There is literally no alternative and their equipment is good and fairly priced. I have to post…read moremore characters apparently; isn't that a drag.

I went to buy a Chinese "cleaver" that was light enough for me to use and had plenty to choose…read morefrom. I certainly am pleased with the selection and very relieved to have not bought one online. In addition I was able to pick up some tongs and strainers inexpensively that I needed. This place is PACKED floor to ceiling. If you don't see something you need, ask it's probably in here.

Nicely stocked with a variety of both annual and perennial plants for the garden. We visited on…read moreMothers' Day and while it was a busy day there, assistance was available as needed!

This is my all time favorite store in all of Forest Park and I can't wait to return in the Spring!!…read moreI didn't plan to add autumn garden beds but then I drove by Empowering Gardens last weekend! Wow, they were bursting with so many gorgeous mums, asters, sunflowers, grasses, and many beautiful annuals for $6 , and some for as low as $3.99, that I could not resist!! I loaded up my car. Service was excellent, both staffers were so knowledgeable and helped me select the best plants and soil to use to give my gardens some attention this autumn!!! Nick carried everything to my car, thank you!! Great deals right now, so reasonably priced!! Go go go!! Now!! But all their plants and shrubs and soil!! I love the mission here.

GP Tetrev Pottery is my absolute favorite place to shop for beautiful, functional pottery for my…read morehome and also gorgeous pieces to gift to others. I've purchased over a dozen pieces since the shop opened earlier in the year. My plan is to buy a few more each month while I build up my kitchen collection. I want a whole set of dishes from here. And I plan to buy more holiday gifts here too. The large bowls, vases and tumbler sets make great gifts. The $20 bowls and mugs would be perfect to bring to all those work holiday gift exchanges where you are supposed to spend $20 on a gender-neutral gift and 90% of your co-workers wrap up a Starbucks gift card. Trust me, a $20 piece from this shop would be a way better gift!! I used to use glasses and plates from Pier One -and in a house full of busy teens and clumsy me many end up chipped or broken and we just toss them out- but this year I've been eating and drinking out of the hand-crafted mugs, bowls and plates from this shop. It makes a difference in how I approach meals and care for the items!! I get excited to eat off these truly beautiful creations and it makes me smile to know that each was crafted intentionally by a local artist. And I'm extra careful doing dishes now as I've grown so fond of each piece and I've watched the potters in the shop actually making the items so I know how much care and attention go into their work. I love how several different artists contribute to the inventory at the shop and I'm pretty sure I have items from everyone by now. Different colors, glazes and forms appeal to me in different ways and I always find something when I visit. Like I just learned the owner Gabe can do dog bowls! The prices are really amazing. Today I got 3 stunning pieces- bowl, mug and tumbler- for $50. They were supposed to be gifts but I've already put them in my dish cabinet. Gabe can do custom orders too. I encourage everyone to stop in and see this place in person. Shop local. Spread the word.

My 8th wedding anniversary was coming up and Bronze/Pottery are the Traditional materials. I…read morenormally search Etsy to find something unique for my wife, but I walked past this pottery studio recently and thought keeping it local would be nice. Gabe, the artist/owner, was amazingly accommodating to work with on a commissioned piece. I loved the original piece so much that I added on 2 additional smaller pieces that he had in the studio ready for sale. Everything was affordable, unique, beautiful and made by hand! I highly recommend checking him out if you are in the market for shelf decoration or really unique cups, bowls, etc.... Such an awesome experience that I came out of Yelp retirement to post! #SupportYourLocalArtist

Zepole is a restaurant supply store that offers a wide range of equipment and products for the…read morefoodservice industry. On their showroom floor you can find almost anything, but if you need something that is not on the floor they are quick to assist you in getting it. Their sales team is supper knowledgeable so I highly recommend coming here with all of your questions. Do yourself a favor and stop by here before making new equipment purchases, they can help make sure you're getting the right products before making any mistakes.

Well I have never really bought anything here but a hat for work. Sadly it did not fit at all so I…read morehad to return it. A little overpriced. I picked up a catalog here for my boss and walked around a bit. Nice stuff for sure if you can spend the money. It's more for businesses though to buy from then an off the street person. Staff was so so. I think the morning crew needed more coffee.

Hero is the best for restaurant equipment Prices are fair selection is awesome and the service is…read moreimpeccable. Give them a 12 on a scale of 1 to 10. Thank you Warren.

Herzog is a decent little restaurant supply store, which will sell retail to anyone off the street…read more If you ever find yourself in William-Sonoma or Sur La Table getting pizza screens, ladles, spatulas or whatever at ridiculous prices...next time try coming to a place like this instead. Sure, they have crazy commercial stainless coolers, freezers, ranges and sandwich prep tables for restaurants, but they also have knives, pots, ... at far more reasonable prices. They don't always have exactly what you want in stock, but they're happy to order it for you...or, once your in the neighborhood, there are a few other alternatives around too (C.S. Fixtures, Northwestern Cutlery, ...). Don't expect to find big home appliance name brands here (like Kitchen Aid), but do expect to find either a commercial quality version at a similar price, or a cheaper alternative at a way cheaper price. Try it!

This father and son operation is so charming! The store brings you back in time to a family run,…read morefriendly, honest business that can fix almost anything you bring them from electrical appliances, lighting, door screens, etc. It's like Emmett's Fix It from Mayberry RFD. I live in Hinsdale and they add so much charm to our town. Store is located downtown in a very public alley and when you walk in you'll know you are in the right place.

Very helpful and friendly. Fixed my broken table lamp quickly and for a reasonable price. You have…read moreto see this place to appreciate what it is, a scaled back version of a 1950's hardware store. It's like you walked into the past, with cabinets and do-dads you'll not find anywhere else in this metropolitan area. It doesn't really compete with modern hardware stores and operates almost exclusively as a repair shop, but if you're in the neighborhood, it's worth the visit.

Do you like purses and sunglasses? Well, this is your place! Located in the very cool "costume…read morejewerly district" near Wilson and Clark, this place has a bunch of super cute sunglasses for $5 and a bunch of really cute purses for $18! Yesterday was my first time popping in here and I really liked what they had to offer!

The gift shop is full of lovely with unique items such as jewelry, decorative garden items,…read morefragrant self-care items, homemade fudge, kitschy garments, special home decorating items, and plants, to name a few. The greenhouse has a wide variety of all sorts of plants, great selection of seasonal plants and pots. They also carry various soils, fertilizers/plant foods and gardening tools. The atmosphere is welcoming and serene. The staff are knowledgeable about growing and all that it entails. They welcome questions and are always helpful. Browsing is encouraged.

Oh my, how oh how have I NEVER known about this place??!! I have lived in Oak Park for decades and…read moregarden every year and never know this marvelous garden center was just up the road in Cicero. And its mission is wonderful- to create jobs for individuals with intellectual impairments and fund programs to support people with special needs. This is going to be my new garden center from now on! Today, I spent $70 on gorgeous houseplants, potting soil, and ceramic potting dishes. The staff was super friendly and helpful. Seguin was stocked so well, much better than Menards. Today, I was shopping only for houseplants, but I can't wait to return in a few weeks to stock up on annuals and perennials for my outdoor gardens.