Thrifting Paradise: Uncover Chicago’s Top Vintage & Second-Hand Treasures
Chicago, the Windy City, is known for its vibrant arts scene, numerous cultural attractions, excellent shopping, and interesting architecture. But did you know it’s also a haven for thrift store enthusiasts?
We have compiled a list of 21 of the most well-known vintage shops around the city. Some of the greatest items in the city are hidden and just waiting to be found at one of the 21 thrift stores listed below.
Use the Interactive Chicago Thrift Store Map Below
North Side Thrift Stores: From Trendy Lincoln Park to Unique Irving Park
Greater Goods Community Thrift (formerly Thrift & Thrive)
Neighborhood: Irving Park
Address: 6025 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
This thrift store offers a vast selection of items from patio furniture to prom dresses to pre-owned Macbook laptops. They also partner with Portage Park Mutual Aid to help the local community. They pride themselves on providing clean, high-quality merchandise in a bright, fun and well-organized store.
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.
Crossroads Thrift Shops
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2711 Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
Serving 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.
Elliott Consignment
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2465 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Located close to the DePaul campus in Lincoln Park, Elliott Consignment is an upscale second-hand shop featuring discounted prices on high-end items.
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.
Family Tree Resale
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Address: 5066 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
This beloved thrift shop offers a wide range of items from Sperry dress shoes to wedding-ready Ann Taylor dresses to an entire section dedicated to Indian clothing.
Nearly New Thrift Shop
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 735 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
One of Lincoln Park’s best kept secrets located near DePaul’s Campus in Chicago. This vintage shop not only has a great selection of products but a portion of the proceed supports programs for individuals, seniors, children, and families.
The Brown Elephant
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Address: 3020 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60657
A store you find on every thrifters’ list is the Brown Elephant thrift store in lakeview. This store is one of the best vintage and thrift stores in Chicago, boasting a plethora of affordable and high quality goods.
Out of the Closet Thrift Shop
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Address: 3311 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60657
This thrift shop is located at 1. It’s a 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 Thrifting Wonders: Logan Square Finds, Wicker Park Chic, & Humboldt Park Nostalgia
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.
Richard’s Fabulous Finds
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Address: 2545 West North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
A hidden gem in the city offering a variety of vintage items. Find the vintage item that you have been searching for, whether it’s furniture, decor or clothing, this magnificent thrift store has it all.
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.
Goodwill West Loop
Neighborhood: West Loop
Address: 1201 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60607
This Goodwill store offers a variety of items for sale. When you donate goods to The Salvation Army, those items are then sold at our Family Stores. Proceeds are used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers for those struggling with addiction.
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.
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