Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

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Paying for College: The UChicago Promise

Do you know a really smart, really motivated Chicago high school student? One who might even be called a brainiac? If so, make sure he or she knows about the UChicago Promise, designed to help Chicago residents get into highly selective colleges. Here's how it works. First, the university is … [Read more...] about Paying for College: The UChicago Promise

Niles Outlet Store Review: Holsum Bread Bakery Outlet

The Holsum Bread Bakery Outlet store is a small outlet for Sara Lee baked goods - there's no freezer of yummy frozen treats, but there are a few assorted products from other brands on the shelves. The draw is the bread. When I went, loaves of the Sara Lee wheat bread were $1.19 for two - about … [Read more...] about Niles Outlet Store Review: Holsum Bread Bakery Outlet

Looking for Furniture? The Dump opens in Lombard

The Dump, a new discount furniture store in Lombard, is holding its official grand opening this weekend. It is the 11th store in a chain that started out as a clearance outlet for Haynes Furniture stores in Norfolk, VA. The people at Haynes saw the potential to buy different closeouts, so they … [Read more...] about Looking for Furniture? The Dump opens in Lombard

Chicago Thrift Store Review: Salvation Army on Clybourn

By Lisbeth Levine As much as I love a good thrift store – and it’s more than the average bear – I had a love/hate relationship with the old two-story Salvation Army on Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park. It was an easy place to drop off donations, but the store itself was unbearably dingy. I … [Read more...] about Chicago Thrift Store Review: Salvation Army on Clybourn

Chicago thrift store review: Village Discount Outlet on Roscoe

Chicago thrift store review: Village Discount Outlet on Roscoe.  This post was written by my predecessor Annie.  Despite the name, Village Discount Outlet is a thrift store, not a manufacturer's outlet store. This place is great if you either want to sell your old clothes, or you're … [Read more...] about Chicago thrift store review: Village Discount Outlet on Roscoe

Factory tours: Koval Distillery in Ravenswood

Koval Distillery is a micro-distiller located in Ravenswood. Their specialty is whiskey, but they also make vodka and specialty spirits. They have an operating still, and they open it to the public for tours Wednesday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm and … [Read more...] about Factory tours: Koval Distillery in Ravenswood

Cheap Hairdos: Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is a beauty school with locations in Rogers Park, Norwood Park, Bridgeview, Glendale Heights, Libertyville, and Highland, Indiana. Each location has a salon where students offer hair, skin, and nail services at really good prices. A haircut and blow-dry starts at … [Read more...] about Cheap Hairdos: Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

Factory tour: Metropolitan Brewing Company

The Metropolitan Brewing Company in Ravenswood is known for its lagers. It operates from an industrial site with no brewpub and no visitors center. It doesn't offer tours often, either, but when it does, it's a nice deal: $5 per person, including samples. Check the website to see when the next tour … [Read more...] about Factory tour: Metropolitan Brewing Company

Cheap hairdos at Sine Qua Non Salon

Looking for a new do? Sine Qua Non Salon offers free haircuts and blow-dries by training stylists every Monday at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. Color is also available; the models pay for the products but not the service. To be used as a model you can fill out a model call registration form on … [Read more...] about Cheap hairdos at Sine Qua Non Salon

Chicago secondhand store: Working Bikes Co-op

Are you looking for a good bike cheap? Then get thee to Pilsen. The Working Bikes Co-Op has an extensive assortment of used bikes in good condition, with most costing between $100 and $200. The staff knows bikes well, so they can fit you with one that is the right size and the right type for you. If … [Read more...] about Chicago secondhand store: Working Bikes Co-op

Evanston thrift store review: ORT Resale Shop Permanently closed

ORT, The Organization for Rehabilitation through Training, raises money through two thrift shops, one in Highland Park and one in Evanston. I recently visited the Evanston store. Talk about variety! The store had a little bit of everything, it seemed: evening gowns, everyday clothes, books, … [Read more...] about Evanston thrift store review: ORT Resale Shop Permanently closed

Chicago Outlet Store Review: Vienna Beef Factory Store

***Update October, 2015 the Vienna Beef Factory Store and Deli is still open to the public during the construction on Fullerton, Damen and Elston and will remain at this location after construction is done.*** The Vienna Beef Factory Store, at Damen and Fullerton, is a delight for the encased … [Read more...] about Chicago Outlet Store Review: Vienna Beef Factory Store

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