Went here sometime in 2010 or 2011 as I live right down the street. Like other reviewers, I dared try on a coat in front of the mirror and was quickly told (it felt like scolding) that I need a fitting room to try on anything....it honestly made me feel really awkward and I just wanted to get the hell outta there! Clothing looks and feels cheap...but for expensive prices! I don't think I'll ever wander back read more

The Mexican Store is my favorite place to stop in & see the goods. I have bought great outfits (at great prices), lunchboxes, socks, hats, scarves, bags & jewelry. & elecronic cases for kids. I send my kids in if they need to buy a present for me because they can't go wrong. & the wrapping is classic. Wish mex shop didn't close for 4 months-year. read more

A fun eclectic shop, with real local owners! They have a great selection of beads, jewelry, and all sorts of unique items from around the world. I have fond memories of this store, it was one of the first stores I went to when I arrived in the Chicago area. Still think it's a lot of fun to come here. If you need a unique gift for someone, this is good place to check out, they have stuff in every price range. read more

I would just like to say (for the record - listen, husband): I did not buy anything at the Mexican Shop yesterday. That's a big, big deal because my eyes were practically bugging out of their sockets ogling all the (awesome) jewelry. I was more than impressed with the incredible array of every type of accessory from around the world. I love that each beautifully put together case hosts little signs indicating where the lovelies come from. You'll spy everything (in varied price ranges) from substantial silver studs and hoops, to crystal lariats, armadillo necklaces (Candice G snapped that up), to really beautiful semi-precious earrings, delicate necklaces and rings. I'm still shocked I didn't purchase. There's always next time... In addition to the jewelry, there's a decent selection of affordable clothing and other accessories, like clutches, wallets, sunglasses and more. I wasn't completely bowled over by the above. The quality isn't the best, and frankly, I was too busy scoping out the jewelry. Oh I'll be back...credit card in hand. read more

Awesome x 20. The Mexican shop is like stumbling upon a yard sale run by an old lady who doesn't realize she's selling amazing things. PBR earrings, hand-woven clutches, chunky jewelry, clothing, and the best part is that 80% of the things you won't see other people sporting. Unfortunately, the women who do run the shop are not old, and they do realize that they are selling kick ass things, so there is no bartering that you'll take the vest, purse, broach and rings for $2.35. They'll laugh and show you the door. But seriously, this is one of my favorite little stores, and I am thankful that I have friends that live in Evanston... I have an excuse to turn onto Dempster pay them all a visit and say, hey, wanna take a walk downtown? Who knew it would cost me so much to visit friends. Oh yeah, their hours are kinda wacky so make sure they're open... From what I recall, they're closed Sundays and Mondays... read more

If my pocketbook were bottomless, I would've hauled out merchandise in boxes! If I had all day, I would've spent all day browsing and trying things on. There's nothing Mexican about the Mexican Shop. Maybe some of the silver jewelry (charms, necklaces, rings) are imported from Mexico, but this is not an outpost for tacos, maracas or mariachi suits. This is, however, a mecca for jewelry, sunglasses, wallets, clothing, and Anne Taintor stuff. The jewelry is trendy and unique: rings and earrings made from Druzy, plastic barettes and bracelets from France and Japan, lots of silver, earrings and necklaces made from plastic with fun designs, and it's all affordably priced. Most of the earrings I saw were $13-20. I almost purchased a pair for $12, with a design of two cute birds holding umbrellas, but I couldn't quickly figure out what I'd wear them with, so I decided against them. The employees are friendly and helpful. I tried on a ring ($16), and before I made a decision the girl told me that another employee has the same ring, and it discolored into a matte rose gold tone. I appreciated her honesty and decided not to purchase the ring. I did purchase a pad of Post-Its for $5 with an Anne Taintor design. If you aren't familiar with Anne Taintor's stuff, get familiar! The characters are classic 1950's pin-up looking housewives, always saying or thinking something hilarious. I could have spent all day and all kinds of money at the Mexican Shop. Perfect shopping escape to get something cute for yourself or a gift. read more

