During our recent urban hike, we have selected a few places that struck our attention the most. We are sure they will surprise you the moment your enter them and get as much pleasure visiting them as we did.

Sometimes, it is worth getting off the usual tourist routes of Chicago and discover hidden gems behind the walls erected by the best architects of twentieth century.

One of the buildings, just in the middle of busy urban life, holds an oasis of rainforest greenery. The other will seduce you with the most delicious smell of fresh-baked bread made in-house from scratch with the owners’ recipes.  In the third place, you will stumble on the unique collection of vintage treasures collected from different parts of Europe. The forth will provide you with a peaceful asylum where you can get your portion of caffeine in a form of latte with a Japanese twist. Behind the walls of another building, formerly known as a currency exchange shop, you will come across the variety of cuisines as well as atmosphere deprived of stereotypes and prejudices because diversity of all types is celebrated there.

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HEWN

Bakery

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Address: 810 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60202, United States

Phone: +1 (847) 869-4396

Instagram: hewnbread

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IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FRESH LOAF OF BREAD made with love and care, search no more. Owing its name to an old building technique, Hewn is a place where ancient craftsmanship meets passion for food and desire to be unique. Here, fresh bread is baked every morning, thoroughly following the recipe created by the owner, Ellen. But what makes it especially unique is the fact that the bakers use only locally sourced ingredients from small, local farmers, in seasons when the flavors are at their peak. All the breads are hand-mixed and hand-shaped, filled with bakers’ attention, which makes every loaf unique, waiting for you to pick it up.

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Cultivate

Plants Store

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Address: 704 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202, United States

Phone: +1 (847) 418-1289

Instagram: cultivate_shop

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IN THE MODERN WORLD it is becoming harder and harder to find a piece of natural beauty when one lives in a city. This is why Louise Rosenberg’s Cultivate is a real treasure and a must for all the nature-lovers. Whether you are looking for houseplants or pots and terrariums, garden accessories or books on plants and nature, this is definitely the place to be. What is more, in this dreamlike oasis you’ll find an art-gallery of nature-themed works by renowned and local artists, as well as unique pieces of furniture and gifts. Come here to replenish your lungs with oxygen and share your love for natural world with other members of the community.

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Sawada coffee

Coffee Shop

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Address: 112 North Green St., Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Phone: +1 (312) 754-0431

Instagram: sawadacoffee

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YOU APPRECIATE GOOD QUALITY COFFEE, but are tired of the same tastes? Want to try something new? Here’s a solution for you! Inside the industrial design of Sawada you will discover a coffee wonderland, where expertly crafted espresso and matcha-based drinks, created by Hiroshi Sawada, the world renowned barista and latte art expert, are waiting for you. The one and only military latte as well as a selection of camouflage Doughnut Vault doughnuts are an absolute must.

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Currency exchange

Cafe

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Address: 305 East Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637, United States

Phone: +1 (773) 855-9163

Instagram: cexcafe

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OPENED IN A DISUSED CURRENCY EXCHANGE, to which it owes its name, this café offers a one of a kind mix of American, Mexican & Filipino food as well as a library and an expansive 35mm slide collection of world art and architecture. Just as the cuisine here is a combination of flavors from different cultures, people with various backgrounds and ideologies are equally welcome, which makes this place a unique reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Chicago.

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P.O.S.H.

Antique Shop

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Address: 613 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Phone: +1 (312) 280-1602

Instagram: poshchicagoshop

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FOR 20 YEARS P.O.S.H has been a breath of fresh air for those in search of unique and authentic things with a soul and a story to tell. Found and brought from all over the world, all the vintage items in this shop are either one of a kind or limited in quantity. P.O.S.H’s eclectic assortment ranges from sophisticated dinnerware from luxury hotels to pieces spotted at various flea markets. Whether you are into collecting vintage things or just like to browse through unusual objects, you’ll fall in love with this place the moment you’ve crossed the threshold.

 

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OAK + FORT

Shop

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Address: 1715 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

Phone: +1 (872) 802-4469

Instagram: oakandfortchi

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IF YOU NEED A FEW STATEMENT PIECES for a season the Oak + Fort store is the place to stop by. Vancouver-based fashion retailer carries minimalist collections for both women and men, some home accessories, and jewelry. Oak + Fort believes that fashion should be uncomplicated and thoughtfully designed. Their designers synthesize art with life, creating pieces that are gorgeous, wearable, comfortable, and affordable.

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TEXT – Alla Chikinda

PHOTOS – Angelika Poletaeva

PHOTO DIRECTOR – Julia Latkins

CURATORS – Nina Hazhala & Julia Latkins