Any good Chicago shave stores?

[backpackerx]

I'm heading to downtown Chicago in 2 weeks and want to visit some good shave stores in the city while there since my home area doesn't have anything close. I've looked up a Crabtree and Evelyn store and a Truefitt and Hill Store on N. Michigan Ave. but wanted to check here for others to see what some of the members might recommend.

Thanks.

[Zeni]

Merz in the Downtown Macy's.

[Mr. Gillette]

Merz in the Downtown Macy's.

Zeni...I'm trying to get a picture for you mincing through the State Street Macy's store...it's making me laugh, just thinking about it!

But the Merz is a pleasant visit, lots of stuff, if not a bit pricey. Still, it's a good visit.

Half the fun of this visit is gone, as of last week, with the demise of Garrett's popcorn at the location just across the street! But somehow you'll survive.

NOTE TO VISITOR: If you're at a big fancy Michigan Avenue Hotel and the room service menu lists a "Chicago Style Hotdog" for 9.95, and it comes slathered with Nacho Cheese, no tomato, and the relish isn't some flourescent green shade, remember, it was good ol' Mr. Gillette who told you that you can't find a good Chicago Hotdog in an upscale Chicago hotel.

Find Portillos, Flukeys, Superdawg, or any of hundreds of smaller places...get the special with dog, fries and a drink for 4.95, and take the 5.00 you saved to Merz's where you can buy a pack of Derbies for just a few cents more!

If you're visiting on business and can "expense" some Lawry's Prime Rib or Gibson's steakhouse, Zeni and Mr. Gillette can meet you at either of these establisments (They won't let Zeni into Charlie Trotter's since that problem in 1993...) and we'll personally point you toward State Street AND Michigan Avenue (no such intersection exists, but we'll send you there) after dinner. Just keep in touch. Yes, Lawry's would be good, don't you think, Zeni?:lol:

Afterward, Zeni will give you two tickets to the Bozo show, and we'll see what we can do to get you Jerry Springer tickets. Yeah...that's it...

[ari95]

Merz is probably the best, as they have the most variety. There is a Body Shop right there too, and I really like their shave cream.

[uofi1963]

The hated Macy's also has an Art of Shaving section near the Merz Apothecary.

As long as you're in the area, try some Clover made coffee at Intelligentsia either on Jackson or near Randolph and Michigan.

the elder Joel

[Zeni]

Yes, Lawry's would be good, don't you think, Zeni?:lol:

Afterward, Zeni will give you two tickets to the Bozo show, and we'll see what we can do to get you Jerry Springer tickets. Yeah...that's it...

Smith and Wolinsky's, right there on the river.


I have a story about Bozo, but can only tell in person.

[Mr. Gillette]

Smith and Wolinsky's, right there on the river.


I have a story about Bozo, but can only tell in person.

YES! One of Chef Han's creations would be more interesting, and INFINITELY more expensive. I'll get this set up with BackpackerX immediately.

"That would be a table for 14...Mr. Zeni, Mr. Gillette, BackpackerX, and 11 of those hot "perfume squirters" you have to walk by in Macy's..."

Again...Expense it...deduct it twice, it's the American Way.

[backpackerx]

If only this were for business! (the next one might be but not this trip)

Do you think they'd take reservations for a Backpackerx, Zeni, and Mr. Gillette or just hang up the phone? If successful Zeni might have to loose the gun, although who would suspect such a sweet old lady of packing? :biggrin:

[Mr. Gillette]

If only this were for business! (the next one might be but not this trip)

Do you think they'd take reservations for a Backpackerx, Zeni, and Mr. Gillette or just hang up the phone? If successful Zeni might have to loose the gun, although who would suspect such a sweet old lady of packing? :biggrin:


I somehow have the feeling that Smith and Wallensky have had experience with Zeni AND the gun, (and probably the old lady dress, because when he goes out to a nice place, he always dresses down...not the trampy bar-slut look he cultivates in other areas), but that they'll let him in because of his, uh...connections.

