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

I could spend hours here and never get bored. Always a fun variety of things to play with and look at, and the staff is always very helpful. The only thing I don't like is that they make you check your bag when you walk in. I understand it is a small space and there are lots of little items that could potentially be stolen, but a thief is a thief and if they want to take the risk of shoplifting, they will find a way. Just because they don't have a bag doesn't mean they don't have pockets, purses, etc to stash things in. They don't have to treat everyone as a potential shoplifting suspect by taking their bags away from them. I patronize your business and exchange my hard-earned money for your product, so it's almost insulting that this is their policy. That is the only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars, because I really do like this store a lot. read more

Beatnix is an irreplaceable resource for costuming, makeup, etc. They have Ben Nye makeup (!!), it's a go-to place for spirit gum or top-stick, eyelashes, and everything else from feather boas to platform shoes. The checkout can be confusing since they write every item down and most of the makeup/eyelashes have to be held at the counter for you.... Yes, the clerks can often have attitude, but like other Chicago institutions- the uniqueness of the place makes up for however its packaged/delivered. If you can think it up, they might just have it. Go peruse...the clientele and the merchandise will at least entertain you (ooh shiny!) 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

Store recently revc'd damage to windows because of the ongoing gang related fighting going on. Try not to visit the area late night. More info: http://crimeinboystown.blogspot.com/2013/06/happening-now-major-street-fight-at.html read more

Halloween, costume party, just another Saturday night? These are all great reasons to shop at Beatnix. They've got brand new costumes, all types of shoes (in ladies and drag queen sizes), crazy sunglasses, and a whole wig room! And they aren't jerks about letting you try the wigs on either! Also the downstairs is full of interesting used clothing-- I don't know if I can actually recommend that anyone buy a pair of used leather chaps--but, to each his own. read more

Stopped in while waiting for a table across the street and so glad I did! My husband wanted to go in because of the Halloween signs but I am a sucker for a good vintage store. We were in there almost the whole hour we had to wait for our table!... so much fun browing the racks of vintage clothes and costumes. Great accessories!!! Adorable hats/burlesque items, stockings and dancing shoes! Went home with a more conservative belt and robot necklace, both very reasonably priced and get tons of compliments. Looking forward to checking this place out next time we're in town! read more

This is a really cool place for pretty much anything! They are definitely Halloween Headquarters but they've also got a bunch of other stuff like funky clothing and accessories.. its reasonably priced too! read more

Beatnix - Costumes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This store gets 1 star from me. I arrived around 11am on Saturday morning and they were still closed an hour after their posted business open hour of 10am. I waited around for 10 minutes but no sign of life inside. I checked their Facebook page and someone else mentioned having the same issue. If you can't be bothered to update hours to avoid inconveniencing customers, you don't deserve our business. read more

Well over a decade ago, I had a very unfortunate incident at Beatnix. An employee that worked there sold/ or stole my shoes! No joke. I had bought a pair of gogo boots down the street at my friend Harold's store and put them on asap. The shoes that I had been wearing was a brand new pair of kick ass 4 inch platforms with Mary Jane straps. In order to shop at Beatnix, I had to check them in with the salesclerk at the counter. Because I was already wearing shoes, I forgot all about my shoes when I left. I remembered a few days later and stopped by the store. They had the nerve to tell me that they didn't have them anymore that they were probably thrown out. Sure, I believe that. Especially since they specialize in selling used clothing! Someone was walking around with my shoes! For that incident, I would have given them 1 star, but that was over a decade ago, and it is the fault of my stupidity and a dishonest clerk.. I can not fault the store for that incident. Beatnix is one of the few stores that I still have very fond memories of. Other than it's growth, it has stayed true to what it was when I was a teenager. It is every little girl and drag queen's fantasy. It's like Lucy in the sky with diamonds with a huge wollop of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. It is not just for Halloween. This is the best place to find cool vintage clothes, wigs, etc in every price range. read more

LOVED this place!! It's a hidden gem! Halloween jackpot! This thrift store is in the heart of boystown so it has a lot of flamboyant, FUN clothes, jewelry, accessories, wigs, shoes, etc. This place is perfect for a halloween costume or just finding somethign fun to wear. I fell in love with all the jewelery, clothes and hats they have. This place is pretty cheap as well! $2 for rings, $10-14 for earrings, necklaces, etc. $2 eyelashes $3-$20 clothes $10-20 purses (depending on material) LOVE IT. I want to come back everyday! read more

