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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Near North Side

Unique spots

Something that breaks the mold of the neighborhood instead of blending into the same repetitive storefronts.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Judy Maxwell Home image 1
Judy Maxwell Home image 2
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Quirky gift shop offers unique finds and vintage charm. Atmosphere is fun and whimsical, perfect for exploring laugh-out-loud gifts and playful homewares.

A funky gift shop packed with unique finds and vintage charm. Offers a wide range of items that cover every price point and include some laugh-out-loud gifts.

People are saying

"It's a treasure trove of unique finds and laugh-out-loud gifts."

Good to know

1

Judy Maxwell Home offers a variety of unique gifts for all ages.

2

Expect a fun atmosphere filled with quirky and interesting items.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for all purchases.

02
SHŌ Omakase image 1
Restaurant

Large sushi bar features chefs crafting innovative dishes in a sleek, modern space. Guests savor a curated sake selection alongside 12-course unique omakase with fresh, fusion flavors. Atmosphere blends calming elegance with lively music for a special vibe.

An innovative omakase offers 12 courses of unique Japanese fusion dishes with fresh ingredients. The space feels super cute and the presentation shows great attention to detail.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is an unforgettable, creative dining experience."

"The sake here is unique, innovative, and utterly delectable."

"The omakase experience here is unique, with fresh, artfully presented fusion dishes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance.

2

The price is $145 per person, which is considered a good value.

3

Each course features immaculate cuts of fish and thoughtful garnishes.

03
Slant of Light Books image 1

Basement bookstore offers a cozy atmosphere with comfy armchairs for relaxed reading. Shelves feature a wide range of genres including unique titles and popular picks. Welcomes families with a children's nook and carries high quality gifts alongside books.

Shelves hold a wide range of genres and authors with both popular and unique titles. The store also features high quality gifts alongside its neighborhood bookshop vibe.

People are saying

"This bookstore has such a solid and varied selection of books."

"It's a cozy bookstore with a warm, inviting atmosphere."

"I found unique titles and high-quality gifts here."

Good to know

1

The bookstore offers both new and used books to fit various budgets.

2

They do not accept cash as payment; credit cards are required.

3

The selection includes genres like fiction, romance, sci-fi, and local history.

04
Kayao Restaurant image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant buzzes with intimate vibe and DJ-curated music. Signature pisco cocktails and unique oysters shine alongside ceviche and lucuma ice cream. Octopus dish offers a distinct, perfectly cooked flavor.

Oysters stand out with their fantastic and unique taste. Octopus comes perfectly cooked with a sauce that adds a distinct flavor. Cocktails also offer unique and delicious combinations.

People are saying

"The ceviche here has a great balance of tartness and citrus."

"The short ribs here are tender, rich, and deeply satisfying."

"The ceviche here is amazing and unlike anything I expected."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available before 6:30 PM; ask to sit on the patio or bar.

2

The happy hour offers a great calamari option.

3

Kayao Restaurant has a limited brunch menu available until 4 PM.

05
Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy image 1

Mat space is clean and spacious with impeccably maintained mats. Friendly, ego-free atmosphere welcomes all skill levels. Dense black belt presence offers wide spectrum of techniques blending technique and competition. Showers and lockers add comfort.

Dense concentration of black belts with various competitive accolades offers a wide spectrum of techniques. The culture blends technique and competition uniquely.

People are saying

"This martial arts gym has a super welcoming community and great training partners."

"The vibe here is super friendly and chill."

"It's a unique sense of brotherhood, like finding a new home."

Good to know

1

Classes include gi, no-gi, and MMA/boxing at 5:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

Saturday open mats are available for practice and community engagement.

3

The facility has clean locker rooms and showers for use after training.

06
Kapéj Coffee Roasters image 1

Cozy space with a wood burning fireplace and unique coffees creates a relaxed vibe. Local art decorates walls while soft jazz plays. Oversized furniture suits groups and remote workers alike.

Unique coffees and delicious lattes stand out here. The interior feels cozy and charming with a simple, unpretentious exterior.

People are saying

"This cafe has some of the most unique and quality coffee I've ever had."

"It's a cozy spot with a warm, inviting vibe."

"I found the coffee here to be truly unique and incredible."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so consider public transport or ride-sharing.

2

The coffee shop is located near the Sedgwick Brown line train stop.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

07
Gavroche image 1
French restaurant

Quaint French restaurant offers intimate dining with unique dishes like egg in an eggshell. Ornate decor and a modern French playlist create a sophisticated atmosphere favored by an older crowd. Cocktails like Jean Val Jean add a distinctive touch to the experience.

Dinner offers an intimate experience with dishes like a memorable egg served in an eggshell. Cocktails stand out, featuring unique options like the Jean Val Jean and the dirty word cocktail.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"I loved their inventive French food, especially the onion soup."

"The dishes here are phenomenal and unique."

Good to know

1

Gavroche does not take reservations for two people.

2

Gavroche offers 50% off bottles of wine and caviar.

3

Dogs are welcome on the patio.

08
EUROASIA RESTAURANT image 1
Halal restaurant

Low seating and cultural decorations create a cozy, home-like vibe. Unique dishes like cebureki and lamb offer distinct flavors. Guests enjoy chess and backgammon, adding a relaxed, communal touch to the quiet, friendly space.

Food offers unique flavors that stand out. The cebureki and lamb both have distinct tastes worth noting.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and full of flavor."

"You have to try the honey cake; it's exceptionally delicious."

"The food here is so unique and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be limited during peak hours.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended for dinner.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

09
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams image 1

Ice cream shop boasts unique flavors and airy seating that create a bright, inviting vibe. Fresh waffle cones fill the air with a sweet scent. Dairy-free options ensure everyone finds a treat to enjoy.

Ice cream features a good selection of unique flavors alongside traditional ones. Many choices offer distinct tastes that stand out from typical options.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was delicious and truly delightful."

"The dairy-free ice cream here is so delicious and creamy."

"The ice cream has unique flavors you won't find elsewhere."

Good to know

1

They offer free samples of ice cream flavors before you order.

2

The ice cream is available in half scoops, which are smaller than typical servings.

3

Seasonal flavors often sell out quickly, so visit early for the best selection.

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Near North Side, Chicago

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