If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind, Sideshow is your place! If you’re sick of giving Target gift cards to people on their birthday or for the holidays, do yourself a favor and check out this place. Are you looking for a jackalope? Chances are you’ll find it here. They focus on weird and strange, but the staff know that it’s not everyone’s thing so they’ll help you pick something out if you’re not shopping for yourself. Oh, and this is part of what I’ve been calling the«Walk Western» path — starting down at Challengers Comics(or coming off of the 606), hitting Margie’s/Quesadilla/The Art of Chicken/Paladar for food, grabbing something sweet at GBD, hunting to get a piece of your childhood back at Toy de Jour, looking for oddities at Sideshow Gallery, and ending up at Logan Arcade. Great date day all in one stretch of Western that most people miss while doing the same old Milwaukee Ave stuff. All this while getting some exercise walking Western!
Olivia M.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
This place is weird, but in a great way. They have strange art, taxidermy, medical models and posters, and lots random knick knacks. Owners are super friendly and if you sign up for their mailing list you get invitations to cool events like tarot readings and brunch.
S. B.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
I am in love with this shop It is literally right down the street from me, and figuratively right up my alley. I love taxidermy, I can’t get enough weird antiques and medical awesomeness. The art is all soooo cool. I’m coming in for a tarot reading, and I would LOVE to learn how to do taxidermy: D I am so glad you girls opened, you will be seeing a lot of me in your shop, and getting inked up next door at the amazing Revolution Tattoo. I can’t tell enough people about this place ;)
Bri A.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
I love oddities shops and it’s great to see another in the city! Sideshow has some taxidermy and wet specimens, but they focus more on art and the occult. They have some awesome hand made jewelry and I walked away with a cool silver, deer skull pendant necklace! I’ve seen those type of necklaces go for way more, but this was very affordable. I found out about this place when they hosted a taxidermy class with Mickey Alice Kwapis(formerly the Detroit Academy of Taxidermy). I’ve taken her class before and it’s always a good time! The owners are cool and it was nice chatting with them about their shop and different events they hold. I will definitely be back to check out an event and buy some unique gifts for people!
Laura V.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
I love Sideshow. They bring in a lot of really talented, edgy and eclectic artists — the kind I want to know about and probably wouldn’t find on my own. They have a little shop too with the coolest vintage-y, metal-y items you can imagine(think anything from preserved animals in jars to jewelry and perfume). To top it all off, everyone who works there is super welcoming and nice.
Brigette S.
Place rating: 5 New York, NY
Do all your gift shopping here! The owners are wonderful, smart, kind people. It is part art gallery and part store. Sideshow is wonderful in their support of local artists selling work on consignment as well as their own collection of curiosities and oddities. You can find unique things here is all price ranges. They host art openings about every six weeks or so(sometimes with complimentary Sailor Jerry drinks!). It’s a great way to meet new people and support local business.