Much like the TARDIS, this little hardware store in Uptown is larger than it looks on the outside! It looks a little disorganized... but honestly I think that's most hardware stores that aren't humongous big box stores. But when I entered, the man up front asked me if I needed help with anything and was able to point me to exactly where the item I was seeking could be found. I wandered a bit after finding it. They have much of what you'd expect a hardware store to have, including paint selection, and in the back they make keys as well. I visited 7/9/22, and they are still observing a few COVID precautions (great!), though nothing that would inconvenience a customer; one or both of the clerks were wearing masks, and they have some Plexiglas in front of the registers. They take ApplePay! I really appreciate this, since I've found some places both local (the bakery that offers ApplePay... unless you use Mastercard) and national (the cookware store that doesn't take payment via digital wallet, period) haven't joined the revolution. Parking is street only. There are some pay parking spots right out front, at least 2-4 of them, along Broadway. Clifton also has some spaces all along the street, though I'm unsure if they're paid parking or not. If driving isn't an option, the Wilson CTA stop is less than a block north, and the Lawrence stop (currently under renovation) is a block south. If you're not like me (wanting to get something instantly once you decide upon a project, only to not actually complete the project until weeks later), Ace allows you to order things for in-store pickup, so that's pretty handy. Definitely something I will keep in mind so that I can support my local hardware store. read more

See all

This is a great locally owned hardware store. I went in with multiple lightbulbs that needed replacing plus some bolts. They quickly helped me find the appropriate match for each. I had to come back and make a return because I bought one lightbulb that was too bright (of course the one I picked out on my own). That was quick to do! read more

This is a small store but there is something cool about the fact that it is crammed under the El tracks at Leland and Broadway. When you walk inside, it is full of stuff. from planting materials to cleaning supplies. I ran in there to pick up some vacuum bags and saw some other things I could use in the future. They had cleaning supplies that I have not been able to find in the bigger grocery stores, so that is a plus. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. I was greeted as soon as I wanted in. The store might look disorganize, but the staff seems to know where everything is. so that's a plus. There's plenty of street parking (metered). Just pay for 15-30 min to park, don't try to run in and out as the meter people are johnny on the spot and will give you a ticket. read more

Uptown Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love my Ace here in Uptown! It's been here forever, and the staff is great. And it is like the TARDIS as one reviewer posted. They have way, way, way more items than any big box store, it's awesomely mind boggling. And the BEST part is it COSTS LESS!! Just take a look at the prices on their website compared to other stores. Solid PROOF. I don't even bother to go to any other stores once I saw the price differences online years ago and the selections. I'm so glad they were able to fix their store front, like the masonry and stuff, they deserved that fully. And with that area being revived, all the new buildings and rehabs I'm sure they will have even more customers. I just wish would extend their hours at least to 6pm so we could shop there after work but Saturday is fine for me for now. Thanks guys for being the best. read more

Very good service. Made an expection for a online order. The item was in stock, gave it to me. Even tho, the delivery was Wednesday.

Wanted to start planting a few herbs and needed some items for that so decided to come and support a more local place. It had everything we needed which was great! When first entering the store we were immediately greeted by a store employee and asked if we needed help finding anything. Really liked that! Overall they were very attentive to us and to the other customers. The store is very cramped and even with a few people it gets crowded so I wish the staff was wearing face masks. Also I feel like they should have limited the amount of people coming inside as sometimes you were touching shoulders with the other customers. They also overcharged us for an item, thankfully we checked the receipt right outside and were able to quickly come back and get our money back. Overall I will still come back and support this business as it's great to have a hardware store close by. read more

I needed some cable wires since the Target store was currently out of stock, the guest service representative suggested this store. Granted, the exterior of the store is blocked by scaffolding, I was able to locate it. The store is a typical ACE Hardward store.... full of items that you may need. Yes, it may looked disorganized but the male staff member told me exactly were the wires were. The prices were reasonable. I had to wait few minutes until the checkout person was done texting on her phone. She was sitting down so I was able to see everything. I was out of the store within 10 minutes. Never underestimate ACE Hardware stores. read more

