1. Chicago Comics
8.7
3244 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Comic Book Store · Lakeview · 20 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: A Lakeview institution, where nerds can stock up on graphic novels, old and new comics, and awesome conversation with the ever-friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Kellen Terrett: This is the best comic shop in Chicago, if not the nation. Amazing selection, and some of the friendliest people. Lots for all types of people. Toys, books, t-shirts, etc. kid friendly, and fun.
L.: Aside from great stock of new and back issues, it's also great for graphic novels and hard to find comics. There's also an awesome collection of..collectables. Good place for gifts for comic book fans
2. Alleycat Comics
8.7
5304 N Clark St (at W Berwyn Ave), Chicago, IL
Comic Book Store · Andersonville · 20 tips and reviews
Selene Gill: Ask the owner, Nick, what his favorite Spider-man comic is.
Drew Moody: My favorite comic shop in the city. A real gem.
L.: I have since decided this is the best comic book store in the city. Mostly because of the people: knowledgeable yes, but not pretentious. It's a very inviting and fun atmosphere they've created.
3. First Aid Comics
8.2
1617 E 55th St (btwn Cornell & Lake Park), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · East Hyde Park · 15 tips and reviews
William —: This is what a comic shop ought to be. Diverse crowd, friendly and knowledgeable staff, wall to wall stock, and a welcoming gaming area. Not just culture being retailed: part of the culture.
Britini Rios: This is my comics shop! Lovely, well lit, great selection, nice staff, and a newly expanded gaming area.
David Smith: Best comics store in the City. James is a great guy and have known him for years. ...they have games too!
5. Challengers Comics
8.4
1845 N Western Ave (btw Cortland and Moffat, 1/2 blk So. of Milwaukee), Chicago, IL
Comic Book Store · Bucktown · 9 tips and reviews
Joshua Emmons: Go for the comics, stay to watch artists doing layouts in the back. Don't forget to sign the wall!
benjamin rogers: Best selection of graphic novels, best events, and the only comic shop with places to sit down and read
Tom Gossett: There's a cool gallery in the store with great contemporary examples of comic art and illustrations.
L.: Just like the Edgewater location, only more spacious. Fun to look through the back issues. Staff can be a little snooty, which was surprising, since the comic world is trying to appeal to novice fans
Shannon Jeropke: They always have a great selection of comics!
Stephen Legault: Great store with knowledgeable and helpful employees. Find yourself a good read or ask for a recommendation.
7. Quimby's
8.4
1854 W North Ave (at N Wolcott Av), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Bucktown · 32 tips and reviews
Nick Agro: Comics and Zines.
Explore Chicago: Quimby’s features one-of-a-kind publications such as small and independent press books, magazines, zines, and underground comics, like Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware's Quimby the Mouse.
Explore Chicago: This unique bookstore features unusual and underground material such as self-published, small and independent press books, magazines, zines, body art, and underground comics.
8. G-Mart Comics
7.7
2641 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Comic Book Store · Logan Square · 7 tips and reviews
Juan Delgado: If you're looking to get into comics, you can read any of these books and love them - Y: The Last Man, Bone, Scott Pilgrim, Fables, The Walking Dead, Marvel's Runaways & The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
L.: It's a hole in the wall and could use some dusting or vacuuming. BUT! If you can overlook the cosmetics (and the smell), this is a wonderful little shop for comics. Staff is fun and very helpful.
Alex Fernandez: Dog friendly and discounted advance orders. Need I say more.
9. The Comedy Bar
8.2
500 N La Salle Dr (btwn W Illinois St & W Grand Ave), Chicago, IL
Comedy Club · Streeterville · 16 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Every weekend, the guys who produce the Red Bar Comedy podcast transform swank River North nightclub Ontourage into a Vegas-style joke joint attracting plenty of the city's finest comics.
Time Out Chicago: Every weekend, the guys who produce the Red Bar Comedy podcast transform swank River North nightclub Ontourage into a Vegas-style joke joint attracting plenty of the city's finest comics. Read more.
Tonya McSwain: Cool, intimate setting to hang out and have a laugh.
12. Rotofugi Gallery
8.9
2780 N Lincoln Ave (at Diversey Pkwy), Chicago, IL
Art Gallery · North Side · 22 tips and reviews
Thrillist: Marvel at the selection of Japanese vinyl toys, comic books, and other stuff you didn’t know you wanted until you ended up buying it.
L Hess: Super weird original art and art prints, cute t-shirts, lots of toys, everything a great mix of kawaii + disturbing. Cool store for adults and kids both.
Explore Chicago: One of the world’s premier sellers of designer toys, this shop features a diverse selection of vinyl figures, capsule toys, plush creatures, and more from Eastern and Western designers.
13. Zanies Comedy Club
8.2
1548 N Wells St (btwn North Ave & Schiller St), Chicago, IL
Comedy Club · Old Town · 20 tips and reviews
Redeye Chicago: This legendary comedy club offers a jam-packed lineup of stand-up comics every night of the week, plus special showcases such as The Female Funnies, held once a month on Mondays. Read more.
Fernando Covas: Great selection of comedians with different styles. Make sure to arrive early, as the place packs up well before shows start. Also, don't forget the two drink minimum per person!
Explore Chicago: Zanies hosts stand-up comedy headliners such as Jay Leno, Richard Lewis and Emo Phillips.