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay to this year round costume etc. shop! I've been here several times in the past few years and it never fails to disappoint! You can find full costumes or pieces of a homemade creation you are looking to whip up. The have costumes, wigs shoes, jewelry and you name it in different sizes, shapes, colors, and price ranges. They even have vintage pieces downstairs on the lower level. And yes! There are plus-sized clothing items and large shoe sizes available, however if you are shopping for a particular holiday, SHOP EARLY to have the best selection of goods. Yes, you do have to check in any bags (besides a purse) that you are carrying, however that's to keep folks from walking off with stuff, fool! :) GREAT costume shop! read more

Yes, yes, of course Beatnix is a drag queen supply store and yes, it is also a place to buy fetish gear and gay pride themed novelty items but there is more to Beatnix then meets the eye. You see, I shop at Beatnix all the time and no, not to buy fake eye lashes or rhinestone encrusted platform boots but to buy wonderful vintage items that you cant find anywhere else. I know that it is hard to not become distracted by the immense amounts of glittery, frilly, or glamorous trinkets covering every wall but I promise you that if you look hard enough you will find something that you can really wear. Time after time I venture to Beatnix to shop and I always walk out satisfied with what I find. Did you even know they have a basement FULL of vintage clothes? Now, you do have to be careful because some items are priced much higher then what they are really worth. And, of course, fashion isn't for everyone so if you are unadventurous when it comes to your wardrobe you probably wouldn't find much. But for those of you who love to shop vintage and are on a constant search for good deals or rare items, Beatnix is a must! read more

Store contains a lot of merchandise. So much so that it's very difficult to walk the store without hitting your arms on the bars for the clothing. The staff acted as though they were doing you the favor by allowing you to shop there. If I were to grade this experience, it would be "Meh!" read more

I have a makeup fetish. Funny but it passes the time. So while surfing reviews about Ben Nye Cosmetics on Youtube, a reviewer mentioned getting the line at stores that service Drag Queens. Enter Beatnix. They had a wide range of shades and the exact ones of the Ben Nye loose powder I was looking for, although at about a 50% mark up. Still for $20 I got two quality loose powders that will last me at least 6 months. Yea!! The store assistant was also patient and very generous in helping me find what I wanted. This place will definitely go on my list for makeup stops. read more

Fun with an eclectic selection of items for your everyday drag queen, for your themed parties, for your "just because" events, etc. If you need something that is wacky and 'slightly' out there, then Beatnix is definitely the place to go. I would recommend that you go undergarment shopping elsewhere though... read more

Stopped in real quick on the day of Pride to buy an umbrella because the weatherman said rain (lying sack of shit) and ended up browsing the whole store and buying a kick ass pair of earrings which I got soooo many compliments on and they were only 10 bucks. It is full of so many fun things and accesories. I could browse for hours. I plan to go back when I am not being rushed into day drinking. read more

When I last visited Beatnix in 2000 it was a mishmash of random vintage pieces, napped wigs, mis-packaged Leg Avenue costumes and sarcastic unhelpful staff. The layout was a poorly-utilized maze of clothes and boxes. The windows were a shock queen's night terror, exploded into visible retail space. The manager's draconian policies often upset customers and cost Beatnix business countless times. I decided to visit the old stomping grounds and was very pleasantly surprised to see the layout completely changed and more accessible. The wigs were under control and even displayed in a sensible fashion. The clothes were attractively presented and the store was brightly lit. The staff was helpful and friendly, and they could see the majority of the store from the new position of the counters. Everything had completely changed! The vintage clothes were still the same mishmash of random color, but when placed on a circular rack and not overcrowded, they were an asset rather than a liability. The selection still included fantasy wear, drag queen costumery, and entertaining kitsch (sombreros, assless chaps, cowgirl hats, gothic claw jewelry) but somehow it seemed more appealing. I was so impressed, I even bought a shirt! read more

Love this place! super cute stuff! decent priced. I always come here for eyelashes and wigs anytime I have a shoot coming up! I'm so glad I live across the street that's my idea of home! read more

Randomly stopped in here today by recommendation of a friend. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. There is so...much...to look at. One staff member was all over the store helping everyone find what they needed, he seemed to have a great knowledge of their inventory. It's very costumey. The prices are low and so Is the quality... but it's costume wear. So that just makes sense. I bought a few really fun pieces for raves, concerts, everyday. The woman in the makeup department helped me get the last few items I needed for my halloween makeup also. Very friendly and took her time with me. Basement was filled with reasonably prices vintage wear. Lots of 80's sequence gowns, coveralls, seriously everything you could think of. I'll be back! read more

