Chicago Pilgrimage to Merz Apothecary?

[Nick Danger]

Gentlemen:

I'd like to suggest a Chicago get-together that includes a pilgrimage to Merz Apothecary - either the downtown or Lincoln Square location. Only the downtown Merz is open Sundays, if that turns out to be the best day for everyone. We can have a drink or lunch / dinner after shopping to compare our purchases.

Anyone interested?

Nick

[barrycv]

Interested - yes. Whether I can work it out w/ the varying schedules/responsibilities at home, well that's another thing. But if I could swing it, I'd love to do it.

Downtown would probably work better for me - I'd do the Metra thing & hoof it down from Union Station.

[KNaB]

I can't leave Merz without spending at least a couple hundred bucks and I go there a few times a month (The one on Lincoln). Went there yesterday for some blades and ended up buying a Muhle R41 (with stand) and Mitchell's woolfat soap with the bowl. It's truly a privilege to have the store so close to me or even in the same city, but you pay for that privilege....literally.
I've never been to the downtown location, but I don't think it has the inventory that the lincoln square store has.

[iankh]

I'd be interested. I live in Lincoln Square. Mertz is around the corner from my house.

[markk100]

I'd come south from brew city...heard great things about Mertz...any dates thrown out there yet?

[iankh]

Have you guys heard about The Great Shave event that Mertz is having? I'm thinking about going ... it's hard not to since it just up the street. I'm surprised there hasn't been any postings about it

[iankh]

Last Saturday in October would work for me. Pretty much any Saturday works except for October 20th.

[tommyguns]

don't forget the great shave will be coming up and that might be an even better time for the chicago guys to get together. I know alot of us were there last year but did not have the chance to meet up but it might be and idea to keep on your head.

[luvmysuper]

I'm game for a get together.
I like the Lincoln square Mertz better than the downtown one.

If you guys are interested in getting together I'm game. I won't be attending any flunky get together that charges a fee to hob knob with folks who aren't allowed to post here at B&B, but any other plans might be fun!.

[iankh]

Since Mertz is a block away from me, I'll defer to everyone else. Any date except 10/20 works for me.

My thinking right now is that I doubt I will go to the Great Shave event. It's only 2 blocks away, but it it on a week night and honestly I'm really bushed. I just wonder what sort of goodies will be given away and whether I'm being too hasty.

There might also be some special neighborhood events coming up. There's seems to always be something going on done by the neighborhood chamber of commerce to promote Lincoln Square. I think there may be a shop and brew thing going on for the December holiday season, either that or a Christkindl Market. They've done that for the past several years too.

Oh, and also adding that the Half Acre Brewery just up Lincoln Avenue does Saturday morning brewery tours and samplings.

[KNaB]

Oh, and also adding that the Half Acre Brewery just up Lincoln Avenue does Saturday morning brewery tours and samplings.

+1 I actually like HA's Daisy Cutter. Not my favorite, but I drink it if it's available.

[iankh]

How about Saturday, November 3rd?

[framos242]

Sounds rather enticing....

[dslazar9]

Your words are disappointing. This event was outstanding. The 20$ covered a goody bag worth over $100, all the Beer/Wine/Whiskey you can drink,
all the food you can eat, and the opportunity to meet fellow shave enthusiasts. Lynne Abrams and Mark (Mantic 59) Herro were there. Both of them have
been a fountain of information for me in my wet shave journey. The were very gracious, approachable, and a pleasure to "hob knob" with. It was really nice to shake their hands and thank them in person. I have no idea
who was banned and don't really care. I have no connection to any of them and no connection with this event other than attending last year and liking it enough
to happily pay the $20 fee which I can't imagine made them a profit. I am just an enthusiastic wet shaver who greatly appreciates all of the help I've had
from many sources, including Badger and Blade. I'm not looking to stir controversy but your post just felt so out of line to me. Perhaps there are things I don't know
that would alter my opinion of some of these characters, but for me, this was worth the money and even worth staying up way too late on a weeknight for.