I respect this place for immediately meeting me at the door to put a mask on. I know that's a nuisance to some people, including those like me who are vaccinated, but NOT ME. I'll mask up every single time. I came here to try to get a key copied, one that the manufacturer discontinued, online websites couldn't order, and two other hardware stores couldn't do. I respect that their key copier TRIED. It didn't work and was too short, but the guy (don't know his name but he's older, Asian, dark hair) at the key copying desk made an attempt. My only complaint was there were two other keys that I was trying to figure out how to hook with the rest of my keys after the little handles broke (and they couldn't be copied). The same guy told me to drill a hole, but he refused to do it because he had some kind of confusion about a car key with another customer. I looked around at all the keychains and found a rubber holder for less than a dollar that solved my whole problem. He should have just told me to try that instead. Still though, good customer service. The parking is hard because they're by a train stop and parking meters, but I found free spots twice because I'm used to this area being a Border's. (I miss Border's so much.) read more

This is an amazing gem in the heart of the Uptown community. The store is small, but packed with products--which seem to be carefully selected to meet the needs of the community. But the key here isn't the store, it's the people! You will NEVER be left wandering lost from aisle to aisle trying to find what you want. The people who work there have worked there for decades, know their stock, and definitely know their customers' needs. Time after time I have arrived with either a broken part that needed replacing, or a vague description of what I need, and been pointed to exactly the right item two minutes after entering the store. They also make keys that actually work! First time, every time, guaranteed. This is not the untrained (or do it yourself) key duplicators art your neighborhood bodega or big box. Uptown Ace has actual locksmiths who know what they are doing. I would go NOWHERE else for keys! Looking for a place that has fifty different refrigerators on display or want to review dodge different tile patterns to find just the right tile for your new bathroom--by all means try a big box store. But if you want anything from light bulbs to paint, plumbing or electrical fixtures (and a much more), skip the big boxes and shop local! read more

My favorite thing about this Ace Hardware store is that every time I go in, morning, noon, or (almost) night, the same young woman is working as the cashier. She's helpful, too, and friendly, and it makes me feel like I'm in a real neighborhood spot. A lot of the staff knows the customers by name, and that always makes me feel warm and fuzzy. They have all of the basics, I've mostly visited for paint (I'm often in the mood to change ALL the colors in my tiny apartment), and seeds in the Summer when I'm convinced, again, year after year, that I CAN grow tomatoes and peppers in my window. Sigh... I also got a really awesome sled there, when everywhere else was completely out of sleds. read more

Uptown Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Buyer Beware! Holiday shoppers who like giving out Gift Cards be warned! AceHardware doesn't have a Universally usable gift card system. I was told non corporate stores do not accept company issued gift cards (WTF). That gift cards can't always be redeemed online. They don't refund the value on Gift Card sales. How embarrassing is it to give a gift, be told two stores and over phone can't resolve the issue. A person walks into a store with a Gift Card for that company and walks out without anything, not once but twice. When the person told me their experience I'm salty. I get the gift cards back. Then I try to set up an online order for in store pick up. I submitted payment with the Gift Cards, then get a cancellation e-mail for half my order. I contacted customer service over the phone, because twice I submitted an online form and got an error message. That rep told me a very round about way of Too Bad, So Sad, you're stuck with spending your money here. I have to wait 7 business days to try again! Then after that time goes by, I try again, to receive a Contact Customer service message. I used a PC to submit my issue and followed up the next day over the phone. The CSR who helped this time apologized for all the hassles I'd been experiencing. She had to contact Gift Card Team (There's a separate division for Gift Cards, they are sold but customers can't utilize them?) to reactive them. She kindly tried to make it up to me with a $10 off promo code when I tried again. I set up the order, put in the code, and no surprise got an error message. I dropped the total to the lowest amount so as not to give more of my money to this awful company. If what I managed to get my hands on fails to work, it's going in the garbage. I submitted a review to Ace Hardware directly, Facebook, Google, and Yelp. Good luck if you made the mistake of giving an Ace Gift Card to anyone. Hopefully they didn't have to go through this much nonsense. read more

Uptown Ace Hardware - E-mails from Ace half the order canceled by company. Had to cancel whole order to start over. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Some of the nicest and most helpful staff you will ever come across. Bigger with more selection than you expect.

