across the city. Their inventory varies from location to location but each location features a large inventory of women and mens clothing at great prices. 

Elliott Consignment – Two locations

With two locations, this upscale, second-hand consignment shops features discounted prices on high-end items. Looking for a secondhand Barbour jacket or last seasons Celine purse? Elliot Consignment is where I’d head first. Both locations are convenient; the Lincoln Park store is located near the DePaul campus.

Salvation Army: Family Store –  Lincoln Park

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2270 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

This Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center offers a variety of items for sale and the proceeds are used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers where those struggling with drugs and alcohol find help and hope. This is a must-stop if you’re visiting Chicago on a budget.

Crossroads Thrift Shops

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2711 Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614

One of my favorite thrift stores in the Chicagoland area, this thrift chain is a spot that thrifters can not miss. Each location has their own unique collection of second-hand items making it a great adventure for kids too.

The Brown Elephant – Four Locations

Here’s a confession: this is my hands-down favorite thift store in the city for treasure hunting antiques. And clearly I’m not the only one; this sprawling and well-curated thrift store benefitting Howard Brown Health now has four locations throughout the city. Don’t miss it.

Out of the Closet Thrift Shop 

Neighborhood: Lakeview
Address: 3311 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60657

This unique store that not only offers a variety of items but also acts as a free HIV testing location. They offer new and gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, and much more with a portion of the proceeds benefiting AIDS charities.

Mercy Beaucoup Resale Boutique

Neighborhood: Old Town
Address: 1545 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, 60610 

This high-end resale boutique provides a unique shopping experience to customers and benefits Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, a children’s charity located in Chicago. The items at Mercy Beaucoup are brand-name items that are consignment quality but at thrift store prices.

West Side Chicago Thrift Stores

Monarch Thrift Shop

Neighborhood: Logan Square
Address: 2875 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

This shop was voted as the Best Thrift Store of Logan Square. They offer quality merchandise in a boutique environment and help reduce recidivism and rebuild lives. From couture labels to household decorations, Monarch is a must-visit.

Goodwill West Loop

Neighborhood: West Loop 
Address: 1201 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60607

Don’t let the chic West Loop address fool you: this popular Goodwill store is busy from open to close with treasure hunters in search of the perfect find. Both locals and visitors alike know yu won’t leave this thirft store empty-handed. The last time I visited I saw someone walk out with two pair of like-new Loubutins and a vintage tail-wagging cat clock.

Richard’s Fabulous Finds

Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Address: 2545 West North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

A hidden gem in the city, this all-men’s vintage store features luxury menswear from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. Proprietor Richard Biasi draws on his resume dressing hig-end clientele at fashion outposts around the city from Bloomingdales to Ralph Lauren.

Harlequin Vintage

Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Address: 1418 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60642

This vintage store offers a variety of unique and interesting items. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable about the inventory. Everything seems to have a story there – which is what you want from a vintage store.

Let’s Change Resale Shoppe

Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
Address: 1664 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This nostalgia shop offers a large inventory, chalked full of great finds from clothes, shoes, accessories, as well as small furniture pieces, home decor, and vintage items.

Alex’s Attic

Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
Address: 2733 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60647

This store offers a unique and vast range of second-hand items with fantastic finds for the whole family. Find everything from vintage clothing, accessories, home goods, furniture, and other one-of-a-kind finds.

Nice Twice Resale Shop

Neighborhood: West Town
Address: 1949 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622

This thrift store offers new and used clothes, decor, antiques, collectibles and household items. This eccentric collection of goods features items that the entire family can enjoy. 

South Side Style: Vintage Thrift Shops

Knee Deep Vintage 

Neighborhood: Pilsen
Address: 1219 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL, 60608

Situated in the Lower West Side, this vintage shop specializes in fashion-forward vintage clothing and accessories, as well as those harder to find gems from the ’20s to ’50s.

So Happy You’re Here Vintage Store

Neighborhood: Bridgeport
Address: 3331 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60608

This store offers a variety of vintage clothing, art and everything in between. They strive to create beautiful things by restoring, repairing, remaking and repurposing everything second-hand6.

Village Discount Outlet

Neighborhood: Chicago Lawn
Address: 6419 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Village Discount Outlet is another chicago-local thrift store chain with multiple locations across the city. Their inventory varies from location to location but each location features a vast inventory ranging from clothing to furniture, decor and even more. 

BONUS -A Suburban Thrifting Paradise GEM
Upscale Rummage 

Neighborhood: Libertyville
Address: 801 E Park Ave, Libertyville, IL, 60048

For those dedicated thrifters up for a little journey outside the city, this Chicagoland shop is an absolute must-see for all thrifters. This store offers a unique thrifting experience with gently used items of great quality.

Each of these stores has its own unique charm and selection of gently-used goods. So next time you’re in Chicago, make sure to check out these thrift stores – you never know what treasures you might find.