[luvmysuper]

Your words are disappointing. This event was outstanding. The 20$ covered a goody bag worth over $100, all the Beer/Wine/Whiskey you can drink,
all the food you can eat, and the opportunity to meet fellow shave enthusiasts. Lynne Abrams and Mark (Mantic 59) Herro were there. Both of them have
been a fountain of information for me in my wet shave journey. The were very gracious, approachable, and a pleasure to "hob knob" with. It was really nice to shake their hands and thank them in person. I have no idea
who was banned and don't really care. I have no connection to any of them and no connection with this event other than attending last year and liking it enough
to happily pay the $20 fee which I can't imagine made them a profit. I am just an enthusiastic wet shaver who greatly appreciates all of the help I've had
from many sources, including Badger and Blade. I'm not looking to stir controversy but your post just felt so out of line to me. Perhaps there are things I don't know
that would alter my opinion of some of these characters, but for me, this was worth the money and even worth staying up way too late on a weeknight for.


Glad you had a great time. Glad the parties involved found it to be a success.

But there's a distinct difference between that and permitting people who have caused problems on this site from advertising here to line their pockets from our memberships hard earned cash.
If you don't think folks made money on this deal then Google Business 101.

You've a right to not care about who has created problems here and to bask in the ethereal glow of whatever guru you please.

I've a responsibility to ensure that people who have shanked our members don't get away with it scott free to do it again.

To each their own.
Thanks for your opinion, and as I said - Glad you had fun.

[iankh]

I floated a suggested date of November 3rd, which is next Saturday. There wasn't any feedback. Is there any interest?

[moonl8r]

I myself would love to be able to meet some of you fellow chicago wetshavers. I am from the north (near Lake Geneva,WI) and would like to see this happen. Need the time and the date.

[Nick Danger]

I apologize to everyone for starting this thread and then dropping the ball.

The truth is that I had several experiences at Merz that made me decide not to shop there anymore. They do have a nice selection of shaving stuff, but I prefer to spend my money elsewhere. My reasons are personal and I wouldn't try to dissuade anyone else from shopping there. I just don't care to go to Merz anymore myself.

If there is ever a plan for a general get-together in the Chicago area, I'm in

Nick

[JayEddie]

I would be interested in a get-together sometime, but not until after the holidays when life has a chance to calm down some.

[anthonyscardina]

I'd definitely be interested in meeting other gents in the area who like to play with sharp shiny things.

[Nappyfunk]

I am interested in meeting Also...prefer not Merz ...after our Wonderful Holidays...and Bill Paying...

[anthonyscardina]

My girlfriend took me to a cooking class Saturday for an early birthday and it happened to be right across the street from merz Lincoln square. Good thing they were already closed for the evening otherwise we'd have been late to the class!

[JimmyD]

Count me in for a date after the holidays. :thumbup1:

By the way, I've been on this forum for a few years (I'm not very active though) and I didn't realize there was any drama surrounding the Great Shave event!? I really wanted to attend the event this year, but my wife was sick, and it would have been a bad decision if I went out to the Great Shave while she was at home alone feeling miserable! :P

[anthonyscardina]

Drove past merz downtown today, too bad I was working!

[tommyguns]

went yesterday to pick up items for a gift basket type of thing I am making my friend for a gift. The one in lincoln square has got allot more items then they had so of corse I had to pick my self up an unplanned item lol. I have not shaved in a month so I can not enjoy them 100% but i still clean my neck up every morning.

[luvmysuper]

went yesterday to pick up items for a gift basket type of thing I am making my friend for a gift. The one in lincoln square has got allot more items then they had so of corse I had to pick my self up an unplanned item lol. I have not shaved in a month so I can not enjoy them 100% but i still clean my neck up every morning.

I much prefer the Lincoln Square shop.

[Toothpick]

This seems like the right place to ask this.

Sooner or later I plan on making a trip, either with this group or Han Solo style. The easiest for me would be to take the BNSF railway to Union Station. But from there what would be the easiest public transportation? Bus? Taxi? Subway?

[BJT]

@ Toothpick, From downtown (get on probably at quincy) to lincoln square I would take the Brown Line to the Western stop, some walking but not much. Taxi would be pricey.

[luvmysuper]

This seems like the right place to ask this.

Sooner or later I plan on making a trip, either with this group or Han Solo style. The easiest for me would be to take the BNSF railway to Union Station. But from there what would be the easiest public transportation? Bus? Taxi? Subway?

You can get out of Union Station on Jackson street and cross over the Chicago River and east a few blocks past Sears Tower (yes, I know, but I will always call it Sears Tower), turn left on State Street. Up two blocks and turn right on Monroe, then it's a half a block on the right.
Not really a bad walk at all, takes me about 15 minutes.