Their selection is pretty basic and their staff are rude, condescending and lack basic communication/social skills. Do not expect to go in and ask for items or to pay with a (debit/credit) card without getting an attitude. For some reason their staff is just incapable of respecting customers, and by the look of the store, inside and out, it shows they're not doing to well, which I attribute to this. Most locals instead choose to go to stores in other neighborhoods because it's much quicker and easier to obtain items and purchase them than dealing with this mismanaged business. read more

Very cool old-school hardware store in old town. They almost always have what I'm looking for, and are very helpful whenever I have any questions. I recently had to get two keys cut. I had tried using a self-serve key kiosk at a Menards and it was both annoying to use and the resulting keys just straight up didn't work. Went back to Ace to get them done, and a nice man had both cut for me, correctly, within five minutes. I'm never going back to the Menards again at this point. This store is also very good about insisting on masks for all customers, which I really appreciate. Give them your business instead of the big box stores! read more

I really like this store, the location is convenient. It is a little rundown looking, so that's a tiny bit intimidating, but the staff is always nice, and they know where EVERYTHING is. They're always helpful, and if you explain your issue, they'll do their best to find you the right solution. They almost always have at least one of something in stock. It's a little cramped, and could probably use a good washdown (definitely a new entrance) but that's kind of the fun of a true urban store. The only reason I knocked off one star is because of their hours. Basically they're only open til 5:30 PM, which makes it hard to get to if you work normal business hours. read more

This ACE hardward is tucked under the Redline Stop at Wilson. Since there is a bridge in front of it, you'll blow right by it in a car (it is on the west side of Broadway in case you were wondering) Small in comparison to other stores I have been in, it does, believe it or not, have just about everything you could want. Does it look like a tool box with a bomb in it went off? Yes......they have stuff EVERYWHERE. Is there a hole in the roof in the back that looks like small children get snapped up into it or perhaps the cast from the Batman movie used it in a scene......maybe. But the folks are quick to answer questions and show you were something is and the pricing is reasonable. So if you have that chair needing a felt bottom, a lock for your bike (though there is a bike store across the street....ARG another review I forgot about *wink*....or super glue to solve that little cheating probably with your boyfriend........it is all here. So stop on by and stop till you drop..........we'll maybe not drop *grin*. read more

This is my favorite hardware store in the area. It's also just about the only hardware store in the area. Every time I've been in recently, there are employees walking around looking for people to help, and they are indeed very helpful. They'll walk you to whatever item you are looking for, suggest items for what you need to do, answer any questions you have (no matter how silly they seem to you), and do it all with a smile. Some of their prices are a little high compared to a Home Depot or Menards, but that is to be expected at a smaller store without that kind of buying power. The helpfulness of the staff here and the convenience of the location more than make up for it though. read more

This place is a great neighborhood Ace with very helpful employees. I'm always in and out of this place in 5 minutes, because someone near the entrance usually asks what I'm looking for and leads me right to it. I hate getting lost in Lowes. As a PSA, here are their hours, which I always have to look up because of my goldfish-like memory: 8am-5:30pm every day but Sunday Sunday: 11am-2:30pm read more

