The Wasteshed in Evanston is a bustling nonprofit of used art supplies, knick-knacks, and craft…read morematerials. If you have the patience and passion for the hunt, this is the place for you! I optimistically brought a bag for fabrics, but I unfortunately couldn't find anything quite to my taste. However, they did a great job colorcoding all of the different fabrics. The store is fairly organized considering how many donations come through. I really appreciate how they even use different drawer systems and cabinets for different subcategories of items. I do think most of the supplies would be great for educators or children: lots of odds and ends that would be put to excellent use given the right creative minds. I walked away emptyhanded, but I imagine someone would love the vintage postcards, various stamps, or Nat Geo magazines I flipped through. There's some street parking nearby, and they have a small private lot. Be sure to check their hours and any updates due to weather on their Instagram!

I left a detailed 5 star review already, but here's a different list of reasons why I love the…read moreWaste Shed. The Waste Shed is fun, creatively inspiring and affordable. Teachers get to take many supplies for free. Everyone gets a good deal anyway. The more I go, the more I discover remedies for one problem or another, whether it's buttons for my pajamas, spare paper for my printer, a funky gift for a friend, or holiday cards and envelopes from the free boxes that I can take to a residential children's center so they can send greetings to friends and family, too. I hope they stay in the area!

The Cradle has an absolutely outstanding staff to help counsel individuals and families through a…read morevariety of adoption decisions. We used them over 15 years ago to help start our family. They have been providing excellent post-adoption services since then and continue to be leaders in the industry. They are also the only adoption agency to have a full time nursery.

I cannot say enough good things about our experience with The Cradle. Start to finish they have…read morebeen incredible. It's no wonder the agency has been around for almost 100 years. They're excellent at what they do. For how hard adoption can be, to have some of that stress lessened by competent professionals who really have the best interest of families in mind has been priceless. Our daughter received excellent care while she was in the Cradle Nursery for the first six weeks of her life before we brought her home. Cradle staff will always be part of our family story and we are so thankful that they were there, and continue to be there, for our baby and her first mother. Our adoption counselor Wendy was a huge comfort during some of the more stressful moments and very adept at guiding us through the process and making sure all our paperwork was in line. From the counselors to the nursery staff to the billing department absolutely every person we came into contact with at this agency was warm, committed to helping and competent. Thank you, Cradle staff for helping bring our family together.

I've shopped at all three North Shore Exchange locations and they're all fantastic. The selection…read moreis beautifully curated--clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, and home goods--and feels more like a stylish boutique than resale. The staff is what really sets this place apart. Huge shout-out to Elsa, Rosetta, Beth, and Barb--knowledgeable, honest, and genuinely helpful. They'll help you find great pieces and talk you out of things that aren't quite right. Consigning is easy and fair, and knowing all profits support local Chicago charities makes shopping here even better. A must-visit for contemporary and luxury consignment.

I confirm the other negative comments regarding some employees…read more I went to the Wilmette sidewalk event on Friday. Although I live in Wilmette, I've never been here. I will not return due to the arrogance and microaggressions of the employees. I know my high end designer brands. I own high end designer brands. I do not always go shopping dressed to the nines. Esp to a consignment store sidewalk sale. An employee rolled her eyes when I asked her about the pricing on one of the items. No need for the attitude. While my daughter was waiting to check out, another employee approached a woman standing behind her to take her to a register. That customer asked my daughter if she wanted to go with the employee. That was classy and kind. The employee actually stammered and point my daughter to a register and proceeded to walk the customer to personally ring her up. Needless to say, we will never come back. There are better resale stores on the North Shore: across the street is the YWCA resale, KMK Luxury in Winnetka, Junior League in Evanston, New to You in Glenview, Winnetka Thrift Shop are just a few. Everyone at all those stores are respectful and kind.

