I always have a ball in this quirky spot. Sales people are great. The merch isn't meant to be Gucci. Have been going since it opened. Last week took a visiting friend from out of town and she went crazy buying stuff. She still is texting. If you want high end go to Michigan Avenue. read more

We came to Beatnix specifically to shop for vacation outfits and accessories, and left completely shocked and disappointed. While trying on a jacket, it came apart--and instead of treating us with respect or understanding, the general manager accused us of intentionally damaging it. We were then forced to watch a video of ourselves trying it on and were told we were responsible for the damage, even though it happened during a normal fitting. We understand the store may deal with difficult crowds in Boystown, but we came as paying customers who've supported this place in the past and even recommended it for its unique and fun items. To be rudely accused, made to feel like criminals, and then told we were banned was beyond disrespectful. The staff member who helped us try on jackets was clearly annoyed to even assist us and was vaping in the store--creating an unwelcoming atmosphere from the start. Management handled the situation terribly and made us feel completely unwelcome. Very disappointing experience all around. We would appreciate the opportunity to speak with the owner directly, as the current GM clearly does not understand how to treat paying customers. read more

This is embarrassing but the product I bought for the 4th time actually is not the usual rush I get... I should've said something when I noticed the top is different color... can I please get help? I'm here once every 2 months. Please the product I bought may have been tamper? read more

This was another interesting shop to stop at in Lakeview. Everywhere had something different to see. I wish I would have had more time to look even more. I felt there was no animosity toward any customers when I was there for an hour, and it had the rainbow it seemed of customers. Lots of fun banter and good energy. I feel I could have bought anything there without any judgement. Great window displays too ! read more

I work twice a month in the Lakeview neighborhood and love to hit the local shops in the neighborhood after work and on my lunch hour. I will easily drop $100 or more on my lunch break sprees. I so wanted to shop here as the merchandise is right up my alley, but sadly I found that trans folk are not welcome here. I was shocked and saddened. I won't return. read more

DO NOT GO TO THIS STORE It seems cool from the outside, but it's just awful inside. Everything is overpriced and the selection is all just cheap dropship stuff from SHEIN or vintage clothes in terrible condition. The workers are told to watch/follow black customers as they go through the store, and I've watched the owner (look him up btw) yell at his employees multiple times while the store was full. I also overheard that the owner doesn't pay all of his workers. Take your business elsewhere, I beg of you. read more

Awesome costume store with great items for the casual club kit to the full on Divas of the night. Friendly and knowledgeable staff add to the experience. Costume designers take notice read more

Great Cheap Poppers some Brands and Big Bottles of Poppers, nice underwear thongs jewelry and more

Last time i came here i overheard a really transphobic conversation between the two people working the counter. It surprised me because i thought this was supposed to be a queer friendly shop and made me feel really unsafe as a customer. They could at least try to hide their bigotry but it seems like they just dont care about their costumers feeling safe or welcome. They sell some cool stuff but its clear theyre not welcoming to anyone who isnt a cis white gay man. def not worth it. I would recommend chicago costumes as an alternative. read more

What a cool shop! In terms of a gay shopping, I typically have a hard time shopping in many stores. Most things look the same and who wants to look like everyone else? The best thing about this place is their employees. They have attitude, but not the rude bitchy attitude, but rather, that cool fierceness you wish you had. The location has tons of underwear and at a reasonable price. I picked up a pair for $10. They also have some vintage (thrift store) clothing too. I picked up a tank for $4.99 that I wear constantly. In addition Beatnix has tons of other things from shirts with Taylor Swift's face all over it, beads, masks, wigs, leather goods and more! Definitely a place worth checking out. The prices are reasonable, the staff is great and so is the selection. I will definitely be back. read more

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The service here is always AWFUL; no matter who's working. I drive here from Wisconsin to shop instead of Amazon because I love supporting small business. So I was extra upset when I went today and the one worker that was there was talking on the phone while I and other customers waiting in line for over 10 minutes. The kicker here is that he was on aCORDLESS phone. He could have either multitasked or politely held his call to help the guests and resumed. After I asked for help; I was ignored and he continued on with the phone call. And the conversation was clearly not pressing enough to ignore the whole store. I just don't understand how they plan on keeping a successful store with such horrible service. read more

the customer service is fantastic. they are so welcoming, kind, and funny. they have a range of so many things; from pride flags, to high heels, and the best earring collection. i really think this business benefits the community around, plus the prices are absolutely affordable. i wish i had good pictures of the store to show yall!!! read more

Why isn't 0 stars an option? I've been to this place several times, it's on my walk home from the train and I'd usually pop in around Halloween time. Recently I spent about 45 mins sifting through stacks of dusty old vinyl - stuff like the worst Bowie albums and Mister Big - and I was pleased to find an old Eagles album I wanted, marked "for sale"at $2.99. So I brought it up and was in the process of being checked out when a second clerk came running over and asked "Where did you find that?" I explained I'd found it in the basement, and that a woman working down there had helped me find it. He then mumbled something about the album "not being for sale" and skulked off. After a few minutes, the clerk who'd been helping me shrugged and said "I don't think he's coming back." Quite a way to run business. I won't be back. read more

I walked in and an employee immediately grabbed my bag from me and said they had to check it. The employee then dropped it and spilled my things everywhere. I came looking for something cute to wear to pride but they just had drag queen clothes. read more

Awful experience. Rude management, awful owner (look him up). Loved the idea of this store but hate the execution. Do better.