This place is amazing and we spent at least an hour just trying on everything and luckily came out with some fabulous finds, tin lunch boxes, a sailor costume, some intimates, wool knit fingerless gloves/mittens, wool hat/scarf set, fun earrings, and eyelashes. And the best part? There wasn't much damage to our wallets! We will definitely be back to shop again! read more

HOLLA! To my fav store of randomness! Came back here to get a couple of things for a party....and of course, I ended up picking up a pair of shoes, St Patty's Day stuff, a wig, earrings, etc just to name a few. This place is the BOMB if you are looking for props.....super freaking cheap too. read more

When it comes to last minute emergencies for Halloween costumes, Beatnix has never let me down. From the cheap tuxedo I used for my Baron Samedi vodou loa outfit to hats and boas (oh the boas they have), silver body paint, they have everything. And regular used clothes too. read more

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Fantastic and magical! Best place for a drag queen to shop!!!

When I visited the store today, I was welcomed by one shifty looking door boy who grabbed my bag, asking it to be checked at the front desk.

Very awesome store. I have only been there a few times but they are always friendly and helpful. The prices are insanely reasonable and finding haunt gore ben nye make-up there really sealed the deal for me :) I wish their downstairs was more available though. I have yet to be down there and want to so bad! Everytime I come they say it's closed, even when there is plenty of staff milling about. I understand the checking your bag thing completely. There are lots of tiny things and corners to hide around. read more

I went there for the first time last week (march 12) in search of an everyday wig. My hairdresser had butchered my hair into a sort of pixie cut, but not the cute kind and i wanted to hide it!! We went in and were immediately distracted by all the other cool stuff. They have costumes, cute accessories, and TUTUS!!! they have shoes and tights and the prices are pretty reasonable. A few sales people kept checking up on me and when i mentioned i was going to look at wigs, one girl got very excited and practically dragged me over to the wig counter!! i had to buy a wig cap for $1 but it was worth it. She waited patiently while i looked and tried on styles and was very helpful. She wasnt pitching a sale or the most expensive and when i tried one on she showed me a color she thought would look better on me...and it did!!! She even brushed and trimmed the wig so that itd look its best on me! She also gave me honest opinions on what worked, what didnt, and what was "cheap quality"...I left happy and with a very authentic looking wig for about $28 (and some other stuff as well) keep in mind, you MUST check your bag/purse/etc at the front when you walk in...so id advise taking your phone and wallet out first. Also the idea of a checkout line escapes them a bit and the front set up is weird, so if you find yourself waiting awhile, make sure you really are in line!! This place is the coolest and i had the best experience. If youre ever in boystown GO HERE read more

Great store with really fun, unique, and hard to find items. Where else can you find thigh high boots in a size 14? I understand the complaint people have about the staff but frankly I think they're just doing their job and they're probably sick of everyone thinking they're the only one holding a large bag. Check it or hit the road - that's their policy. Deal with it. I love the basement filled with vintage. You never know what you're going to find down there and it's pretty packed! This place is great for finding a Halloween costume which was my original reason for shopping and I've been going back ever since. read more

I have been going here since I was a teenager and I'm 43 and I really hate to say has not one thing changed it's so sad to say I went into there place of business and and was ask for my purse to be check as I was looking around I have never heard of a thing I don't want to use the prejudice card but that's how I always feel when I go in there smh really hate this but it has been going on to long you guys need to get it together over there !!!! read more

Really rude and stuck up staff. Especially the owner, or at least I think he's the owner since he's the only one I've ever seen to have the nerve to sit and eat fast food at a desk in the middle of the sales floor, but If I have to seek customer assistance I'd go for the new faces working there. I've lived in the boystown area about a year and a half now and I know that this place is probably here to stay, but it's a shame that the staff can treat you so rudely. If someone is clearly working on a project and you ask them for help they will give you a glare or an irritated look. The owner will tell you to ask his staff most of the time if you approach him about certain items. My worst experience was asking this girl for something but she seemed really irritated and was very curt towards me and stormed off. Apparently she had better things to do instead of making a sale. I've find it to be a better experience if you just look for things yourself and only ask for things that are behind a counter or if you need to see their selection downstairs (sometimes it's closed and other times it's open. I don't know why.) This place does have a great selection of items, especially for the demographic of consumers that are local to the area (boystown/lakeview), but how i'm treated as a customer most of the time here is why this place deserves only 2 stars. Customer service goes a long way since it provides a better experience shopping and helps you locate certain items more efficiently. read more

