Being new to the city and living on the West side of town in Wicker Park, I’m constantly seeking ideas for places to go and areas to check out. Plus, we’re always doing the usual wondering about town on our own. We’re pretty close to the Humboldt Park area and haven’t really heard too much about it when asking friends or coworkers – which is neither good or bad, but just an observation.
Small Businesses to Love in the California Corridor
Mitch and I ended up exploring the area and I’m SO excited to be talking about it and sharing the gems that California Corridor brings to the Humboldt Park neighborhood. If you aren’t familiar with the area, it’s between Division + Grand and Sacramento + Rockwell.
Humboldt House
OMG GUYS. YOU HAVE TO COME HERE. I AM OBSESSED. Ok, sorry. Just had to get that out. Humboldt House shines bright with all the things that are right in this world. A shop dedicated to a wide collection of home goods made by local and emerging makers, you are greeted to an array of different textiles, accent pieces and vintage vibes.
If you’re into a shop that is empowering and steps outside the “norms” of society, then this is for you (And if this is not you, I challenge you to come here and be open minded!). Crystals, sage, nude ceramic art pieces and items celebrating people of all walks of life fill the tables and shelves.
This quirky space is welcoming, bright, unique and a place to find something different and made with love and artistic ideals. Everything has earthy tones with bright pops of color and fun patterns throughout.
In the back, you’ll find a pop-up of Lost Girls Vintage – mobile boutique flaunting a “collection [that] runs the gamut from Victorian garments to pieces any Spice Girl would be proud of.” So, you’re basically getting a two-for-one deal supporting local business when stopping in.
BONUS: Humboldt House is just opened (July 14th, 2018) a “sister shop” just a couple doors down called Peach Fuzz, “an inclusive kids shop with magic finds for magic minds big and small.” I haven’t been in yet, but the photos so far are super vibrant, fun and is such a unique concept – I can’t wait to check it out!
Space Oddities
Continuing with the quirky theme, Space Oddities is a teeny little mystic-esque bookshop with a darker vibe. Filled to the brim with vintage witchy goods, tarot cards, funky art, skull pieces and of course, lots of books! A fun little stop to sift through trinkets and unique books and zines.
CC Ferns
From the outside, CC Ferns doesn’t seem like much, but once you open the door you are instantly taken into a whole new world – all inside this little coffee shop.
With an old school Cuban vibe, you’re transported out of this country and era. The dark woods walls, floor to ceiling, set the stage while the vintage couches, tables and decor really bring it together. The cigar cabinets really top it off.
It’s dark yet inviting. The staff is friendly and the drinks are gorgeous and amazing in taste. There’s cozy chairs or big and small tables to suit whatever your needs may be. The menu isn’t too big, nor too small and they also feature some boozy beverages too.
I highly recommend coming here to experience a coffee shop like you’ve never experienced before. It’s truly one of a kind and definitely a favorite on my list now.
Lucy’s
A food truck turned restaurant, Lucy’s is the neighborhood’s take on a classic diner. Conveniently next door to Humboldt House, too! This place recently opened in April and Mitch and I just happened to be in the neighborhood during the grad opening – so, of course we stopped for a bite.
The staff was SO SO nice and were accommodating for any adjustments we needed with our food allergies. Their menu boasts classic, made from scratch burgers, fried chicken and the standard diner desserts: shakes, sundaes and floats.
I typically don’t go for this type of food fair as I think it’s too greasy and usually gives me stomach aches, but this was not the case. The burgers were good and the fries were AMAZING. Not too greasy and I walked away not feeling grossly overstuffed or like I took a dip in a fryer. If you’re skeptical of this type of food like me, this place is different and so worth it!
Adam and Sons
Located on the other side of Humboldt House, Adam and Sons is an awesome plant nursery with fun, quirky personal touches throughout and great prices. I recently mentioned them in my fave Chicago floral shops post with all the details on why this place is great.
All-in-all, this area is filled with some quirky and unique concepts that you can’t find anywhere else – definitely a gem of neighborhood! I’m sure there’s more great places around, but these were the spots that stood out to me and that I’ve been returning to each time we hit up the Humboldt Park neighborhood.