Best Thrift Stores & Flea Markets In Chicago
Sometimes, the best finds come secondhand – and best thrift stores and flea markets in Chicago offer a wealth of choices. Whether you're looking for a unique antique for your home or a vintage piece of jewelry, these non-traditional retailers provide a distinct shopping experience.
New Maxwell Street Market
548 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 922-3100
At the New Maxwell Street Market in Chicago's University Village neighborhood, you get a chance to practice your haggling prowess. Throughout the market, shoppers can find everything from bed sheets to fresh vegetables. Shoppers gloat about the delicious authentic Mexican food available while you peruse the different areas – definitely worth a trip.
Chicago Antique Market
1350 W. Randolph Drive
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-1200
http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.com
Not your typical array of antique goods, the Chicago Antique Market has helped consumers restore fine leather bags. This antique market is considered a bit more upscale than the typical flea market, but the opportunity to uncover treasures for your home abound. A feast for the eyes, from the bizarre to the quaint, the Chicago Antique Market offers something for every shopper.
Vintage Bazaar
Chicago, IL
http://www.thevintagebazaar.com
The Vintage Bazaar "pops up" from time to time right off the Halsted stop on the Orange line, bringing together an eclectic group of antique dealers (see the Web site for more details). Bring cash, as vendors tend to prefer it to credit. If you're willing to dig, the Vintage Bazaar is the place to uncover a hidden gem. Racks of clothing, glassware and lamps – there's no telling what adventurous shoppers might find.
Randolph Street Market Festival
1340 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60607
http://www.randolphstreetmarket.com
Despite a nominal admission fee, the Randolph Street Market Festival boasts a variety of goods and vendors to choose from. The prices are very reasonable – and you'll find everything from unique vintage signs that donned the walls of diners in the 1950s to antique jewelry. The antique selection is the highlight of this festival, with a wide price range for those who have a budget and others with more money to spend. The collection of vendors and quality of merchandise make the roughly $12 admission fee worth the trouble.
Vintage Underground
1834 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
773-252-4559
http://www.chicagovintageunderground.com
Worth the trip for the jewelry selection alone, the helpful staff at the Vintage Underground in Chicago is more than happy to help you find the perfect accessory. In addition to jewelry, the store also has a great selection of clothing, including unique dresses and ornate scarves. These vintage pieces are of the highest quality, and one could easily spend hours just browsing the selection. If you're looking to hit the best thrift stores and flea markets in Chicago, you won't want to miss this one.
Very Best Vintage
1919 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 226-5530
Located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood in Chicago, at Very Best Vintage, you have to be willing to quarry through the inventory, but you aren't likely to come up short. From quirky label-less items to surprise vintage designer finds, Very Best Vintage is a thrift shop with a boutique feel. The unique neighborhood adds to the overall experience.