The only downside to this store is that, with limited hours and a "closed" sign on Sundays and Mondays, I rarely ever get the chance to visit. ...but when I do... It's worth it. From a spontaneous gift of coral earrings to (ahem) myself, to a beetle encased in resin for my arthropod-ically inclined pseudo-nephew, to a quirky card to pick up a friend-they really have it all. It is a first rate gift giving store and inexpensive enough to slip the occasional personal gift. The Mexican Shop has Anthropologie (Asinimali, for locals)-worthy clothing, bags, and jewelry with a heavy dose of global kitsch. I've been told they take off winter (again-limited hours) to go on buying sprees in a country de l'année stocking their store for spring/summer. These trips originated in Mexico (their namesake), but change annually. Every visit is a surprise. But with winters off, plan ahead for 'tis the season buying. If you need a one stop shop for five years worth of earrings, a mother's day gift, or a housewarming pleasantry-the Mexican Shop is for you. And a local business with global leanings, your buyer's guilt will quickly be soothed. read more

Obsessed isn't even the right word for how much I LOVE Mexican Shop. This store has everything you could ever want, it's the perfect place to purchase gifts for others (and yourself!) I'm from New York City (originally Evanston) and have been shopping at Mexican shop for at least 15+ years, and now every time I know I am visiting the Evanston area Mexican Shop is ALWAYS one of my first stops. I find that one stop isn't enough, I usually go back twice in a visit! The jewelry selection is immense and so well priced it's magic. What can I say? It's not just my favorite store in Evanston it's one of my favorite stores of all time! Thank you Mexican Shop! read more

I found the Mexico Shop in Evanston some years ago when working in the area. What a wonderful and ecclectic collection of weird stuff from all over the world! From Bettie Page lighters to amber jewelry, this is one of those cool little finds. I've given jewelry from other places, but it just doesn't seem to have the same sense of caring as when they produce some great little oddity from here. My daughters fell in love with it, and on a summer's day, it makes for a good stop while crusin' around the area shops. Nothing is expensive and everything seems to have a soul to it. Just great, and the best reason for us to drive from here to Evanston :) read more

I completely forgot about this place, where as a teen, I eagerly spent hundreds of my hard earned dollars on earrings and other such nonsense that I have no time for now. I could always be certain that my earrings were the most unusual...the clothes didn't look right on me, but they were so cool, so hip, so politically correct. Like another reviewer, this place and Cafe Express were my favorite haunts. There was nothing like getting tanked up on Ethiopian Harrar and then speeding to the Mexican Shop for earrings or buttons or bracelets or chinese shoes or something else I really didn't need. I think it's time for a trip, my first in over twenty years, to initiate my daughter...maybe today. read more

This rating is courtesy of the 8-year-old version of me: This is one of the stores my mom drags me into and I don't hate it, there's so much cool stuff everywhere. Also, Dempster Street is the coolest. Go to Weiner and Still Champion for lunch. read more

I love this shop! I've found amazing accessories, clothing, and even things for my house -- deer head salt & pepper shakers? yes please! They are too freaking cute. I could seriously spend my entire bank account in this place. And I've noticed a trend in their pricing... almost everything is about $30. Dresses, purses, deer head salt & pepper shakers. This is the perfect place for gifts, and just for you! Because trust me, you will get stopped and people will want to know where you got things from. Definitely try things on though. It's a habit I wasn't used to, but it's a must for boutique shopping. read more

Stumbled upon this place while on a jog through Evanston! What a find! Great collection of unique jewelry and fun clothes. I got a great chunky sweater here! This is a fun place to find items you won't find in the mainstream chain stores. Great place to find special gifts and trinkets as well. read more

This is by far one of my favorite hipster shopping spots in Evanston. Okay first, this is in Evanston, you don't even need to trek to Chicago! The jewelry selection is pretty much the best along the the huge selection of hipster attire and handbags. Have I mentioned the prices? Unbelievable and hot damn, the products hold up as well. Oh Mexican Shop, I think you're fabulous! read more