It's unfortunate that this is by default Buena Park's hardware store-and it's obvious that the management there knows it. The store has maybe two competent employees, but often you are left to manage with one of two detached hipster girls. They will not get up to show you where something is unless you actually demand that they show you (the store is tiny, so this shouldn't present an issue if they are concerned with leaving their roost at the register). They will not say thank you and will not help or seek help from an ably-bodied employee to assist with carrying a heavy air conditioner. The most you can expect is a listless and undirected point of a finger. Unlike other friendly neighborhood hardware stores, you cannot approach most people there with questions about home improvement-they just sell the stuff and that's the extent of their end of the end of the transaction. I will say though, they do a good job of managing the space of their inventory for such a cramped location. But if you are in need of hardware needs and you're closer to a Home Depot or Lowe's just a little further south, go there. The prices are jacked sky-high because of their uncontested status as THE neighborhood hardware store. read more

My favorite hardware store in uptown! Ok. Fine. It's the only hardware store in uptown...that I know of at least. Even so, it's got all my painting and fixing needs and the staff is always helpful. read more

Due to work, I find myself very close to this location often. When I'm out, I often think of little odds and ends that I need for my apartment or for my office and I can usually find what I need here. The employees are helpful and courteous. It can be hard to find a specific item in the store (it's VERY packed and cluttered) but the staff members know exactly where everything is - don't hesitate to ask for help. Prices are moderate to low for most items, and the staff often suggest lower priced alternatives when I carry a more expensive choice to the register. The next time I need a drain cover, random flower pot (to split my co-workers spider plant), an extra key made, or a hammer, I will definitely stop in Uptown Ace Hardware. read more

This is a hardware store, not a home supply store that sells screws in packages. It's cramped and confusing, but the employees know where everything is, and if you look lost, they'll ask you if you need help. They don't have a huge inventory, but they have at least one of everything. Sure, it's a little old and rundown, but so is the neighborhood. read more

Looking for a neighborhood hardware store with very courteous and helpful employees? Here it is.

They've always had what I'm looking for, which I was surprised since the store is so small, but it's pretty compact in there. Good prices.

I do like the friendly atmosphere, but I've had so many problems that I don't really go here anymore. Granted they have always exchanged/ returned everything, but I don't have time to make multiple trips. First bad experience was trying to buy ball chain by the foot to make curtain rings. The guy working told me he didn't know how much it was. He asked me what I was doing and convinced me to buy these cheap metal shower curtain rings even though it was for regular curtains. They weren't what I wanted so I ended up returning them. Next, I needed bolts to replace the rusted ones for my awesome acrylic toilet seat. I brought one in and the guy said he had the exact bolts. I thought they looked a little different, but I'm a girl so I must not know what I'm talking about. Guess what! He sold me large threaded bolts when I needed fine threads. So, off to return them. Then, I needed three keys made. The guy behind the counter was showing his (?) kids how to make keys, which is great, but don't practice on a paying customer! None of the keys worked and I was going out of town and had to get my keys remade again in a rush. And all of these trips were done on foot or bicycle. Total waste of my time! I must say though, if you need locks re-keyed, they do an excellent job. I will go back here for this only. read more

I love this place yeah the parking can be hard to get at times but the service is great and the time of getting your stuff your in and outta there. Joe the owner is one of the most helpful owners of a hardware store that I know next to Kenny at C&D. You have Jeff I mean this guy knows stuff that I don't even know and I have been in the Bizz for 27 years. Lastly Jennie she is the booker keeper and head cashier she knows everyone just about in the Uptown area and she loves to talk to you if you need her help. So would I recommend this place Yeah! as I go there all the time. read more

This store is small and right under a bridge. Parking can be hard. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are a bit higher than competitors. read more

I went to website to check for items I needed.I picked this store specifically, because it claimed it was sold here. Once I get here,I'm told they don't carry 2 out of 3 items I wanted. They stated the web site was for all Ace, not necessarily one store in particular. Well,that didn't make me feel less aggravated, since I made special trip to go there. Very annoying! read more

I arrived there just as they were closing the store, but told me that I was still welcome to come in to get what I needed. They helped by leading me to everything I needed and I was in and out in no time at all. I'll definitely be back if I need minor repair supplies again in the future. read more

