Downtown Skokie – The Process of Re-Invention.

Too frequently we hear the following when we talk about Downtown Skokie: “There is nothing going on in Downtown Skokie," We need a Starbucks," “There is no place to park," “We need more places to eat." Moving forward, I hope to help prove these thoughts to be wrong throughout my series.

The truth is – for those who take the time to investigate, there is actually quite a bit going on in Downtown Skokie. Besides the truly marvelous and the , we have seen some new faces pop up in Downtown Skokie recently. One of my personal favorites is the Bughouse Studio, a clay studio that offers classes to all ages/levels of experience.

We have also seen recently Libertad has only been open a few months and business continues to grow. They have recently added lunch and a Sunday brunch. Locally owned and managed they are excited about the future of Downtown Skokie and the path we are on.

Downtown Skokie is also full of hidden gems. is a quick and easy place to pick up printer paper, grab some tape or indulge in some really nice pens. Did you know that Robert himself turns out handmade pens out of fine hard woods that are made right there in the store? A full service office supply can order anything you may need and be competitive with the big boxes. Think local next time.

The north branch of Lincoln Avenue has such favorites as who besides the daily yummies and Intelligentsia coffee recently hosted a gingerbread house decorating class and is planning a tea for Valentine’s Day. A block on up Lincoln you will find Since 1944 Al’s has been the neighborhood bike shop. Besides the place to get a tune up for spring you can take advantage of some really great deals on new bikes offered in-store.

We talk all the time about the 16 (soon to be 17) places to eat in Downtown Skokie. Three are in the Michelin Guide and a few Zagat. International dining and you really can’t go wrong! We have a great listing of all the places to eat. Try one. Be warned – many of these places are small and they fill up fast. Don’t be disappointed by the possibility you may not be able to walk right in. Call ahead and make a reservation. All these places are ready and willing to accommodate you.

We are not a big mall. We make no claims to be a big mall. What we are is a group of business owners, merchants, restaurateurs, and service providers who offer something to the population of Downtown Skokie and the residents of our community. People, who live, work and go to school in the area all depend on Downtown Skokie and we depend on them. Give us a chance to prove there are things to do and with your support there will be more. You might actually be very surprised at what you will find.

As for parking - 2 hours for 20 cents at the meters and ample free parking around the area. 

This post was written by Scott Holtz, longtime and active Skokie resident. Scott has his ear to the ground when it comes to all things Skokie.

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