Finding little boutiques with fair prices is always a fabulous feeling. It's pretty spacious inside with plenty of clothing racks that are stocked with super cute summer clothes (at the moment). If you're looking for sunglasses, bags, or hair accessories this is also a good spot for you! It was brutal waiting for them to re-open after their 'spring cleaning'/vacation/restocking. The main reason I ever stop in is their jewelry selection. It's vast, and there seems to be something for everyone. It ranges from precious stones to more gotty fashion jewelry. I got a pair of frosted glassy looking plastic disk earrings my last time there with dandelion photos in black and white imprinted on them. I'll try to get a picture up soon! It makes me super happy that they have a great array of earrings for my sensitive ears who can only deal with white gold or surgical steel. I was a little bummed they didn't have a larger selection of simple metal studs that weren't gold or silver, but it wasn't something that made a difference in the quality of their selection for me. I should stop in for some clothes soon! I saw some super cute tops that I wanted last time I was there!!! read more

The biggest issue with this store is that there are so many interesting items, it's hard to chose from the vast selection. It would take hours to see everything on one shopping trip. I recommend checking it out as soon as the owners return from their latest international shopping trip (at this writing, I believe they've have gone to Bali!). This store has been around a long time and prides itself on providing unique jewelry, clothing, purses, and too many funky items to list. In a world where every store looks like the next one, The Mexican Shop is a refreshing break. The hip understand this type of shopping best. Squares beware! read more

I almost forgot to the review this place since they've been closed for their 'vacation/shopping trip' but they're open again and they have all of this amazing stuff. Their clothes, accessories, and gifts are just unique, wearable, useable and affordable. I've picked up some great pieces of clothing here and really love to pick out some of their jewelry, too. Now, the fact that they're right around the corner of my home makes things for my wallet a little bit more difficult, but 5 stars anyway for great quality, great picks, great customer service and all for a great price. read more

VERY cute stuff! Stopped by here on a bike ride and was amazed at the amount of handmade jewelry they have in and on their counters. There are so many cute things, that I was almost overwhelmed and didn't buy anything. Clothes were neat, but the salesgirl was sneering at my bike helmet, so I opted not to try anything on. Prices are a bit high, but I'd definitely splurge for a gift or a piece of fun jewelry. I just wouldn't shop here very often. I found an adorable, chunky beaded necklace down the street at the vintage store for $6 while the ones at the Mexican shop ran about $30-$50. I'll probably stop in again when I'm in the area and hopefully buy something! read more

A friend of mine just took me here for the first time today! I can't believe how long I have driven past it without knowing the secret wonderfulness that lies inside! This store carries neat and unique one-of-a-kind accessories, mostly earrings, that will fit all budgets. You can walk in and easily spend over $100 in ten minutes. Or, you can buy something for $10. Self-control is a good thing in this store. I bought two pairs of earrings. One on the cheaper side, another set that is made by a jeweler. I will probably be back soon to pick up a couple other pairs. I liked that the store was pretty spacious. There was lots of help and mirrors. They wrap up purchases in little fast food french fry bags and large things in a pizza bag. Kitschy and memorable. I will absolutely be back to this place, even when I am no longer working in Evanston. It is a gem! read more

I purchased a $60 necklace for my daughter on July 7th. She does not like it. I inadvertently threw away the receipt. I did not get a box as I am in the eco- friendly business world. I just wore it to take home. I went in today, July 12th to ask if I could do an exchange. They normally offer a refund within 7 days.The staff said they did not have authority to do this. I asked them to call the owner. She indicated that without a receipt this was not possible. I had paid on a credit card and said I would bring that in to verify the purchase. She refused to consider this. I too am a small business owner. The rigidity and lack of customer service is unbelievable. I will never step foot in this place again. read more

Cute, cute, cute! Actually, to be more specific, I'd give the jewelry at the Mexican Shop five stars and the clothing three. There's a wide variety of earrings and necklaces, all reasonably priced to serve as the perfect pick-me-up without feeling like you're seriously damaging your budget. The clothing inventory seems a little out-of-date and currently lacks seasonally appropriate attire for the chilly weather we'll experience in, oh, the next few weeks. Still, it's nice to discover a little gem of a store hiding behind the train tracks. I'll definitely be back for another jewelry pick-me-up soon! read more

