Nail Bar

Chicago, United States

3.2

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 773-348-7878
Website:
www.nailbarchicago.com
Address:
3444 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
b/t Cornelia Ave & Newport Ave
Lakeview
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
210 ftSouthport
0.3 miBelmont & Lakewood WB
0.3 miBelmont & Lakewood EB
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Dogs Allowed
No
By Appointment Only
No

Today

Today –
Local time (Chicago) 08:46 Friday, 29 November 2024

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

We are an upscale nail, waxing, and threading salon open ’til 10PM on weekdays, and BYOB every day of the week. Our salons emphasize the natural nail – no overwhelming fumes here! We’re also proud to use our own line of high-​quality, botanical body care products in all our manicures and pedicures, designed exclusively for Nail Bar by our owner. Salons in Chicago and Dallas. Call your favorite location to ask about our seasonal specials!

History

Established in 2000.

The first Nail Bar was founded in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood out of a perceived need for higher quality, yet affordable, nail salons in the area. From the start, we have striven to fill the gap between the cheap, unprofessional «chop shops» and the expensive, high-​end salons — distinguishing ourselves by our professionalism, late hours, exemplary sanitation practices, use of all-​natural products, and the quality of our services.

Meet the Business Owner

Theodora K.

Business Owner

I started Nail Bar because I couldn’t find a salon in my neighborhood with the essential trifecta: great services, high standards of sanitation and disinfection, and high quality products. As a licensed esthetician and a biweekly salon-​goer, I wanted to start a business that would stand out from the slew of cheaper, nonstandard (i.e. unlicensed and unclean) salons. I decided to find talented, licensed technicians; put a lot of training and funds towards proper sanitation and disinfection procedures; and I designed the Renude products – a line of botanical, high-​quality salon and body care products used and sold exclusively at Nail Bar salons. They contain no parabens, synthetic fragrances, or other harsh ingredients – only rare plant extracts and essential oils. My goal is for every Nail Bar guest to leave feeling pretty, pampered, and safe.

