Spice stores in Chicago

Hi, can anyone reccomend a good place to pick up spices in Chicago? I've found this place www.thespicehouse.com but parking and traffic in that area is so insane that I'd like to find something further west. Thank you.

How far west are you looking?

Personally, I have never had an issue with parking near the Spice House. Yes, it is a busy area, but have always found a meter on Wells within a block of it. I think a bit of traffic is worth it.

You could also have them ship to you, or visit their store in Evanston.

Jamie

Penzey's in Oak Park is my go-to place for spices in the western suburbs -- to further minimize parking hassles, you can order online or from their catalog.

Jamieson22 wrote:How far west are you looking?

Personally, I have never had an issue with parking near the Spice House. Yes, it is a busy area, but have always found a meter on Wells within a block of it. I think a bit of traffic is worth it.

You could also have them ship to you, or visit their store in Evanston.

Jamie

I think I've just been unluck parking over there because at night between the theater, restaurants and Second City it seems like I circle the block about 20 times first. I guess I'll give it a try.

I've never been there, but after checking it out online, I can't wait. Looks like they have some great stuff.

I was just hoping someone knew of a hidden gem that I might not have heard of elsewhere in the city that might be a little more accessible.

Thanks for your help though.

I'd say The Spice House IS the hidden gem

I always go on weekend morning/afternoons and rarely have to even circle (seems we always park across from the Pier One a bit south of it).

If you grill steaks at all, don't leave without some Back of the Yard Butcher Rub.

Jamie

If you know what you want, you can call ahead to the Spice House, ask them to hold it, and then put on your 4-ways and dash in. Controls impulse purchases, certainly.

Jamieson22 wrote:

If you grill steaks at all, don't leave without some Back of the Yard Butcher Rub.

Jamie

I'll definately pick some up, looks like they have some great stuff in there.

gleam wrote: Controls impulse purchases, certainly.

I think impulse purchases are half the allure to me. I don't expect to get out of there for cheap.

Jamieson22 wrote:I'd say The Spice House IS the hidden gem

I always go on weekend morning/afternoons and rarely have to even circle (seems we always park across from the Pier One a bit south of it).

If you grill steaks at all, don't leave without some Back of the Yard Butcher Rub.

Jamie

absolutely!

Spice House is THE little, hidden gem. You'll be hardpressed(outside of traveling to divers ethnic stores) to find as complete a selection.

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actually, you can get out of there for cheap if you purchase spices in smaller increments(they allow for most 1 oz. min.)

There are some tips on where to buy spices in this thread.

Christopher Gordon wrote:actually, you can get out of there for cheap if you purchase spices in smaller increments(they allow for most 1 oz. min.)

Indeed. Although you may want 4 or more ounces of their really excellent salt-free cajun seasoning, you probably don't need more than an ounce of, say, ground mace.

And I'd again reiterate that at the Evanston branch of The Spice House (which was the first one around here, by the way -- it's on Central Street just a block west of Green Bay) it's fairly easy to find street parking (though it can be a challenge at times; there is a metered lot another block west of the store). If you go there for your spices you can have a nice lunch at the eclectic diner Prairie Joe's and pick up some bread at Great Harvest bakery. If you're in the neighborhood, anyway. I agree with the posters above and would recommend the Back of the Yards rub; I'm also partial to their jerk seasoning, their pure tomato powder (makes tomato paste, so I no longer need to open a jar for a tablespoon of t. paste) and the "Gateway to the North Maple Sugar Seasoning" (or something like that) which I use to make my kids' favorite sloppy joes.

I just park in the Treasure Island lot up the street. If you're skittish, just go in and take a lap. There's no way they'd know you weren't actually in the store if you just walked down to The Spice House.

Having lived in the neighborhood, parking can be a problem. Think about parking on the otherside of Division on either Hill or Orleans. Many times you can find parking there. Also its an interesting walk down wells as there are all kinds of markers talking about Old Towne along the way. By the way the best parking can be found early morning or on week days at aproximately 4:30 on Wells around the two schools since the no parking expires then.
Paulette

As cold as it is, it's worth driving up and down the block. Spots are always opening up. Never have to wait more than 5 or 10 min - especially if you're not above pulling a U-turn in the middle of Wells if one opens up across the street from where you're at. One of my favs used to be the Bronzeville rib rub. I buy the spices individually, and make my own mixtures now.

The Home Economist in Skokie has a good selection of spices. I'm not sure of the address but I know it's on Gross Point Road near Skokie Blvd?

Home Economist
9159 Gross Point Rd
Skokie, IL 60077
847-674-7252

Didn't all those close?

Mike G wrote:Didn't all those close?

Quite possibly, I simply added the address.

......Called the Home Economist phone number, no answer.

My spice house of preference is The Spice House on Wells. Fresh spice available in bulk, which Penzey's does not offer, informed friendly staff and excellent quality fresh spices.

Enjoy,
Gary

The Spice House
1512 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312-274-0378
http://www.thespicehouse.com/

HI,

I went to the Home Economist in Skokie just before Christmas. Of course anything could have happened since.

Regards,

Mike G wrote:Didn't all those close?

Most closed, but the one in Skokie is still open.

stevez wrote:

Mike G wrote:Didn't all those close?

Most closed, but the one in Skokie is still open.

As is the Westmont store on Cass Ave.

REAL far west? Not Chicago; but if you're in the Beloit WI area, try Kauffman's Country Store about 5mi. west of Beloit, WI on WI 81 for spices; herbs; bread flour, pastas. Not nearly the selection as The Spice House, but much better than you can find in typical food markets. And interesting stuff.

DitkaFan wrote:Hi, can anyone reccomend a good place to pick up spices in Chicago? I've found this place www.thespicehouse.com but parking and traffic in that area is so insane that I'd like to find something further west. Thank you.

There's simply NO good way to get to Evanston from where I live, but I like the Spice House, so I just order from their web site and have it delivered.

I go to the Spice House and I usually park in the little parking lot across the street from Great Harvest Bread. I know on weekends it is hard to park there.

I like the taco seasoning along with the Greek seasoning.

I also really like the Buttermilk dressing mix that they have.

Paulina Meat Market carries some of The Spice House seasoning blends.

This seemed like an okay place to mention that the owners of the Spice House are looking to expand their locations. They sent out an e-mail soliciting suggestions from customers. Here's what they're seeking:

*********************
Currently, we are looking in the LaGrange or Geneva/St. Charles areas. We also liked Hinsdale, but the rent prices pretty much eliminate Mom and Pop shops from opening there. Naperville and Oak Park are out as they already have spice stores.

We are looking for a nice main street/downtown type area in a nice neighborhood no more than approximately an hour from downtown Chicago. At least a half hour from our Evanston or Old Town locations. An old fashioned street with shops that are not chains, shops that are mostly owner operated. No strip malls. We need at least 2500 square feet. We try to find buildings without high end upstairs tenants - our smell is not to everyone's liking!

Please email <http>The Spice House with any suggestions you might have.
*************

Funny, I posted the same thing, but it must have been after yours. Thanks, mods, for deleting it, as the duplicate/additional topic was unnecessary.

BTW...

crrush wrote:Please email <http>The Spice House with any suggestions you might have.

To send them your suggestions, click here.

yours was before colleen's, and mine was before yours. yours was moved to the topic i started for it in the professional forum.

Although it's far from being a spice shop, Stanley's on North/Elston has really reasonable prices for spices and for large quantities. The stuff seems pretty fresh to me.

Hi,

Someone told me of this store, though I haven't been there:

Spiceland
6604 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60634
773/736-1000

Owners are named Jim and Doris ... beyond this I know nothing else.

Regards,