Have a good trip to our city...what else is planned? If you make it up to Great America...OR to the 2nd largest tourist attraction in IL, (Gurnee Mills, the worlds largest outlet mall!) Let me know! HAHAHAHHA I can point you toward the Cheddar Curtain, where Lynchmeister will be duct taped to a street sign, wearing nothing but a Brett Favre jersey....

THAT is reason enough to fly into O'Hare!

[backpackerx]

Not a ton planned so far. I have a friend in the city and 5 other friends are coming in to have a little get together for 4 days. I've been to Chicago 3 times or so and have seen the touristy stuff so we'll probably just let our city friend show us around and do whatever. Oh, and swim in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan. Then I'd have 2 heads to shave!

[burnwood]

Screw the steak. Lets just all go to SuperDawg.

[burnwood]

The hated Macy's....

the elder Joel

+1

[Mr. Gillette]

Screw the steak. Lets just all go to SuperDawg.

Any place where your whole lunch can come in a little cardboard box is okay by me! :w00t:

[Kbennett]

Merz in the Downtown Macy's.
This, of course, would require setting foot in a Macy's.

If you're up for a very underrated, quintessential Chicago steakhouse, check out the Erie St. Cafe.

[backpackerx]

Why all the hate for Macy's? Just the typical overpriced issue or something else? We only have the little Macy's department stores here and not the big all encompassing city stores.

[burnwood]

I love that the wife and me arent the only Macy haters in Chicago. Why do we? Well one, Fields closed. Two for me is Macy's is not Chicago. It just isnt.


And dagnabbit I needs a cardboard boxed dog now.

[uofi1963]

Macy's isn't Field's! It's the loss of a Chicago landmark tradition. I can't think of anyone who would come to Chicago to shop at Macy's.

On the other hand, Merz and AOS are concessions within the store. Otherwise, as a lifelong Chicagoan, I wouldn't set foot in the place.

You might think about lunch or dinner at Greektown. I'd recommend Santorini or Costa's.

the old Joel

[Leatherneck]

To heck with the Macy's Merz. If your friends are up for a little road trip, go to the original Merz at 4716 N. Lincoln Ave. It's an old before the turn of the century building. Great shave selection. While your up there and want to try some good food, stop in at Sultan's Market on North Ave. and Hoyne. Good Mediterranean (sp?) and MiddleEastern food. Kind of a walk-in deli style sandwich shop with great prices.
If your holding tight downtown, gf and I have been to Rick Bayliss's La Frontera for Mexican and really enjoyed.
Sadly, one of our favorite breakfast joints when we go to or through Chicago, Leo's Kitchen, at Damon and Division, closed a couple years ago. Small place, and o.k., you had to get past your shoes sticking to the floor and double checking your silverware part, but the menu and food was awesome.

Kevin

[Zeni]

Oh, and swim in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan.

Been there done that...


Drunk of my ass, in the middle of the night, naked.

[Mr. Gillette]

I love that the wife and me arent the only Macy haters in Chicago. Why do we? Well one, Fields closed. Two for me is Macy's is not Chicago. It just isnt.


And dagnabbit I needs a cardboard boxed dog now.

+3 brazillian!

Macy's was the last step in the destruction of Marshall Field's, a department store that defined and anchored Chicago for a century and a half. If you can imagine New York without Macy's...that's what we Chicagoans feel about our city without Fields. It wasn't just a shop, but a DESTINATION, a place to "be". A place to take your kids to see the animated windows, to sit on Santa's lap. A place to fill out a quick application for a store credit card, just to get the free box of Frango Mints. A place to get "that year's" Christmas Bear. And, at the root of it, Field's was a fine store. 10-15 years ago sold to the Dayton-Hudson Corporation (Target, etc) and eventually morphed in Macy's. They scrapped the trademark dark green Field's bags that all of us packed our Ravinia food in, and replaced it with "MACY'S" bags! BOOOO!!!!! WHITE MACY'S BAGS! The store looks different inside and all the nice old ladies who ran the registers (Zeni, I think!), some of whom had been there for 40, 50 years or more) are replaced by young, gum-popping..."So..okay, like, is that all, or did you want something else, or is that, like, okay, enought because your total is like $42.99...OMIGOD, I like forgot tax..SOR-RY!!!" clerks who make you wish you'd stopped at the K-Mart in the suburbs instead of State and Madison Streets, "the busiest corner in the world!"