[Toothpick]

@ Toothpick, From downtown (get on probably at quincy) to lincoln square I would take the Brown Line to the Western stop, some walking but not much. Taxi would be pricey.


You can get out of Union Station on Jackson street and cross over the Chicago River and east a few blocks past Sears Tower (yes, I know, but I will always call it Sears Tower), turn left on State Street. Up two blocks and turn right on Monroe, then it's a half a block on the right.
Not really a bad walk at all, takes me about 15 minutes.

great thanks!

me and a buddy walked from Wrigley Field to Union Station once, under the mentality "hey thats the Sears tower right? can't be that far if we can see it" since then I don't trust landmarks and walking in Chicago. But those are some good directions. I figured the taxi would be expensive. train or walking would be the best bet.

[JayEddie]

great thanks!

me and a buddy walked from Wrigley Field to Union Station once, under the mentality "hey thats the Sears tower right? can't be that far if we can see it" since then I don't trust landmarks and walking in Chicago. But those are some good directions. I figured the taxi would be expensive. train or walking would be the best bet.
The Sears Tower. Isn't that near that other one...The Lewis tower or Wallace tower? Something like that.:sosp:

[luvmysuper]

The Sears Tower. Isn't that near that other one...The Lewis tower or Wallace tower? Something like that.:sosp:

The Sears Tower was purchased and was renamed The Willis Tower.
But many folks round these parts refuse to refer to it by that name.

[Toothpick]

The Sears Tower. Isn't that near that other one...The Lewis tower or Wallace tower? Something like that.:sosp:

At the time of our adventure it was still named The Sears Tower.


The Sears Tower was purchased and was renamed The Willis Tower.
But many folks round these parts refuse to refer to it by that name.
+1

[Stanley Alan Taylor]

The Sears Tower was purchased and was renamed The Willis Tower.
But many folks round these parts refuse to refer to it by that name.
I think what JE meant was: the walking directions given were for the downtown Merz location, not the Lincoln Square location (the one people seem to like at least a little better).

If you want to visit the Lincoln Square location and didn't like the walk from Wrigley to Union Station, the train directions from BJT are probably the way to go.

[luvmysuper]

I think what JE meant was: the walking directions given were for the downtown Merz location, not the Lincoln Square location (the one people seem to like at least a little better).

If you want to visit the Lincoln Square location and didn't like the walk from Wrigley to Union Station, the train directions from BJT are probably the way to go.

Right you are, the directions I gave are to the Palmer House Mertz, not the Lincoln Square one.
I had read JE's comment that he thought Sears Tower was near Willis Tower, but they are the same building.

Hope that clarifies things to all concerned.

And yes, the Lincoln Square Mertz is better than the Palmer House one.

[Toothpick]

to call a spade a spade.... and i reckon im a spade.....i read JE's comment like a ribbing for calling it the Sears Tower still. my bad JE! :blink:

why not visit both! make a whole day out of it. 15 min isn't a bad walk at all to get a quick fix in, then head up to Lincoln Square for the full effect and great eateries I heard they have there. The New Year can't get here soon enough. This is definitely going to happen!

[JayEddie]

to call a spade a spade.... and i reckon im a spade.....i read JE's comment like a ribbing for calling it the Sears Tower still. my bad JE! :blink:

why not visit both! make a whole day out of it. 15 min isn't a bad walk at all to get a quick fix in, then head up to Lincoln Square for the full effect and great eateries I heard they have there. The New Year can't get here soon enough. This is definitely going to happen!
Actually I mean more as a ribbing to the idiots that are trying to rename it. To me it will always be the Sears tower. I remember seeing a newspaper article about it when it was completed. (The ironic thing though is that I've never been up in it)

[luvmysuper]

to call a spade a spade.... and i reckon im a spade.....i read JE's comment like a ribbing for calling it the Sears Tower still. my bad JE! :blink:

why not visit both! make a whole day out of it. 15 min isn't a bad walk at all to get a quick fix in, then head up to Lincoln Square for the full effect and great eateries I heard they have there. The New Year can't get here soon enough. This is definitely going to happen!

There's a great Bavarian place a few doors down from the Lincoln Square location, called the Chicago Brauhaus.

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[Toothpick]

There's a great Bavarian place a few doors down from the Lincoln Square location, called the Chicago Brauhaus.

