- Eclectic
- All ages
- Creative
Weird & Witchy Avondale
Avondale is Chicago’s nexus of the weird, the sacred, and the darkly whimsical. Where else can you find metal on vinyl, pinned taxidermy, rare grimoires, and horror-obsessed espresso within a few walkable blocks? So forget Spirit Halloween, and take a trip through Chicago’s year-round, delightfully spooky neighborhood.
15 places
Showing 15 of 15 places
☕ Food, Coffee & Spirits
- Creative
- Eclectic
- Playful
The Brewed
Horror-themed coffee shop featuring specialty drinks and a variety of pastries.
The Brewed, a horror-themed coffee shop, pairs expertly crafted espresso drinks and vegan pastries with a deep love for horror cinema. Grab a Leland Palmer (cold brew + lemonade -- really quite the combo) or a seasonal treat.
- All ages
- Eclectic
- Playful
DMen Tap
Doner kebabs, rice bowls & craft beer are featured at this Dungeons & Dragons–inspired hangout.
DMen Tap is a Dungeons and Dragons-themed tavern serving up delicious currywurst and döner kebab (meat AND vegan) alongside an extensive craft beer and mead selection. With tabletop gaming nights, cheerfully spooky decor, and an annual Krampus Parade (my favorite Avondale tradition), it's a cornerstone of Avondale's alternative culture. Don't be scared - everyone's welcome!
- Low-key cool
- Neighborly
- Worn-in
Reed's Local
Low-key neighborhood watering hole with wood paneling, pinball, karaoke & quirky theme nights.
Friendly neighborhood tavern by day, karaoke / post-punk haven by night, and all-times community hub, Reed's Local is emblematic of the off-kilter kindness you find in Avondale. And they have a monthly zine! It’s the perfect spot to grab a cheap drink (Hamm's is the natural choice) and kick back for whatever's on the CRT TV. And remember, Be Nice or Leave!!!
- Destination
- Institution
Kuma's Corner
Busy, hopping pub known for its long list of creative burgers & its rock 'n' roll soundtrack.
The original Kuma's Corner is a legendary metal burger joint offering towering burgers named after iconic bands, A+ mac-n-cheese, and great beers. Warning that it gets loud in here! Expect a hard-hitting soundtrack. In the warm months, walk around the corner for an ice cream bar or an Italian ice from Voodoo Bar!
- Creative
- Low-key cool
- Neighborly
Deep Red Wine Merchant
Relaxed shop for bottles featuring a curated assortment of wines from global regions.
Deep Red is an atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop. Named after the 1975 Dario Argento film, Deep Red's crimson arches and intimate seating make it a stylishly dark haven. And the team there LOVES horror films, regularly including wine + movie pairings in their email newsletter. Don't miss their Black Lodge-esque bathroom!
- Creative
- Dreamy
- Eclectic
void
Cozy Italian-American eatery offering high-concept cocktails and creative dishes like signature pasta and focaccia.
A hard-to-search-for-but-excellent restaurant, void boasts a moodily lit dining room and cocktail lounge offering creative Italian-American food and inventive drinks. (I had a pizza martini there once, and it was delicious and surprising.) Its dark interiors and ecclesiastical decor make it ideal for a romantic dinner or a late-night drink and dessert.
- IYKYK
- Late night
Late Bar
Late-night bar/dance club serving fine wine & drinks until 4 AM & offering rotating nightly themes.
Avondale’s premier late-night dance sanctuary keeps alternative nightlife alive with classic goth, darkwave, post-punk, and synth-pop nights. With dark lighting, a welcoming crowd, and a dance floor that stays active until 4:00 AM, this is a great spot to close out your night.
🌀 Oddities and Experiences
- Eclectic
- Old Chicago
Occult Bookstore
Extensive collection of books on magic & spiritual practices plus workshops by psychics & healers.
The Occult Bookstore is by their measure, America’s oldest continuously operating esoteric shop. This historic institution offers a sacred space for seekers, practitioners, and the curious. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of rare ritual texts, spellcraft supplies, herbs, and professional spiritual consultations.
- Restorative
- Slow morning
- Urban oasis
Oracle + Alchemy
Oracle + Alchemy is a welcoming yoga studio and holistic healing sanctuary offering movement classes, sound baths, breathwork, and energy work. Owner Jillian is a great neighbor, and has offered yoga in Brands Park in addition to other community engagement.
- All ages
- Eclectic
- Institution
Bucket O' Blood Books and Records
Quirky shop for sci-fi, fantasy, horror & other books, plus indie rock, punk & metal records.
While they're moving soon, no Avondale guide would complete without Bucket O' Blood, a paradise for fans of genre fiction, graphic novels, and metal music. This is a must-visit for collectors while they're in their current Elston location through November 2026.
- All ages
- IYKYK
- Local loyal
The Alley Chicago
Long-running shop for punk rocker & Goth basics like combat boots, leather jackets & edgy jewelry.
The Alley is Chicago’s long-standing counter-culture hub for goth, punk, and alternative fashion, leather jackets, and heavy-duty boots. Packed with body jewelry, band tees, and edgy accessories, it remains a go-to spot for people of all ages. Plus, owner Mark cares deeply about the neighborhood and often supports local happenings.
- Creative
- Eclectic
- Restorative
Into the Feral
Into the Feral is a witchy gift shop and apothecary specializing in handcrafted herbal teas, handmade treasures, and unusual curiosities. The shop also often hosts workshops and themed tea parties.
- All ages
- Creative
- Eclectic
The Insect Asylum
Educational museum of zoology featuring live animal exhibits and creative community workshops.
The Insect Asylum is unique storefront museum boasting hundreds (thousands?) of ethically preserved insect mounts, animal skeletons, and natural history specimens, as well as living animal residents! You might even catch Opal the possum at one of her popular possum painting parties. Hands-on workshops invite guests to appreciate the beauty of nature’s weirdest creations, and regularly-scheduled sensory-friendly days aim to make sure that everyone can enjoy this welcoming space.
- All ages
- Eclectic
- Playful
The Horror House
Horror-themed shop featuring unique collectibles and apparel.
The Horror House is a dedicated sanctuary for horror fanatics featuring movie apparel, custom masks, collectible figures, and original genre artwork. From slashers to creature features, every inch of the shop celebrates the eerie, macabre, and cinematic. But scaredy-cats, fear not! I picked up some Pee-Wee's Playhouse merch there, too
- All ages
- Destination
- Eclectic
Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles
Whimsical music & collectibles shop, carrying retro toys, buttons, books & reading materials.
Bric-a-Brac is a vibrant alternative record shop packed with punk, garage rock, and cult movie vinyl alongside retro pop-culture collectibles. Its shelves overflow with vintage toys and kitschy treasures. Stop by when you're next-door at The Brewed!