I don't know what to equate it to in other cities, but here's what we Chicagoans feel:

1) NY...take away the statue of Liberty. Tear it down. Buy a plastic Madonna in a bathtub and replace it. That's how we see it.

2) Philadelphia. Take that Liberty Bell and recycle it. Go to Home Depot and buy a cheap doorbell, and put the button where millions of tourists each each year can make it sound like Avon's calling.

3) Washington DC Take out the Smithsonian. Level it. Build a Walmart, a Target, an Applebee's, a Chili's a Best Buy and a Staples on the property.

4) St Louis. Let's replace the Arch with "Golden Arches."

That's our feeling.

Having said that...MERZ'S in Macy's is a good place to make a beeline to. Go in the front doors off state street, work your way slightly to the right and to the SE...behind the perfume section. RUN through the perfume section, so you don't get sprayed!

(This is important! Mr. Gillette once got sprayed with some new exotic female scent last Fall. SWMBO smelled it. "Say, bucko," she snaps, "That's women's perfume on you isn't it!" I looked at the ground. "Yeah...it is." "You were at Macy's...you went to Merz, didn't you??!! Hand it over!!!!" "Yeah," I mumbled..."I just got the one 5 pack of Derbies...okay, well that and a new brush...okay, some T&H soap...well this one cream, but these two little bottles were free samples, too!!")

The Lincoln location is in a fun, interesting neighborhood. I'd suggest BOTH places!!!!

BURNWOOD...how far from Superdawg? DAMN!!! I could go for one of those...I think I'll do it Friday!!!

HOW ABOUT A B&B SUPERDAWG LUNCH ON FRIDAY???

[Mr. Gillette]

Been there done that...


Drunk of my ass, in the middle of the night, naked.

Yeah...and you left a RING all the way to Milwaukee!! Thanks!!!

[Zeni]

HOW ABOUT A B&B SUPERDAWG LUNCH ON FRIDAY???

Can't make it Friday. When we going to Uhle's?

[Mr. Gillette]

Can't make it Friday. When we going to Uhle's?

How about right around the 4th? Kinda busy this week...lots of "work" hahahahahahahahahaha

Seriously...let's pick a day...you pick one, and we'll figure this thing out...but this week's kinda shot, including weekend.

[uofi1963]

Should you head up to Lincoln Square:

It's a scenic ride on the Brown Line, getting off at Western. I can recommend a couple of places for food right on Lincoln. There's a quite good Greek restaurant, a German ratskelar (sp?), and a delightful coffeeshop/bakery with an European flavor.

The neighborhood is quite charming, and worth a stroll away from the business district. The governor lives to the west, and Rahm Emanuel lives nearby.

Macy's is certainly in big trouble in Chicago. Their arrogant management didn't pay attention to the depth of feeling among Chicagoan about the loss of Field's. All they needed to do was keep the Marshall Field brand both in product and in the central store. I personally think it's only a matter of time until there's new ownership.

Joel the Elder

[burnwood]

Been there done that...


Drunk of my ass, in the middle of the night, naked.

my eyes. my beautiful eyes.:eek:

[burnwood]

I have the rotating days off. Monday and Tuesday, then Tues. and Wed then Wed. and Thurs. and so on.
If we ever plan a B&B Superdawg run I hope it is on a day off.
I am not far from it at all.
But if Erik comes he better being wearing some pants this time. Wife nearly left me for him.:eek:

[Kbennett]

To heck with the Macy's Merz. If your friends are up for a little road trip, go to the original Merz at 4716 N. Lincoln Ave. It's an old before the turn of the century building. Great shave selection.
I had no idea the original Merz was up there. I've driven past it dozens of times. You learn something new every day.