Almost unreal how great this place is…read more First off, just on vibes, this is an amazing bike shop. You're effectively rolling your bike into someone's living room and they just jack it up and make it all right again. Kelly also fiercely believes in being part of the local community and takes every opportunity to show it. So on those bases alone, it's an amazing community bike shop. What puts it over the top is the quality and mechanical skill. I had a tune up gone bad at another highly rated bike shop in town this year. Nothing too drastic but persistent nagging problems that their best mechanics couldn't resolve despite repeated visits over multiple months and several multi-week stays in their shop. Eventually I just lost faith and brought it into Mack's. They politely pointed out several of the immediate issues (which the other shop had somehow entirely missed), but were reasonably conservative about their ability to diagnose the deeper and more intermittent issues I was experiencing. They quoted me two weeks. Two *hours* later I got a call. They had rebuilt all of the major systems. Everything was fixed, and it was less than a tenth the price of the other shop. I can't think of any higher proof of the quality of the work they do and their true attention to detail. Don't even think about going anywhere else!

My bike is in great shape now thanks to Mack's!! I called around and everyone had a much longer…read moretimeline. The people that work there are so knowledgeable and treat you with respect. No down talking here!!

It can be quiet or rowdy. Refinished floors nice bar and a small concert place. Stop in! Everyone…read moreis friendly.

The Evanston American Legion truly a hidden gem! You may already know that the Legion's Members…read more& their friends dedicate themselves to helping veterans and their families through fundraising and volunteering. What many don't know is that post 42 is also a place to grab a drink, meet new friends, and watch the game or attend events such as their wonderful Bluegrass music concerts. You get to feel good about hanging out with a down to earth, welcoming crowd while helping a good cause. There is no cozier or more economical place to grab a draft beer, a glass of wine or a well drink. And you might be surprised to know that while it is exclusively for members and their guests, you need not have served in the military to support the post. You can also join, for instance, if you are the son or grandson of an eligible veteran. This gives you access to other legions around the country (And there are some wonderful ones like the legion in South Haven Michigan overlooking the harbor.) Or you can be a local supporter for $20 a year. For that, you get a discount on the already reasonable prices. It's the kind of place where you could buy a round of drinks for the whole bar for less than a few beers downtown. And don't be surprised if someone you don't even know buys a round for you. It's that kind of a place. There's an event room as well, great for celebrations and meetings. The legion holds fundraising events like the annual Pancake Breakfast (a fund raiser for our local Boy Scouts.) And there's the Spaghetti Dinner supporting the Lovell Legends ( a local group of disabled vet group that competes with disabled vets rom around the country in multiple sporting events) And it's a family friendly place. My daughters love to come along to watch the game and have a kiddie cocktail or Pizza. They offer Pizza, but since it's a private club, not a bar or restaurant, nobody fusses if you pick-up your favorite take out and grab a board-game to laze away the afternoon among friends. Don't be suprised if a friendly German Shepherd is occasionally seated next to his owner, also watching the game.

Love this free gallery. Every time we visit Evanston we pop in to see the latest exhibits on the…read morefirst and second floor. The art markets they host are nice- a wide variety of art/handicrafts for sale by local artists.

Such a great venue for art and events. Attend the multisensory In the Realm of Senses here,…read morerecently, and enjoyed the art hanging on the walls, the space, and the performance. In the Realm of Senses showcases live and digital music pieces, while featuring visuals, live painting, and even filling the room with signature scents, all around a theme for each event. Evanston Art Center had a great space for this event, with great art on the walls, a boon to the community.

Up Pup & Away is a super cute pet store that just opened up in DT Skokie!…read more This cute place offers toys, snacks, chews, and an amazing food selection. They also have accessories and clothing! If you're looking for specific items, don't hesitate to ask - they will find it or order it for you! We found a matching sock set - a pair for you, and a set for your precious fur baby - sooo adorable! The staff were super friendly, kind, and welcoming! Plenty of street parking in the area. +great selection of treats and toys +friendly service! +plenty of street parking

I absolutely love this store, the items, the quality, and most importantly the staff. I tell…read moreeveryone I know to go check them out. They are so friendly and helpful when you need assistance or ask questions about certain products. It is my only go to now for my pup's chew sticks and such. Can't say enough good things about them.