I discovered this place while walking around the neighborhood during West Fest (yes, my review is late...). It's such a wonderful and understated little shop. Shopkeepers were super helpful, and they had a number of spices that I was looking for. I'll be back! read more

Epic Spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fine folks with pride in their product. Lost arts of cookery? they got you. lil spot big science

The coolest hole in the wall spot with unique flavors and great gift boxes. Great local spot!

Such a magical shop run by a knowledgeable fellow! It's tiny so the spices surround you like a cloud of deliciousness. My sisters got a recipe and the spices and herbs from the owner to make homemade tonic water! Saffron is so reasonably priced. I can't recommend this place highly enough! read more

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STOP buying your sad grocery store spices and change your cooking for the better. Epic Spices is a hidden gem on Chicago Ave and after our discovery, we'll never go anywhere again for our spice needs. We walked in on a Saturday and met Natalie, who answered our many questions and was clearly passionate about their products. We walked out with bags of dried chiles, almond extract, and whole spices all under $20. Their quality and price are insane and will absolutely thrill any home cook. We're already planning a return trip and are so excited we found our new go-to spot for flavor inspiration! read more

Epic Spices - Hours - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What a great find. It's a small little establishment. Easy to miss but a great selection at very reasonable prices. Looking forward to using what I purchased. read more

They have a wonderful selection and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I've gifted the blends and they were always a hit.

When I lived in Chicago, I was a block away from this little gem of a spice shop. They have weird hours, so be sure they're open before you go. However, definitely GO and check it out! The storefront is super small and easy to miss because they supply spices in bulk to a lot of restauranteurs. You're hit with a pungent aroma of spicy blend when you walk in, so you know it's no frills and authentic. The husband and wife owners are so nice and helpful. I stocked up on a recent visit from Florida and they informed me they do ship as well! So excited about that (although I'm good on spices for a WHILE now thanks to being able to fit my shopping spree in my suitcase). My all-time favorite spicy seasoning is the "Crazy Hot" - if you like spicy you NEED this in your life - on your pizza, eggs, pasta, anything you want to add a kick to. I tell ALL my Chicago friends about this place. read more

Really disappointed in my purchases. I feel like for what I spent I should have a higher quality product with better packaging. Spices are in very cheap plastic bags and really took on the scent and plastic aroma. The blends they offer real were not anything special either. When cooking at home and spending this much money on ingredients you really want quality and this just isn't a place for that. Too bad since it's so close to my brothers. read more

I was treated horribly during a pick up order of truffle salt! 44.00 and it was wrong please spare me your drama! Sorry not sorry! read more

LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE Epic Spice shop! I've been coming here for years and now I finally live walking distance to them. I'm a spice JUNKIE and I frequent the few spice shops in the city and always shop for spices when I'm in another city or country. I enjoy cooking and have found that Epic's spices are super fresh, have great pungent depth and I like to support locally owned, small businesses. The owners, Steven & Natalie are super knowledgeable and helpful with helping me pick out spices when I'm looking to try something new. We chat about recipes and they even give me samples to take home and try. Their prices are super reasonable too. My favorites are Peri Peri, Italian sausage seasoning, Adobo, and their freeze dried shallots! read more

NEVER shopping for spices at a grocery store again! This tiny gem completely blew me away! I stopped by to grab a few random ingredients for a virtual cocktail class I have tonight, and they not only had absolutely everything I needed, but it was super reasonably priced too. They are a supplier to many bars and restaurants in the area and you realize very quickly why that's the case. Super knowledgeable, super helpful, and extremely hospitable. I'll probably come back tomorrow to grab more! They have a customer for life :) read more

Epic Spices - All for about $10! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

When I lived in Wicker Park, now over 6 years ago, I was overjoyed when Epic Spices opened its doors. It quickly became my go-to store for spices. The freshness, the reasonable prices, the wide selection, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff/owner impressed me with every frequent visit. Now I live many miles away. Epic is still my go-to store. With my many visits back to Chicago, Epic is always at the top of my must-do list You should put it on your must-do list as well. May they continue to enjoy much success. read more

Do your kitchen and Chicago's local business sector a favor and buy from Epic Spices. It's hard to miss the tiny storefront on the outside but once you step inside it's like stepping into spice Narnia. Overwhelmed by all the options and not sure what to choose? Steven and Natalie have got you covered with their truly globally encyclopedic knowledge of spices. Not only can they recommend tasty pairings and flavor profiles for your recipes, they can also provide lessons on culinary history and anthropology. Also, the spices are actually pretty affordable considering how much you get per container or bag and compared to the packaged watered-down, overpriced sand big box stores sell. I feel like Epic Spices is one of those hidden gems that you find out about if you're "in the know" so if you're reading this review consider yourself now "in the know". read more

Great variety and price. Owners could not be nicer or more helpful. They have every spice you could ever need. I try to only buy from them and avoid grocery store. read more

Epic spices had everything I was looking for, a few things I could not resist and offered to order anything else - all for a chunk less than the spice house. This is where is go now. read more