[Kenal0]

The original Merz is like a blast from the past. Narrow long shop, with tonics and potions along with a pretty good supply of shaving stuff.
Macys sucks so you are not alone in this thinking. My wife cut up the card when they sent it to replace the Fields card.
I also will throw my hat in the ring for Chop House on Ontario. If you road trip up north you can try Hole in the Wall in Northbrook. Small Italian restaraunt that has about 20 tables, only takes cash and if you get there after 5:30 you will probably have a wait but it is worth it.

Kenal0

[burnwood]

I had no idea the original Merz was up there. I've driven past it dozens of times. You learn something new every day.

Its the little block of Lincoln that is more like a Market Square then thoroughfare. One way Northbound on Lincoln. It was my beat for a few years. Got my tongue scraper (long lost) there.

[crocto]

i went to chicago and went to the truefitt and hill store at the 900 N. michigan ave shops. you should also go here (http://www.pizanoschicago.com/) the deep dish pizza is so good you'll punch your mother for another slice.

[backpackerx]

'Nuff said, I hate Macy's now too. I support my B&B brothers in the boycott :mad3:

[Zeni]

I've only been to the Lincoln location,.

[Zeni]

my eyes. my beautiful eyes.:eek:

I'm not that Bad, you haven't seen me naked yet.

[Zeni]

How about right around the 4th? Kinda busy this week...lots of "work" hahahahahahahahahaha

Seriously...let's pick a day...you pick one, and we'll figure this thing out...but this week's kinda shot, including weekend.

Hrm Sat the 5th? or maybe the 28th?

[Zeni]

I have the rotating days off. Monday and Tuesday, then Tues. and Wed then Wed. and Thurs. and so on.
If we ever plan a B&B Superdawg run I hope it is on a day off.
I am not far from it at all.
But if Erik comes he better being wearing some pants this time. Wife nearly left me for him.:eek:

Your wife has good taste, when you going to SuperDawg?:lol:

[burnwood]

Your wife has good taste, when you going to SuperDawg?:lol:

when you going to quit padding your posts?:biggrin:

[Mr. Gillette]

Your wife has good taste, when you going to SuperDawg?:lol:


BURNWOOD...put it together...you're the one with the schedule! Let us know, pick a day, I'll stop by the care facility and pick up Zeni, get him cleaned up a little, and dressed, and we'll get a dog, complete with the cool flourescent green relish. Friday? Thursday? Let's go!

Zeni...28th is out for Milwaukee Run, but 5th sounds perfect...let's get Lynchmeister down here for it...:lol:

[Zeni]

BURNWOOD...put it together...you're the one with the schedule! Let us know, pick a day, I'll stop by the care facility and pick up Zeni, get him cleaned up a little, and dressed, and we'll get a dog, complete with the cool flourescent green relish. Friday? Thursday? Let's go!

Zeni...28th is out for Milwaukee Run, but 5th sounds perfect...let's get Lynchmeister down here for it...:lol:

Pick me up at Burnwood's Apt. before you pick him up from work. She has good taste.

[Mr. Gillette]

Pick me up at Burnwood's Apt. before you pick him up from work. She has good taste.

I'll drop you off and wait...shouldn't be more than 30 seconds before (a) Burnwood shoots you dead (2) She dies laughing (3) you're caught on tape and it becomes the next R. Kelly trial.

[Zeni]

I'll drop you off and wait...shouldn't be more than 30 seconds before (a) Burnwood shoots you dead (2) She dies laughing (3) you're caught on tape and it becomes the next R. Kelly trial.

How did you know I was into...


http://youtube.com/watch?v=FmBRBUZ7UWc

[arcman]

There are a couple of C.O. Biglow stores there, one in main Chicago right on Michigan Ave, the other is in the large mall in Schaumburg. They've got Proraso, Trumper creams and colognes (and samples), they should carry badger brushes too, though I forget what make.

[Mr. Gillette]

There are a couple of C.O. Biglow stores there, one in main Chicago right on Michigan Ave, the other is in the large mall in Schaumburg. They've got Proraso, Trumper creams and colognes (and samples), they should carry badger brushes too, though I forget what make.