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Nearby

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20 reviews of Nail Bar

No registration required
Place rating: 1
Oakton, VA
I only went here because a friend had given me a gift card for my birthday. I normally only go to Strong Nail on Diversey, and would never go anywhere else. I was VERY disappointed. The pedicure felt rushed, and half-​hearted. I specifically told the technician that I have an issue with ingrown nails on my big toe, and she cut the corners anyway. She also didn’t remove any of the hard spots on my heel, so a day later I could feel the sandpaper on my heels back again. On to the shellac manicure — first, I’ve never seen a manicurist look so annoyed to be doing her job. She continued to rest her forehead on her hands as if it was the most painful thing she’d every done. She also wore gloves, which then got nail polish all over my hands. The manicure itself was streaky, and began chipping two days later. This was supposed to be a NO CHIP. It also started picking up weird stains so now my soft pink has tinges of purple and blue in it, somehow.
Long story short, don’t go here. It was overpriced and sub-​par service, and just a bad job.
Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
I got suckered into trying the spot again and this time my pedicure did last a lot longer, but sadly the service was only eh. I was there with a friend and she was only getting a manicure so I had mine done at the same time. When my friend left and I tried to move onto the pedicure, the woman gave me a bit of an attitude. Overall, the price still isn’t worth the experience.
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
Terrible. I’ve been here twice this year and I’ve been really disappointed. The first time I got shellac and it came off 2 days later. I also got a pedicure that lasted maybe 4 days. Usually my pedicures last for weeks! The second time I went, I had a gift card to use. My technician put way too much polish/​top coat on my nails. It took 2 hours before my nails dried. Both my manicure and pedicure were smudged later that afternoon. I will never go back. Expensive doesn’t always dictate quality.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I’ve been to this salon a number of times and was quite pleased with the service every time! The receptionist was friendly and welcoming and my nail techs were professional and sweet. I would definitely return :)
Place rating: 5
Lakeview, Chicago, IL
I went here to get a manicure recently as a walk-​in and they took care of me right away! The receptionist was very polite as they were setting up, and offered me tea.
I picked an electric blue shade that the nail tech applied perfectly! She was friendly and fast and my nails looked great.
I can’t wait to go back and get another manicure!
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
Yeah, so I’m definitely not a fan of this place at all. The nail technicians are very pretentious and condescending. Absolutely zero conversation during the service, and when I tried to ask a question I received curt, patronizing responses. The manicure itself was no frills, and to top it all off they don’t even have nail dryers here, so I had to sit around waving and blowing on my hands. My friend ended up indenting her job as soon as we left. Prices are so not worth the service or lack there of. I won’t be back!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I popped into the Nail Bar this past Sunday afternoon and was extremely pleased with this Southport spot. I arrived at 1:00 without an appointment and they were able to take me within 15 minutes for an eyebrow wax and manicure. (Next time, I’d make an appointment in advance but I’m always happy when I can get in on a whim.)
The services seemed reasonably priced — $ 15 for the eyebrow wax and $ 17 for the manicure. (After reading some of the other reviews, I think my perception here is quite different. I have also been to their neighbor Benefit and paid about $ 30 for an eyebrow wax including tip– insane, so $ 15 was a-​okay for me). Anyway, both the waxer and manicurist were sweet-​natured and friendly.
I was surprised that my eyebrow wax was followed by a brief temple massage, which was a nice touch. I’m pretty sure this was a first for me and especially nice because I tend to be fairly tense when getting my eyebrows waxed or threaded (ah, pain!).
The manicure also came with a brief hand and forearm massage, and she did an excellent job. I would definitely return for both services.
Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
I wish I could say I was a big fan of Nail Bar but unfortunately I am not. I usually go to Pink Nails on Belmont but I have a friend who is a big fan of Nail Bar so I tried it out with her yesterday.
While there are some good things about Nail Bar: an enjoyable ambiance, extremely clean and more privacy than other nail salons there are also some things I could not discount.
For one Nail Bar is a bit pricier than other places in the area. I have no issue paying $ 35 for a pedicure but I am going to it better be damn good! I want a long leg and foot massage and great service, I didn’t experience either of those things at Nail Bar.
The woman who gave me my pedicure rolled her eyes at me at least twice and made me feel awkward because my pants were too tight to roll up. She also did not spend as much time as I thought she should have on my pedicure.
While the pedicure is perfectly good and looks nice I’d rather spend my money somewhere where they will take the time on me and where the technician does not make me feel uncomfortable.
Place rating: 4
IL, IL