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Thats the place I heard about in another thread here and is on my agenda. My mouth is watering, although I don't know if its for the Merz or those beers.

[JayEddie]

MMMMMM...Schnitzel

[framos242]

And don't forget the pretzels at Brauhaus!

[tommyguns]

i have gone to merz a ton of times and never gone into the brauhaus. Seeing the pic of the beer has now made it a must do in my book I think I will have to make it a point to stop in.

[moonl8r]

So, I finally make a trip to Merz on Lincoln and guess what?............................................. ..............

























THE BRAUHAUS IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

[luvmysuper]

So, I finally make a trip to Merz on Lincoln and guess what?............................................. ..............


THE BRAUHAUS IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

A well known Bavarian tradition!

:lol:

[framos242]

Just a another reason to go back.... :biggrin1:

[moonl8r]

I will definitely being making another visit. Was very surprised about the selection that they had. I could have easily dropped a few hundred dollar in there. :thumbup1:

[WesternModern]

So, I finally make a trip to Merz on Lincoln and guess what?............................................. ..............

























THE BRAUHAUS IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

Thats when you go to the Huettenbar across the street. They have a great beer selection, too.

[Kailand09]

Gentlemen of the Chicago area:

I am planning on getting more into proper wet shaving, and thought I would make a visit to Merz. I figured this was a decent place to pose Chicago specifics a question, and that is if Merz does honing for straights, and if so, are they good at it? I have my great grandpa's straight I would like to resurrect but can't hone myself. Depending on if they do will influence if I will make the drive out there.

Also, do you all plan to have any other meetups? I would love to learn from the more experienced in person!

Thanks

[The Don]

Merz doesn't hone blades. If you check out the honing forum, though, you should find several members who can likely give you a hand with your razor.

[barko78]

I'm guessing this gathering occurred? I'm from the SW burbs and would be interested in a gathering either at Merz or somewhere else. Is there anything else in the works?

[moonl8r]

I have not heard of anyone ever getting together but I could be wrong. Going to have to do a Merz trip again soon as I am having withdrawals. LOL

[barko78]

moonl8r, let me know when you're going if you want company. I've been to T&H but never to the Merz store.

[moonl8r]

Will do. I usually go during the day as I have been working at night lately. Things change from week to week though. I'm a NW 'burb here so we will be coming from opposite ends.

[brooks_bro]

I made my "pilgrimage" to Merz last month when I was in town. Hit both the Lincoln Square and Palmer house locations.

The selection was outstanding as had been well documented. The staff were friendly and let me browse for close to an hour without being pushy at all. What an experience to be able to be hands on with so many iconic shaving products. When i think of all the shipping charges I've thrown away over the last couple years I should have just bought a plane ticket and a cab ride to Merz!

[the_edski]

So true! The first time I was there I smacked myself in the forehead and I'm just from the 'burbs of Chicago!


. When i think of all the shipping charges I've thrown away over the last couple years I should have just bought a plane ticket and a cab ride to Merz!

[brooks_bro]

So true! The first time I was there I smacked myself in the forehead and I'm just the 'burbs of Chicago!

Even if just to sniff many flop purchases would have been avoided.

On the other hand - so many hidden gems like bath house and I coloniali would have been discovered!

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

I have not heard of anyone ever getting together but I could be wrong. Going to have to do a Merz trip again soon as I am having withdrawals. LOL

Well, we had a blast not long ago - here is the thread that started it and pics of the attendees. Highly recommended!

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/262184-Chicago-Area-“The-Close-Shave-quot

[barko78]

Looked like a good time. Maybe another can be coordinated this year.

[JCinPA]

Hi there! I kinda drifted away for a while, but I was at our first small group get together out in the west suburbs in January last year, I think. I believe there was a summer or fall deal I missed, as well.

This is kinda kicking around not going anywhere, it seems. I'm going to start another thread only because I want to create a poll with dates on it people can vote for. We certainly don't need a huge crowd, we had about a dozen at the first one, as I recall, and if we had half that, we'd have fun! Plus, I'd like to see Phil again and scott (I think there are two Scotts, I just saw Captain Pre-Capsize last week and he's a Scott) and some of you other guys. I still have lunch with Clutch Cargo every couple months.

Look for another Chicago Merz thread in a few minutes with a date poll in it.

Let's do dis ting!


Poll is up here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/341895-New-Chicago-Merz-get-together-thread-with-date-poll-!