Mall in Schaumburg = Woodfield Mall. Some distance from downtown...depending on traffic, anywhere from 1/2 hour to 3 hours! HAHAHAHAHA Good call!

[burnwood]

I'll drop you off and wait...shouldn't be more than 30 seconds before (a) Burnwood shoots you dead (2) She dies laughing (3) you're caught on tape and it becomes the next R. Kelly trial.

it would be (a).

[Mr. Gillette]

it would be (a).

Kinda thought it would be!:001_rolle Come to think of it...Zeni hasn't been heard from in a few hours...

So...next week...Superdawg...c'mon...what day works? I'm open all week...lunch! I'll make sure Zeni takes his meds...:lol:

If he's still living...

[burnwood]

I am off Monday and Tues. next week. If you want end of the week, that would be in 4 weeks. And remind Zeni, I know how to hide bodies.

[Zeni]

Lunch at Superdawg could be a problem for me unless it was on a Monday.

[burnwood]

by the way arcman, love the penny arcade comic. read it everyday.

[arcman]

by the way arcman, love the penny arcade comic. read it everyday.
Thanks!
Gotta love this week's. No wimpy pokemon. >:(

[Lynchmeister]

I can point you toward the Cheddar Curtain, where Lynchmeister will be duct taped to a street sign, wearing nothing but a Brett Favre jersey....

THAT is reason enough to fly into O'Hare!


BURNWOOD...put it together...you're the one with the schedule! Let us know, pick a day, I'll stop by the care facility and pick up Zeni, get him cleaned up a little, and dressed, and we'll get a dog, complete with the cool flourescent green relish. Friday? Thursday? Let's go!

Zeni...28th is out for Milwaukee Run, but 5th sounds perfect...let's get Lynchmeister down here for it...:lol:

My wife will never believe that I was baited down to Chicago with false promises of hot dogs and neon green relish. Boy, is she gonna be in for a surprise! Now, if I can just free myself from this duct tape/street sign prison kitty corner from Lambeau Field, I'll be home free...

[burnwood]

Thanks!
Gotta love this week's. No wimpy pokemon. >:(

Oh yes, the Pokeman Killer. No wimpy pokeman is right.

[Mr. Gillette]

My wife will never believe that I was baited down to Chicago with false promises of hot dogs and neon green relish. Boy, is she gonna be in for a surprise! Now, if I can just free myself from this duct tape/street sign prison kitty corner from Lambeau Field, I'll be home free...


We'll save the duct tape. THE FUNNY THING...Mr. Gillette is somewhat of a Gentleman of Leisure, (not a Leisure-GUY, per se, no never...I'm not worthy!) But I take it pretty easy in the summers...Except Mondays! When I work for something like 8-9 hours all together! So Monday is the one day that wouldn't work, which is great, because then Zeni can't make it.

Good news...I just got a new pair of black "conducting pants" (since I make my friends call me "Maestro"...so if I show up at Superdawg, it will be pantless-- I like to keep the creases in good shape. It's a trick I learned from Lenny Bernstein!:lol:

[burnwood]

i truly am beginning to worry about the poor unsuspecting employees of my beloved Superdawg.

[Lynchmeister]

We'll save the duct tape. THE FUNNY THING...Mr. Gillette is somewhat of a Gentleman of Leisure, (not a Leisure-GUY, per se, no never...I'm not worthy!) But I take it pretty easy in the summers...Except Mondays! When I work for something like 8-9 hours all together! So Monday is the one day that wouldn't work, which is great, because then Zeni can't make it.

Good news...I just got a new pair of black "conducting pants" (since I make my friends call me "Maestro"...so if I show up at Superdawg, it will be pantless-- I like to keep the creases in good shape. It's a trick I learned from Lenny Bernstein!:lol:

You up for a leisurely game of pool? My dad just converted my bedroom into a billiard parlor. Oh, and uh, so as not to freak my mom out too much (she's still recovering from the Bro/Manzier episode), pants are not optional.