On Friday I went in to grab some eyelashes and was approached about my purse, I have been in their with the same purse before but this time the decided to tell me "you need to check your BAG" and at the point he became very combative and aggressive with me. He said they had a lot of "theft" and "I NEEDED TO CHECK MY BAG OR LEAVE" being of color I thought I was overreacting at first then I realized I was in their with a friend weeks before WITH THE SAME BAG.. Clearly you could see the under stone.. Hints no people of color working or anywhere in site!! SOME PLACE I WILL NEVER GO BACK TOO.. Thinking of taking legal action!! read more

This is such a fun store to visit even if you don't have much of an agenda. You'll find something, fun, unique, and creative. There are too many good finds. Items are decently priced as well. Whether you're looking for a themed costume or just something fun and different to wear out, this is a great place for some inspiration! The staff is so accommodating and friendly. I can't recall all their names (Umberto? Norberto?), but everyone I dealt with was fantastic! Two staff members spent so much time with me and ensured I was comfortable. I ended up having a lot of fun with them! I actually purchased something that didn't end up being the best fit, and days later, they were kind enough to work with me and make sure I left happy. I couldn't be any happier with the purchase and look forward to many more visits in the future!! Keep up the excellent work, attentiveness to customers, and making sure your everyone leaves happier than they were when they first got there! read more

Very disappointed in this store after driving around for many blocks looking for parking and when we walked into this store were asked to check our purses because it was store policy. I'm sorry you don't trust your customers, well I don't trust your employees! Ask to check my purse before I leave the store I would more than happy too. read more

This place is so unreal unorganized it's hilarious. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because of the stuff in the store. It's great for costume, but everything is made so cheap, SO CHEAP (I reiterate) regardless of the product, is horrible. You can tell that every single person there has never had a job before this place. Despite it being in a part of Chicago notorious for attitude and great sass, this place stinks of disrespect. Get a real POS system, hire better people, become more organised, and the store would be SO MUCH BETTER. read more

I am visiting Chicago for the week and I came here after reading about it in Willam's book, I was not disappointed. It's right across from Roscoe's which was really cool because I'm from California and had never seen it before! The store has everything you could imagine: t shirts, jewelry, costumes, heels, corsets, fake boobs, TONS of cosmetics, wigs, and more!! All for awesome prices. The staff were super nice and attentive, one helped me put on a lacefront for the first time lol. Great prices and really cool stuff, definitely worth the visit!! read more

This place is sooo overrated! The selection is mediocre and the service is so bad that you actually feel bad that these people are so delusional... once in a while you get a good person that actually does want to help.... but that is a rare occasion! read more

As I was perusing bandannas at the Market Days booth, and talking with friends about merchandise, a rather irritable woman came out and yelled that this was not a "free parking zone" and that we were standing in the middle of her booth. Well, we were shopping! And we'd been at the booth for about 1 minute. I'd rather buy overpriced pseudo-vintage somewhere where the manager treats customers like she wants them to shop. read more

Enjoyed the atmosphere and products...until I was accused of theft and followed through the store because, according to the associate, "I don't look like I'd buy something from there." Considering I was dressed great, I can only assume it was because of my color. Thanks for ruining my night. Pathetic. read more

Great selection and the prices were actually REALLY reasonable. The shop is huge and has costumes, vintage fashion, more modern looks, and ben nye Makeup. A must see for funky fashion, right across the street from roscoes tavern. Also the wall of shame has some pretty funny pictures of shoplifters in cop cars read more

Let me just start off by saying... EVERYONE HAS TO CHECK IN THEIR PURSE. How have you not been to another store with the same policy? Why is that so offensive? they are putting your belongings in plain sight but just behind the register... Anyways, I love Beatnix! I have been working down the street from here for years! I am an eyelash hoarder and when i need a quick fix this is where i go! Red Cherry Lashes go for $5 at other shops like Beatnix but i get them there for $2, what a steal! Also, if you need a cheap pair of sunglasses this is your place! They have a huge variety of all different styles for around $10. I have always had great customer service here (even when, god forbid, they ask me for my bag!) read more