Fantastic store that's been around for 30+ years, specializing in items all around the world. Lots of beautiful silver with stones jewelry here, as well as scarves and other unique items. A great place to shop for that unusual person in your life that loves one of a kind gifts. read more

I love the Mexican Shop! Although I usually only buy jewelry, I have purchased a few clothing items and loved them all. Most of the jewelry is really unique and they have a very wide variety of styles and colors. I also got a great credit card holder which sounds very basic but it's very cute and I don't know what I would do without it! The Mexican Shop is a great place to buy for yourself and makes wonderful gifts as well. read more

What a great place. The staff has been around forever with not much turnover ( always a good sign) and very helpful. I shop here all the time for the girlfriend, earings necklaces, clothes, it's all so unique and fashion forward. Being a guy, I never feel wierd in there shopping. They close each year for a couple of months to make a shopping pilgrimage, and each time they re-open it's like a brand new store. Just great all around. read more

There is nothing Mexican about this shop. It's a typical Northshore boutique. To my surprise,They don't greet all their customers. Greeting all your customers as they enter is a given for businesses. read more

I love their selection, but their associates turned me off. On one trip, I dared to try on a coat on the store floor without asking for a dressing room. The sales associate felt that this was an issue and in a huff, informed me that I would have to try on the coat in a dressing room. Huh? On another trip, I waited at the register for at least 15 minutes while the sales associate finished their long personal conversation with another shopper. A simple, "be with you in a minute" would have satisfied me...but there seemed to be no recognition of my existence. My friends and I have a running joke that maybe we will go back on the one random day a month the shop is open and try on coats. read more

Very dissatisfied with service here. I bought several silver jewelry items as they had a nice selection. I recently bought a pair of silver pearl earings and to my disappointment, they broke within the 3 weeks after wearing them only 2x. When I originally purchased, the gal who sold them recommended buying rubber backings so they stay on. Which is what I did. One of the earrings snapped at the wire. I've never had any silver jewelry break! When I attempted to exchange them, I was given an excuse saying they don't guarantee any of their jewelry. I've never heard of a business that doesn't guarantee or offer an exchange on their defective items that broke within a few weeks. They offered to charge me $10 to fix them, but the earings cost $16. I didn't want to do this, and I will not shop here again. I prefer to shop at small retailers who stand behind their products and value their customers. Also note, their store hours are not consistent, often times they close for weeks/months at a time. Currently they are closed "for inventory" till 1st week of April. read more

I'm disappointed that I have to write this review, but I have to share since this is one of the worst customer service experiences I've ever had. I used to be a loyal Mexican Shop customer, but a sterling silver necklace I bought there broke, and when I went back into the store with it, they were unwilling to do anything about it. The associate just explained to me that they don't guarantee any of their merchandise against breakage and that "the tiniest tug" would break a sterling silver necklace like mine. This patronizing attitude is beyond rude, and the Mexican Shop shouldn't be carrying garbage they know will break. My advice: stay away from any jewelry costing more than $20 and know that what you buy there will not last. read more

LOVE the jewelry. DISLIKE the sales associates. I suspect that if you are over 25, you'll have craptastic service in this shop. I have on several occasions attempted to purchase a gift and wandered the store, looking hopeful and asking questions while the sales associates chat with each other. Blech. read more

Hit-or-miss cute/unique jewelry, okay clothes, terrible customer service. The moment you step into the store, you are watched like a hawk. Try putting on a coat, or get this-- a SCARF--in front of the huge mirror in the back of the store, and the employees insist that you HAVE to do so in the dressing room. It's almost creepy. Way to scare away could have been loyal customers from a could have been a fun, kitschy boutique. And from reading over other Yelp reviews just like mine, sounds like the majority them (us) have hit the ground running....to Mexico? read more

