Shopping - Chicago - page 132

referred to as “Punkin' Donuts” in their honor). One constant in the
ever-changing youth culture has been the Alley, 3228 N. Clark St.,
at Belmont Avenue ( & 773/883-1800 ), an “alternative shopping
complex” selling everything from plaster gargoyles to racks of leather
jackets. It has separate shops specializing in condoms, cigars, and
bondage wear. Tragically Hip, a storefront women's boutique, 931
W. Belmont Ave. ( & 773/549-1500 ), next to the Belmont El train
stop, has outlasted many other similar purveyors of cutting-edge
women's apparel.
SOUTHPORT AVENUE
West of Lakeview, a few blocks from Wrigley Field, this residential
area was considered up-and-coming about 10 years ago; now it's def-
initely arrived. The mix of restaurants, cool (but not too cool) cloth-
ing boutiques, and cafes appeals to the upscale urban families who
have flocked to the area (watch out for strollers hogging the side-
walk). It's worth a look if you want to hang out in a neighborhood
that's a little more laid-back than the Gold Coast or Wicker Park.
Start at the Southport El stop on the Brown Line, and work your
way north to Grace Street (round-trip, the walk will take you about
half an hour—but allow more if you're doing some serious shopping
or want to stop for lunch). Along the way you'll pass the historic
Music Box Theater at 3733 N. Southport Ave. ( & 773/871-6604 ),
north of Addison Street, which shows independent films from
around the world. Two clothing shops catering to hip young women
with plenty of disposable income are Krista K, 3458 N. Southport
Ave. ( & 773/248-1967 ), and Red Head Boutique, 3450 N. South-
port Ave. ( & 773/325-9898 ), which both stock hot new designers
that aren't widely available in Chicago. Shane, 3657 N. Southport
Ave. ( & 773/549-0179 ), and Jake, 3740 N. Southport Ave. ( & 773/
929-5253 ), carry more casual clothes for both men and women
(think trendy T-shirts and specialty-label denim).
WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN
The go-go gentrification of the Wicker Park/Bucktown area has been
followed by not only a rash of restaurants and bars but also retailers
with an artsy bent that reflect the neighborhood's bohemian spirit.
Mixed in with old neighborhood businesses, such as discount furni-
ture stores and religious-icon purveyors, is a proliferation of antique-
furniture shops, too-cool-for-school clothing boutiques, and eclectic
galleries and gift emporiums. Despite the hefty price tags in many of
these shops, the neighborhood still feels gritty—so come here if you
want to feel like you've gotten a real urban fix.