Menswear, Hats & Records: Shopping in Chicago's Lakeview East

East Lakeview is a thriving neighborhood on Chicago's north side that has always reminded me of a little slice of New York. The streets are narrow, many of the buildings are historic and the 'hood is full of unique shops and restaurants. I've rounded up the best shopping options along this stretch of Broadway. So grab yourself a cup of coffee at Intelligentsia (shown above) and visit these shops for an afternoon of retail therapy.

Store name: Goorin Bros. Hat Shop
Address: 3243 North Broadway
What it is: An old fashioned hat shop like the one where your grandfather would have picked up his seasonal chapeau. 
What you'll find: Hats, hats and more hats.
Who will love it: Anyone who likes to protect their noggin from wind and cold.

Store name: Cram
Address: 3331 North Broadway
What it is: This menswear store stocks modern styles with a bit of a euro flare.
What you'll find: Jeans, shirts, jackets, bags and even a vast underwear section. Hey, guys like nice underwear too!
Who will love it: Guys who like a skinny fit.

Store name: Zeglio Custom Clothiers
Address: 3341 North Broadway
What it is: Storefront for custom clothiers.
What you'll find: A small storefront for measurements and fabric selection.
Who will love it: If you've never experienced custom made clothing, you need to try it. There's nothing quite like wearing a shirt or a pair of pants that were made to your exact measurements.

Store name: Gap
Address: 3216 North Broadway
What it is: Chain retailer.
What you'll find:  In addition to the nice sized mens store, this Gap offers ladies and kids items as well.
Who will love it: The Gap in East Lakeview got a recent makeover so it's nice and shiny.

Store name: Reckless Records
Address: 3126 North Broadway
What it is: New and used record store.
What you'll find: What's fashion without a little music? I love digital downloads as much as the next guys, but there's something to be said for touching music. Reckless stocks new and used vinyl, CD's and even cassette tapes.
Who will love it: Music fans.

Store name: Threadless
Address: 3011 North Broadway
What it is: Storefront location for Chicago-based t-shirt company.
What you'll find: Threadless crowd sources their designs via their website. The result is wearable art.
Who will love it: Fans of graphic t-shirts.


Images: Jason Loper