:lol:

[backpackerx]

Anyone know if there are any brick and mortar stores that sell TOBS shave cream or is it only available online anywhere? What brands does Mertz carry?

[Zeni]

Anyone know if there are any brick and mortar stores that sell TOBS shave cream or is it only available online anywhere? What brands does Mertz carry?

They don't have TOBS. Wish they did.

Take a look at their website.

http://smallflower.com

[Kbennett]

My wife cut up the card when they sent it to replace the Fields card.
I made sure to call and cancel mine first (and give them my reasoning for doing so) and then shredded it. I considered lighting it on fire too, but decided to skip that step.

[Kbennett]

I am off Monday and Tues. next week. If you want end of the week, that would be in 4 weeks. And remind Zeni, I know how to hide bodies.
If you ever need help, I know a guy who knows a guy and Lake Michigan is an awfully big lake when you're looking for a couple of cinder blocks.

[backpackerx]

Well, I had a great 6 days in the city, thanks for all the suggestions. I hit the Truefitt and Hill at 900 N. Michigan Ave and the Bigelow's, Sephora, and C&E across the street at Water Tower Place. I came back with several creams and a multitude of samples that will only induce me to buy more in the future. I also had 2 very interesting Chicago hotdogs that were very good and I had no idea Chicago had it's own hotdog style. The only thing I couldn't get to was the Merz so hopefully I didn't miss out on too much there.

[soapbox]

The Lincoln location is in a fun, interesting neighborhood. I'd suggest BOTH places!!!!

BURNWOOD...how far from Superdawg? DAMN!!! I could go for one of those...I think I'll do it Friday!!!

HOW ABOUT A B&B SUPERDAWG LUNCH ON FRIDAY???

The next time I end up at my in-laws' condo on State Street I'm so going to set this up. I gotta meet you jokers in person.

[burnwood]

The next time I end up at my in-laws' condo on State Street I'm so going to set this up. I gotta meet you jokers in person.

I am so holding you to that.

[backpackerx]

I never did see the fabled Superdawgs. Should have looked it up. I had a Vienna Beef hotdog at a Mister J's I think and another one at Portillos. What are those weird peppers they put on them that look like wax beans?

[burnwood]

I never did see the fabled Superdawgs. Should have looked it up. I had a Vienna Beef hotdog at a Mister J's I think and another one at Portillos. What are those weird peppers they put on them that look like wax beans?

Sport peppers?


and Superdawg is just a beast on its own. Not Vienna, something just...different.

[Zeni]

Sport peppers?


and Superdawg is just a beast on its own. Not Vienna, something just...different.
Yeah what he said... different.

Demon Dawgs at 4am.:lol::lol:

[soapbox]

I never did see the fabled Superdawgs. Should have looked it up. I had a Vienna Beef hotdog at a Mister J's I think and another one at Portillos. What are those weird peppers they put on them that look like wax beans?

Mmmm, Portillos. I miss A Taste of Chicago. And I'm from Alabama! That's how good that stuff is.

[Philq]

Mertz also has a location at:4716 North Lincoln Avenue. Chicago, IL 60625
Phone 773.989.0900
Open 9am to 6pm Monday thru Saturday
This is the Original Lincoln Square Location and a web storehttp://www.smallflower.com/
Good Luck and Have Fun

[Montecristo #2]

Best dog is the Wiener Circle on Clark. The chicks that work there give out healthy side order of attitude. They will rip you a new one, if you step outta line.

We should all meet for a sangwich at Mr. Beef on Orleans (speaking of excellent customer service).
Mr. Gillette vs Mr. Beef.
Then grab a few stoogies and some single malt at Binney's and go have a party with Da Mayor on the roof of City Hall.

[njr]

Living on the NW side of Chicago, I would recommend Al Khayamieh, they have good Lebanese food, and the Lebanese are known to have the best food in the middle east b/c of all the invasions and thus culinary influences, not to mention the history of trade, starting with the Phoenicians. West side of Kedzie, 150 feet south of Lawrence (approx 4650 N Kedzie). There is a great baklava selection in the strip mall on Kedzie, east side of street, just north of Lawrence, Jaafer Halwayaat.

