Hobby Shops in Chicago area?

Mike—where are you coming from? "Chicago area" is rather large…

Coming from Akron Ohio so I'll be heading North into Chicago.

I think I'll be staying Thu and Fri night so I'll have plenty of time to look around.

Thanks

Well, it's a bit of a drive from downtown, but Venture Hobbies is worth a visit:

847/537-8669
venturehobbies.com

23 Huntington Lane
Wheeling IL 60090


Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 6 pm
Sun: 10:00 am - 5 pm

Take I 94 north to Dundee Road (IL 68) west
take Dundee west to Huntington Lane. It's really in a small shopping center on the north side of the street, about a mile west of IL 83 (Elmhurst Road). If you get to Buffalo Grove Road you are a little too far.

This is my LHS—30 miles from home.

Anyplace else you want to locate in Shcagalandt?

Awesome, thanks Triarius.

I'll try to check this place out.

 

I'll second Venture.  Outstanding shop.  There is also a place called Al's  Hobby Shop up around Oakbrook that's pretty good too.  Not quite as nice as Venture put pretty comprehensive nonetheless.

overkillphil wrote:

I'll second Venture.  Outstanding shop.  There is also a place called Al's  Hobby Shop up around Oakbrook that's pretty good too.  Not quite as nice as Venture put pretty comprehensive nonetheless.

Isn't Al's in Elmhurst?

"Trophy husband" huh? I like that! Since I'm now unemployed, I'll have to try that on my wife—bet she'll get a kick out of it.

I am going to check out Venture for sure.

I have the directions ready to go. Sounds like a nice place.

Thanks guys.

If you need recommendations for places to eat, let me know…assuming, of course, that after the hobby shop you have any money left for food…

Styrene—it's not just for breakfast, anymore…

Your awesome.

Is there anything with a ww2 motiff or atmosphere?

Around here, we have a restaurant called the 356th fighter group.

The atmospher is fantastic.

With period aircraft pieces, photos and music.

It would help add to the theme of the trip.

There are two with at least some aviation motif/atmosphere: (You may have to scroll after clicking the links—the site is supported by advertizing. )

94th Aero Squadron Restaurant I've been there once, long ago, and while the decor was impressive, the food was just okay—but not for the price. OTOH, the link I've given you has two reviews that rate it highly. The decor is, I fear, their gimmick, or draw. If you want decor, go here. If you (or your significant other) want phenomenal food, see below.

Sky Harbor Club This is our favorite restaurant—we celebrate our anniversary here every year. If you follow this link, you will know exactly what I think of the place. This is in what was a hangar for an airfield back in the thirties and forties. Numerous photographs from the past, and a few posters of the era—the decor is unobtrusive, more seasoning than the main course. The food is fantastic, and priced accordingly, but worth the money, IMHO.

Other than those two, there are:

 Szechwan Kingdom: Reasonable prices, very good food, and plenty of it.

Carsons Ribs: Ribs, center cut pork chops, and steaks, oh my! Pricey, but good.

Stoney River: Superlative steaks. Expensive.

Cooker's Red Hots: Just want a good burger, dog, or Italian beef for a very reasonable price? This is the place.

Maps to these are available through the links. Enjoy!

Triarius wrote:

overkillphil wrote: I'll second Venture.  Outstanding shop.  There is also a place called Al's  Hobby Shop up around Oakbrook that's pretty good too.  Not quite as nice as Venture put pretty comprehensive nonetheless. Isn't Al's in Elmhurst? "Trophy husband" huh? I like that! Since I'm now unemployed, I'll have to try that on my wife—bet she'll get a kick out of it.

You are probably right about it being in Elmhurst.  That's why I said 'around' Oakbrook.  It was about five minutes from my hotel in Oakbrook. 

Heck, even when I was employed my wife made way more than me, so trophy husband was about the bes description I could come up with.  Although, from her perspective, I think that trophy is the booby prize.......