Typically I don’t get my eyebrows threaded at a place that is not specifically intended for hair removal, but I was very happy with my experience at the nail bar. They had a private room with a chair, just for doing eyebrows (with a bright light too, very important). Lee paid close attention to detail with the thread as well as scissors for timing. I hate thin eyebrows, and she was able to keep mine thick, but shaped.
My only complaint is that the threading cost $ 17, so maybe not something I can afford to do every three weeks (as one should), but you get what you pay for and it’s close and convenient, and I called on a Saturday afternoon and showed up 15 mins later for my appt. I.
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
I walked in here around 6:15PM on a Saturday evening without an appointment thinking that maybe they could fit me in since no one was in the salon. I had just gotten my makeup done at Benefit and was on my way to a holiday party. I asked the manager on duty if he had any appointments available and he said in the rudest voice ever «sorrrrryy we sent everyone home for the night. Come back some other time.» And made that «hmm I’m not really sorry face.»
OH REALLY? You sent everyone home for the night BEFORE closing hours? Talk about loss of business!
Honestly with a nail salon practically on every corner in Chicago I have no idea how this place even stays open with unreasonable prices, poor management and junky low budget décor.
CiCi’s Nails is down the street on Lincoln and they are extremely polite and do a great job. And CiCis is way nicer inside
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I am not one to cheat on my girls at PS Nails, but when we decided to get together for a girls’ brunch and nails party, I chose Nail Bar because my mother in law and sister in law like a little more of a spa atmosphere. First of all, I had to change our appointments several times as people opted out of a pedicure or manicure, two people cancelled completely, etc. They were very helpful and understanding over the phone. The pedicure here is expensive, but the chairs are comfortable and they do everything you’d expect. What really blew me away though was the manicure. Not only was it flawless when I left the salon (which is saying something because usually I can destroy a manicure before I leave) but over a week later it is still completely chip-​free. This is worth spending $ 17 (vs. the $ 12 I normally spend) in my opinion. They do not have a nail drying station here, you just sit for a bit and your nails dry, they spray something on them and you are ready to go.
I will definitely be back for a manicure, but will stick to my local place for pedicures.
Place rating: 5
New York, NY
Received a gift card for a manicure and pedicure here and I was beyond happy with the results. The pedicure was beyond soothing and relaxing. Not only was it enjoyable, Tuya did a fabulous job painting my nails and making them look pretty.
Each nail station is separated by a little divider which was my favorite part. You really feel like it is personalized just for you and that the appointment is private.
This place is a little pricier than most, but I totally think it’s worth it, especially the pedicure.
I also noticed that i wasnt in pain once during my mani or pedi, which doesnt happen often because i am sort of a baby. It was incredible how relaxed and happy I was during the appointments.
Definitely recommend this place 1000 times over!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I recently moved from Lakeview to River West and the biggest thing I miss is being able to walk around the corner and into Nail Bar. I’ve been going to Mihn since 2009 at that location and would encourage anyone to book with her! She always put in 110% care and if a nail wasn’t absolutely perfect (I never even noticed) but she would and had to fix it to her liking. I won’t battle parking on Southport for just anything, but I won’t get a (natural nail) French manicure ANYWHERE else or with anyone else than Mihn!
The only thing I don’t like is that Karen was transferred to a different location awhile back. She was GREAT and you have to love a receptionist that knows its you when you’re calling and will always find a way to fit in a dedicated customer. Nail Bar is lucky to have a gal like her handling customers!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I would second Laura S. on 7÷3÷2012. But when I was there yesterday one of the chairs was making a terrible sound when it was on, making me feel I was sitting next to a ventilator in an ICU.
On a positive note, they had their horrible, boring Techno music turned down so you barely could hear it and they now offer free wireless!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
This is the only place I will get my nails done. Barbara is amazing and I always get at least 7 days out of my manis before even the tiniest chip. Only complaint: They had started a «rewards points» program which was great for people like me who are there 2 – 3 times a month, but they discontinued it and now have Belly, which is lame. Please go back to the old system!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Enjoyed a complimentary manicure for having unsatisfactory service on my first visit. Kudos to them for great customer service and actually caring enough to pay attention to what their customers are experiencing in the salons!
The second time I visited, I went to the Broadway location, and was much more thrilled with my experience. My manicurist was lovely– polite, and did a pretty amazing job. My nails didn’t even chip for almost a week– which is a miracle for me (I’m clumsy so usually mine last a day at most before I get at least one chip). I made my appointment about 5 hours ahead of time, and was seated immediately when I got there.