Mexican? The best tacos are done by Supermercado tacquerias as they buy their ingredients in bulk and fresh. Supermercado Chapala on Clark just south of Touhy or on Pulaski, south of 26th are very good. Clark's ingredients are fresher, IIRC. Opposite ends of town. If you're not in that area, stop a Mexican and try, "Donde es un bueno supermercado tacqueria en la proxima?" (I think that's right, my Spanish isn't that great) Also, Nuevo Leon on 18th, just east of Ashland is an institution, for a little bit cheaper and with pickled vegetables with the meal, try Los Comales, kitty corner to Nuevo.

[karzbi]

I can't recommend Merz Apothecary enough. Great selection of top shelf products.

I was there on Tuesday and made some big scores on Muehle products below the price listed on their online store.

[Jopo]

Hello Chicagoans (Chicagonites?), came across this place for what looks like a limited selection of Arko stuff:
Istanbul Market (http://www.istanbulsupermarket.com/index.php/cPath/120?osCsid=022ed51792084a19)

2324 S Elmhurst Rd, Mt. Prospect

[Warrior372]

Well, I had a great 6 days in the city, thanks for all the suggestions. I hit the Truefitt and Hill at 900 N. Michigan Ave and the Bigelow's, Sephora, and C&E across the street at Water Tower Place. I came back with several creams and a multitude of samples that will only induce me to buy more in the future. I also had 2 very interesting Chicago hotdogs that were very good and I had no idea Chicago had it's own hotdog style. The only thing I couldn't get to was the Merz so hopefully I didn't miss out on too much there.

You did miss out! Last weekend I had the chance to go to both Merz locations. First the one in Lincoln Square on the North end of the city and then later the location in Macy's off of State. The store in Lincoln Square had absolutely everything, and much more than the location in Macy's! They did have TOBS, Truefitt & Hill, Mitchell's Wool Fat, Geo F. Trumper, everything by Proraso, Speick, Tabac, Caswell-Massey, Muehle, European Nivea (apparently quite a huge difference from American) and Kent among others. They also had every old school Pinaud, 4711, Floral Water and Royall aftershave. Along with probably 20 brush varieties, stands and bowls. The place is amazing! I was so excited after walking in there I convinced two friends, who were making fun of the fact we took the train North to go there, to purchase TOBS shaving soaps of their own.

I would definitely say you missed out. Make sure you stop by next time you are in Chicago, and even though it might be out of the way, go to the one in Lincoln Square. Lincoln Square is just cool anyway. It was settled by German immigrants so there are german pubs, old world cheese and wine shops, as well as old style delicatessens with meat in aging rooms and sausage hanging.

[TheDoctor]

For those that don't understand the hatred of Macy's by Chicagoans (actually, Illinois residence generally) it's because Macy's is a "New York" store that bought out an Illinois flagship Marshall Fields. This especially hurt the the egos of Chitowners because Montgomery Ward fell to bankruptcy a few years ago. Also, for reasons that I've never understood (nor do I expect to in the future), Chicagoans have an irrational inferiority complex about New York.

But, my fellow B&Bers in the great city of Chicago, you can now proudly by shaving supplies from Merz Apothacary in downtown Chicago, without stepping foot inside the belly of the Beast. Merz has moved to the Palmer House on Monroe Street. (I'm not sure if they are open for business just yet, but if not, they will be shortly). I believe that Palmer House is still a Chicago property....for now.

I walked by it yesterday, and they were stocking. I did not attempt to go in. I did notice, however, that the space is enormous in comparison to the boutique at Macy's. I haven't been to the main store, but I imagine that this new location will be similarly stocked.

[bro-ham]

That is excellent, keep us up to date!

[kingfisher]

...... Also, for reasons that I've never understood (nor do I expect to in the future), Chicagoans have an irrational inferiority complex about New York.

