Supporting local is really important to us at Nature Escape. We have complied a list of unique grocery stores all throughout Chicago. From the far north side to the far south side, here are our favorites local grocery stores! Leave us a comment and let us know what your favorite local grocery store is! We would love to add it to our list.
1. Totto’s Market in Printer’s Row
Totto’s Market is perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or prepared dinner to go straight into the oven. However, more importantly they are your go to for a bouquet of flowers! Totto’s Market is locally owned and is named after the owner’s father. The food is carefully chosen and support local vendors. We love the fresh bake goods and fresh produce.
2. Gene’s in Lincoln Square
Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen is located in the cutest neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Lincoln Square gives you Gilmore Girls vibes, so you definitely want to visit! While you are there, make sure to go to Gene’s! This is a small but mighty grocery store! You can grocery shop year round, but the rooftop is a treat in the warmer months. Grab a drink and a sausage and enjoy the beautiful patio. Gene’s has the best hotdogs in town.
3. County Fair in Beverly
County Fair is a south side staple. This is a full grocery store with endless food and beverage options. The best part is the décor on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Be sure to look up, you just might see a cow or two. When you walk into this store, you feel like you have left Chicago. We personally love their selection of dips!
4. Local Foods in Wicker Park
Next up, Local Foods. Local Foods is hidden on a side street and it is definitely Chicago’s hidden gem! The workers at the store love their produce and will describe each fruit to you. They have much more than your common apples and bananas. They have a great dry goods section with organic and GMO-free items, like soup and condiments. They sell local art and
5. Fox Trot in Lincoln Park
There are a few Fox Trot locations in Chicago now. We love them. They have a variety of fresh, grab and go, and packaged options. We love grabbing something to go from the Lincoln Park location and strolling down Southport Ave and visiting the local shops.
Great list! It’s always fun to visit a store that isn’t a big box chain.
This is such a great list. These places are amazing, you can never go wrong with shopping for local organic produce in a clean and organized environment. Thank you so much for the tip!
Such a great list for people visiting or for those who are new to the city! These look like great places to shop.
Omg! I love this! Thank you for compiling this list. I’ve always wanted to visit Chicago, I want to visit many of the major cities in the U.S. and this an awesome list to use in my future travels. I appreciate it!
Thanks! 💕
What charming places to brighten up a mundane chore! I would love the chance in any one of these grocery stores! Here, grocery stores are boring and utilitarian!
Love shopping at smaller grocery stores!
Hi there,
Interesting post. I enjoyed, not from the Chicago area but it was nice to learn a bit. Maybe I can experience when I visit.
You always do such a good job helping others find such great local places that people may have never heard of. I love finding small places like these. Totto’s Market looks awesome! Some very fun options of small but wonderful stores in Chicago!
Ohh thanks! We think its important to support local businesses, so we are trying!
Interesting post. With local small grocery stores, customers would have the benefit of finding more fresh, locally grown food.
Great article with beautiful photos
I love smaller stores like the ones you’ve listed, puts a bit of soul back into the shopping experience. I live rurally in the UK and have shifted over the past few years to buying small or even direct from the farm/grower where I can. It’s very satisftying!
It is so imporant for the local community and local economy!
I’ve never visited Chicago but it’s high up on my list of places to visit. Love knowing where to shop like a local. Thank you!