Class eco glass at Grasshopper 510

Bucktown, Chicago, it’s a solid, no nonsense name for a once gritty neighbourhood built on the backs of Eastern European immigrants, now tapped with the gentrification wand. Hipsters, yuppies and artists have moved in, century-old clapboard cottages are making way for low-rise lofts and farms have long gone, replaced by funky, out there and independent stores burning bright in the retail and design scene. The main boutique strip of Nth Damen cleaves Bucktown right down the middle, but get your walking boots on for this half-mile of women’s and home style.

Start at Nth Damen near the corner of West Charleston at the eclectically stylish, standout Robin Richman at #2108. There’s no sign, so look for the wire ball hanging outside the entrance. Knitwear is Robin’s métier, but she also carries lesser-known, edgy American and Euro women’s clothing and accessories in her whimsical store.

Mid-century and design champs Pavilion

Pavilion at #2055 is a fabulous mid-century fetishists mix of French, Italian, Scandi and American collectibles, from Perriand to Prouvé, as well as more recent but no less desirable acquisitions.

East coast and West coast style meet at Roslyn

Loft-like Roslyn at #2035 has girly but tailored attire from on trend, emerging and established east and west coast designers, like Elizabeth & James, Loeffler Randall and shirt king Steven Alan. Discreet Takashi at #1952 is a creative culinary beacon, with the eponymous Japanese-born chef/owner conjuring French-American-Asian taste bombs that dispel the confusion of fusion. Order the omakase tasting menu, with delights such as snapper with ginger-citrus sauce, and Maine scallops with soba gnocchi and enjoy the ride.

Chi-town glam with Michelle Tan

Eco chicstas, don’t miss organic pamper prods and highly stylish repurposed home accessories at #1944 Grasshopper 510, and 360SEE at #1924, a smart, sharp and sleek sustainable art and furny gallery. Veruca Salt at #1921 holds racks of well-priced, in-demand, street-style and good-time gal gear popular with the young and restless, while at #1872 local designer Michelle Tan’s textural dresses and separates in a preferred palette of black and white will rock you with her strong yet feminine cuts.

Skip on to #1804 and hang on, what’s this? Designer menswear? You bet your bippy. Apartment Number 9 is the area’s home of suave, with haute right now names like Margiela, Dries et al for the confident, modern dandy.

Mini cupcake, maxi pleasure at Hot Chocolate

Heck, you must be drier than a Mormon’s convention by now, so duck under the train tracks to answer The Bluebird’s call at #1749, but only if it’s after 5pm. This rustic brick and reclaimed timber beer barn with gastro aspirations carries 50 ales and serves small plates of charcuterie and cheese and affordable Med-American main courses. If that’s not your bag, pop next door to #1747 and devour some wickedly good pick-me-up cacao treats and a host of other sweet things like donuts, cupcakes and desserts at Hot Chocolate. Super shopper!

Robin Richman. 2108 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 278 6150. W: robinrichman.com
Pavilion. 2055 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 645 0924. W: pavilionantiques.com
Roslyn. 2035 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 489 1311. W: roslynboutique.com
Takashi. 1952 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 772 6170. W: takashichicago.com
Grasshopper 510. 1944 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 292 0510. W: grasshopper510.com
360SEE. 1924 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 698 6340. W: 360seegallery.com
Veruca Salt. 1921 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 276 3888. W: shopverucasalt.com
Michelle Tan. 1872 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 252 1888. W: michelletan.com
Apartment Number 9. 1804 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 395 2999
The Bluebird. 1749 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 486 2473. W: bluebirdchicago.com
Hot Chocolate. 1747 Nth Damen. T: +1 773 489 1747. W: hotchocolatechicago.com