......

this has been going on forever and ever. Historically it kind of makes sense. NYC was the first great metropolis in the United States. Then came Chicago. Hence, the "Second City."

A lot of people don't know this, but Chicago was actually nicknamed the "Windy City" not because it is windy, but because the Chicagoans were constantly talking up their city. They were big talkers. And thus Chicago became known as the Windy City.

I visited Chicago for the first time in July of this year (I've been to NYC many times). I have to say that I loved Chicago. I wish I could've been there longer. I make it to T&H but didn't have time to go to Merz. Sigh. I'll have to plan another trip.

[thrown.clear]

Merz has moved to the Palmer House on Monroe Street. (I'm not sure if they are open for business just yet, but if not, they will be shortly).

My girlfriend works just around the corner from the Palmer House and she tells me that Merz will be opening their doors tomorrow (Friday, 11/5/10).

She hinted that it would be great for me to pick her up after work and then I could go look around. I know it's just her way of avoiding a crowded Friday-afternoon trip on the eL, but it's still a pretty good idea.

I've spent a lot of time in the Lincoln Square Merz... They have a ton of stuff, but it's a narrow space, and quite popular, and it gets claustrophobic for me after awhile. I'm looking forward to checking out the new digs.

The Palmer House is just a cool old hotel in and of itself. It's got a great vibe that only age can bestow.

[luvmysuper]

this has been going on forever and ever. Historically it kind of makes sense. NYC was the first great metropolis in the United States. Then came Chicago. Hence, the "Second City."

A lot of people don't know this, but Chicago was actually nicknamed the "Windy City" not because it is windy, but because the Chicagoans were constantly talking up their city. They were big talkers. And thus Chicago became known as the Windy City.

I visited Chicago for the first time in July of this year (I've been to NYC many times). I have to say that I loved Chicago. I wish I could've been there longer. I make it to T&H but didn't have time to go to Merz. Sigh. I'll have to plan another trip.

I prefer the nickname given it by Mr. Burns of the Simpsons;

"The Miami of Canada"

I will be making a trip in to the new Mertz. The Lincoln Square shop was indeed pretty claustrophobia inducing, even though they had an amazing selection.

[jonwings]

I work slightly more than a few blocks away from the Palmer House. This could be very bad for me in a very good way!

[TheDoctor]

this has been going on forever and ever. Historically it kind of makes sense. NYC was the first great metropolis in the United States. Then came Chicago. Hence, the "Second City."

A lot of people don't know this, but Chicago was actually nicknamed the "Windy City" not because it is windy, but because the Chicagoans were constantly talking up their city. They were big talkers. And thus Chicago became known as the Windy City.

I visited Chicago for the first time in July of this year (I've been to NYC many times). I have to say that I loved Chicago. I wish I could've been there longer. I make it to T&H but didn't have time to go to Merz. Sigh. I'll have to plan another trip.
Chicago is an awesome city in its own right. Sure NYC has size, action and is "the world's city", but Chicago is clean, a bit less crowded, and a bit more laid back. I rate both NYC and Chitown equally great cities in different ways.


My girlfriend works just around the corner from the Palmer House and she tells me that Merz will be opening their doors tomorrow (Friday, 11/5/10).

She hinted that it would be great for me to pick her up after work and then I could go look around. I know it's just her way of avoiding a crowded Friday-afternoon trip on the eL, but it's still a pretty good idea.

I've spent a lot of time in the Lincoln Square Merz... They have a ton of stuff, but it's a narrow space, and quite popular, and it gets claustrophobic for me after awhile. I'm looking forward to checking out the new digs.

The Palmer House is just a cool old hotel in and of itself. It's got a great vibe that only age can bestow.

They did indeed open on 11/5. I was there today to purchase some TOB sandalwood cream and other items. The cashier thanked me for coming in on their 4th day. They denied it, but I'm sure that they offered a greater stock of merchandise than they had at Macy's. :thumbup:

[saf]

Does any one know if Any of the stores up on Devon carry Godrej? I was up there for dinner tonight and it came to mind I might find it.