Friendly folks at this location, and a great manicure. Hand massage was decent as well. Only suggestion? Although they are unsightly, installing some kind of fans or nail-​drying system would be much more convenient than sitting on the bench blowing on my nails for 5 – 10 minutes.
Overall? MUCH better experience than last time :)
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I have to give major props to the Nail Bar — they are open at 9am on Sundays. That’s a big deal. I was catching an 11:30am flight and couldn’t find a single spa in the city open before 11.
I have a policy of never getting waxes at nail salons — the cheap prices rarely make the lower quality worth it. I have had one too many nail salon estheticians (as well as high end spa estheticians) recklessly slather wax on me and rip off the muslin, not only leaving me in pain, but with much of my hair still intact.
But as the only place open on Sunday mornings, I decided to give them a chance. I was surprised to see their price list when I walked in — they charge the same as actual spas. If there were anything else open, I would have walked out.
But guess what? My wax was absolutely perfect. When I say this I don’t mean that it was good for a nail place — I’m saying it was better than most higher end salons I’ve experienced. My esthetician was Lee — not only was she clearly skilled and experienced, but she was über careful and sensitive with me. My wax was perfectly thorough (she got every single tiny hair) and as painless and non irritating as a wax can be. I didn’t walk away with any redness.
True, the Nail Bar is not a spa, and doesn’t pretend to be. They don’t offer you ayurvedic tea when you walk in, and whisk you away to a pretty little room where you can forget about your worries. But I’ll tell you this — as far as those nicer spas are concerned, no amount of ambiance or soft music or interior decorating or expensive scented products or complementary neck massages can make up for an average esthetician.
When you pay for a service at the Nail Bar, you’re only paying for one thing — skilled employees who are gentle and focused and give you great results.
Place rating: 3
Berwyn, IL
I had an hour to wait while my documents were getting bound at FedEx Office down the street, so I decided an impromtu manicure was in order.
I walked in and was promply greeted by the very professional front desk clerk. I told her that I didn’t have an appointment but was wondering if she could fit me in for a manicure? She looked at her appointment book and was able to get me in right away.
The woman who did my nails, wasn’t the most talkative, but that’s ok, since I can talk anyone’s ear off. Luckily for me, I had left my own bottle of nail polish in my purse, a flashy bright pink called Arm Candy, that’s made by OPI for Sephora. The nail technician was meticulous and did a pretty good job overall.
Was it the best manicure I’ve ever had? No, but for a spur of the moment decision and for only $ 20 including tip, I was OK with what I got.
Place rating: 2
Elmhurst, IL
Not a fan of this place… I think you can get a lot better mani/​pedi for a lot cheaper at other places in the city.
While the owner (or manager, not sure) was incredibly friendly, that’s where the niceness stopped. The woman that actually did my nails was so incredibly unfriendly, she seemed annoyed to be doing my nails. Also, she did not shape them how I asked, and when I reminded her of what I wanted, she just shortened them further and did not shape them. I feel like I could hurt someone with the sharp corners she formed on my nails.
Additionally, she did not massage my legs, feet, arms or hands during the mani/​pedi. That’s one of the reasons I pay to have someone else do my nails, big miss there.
Also, with a lot of quick turnover between clients, I did not see any thorough scrubbing of the pedicure stations and it seemed like the ladies just shared tools without cleaning them. Kind of grossed me out.
My manicure didn’t even last 5 days, it’s already chipping badly and I haven’t done anything out of the ordinary or particularly harsh to my hands.
Needless to say, I will be going elsewhere.
Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
Um, hokay, first of all, $ 17 for a manicure is not okay unless the place AT LEAST has fans to dry your nails.
I don’t even think it would be okay if they gilded your nails with gold.
But apparently Nail Bar thinks $ 17 is perfectly acceptable because they have the new Shrek colors and call themselves «Nail Bar» and force their employees to wear pretentious t-​shirts which say things like «spoil,» «cut,» «file,» «pamper.» BARF.
The space is pretty and clean, and there are little stones in the water where you dip your hands, but that’s about all the good I can say about the place itself. Their receptionist (at least the one I had when I went – not sure if there are multiple receptionists) asked me the same question three times in a row. A bit of a ditz, but what can you do.
The most offensive part was the lack of any nail-​drying device. No fan. No strange blue light. Just a bench to sit on while your nails dry. Hm.
The redeeming part of this story was my nail technician, Degii. I have never had such a gentle, pleasant manicure. My fingers are really sensitive, and sometimes a manicure is more torturous than relaxing, but Degii was very careful and the entire thing felt like a massage! If you have sensitive or particularly soft hands, definitely request her.
Otherwise, pay $ 12 at Beauty Nails for a manicure that actually dries properly.