Amazing vintage display cases full of jewelry and accessories. Clever way to organize items. However, I get the feeling everything is on "lock down" and it can be a bit intimidating. The clothing is fun and youthful. Prices are very reasonable. Great collection of fun little gifty items- even for guys! On a recent visit, the store was not busy, and there was a full staff of 3-5. Yet, not one person greeted me or offered any assistance. I was very disappointed, no one offered to show me a lovely item in the one of the cases. The staff seemed more interested in gossiping about another employee or customer. Highly unprofessional. The hours are a bit sketchy, but when it's open - its worth a peek. As for the exchange policy. Perhaps the shop needs to be a little bit more lenient especially if the item is a gift. I really want to continue to support a small shop, but to make a small business work, you must have exceptional customer service. read more

I've never written a review before but I have to after my experience yesterday. It was opening day at the shop, and crazy busy. I was checking out, and admired the shirt an employee was wearing. The last white shirt on the rack in my size had marks on it, and the employee went to the back and changed, giving me the shirt she was wearing. Literally gave me the shirt off her back! To me, that set a new standard for customer service, not to mention I already love the jewelry and clothing selection. A++ job read more

The cutest clothes and accessories, and you don't have to walk around worrying if you will run into other girls with the same dress on that you just bought at the Gap. What's not to love? read more

So many cute things here to browse and buy. You can't go wrong with so many options from clothes to jewelry to scarves. This place is an Evanston institution!! A must stop and shop kinda place! read more

I walked to this store with my little chihuahua on a really cold day. The clerk freaked out that I had my dog in my arms while in the shop and kicked me out. The sign outside the door said, "No food, drink, rollerblades, or barnyard animals." Since when is a small chihuahua a barnyard animal? My dog has been welcomed into most of the boutiques in downtown Evanston, not just welcomed, but greeted and doted upon by boutique managers and clerks. So, if you like to take your small dog for a walk in Evanston and like do a little browsing and shopping while you're at it, skip the Mexican Shop. It's too bad she didn't let me stay in The Mexican Shop because I would have bought something today. read more

I've been going here for over 20 years and it never gets old. They have the best jewelry buyer of anywhere around. There is always a huge selection across all price points. read more

Mexican Shop used to be my favorite place to grab cute accessories. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a pair of thin wire loop earrings for 22.00 I wore them once and the clasp must have broke bc I lost one. I went back, didn't complain or even say a word, I just bought another pair. I went to put them on the next day and as I did the clasp broke.......again. I was so bummed. I went to the store to return them and they said NO!!!! They said if you don't like it or if it is a gift but not for breakage. I explained the same thing happened twice. There were 20 more pairs sitting there, it was 22.00, the answer was no. I told them I spent 44.00 on two pair of earrings that broke and wanted a refund and she said no again. I told her I have shopped there for 8 years and she said no. I told her I would post this experience and she said "I don't care" with a whole store of people looking at her. I will NEVER shop there again. read more

I popped in on Friday after work on my way to have outdoor, evening cocktails, and walked out with 2 fabulously glam pairs of earrings for this (hopefully coming soon) summer season that's upon us. The Mexican Shop is the place for finding a little sumthin-sumthin for myself, and it never fails to produce a perfect gift for someone you hold near and dear. Cute stuff, unique, and very reasonable prices...it can't be beat! read more

I love this place dearly and have been shopping here for (OMG) almost thirty years! They have the most fabulous jewelry selection ever and an eclectic array of everything else under the sun! I have found so many treasures here over the years that range from things like hand bags and sterling hair clips to Christmas ornaments. This is a fantastic place to go if you want to find a seriously unique gift. Furthermore, this is one of just a handful of places left that truly represents the Evanston community in all its Boho-chic glory. The prices are good, the folks are friendly, the merchandise comes in from around the world and is updated regularly, and its just freaky cool! read more

I agree with Maggie on this big time! It's bothered me every time I've gone in the store but it wasn't until I read her review that I realized just how much it irked me. Stores are supposed to be non-smoking and that goes for the back of the store as well. Unless you have no sense of smell you can smell smoke very strongly when you're in the back of the store - like someone just finished up a cigarette in the back room. That's gross and it actually makes me want to buy from you less because I find it so disrespectful and disgusting. If you're going to smoke, go in the back alley and shut the door and don't bring it inside or keep the door open or whatever you're doing. read more