It's a place with a lot of gay curiosities and very nice clothes but prices are kind of high and the guy sit behind a tv or computer in middle of the store it's very uncomfortable but employees very nice and helpful, located in a very popular street read more

I have been coming to this store for many years and while this has always been a fantastic store with a great selection, I've noticed after a few years of it being really messy and unorganized, it's really started to look great the last few months. Honestly, if you want a really cool outfit, this is the place to go! read more

Beatnix is the place I go for any of my costumes, accessories, and wigs. My all time favorite wig came from Beatnix! I've always found some new accessories that I love every time I've visited Beatnix. You can get lost in the store because you'd be tempted to play dress up with all of the costumes they have available. Both my friend and I found amazing wigs that we were able to rock for this past Halloween. Every time I've checked out wigs the person at the counter has been extremely friendly and given me great feedback. The wigs can range from cheap to pricey but if you invest a little more money you will most definitely get your money worth. I love that they change up the window display whenever there's a holiday or event coming up. read more

Updating my review to reflect a big fat 1 star. Warning ladies it's mandatory that you check your purses when you enter the store. I was told that I could hang on to my wallet, cell and keys if I was concerned about them. Hmm, I could juggle all that while trying to shop OR I could just keep them in my purse since that's pretty much why I carry a purse and take it and myself to one of the many other stores up Halsted or down Belmont. Buh, bye! I actually managed to get most of what I was looking for at Hollywood Mirror. :) I love Hollywood Mirror. read more

Oh hell yeah, this store is right up my (Grease 2 "Let's bowl, let's bowl, let's rock & roll") alley! The vintage is *good.* That is saying a lot. Make sure you hit downstairs for a variety of clothes and costumes that seem to span from the '50s to the '80s. Now, you're not going to find the pristine *encased in plastic* gorgeous frock that sets you back way more than a new dress might, in this store. But, you might very well score a perfect cotton 50s shirtwaist dress. Or a furry leopard print mod girl mini skirt. The prices are fair (figure on about 28 bucks for that 50s dress). You get the thrill of the hunt here, for sure. There is not a ton of stuff that you're going to have to choose between, rather, the one dress that you grab, fits you like a glove and you sail out of there all happy for your bargain. I loved the accessories most of all. I found two wide elastic belts with giant flowers on the front of them, as well as several owl necklaces and a giant purple stone ring. There is oh so much more...hats, glass frames, pins, necklaces, the gaudiest of accoutrements, you get the picture. I love the shoplifting wall of shame (a great one of Winona. You've gotta laugh). Staff is no nonsense, but very nice and downright helpful, should you need it. I only need it to reach the stuff that anyone under 5'5" would need (I wasn't wearing my usual crazy heels today, I admit). Yes, I'm both a vintage lover and a picky-une (uno?) when it comes to second hand threads. I certainly own enough to open shop of my own. I know a good vintage shop and Beatnix is just that! read more

One thing about the Lakeview neighborhood which also harbors Chicago's gay area along Halsted street is all the eclectic shops! Clothing shops are galore of just about any kinds of clothes you are looking for! On this last trip to Chicago I focused more on costume shops. I was looking for a prop actually, the prop of a brain to brandish with my Halloween costume back here in Colorado but never found one. Regardless what I did not find this clothing store harbored many little costume gems to consider. They had a great assortment of shoes and I really was taken with their Navy hats! Of course there were lots of little kitschy things to accessorize with your costume but no brain. That is ok because I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through here and the staff was so nice! read more

The owner of this establishment was Totally disrespectful to my friend today. Worse than that he threatened to call the police because my friend was asking questions about merchandise that was for sale in the store, specifically a confederate flag vest. My friend was respectful, calm, and did not lose his cool. The owner told him he didn't care if his establishment was left a bad review on yelp. So here is mine. I'm asking any others who have had negative experiences with this store to call the owner out on his bad behavior. read more

Shopping for a Halloween costume and Beatnix is within walking distance from a friends, so it's the first place we visited. Lots of items to choose from, especially downstairs.. where you see everything from wedding dresses to high school letter jackets to leisure suits (and everything in between). This is one of my first stops when looking for something out of the ordinary.. not just for Halloween. A friend of mine likes to have themed parties on a regular basis, and as I walked through the store, I could see several outfits that would have worked for those events. read more