This place may look old and dirty, but the staff were very friendly and the store had everything I needed on my repair list. Prices seemed pretty fair and average for an Ace store. read more

Great place, super friendly staff, if they don't have what you need... and they have a lot... they will point you in the right direction or try and order you something! read more

It's a toss-up between here and Crafty Beaver for me, but I usually shop at Ace on Broadway because of their staff. The managers (owners?) are always helpful and come right up to offer help. The selection is, well, it's a small urban hardware store, the selection is not huge but 80-90% of what I need, I can get here. And often they carry stuff I can't find in even bigger stores. Sure it's in a sketchy neighborhood, it smells funny, and they close too early on weekdays, but I like it. It's SO Uptown. read more

Everytime I have been, which has been about once a week since I moved, the staff has been extremely friendly and helpful. I am always greeted at the door and initially asked if I need any help finding anything which is very nice because sometimes it is very hard to find the exact thing you are looking for. Oftentimes while I am in the store a number of other employees will ask if I need any help and will direct me exactly to the product that I need! The prices are good, some things are more expensive than other places, but some things are cheaper, I love going here because it's my local hardware store and I don't have to go through the hassle of ordering something online. Every time I've been I have found exactly what I was looking for and more! I love this little hardware store, and in regards to COVID all the employees wear their masks and once I was in there and a man walked in without one and the manager gave him a mask to wear in the store! It's a great place and don't let the bad reviews steer you away :) read more

Went in today to get a bath tub stopper. This place is SO disorganized. Boxes laying everywhere, shelves a mess. How does anyone find anything in there?? It looked like a rummage sale. The staff was friendly, however. read more

Although a bit cluttered and you may have to do some digging, I've never walked out without finding what I needed. Helpful and knowledgeable staff is also a plus. read more

Great neighborhood hardware store that always has what I need in a quick convenient stop. Staff is always nice and helpful.

I'm not a big fan of this hardware store. The hours are not very convenient for people who have jobs. Much of the merchandise is significantly outdated. (This is one of the few places that still carries beige outlet covers, for example.) I hate Ace Hardware paint. It drips, runs, and doesn't cover well. Sherwin-Williams is so much better. But my biggest problem is whenever they've cut keys for me, more than half the keys don't work. The store is just a few blocks away, so if I have an emergency need for keys, I plan accordingly. If I need three keys, I'll buy eight, so that I get three that work. I'm giving them two stars because the guy with glasses is always very nice. read more

I stopped into this Ace because the one closest to me closed a while back. There was a promotion where you got one free quart of paint (one day only), and so I headed that way to take them up on the offer, and to pick up some other things. We were greeted when we walked in the door, and the workers were very helpful. They let us know that not all colors were available for the promotion and I wasn't sure if they were being passive aggressive or but they weren't. When we picked our color, they let us know it was available and that they would start mixing it while we finished shopping. They had everything we were looking for: foam brushes, mineral spirits, sandpaper, dishwashing gloves...the usual stuff you'd need from an Ace. The only reason it's not 5 stars is that parking is pretty scary. It's Uptown, and it's the part of Uptown where you have to park directly underneath the train tracks which drip on your head. There are 3 spaces alotted for Ace, and it's not fun to avoid harassment for the 15 feet from your car to the Ace door. Otherwise, great shop. read more

I love these guys (and girls). This is your old, tired store full of awesome goodies for building things...exactly like a hardware store should be. Generally, the staff is very helpful and they've always had everything I needed, so no complaints. One evening this past December, they had a really incompetent and general unhelpful guy answering questions when I came in, which is why they lost that one star. Nonetheless, I go here when I can. Its location is great...right literally under the Red Line at Wilson and their prices are fair. The fact that this place exists saves me a trip to Home Depot quite often. Actually, it saves me two trips to Home Depot, because the first trip the store person at HD tells me the wrong thing and so I have to go back... read more

This place isn't very helpful, has just the bare bones in supplies.