Best place for FUN browsing... WIGS are good and pretty affordable... saves your real hair from all the abuse. I make it a stop everytime I am in Boystown. It's also fun to shop across the street... thrifting for housewares like wine racks. read more

I visited this store Beatnix today, Tuesday May 28, 2019. I liked this store it has cool stuff and hot stuff also. I purchased three items. I don't live up North in the city but I drove up there to check it out. I was there many years ago it was very nice than also. It is still a very nice store. read more

Fun and kitschy but with unexpected treasures. I picked up a $4 flat cable charger for my iPhone that was my steal of the day. Found a couple of other goodies as well, but truthfully while it's a fun place there really wasn't a lot of sexy underwear I was feeling a need to purchase. They did have some cool vintage shoes to peruse, but also lots of cheap jewelry and novelty items. Think Spencer's (now Hot Topic) only gayer and you've got the idea. read more

Beatnix - Treasures galore - Costumes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow, I had never been here at Halloween before. Beatnix reads my mind. They always have EVERYTHING my little fantasy heart desires. Besides the snarky bag checker boy (no, your attitude was NOT funny or endearing, it was snotty), everyone was very helpful, despite the crowds. TONS of stuff to choose from, open later than usual, random crap, wigs, belts, pre-fab costumes, vintage basement...my God, you name, they have it. Still might be time for this year, just sayin'! read more

Never shop here! Rude staff, awful owner and they make you check your purse! I understand checking shopping bags--but checking my purse? You want to hold my purse, out of my sight? I don't think so. The owner or manager whichever he is...was the meanest / rudest human being ever! I can't repeat the unacceptable comments he made. I used to love this store. So sad that I was treated so poorly---will never shop there again! read more

The Good: - Lots of cool sunglasses - Great selection of fun jewelry - The staff - some of them are awesome - Open super late on Fridays and Saturdays The Bad: - The basement thrift section smells musty and damp all the time - The staff - some of them are extremely rude for no reason. read more

Could you people who work here be any more into yourselves? I mean, yes, technically you're very hot. You clearly sacrifice a lot to look that way (e.g. food, happiness), but I'd think the rack of rainbow-horned unicorn bangle charm bracelets that stares back at you from your elevated checkout perch would humble you JUST A LITTLE as I pop in to ask you if you know where I might find a Chicago Reader. I'm sorry you cant' watch "What Not To Wear" and do a bump, but don't take it out on me. read more

There are *so* few good 'party' wig stores here in Chicago. I was referred her by someone who knew they carried wigs. I have to say, I liked what I saw -- Prices and all. I'll definitely be back. The nice lady at the counter with the curly hair directed me to the back of the store - organized - lots of wigs ... I decided I'd bu one (or two) so I go back up for help and this other woman (we'll call her surly girl) looks at me - sighs - and says "(saying the associate's name) would you go and HELP her..." as though it was a HUGE inconvenience to be bothered. alrighty then ... HOWEVER -- the young lady she appointed to come back was super helpful - she knew her stuff. I bought two of the reasonably priced wigs. I spent more time than I should have, though I'm glad I did, I left with the perfect shade. I also must mention -- for the price point? these are FANTASTIC wigs! I paid for my purchase and surly girl had a moment of niceness and asked "did you find everything you needed?" I mentioned I was trying to find more longer silver wigs - having had to buy two to make one. Now I know it's guess work buying wigs for stock that people want - it's a balancing act. I get that -- She started to tell me if I know what I want, I could ask and she could order it ... then she goes off on this explanation that you can't find wigs made of tinsel ... I said no, you know -- where hair isn't exactly white ... it's not exactly grey - its silver?" she snottly replied "sorry you couldn't find what you were looking for and lumbered off .... alrighty then .... I've bought silver wigs elsewhere (albeit online) ... it's not a common thing, still, I've ordered white wigs, and wound up with silver when I absolutely NEEDED white. and it wasn't made of tinsel either. ::shrug:: That said -- I do want to go back. It is definitely a resource. It's just too bad that some of the help lacks customer service finesse. Thanks again to the NICE young lady who was so patient and creative in her assistance - helping not only me, but another young woman picking out a wig for a bachelorette party. read more

What I bought at Beatnix: a Dr. Pepper button a gorgeous red beaded necklace puffy stickers of fruit with googly eyes What I did NOT buy at Beatnix: a tight-fighting, skimpy pink policeman costume a glow in the dark cockring a t-shirt that says "I heart porn" Definitely something for everyone! Keep your camera in the car though, they don't allow photos. read more

I stopped into Beatnix to check out the shoes for my Halloween costume. It was bustling with fellow Halloween shoppers. Boy, did the shoes have some high heels. I tried some on and bless the drag queens' hearts, I couldn't even stand to wear them for a few minutes. Ouch! It's not that hard to find the stairs--they are big & red. Some great Halloween costumes are down there too including some ugly wedding dresses. Fun stuff. read more

Who knew a vintage wonderland existed in the heart of North Halsted? Well, apparently I'm one of the last to know! Dropped in on my way to dinner in search of a vintage frock. Bombshell Colleen C pointed me downstairs where old dresses galore live ripe for the pickin'. I admittedly don't have huge patience for sifting through racks, but I quickly found a few and dashed to a changing room. Ultimately, I didn't end up purchasing one as none fit 'just right' and I didn't have time for tailoring, but they were swoon-worthy indeed. And for a good price: all hovered around the $25 mark. They also stock a ton of belts, jewelry, sunglasses, costumes, hosiery, wigs and so on... you'll be hard-pressed to get out of here without finding something you love. The staffers are very helpful if you need assistance and otherwise let you be. Just how I like it! Next time you're looking for special occasion vintage, a costume or just plain fabulosity, head to Beatnik first rather than last as I've mistakenly done in the past. read more

They have a lot of makeup that don't have anywhere else in Chicago, which is a really good thing, but I don't feel welcome when I come to the store. The clerks tend to have quite a bit of attitude or maybe it's snobbery, I don't know. They are often give me wrong advice about makeup, even if they are theater majors. I have also been on their waiting list for this or that makeup they recommended that is on order, three times, but they never end up calling me if it comes in. Why they ask if I want to give my number so they can call me is a mystery to me. Their costumes also don't appeal to me, but to be fair, I don't especially think I am the demographic they are catering to. If you are a gay man or dress in drag, I would recommend their costumes. They have a wider selection of costuming stuff including some vintage items in the basement, but sometimes that is closed off and they watch you like a hawk if you do go down there. It makes you feel very unwelcome. They really need to work on their customer service skills and try and pretend they are glad to help you with something. Maybe some customers actually like the uppity attitude act. I don't happen to be one of them. read more

Fun and eclectic shop in the heart of Boystown. Friendly help eager to serve, to boot. (And yeah, you can expect the occasional bitchy comment that just adds to the ambience. It's all good.) :) No trip to Chicago is complete for us without a stop at Beatnix. read more

Stopped by while I was waiting for a terrific manicure from D'Lees. Decent stuff HOWEVER. Make certain when the shifty character behind the counter insists you leave your bag with them...you don't have anything VALUABLE in it. (she said while fiercely waiving her left arm in the air. The arm that doesn't have a watch anymore.) read more

This store is so much fun! I've been inside quite a few times, but have only bought one thing. I'm not sure why that is! I just like to browse in this store. Beatnix is a feast for the eyes. So much to look at! Wigs galore! Size 12 hooker shoes! Naughty trannie wear! Pimp daddy sunglasses! There is even a vintage area downstairs. read more

I went here to find some last minute costume pieces for WakandaCon, for some cosplay I wanted to do as Storm. I found everything I needed to finish my costume and more!!! This store had unique costume jewelry for CHEAP. I ended up buying a full-length cape, a black catsuit/bodysuit ($40!!), two collar choker necklaces- one beaded, one rhinestone, and 3 pairs of earrings, and spent $100 total. I would have bought more, but we were short on time, and this was last minute. When I return to Chicago and visit friends, I would definitely like to stop by this store. It had shoes, dresses, jewelry, costumes, make-up, masks, exotic dancer-wear(stripper clothes!), and all the things that would warm the cockles of a drag queen's/femme's/cosplayer's heart. Originally, I went to Hollywood costume, which I found overpriced and didn't have what I was looking for. Luckily, the clerk there was kind and referred me to Beatnix- and I am thankful they did! Only con was the dressing room is not wheelchair accessible. I use a walker, so could get around the store, but could not get it in the dressing room. Also, the checkout counter is super high, which makes paying from a chair hard. The people working there were very helpful though, and things I couldn't reach, they were more than happy to assist. read more

Horrible. Horrible store policy. Horrible customer service. Went to purchase makeup for a Halloween costume last week; employee must pull the item out of the case and place in a basket, which they then take to cashier; I buy said item and get home to find out it is not the item I clearly stated and pointed to. Party is that evening and I have no time to exchange. I return several days later to return item and tell them the story, i.e. It's their fault. She won't take the item back and will only offer store credit. I say that's not acceptable, because I don't need the item any longer. She continues to smugly only offer store credit. So I decide to take store credit and then I'm told I must use it today. That's ridiculous...So, again, I make a compromise and decide to look around for an item to exchange and the same smug employee asks to take my bag to hold behind the counter...really?? GFYS Beatnix read more