Who stops into a spice store when they are on vacation? That would be me apparently. But I am so glad I did because I got a huge bag of ancho chili powder for less than $3. (cucumber, lime juice, salt, and ancho chili powder = best low calorie snack ever) This place is way cheaper and way higher quality than anything you can get at the grocery store and I love how the spices come in reseal-able bags for storage. If I lived in Chicago this would be a regular stop. Lucky locals. read more

Want your spices with a side of bad attitude? This is youre place. Want some good quality spices, kindness and respect? Just buy Penzey's. Rude staff and disappointing customer service. Wouldn't recommend. read more

Steven (owner) was extremely disrespectful towards me. I missed a door sign and walked in to the store while there was already a customer inside, an honest mistake. Instead of informing me of their one customer at a time policy, Steven chose to berate me in front of the other customer. I have no problem with social distancing, or their policy (I was wearing a mask, of course and have hardly left home since March). However, the way in which Steven addressed me was completely unacceptable and made me choose not to shop there. I won't be supporting this business and I suggest you find another store to go to for spices as well. read more

wonderful selection in a gem of a shop. If you don't see what you want, ask! They carry some items that need refrigeration or are not in high demand that are not on display. I find the prices fair, and prefer buying small packets that stay fresh since I am just blocks away. They do a lot of wholesale business with chefs and restaurants, so the supply stays fresh. read more

A small closet of a shop that's filled with amazing spices from all over the world. An incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff is always happy to chat spices and recipes, excited to recreate that one spice mix you tried at that place that one time that tasted like umami heaven, or just restock your spice rack with the freshest versions of your everyday staples. They have a pretty kickass spicy hot cocoa mix and the cutest packaging for gift cards ever. I love popping in here when I'm making something that needs a spice I've never heard of, or just to restock my black pepper/garlic powder/basic spices. I'm almost hesitant to gush too much cause I don't want there to be a line when I pop in next. read more

I love this place. It is my happy place. Its been a while since I've been in but I just felt so welcomed when I walked in. Also when I got home the spices are AMAZING and flavorful. Considering we are all social distancing and whatnot, praying they are available online. Keep being exceptional! read more

So lucky to have Epic Spices in the neighborhood. The quality and selection can't be beat and the gift boxes are perfect for the holidays. read more

Epic Spices - Gift set that's perfect for the holidays - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Epic Spices' Gift Sets are my go-to holiday gifts every year - Great selection and fantastic low prices - Highly recommended!!! read more

Epic Spices - a variety of packaged food items - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm not surprised that they have almost 100 perfect reviews. This place is amazing!! I literally came in for 1 thing but left out with a bag full of amazing, fresh spices! Also, they were so helpful and incredibly knowledgeable that I am thinking of an excuse to return. I highly recommend! read more

My all tIme favorite spice shop. Michael and his wife make you feel at home and will talk to you for as long as you want to discuss spices or recipes or Restaurants as you would like! The spices are super fresh and flavorful and I love getting the spice mixes as gifts to out of town visitors. The Vietnamese cinnamon and the adobe are staples in my pantry now along with the plethora of experimental spices like the "berbera" spice we just got to play with. Don't miss this hidden gem If you're a cook or foodie!! read more

Considering this is my favorite place in a of Chicago, this post is insanely overdue. I've been there quite a handful times over the last year, and have been more than happy with the quality of the products and the prices. The spices are priced by the ounce and they have just about anything you could want; from ground ginger to Szechuan peppercorns to matcha to everything mix to almond extract for a song. The owners Steven and Natalie are such stars, I really just go to talk to them. They're both infinitely kind and generous (they even let me borrow a book on spices), knowledgeable, and are two people with enormous integrity and goodness that reflect their business. I leave feeling happy and a little wiser too--giant bag of spices & sweet gifts from the owners in hand. Absolutely worth my one and a half hour CTA trip to get out there. read more

I absolutely Love Epic Spices! My Husband and I have been customers for several years now. They have the best quality spices at great prices. you can buy spices in jars and then just buy larger bags to refill when needed. They have a great variety of spice blends, seeds, and bay leafs that are much better than anything you'll ever get in a regular grocery store. Natalie and Stephen are fantastic and very knowledgeable. I can't believe Iv'e read anything bad about this establishment or the owners. They have always been very courteous and and beyond helpful. They even give you an option to call in an order, pay in a advance and pickup during this pandemic. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EPIC SPICES! Love ya guys!!!! Congrats on 10 years!!! Here's to TEN more !!! read more

Really disheartened with the customer service. I tried handling a situation with the owner directly offline via email but was not met with a kind or empathic response but rather a defense of their actions and complete lack of acknowledgement for the feelings I was expressing at the result of his actions towards some I care about. I made an attempt to remedy the issue privately by asking for an apology for the hurt he caused but he refused to do so and instead doubled down to defend his actions and nothing was resolved. In this difficult time everyone is trying their best, but this exchange was really disappointing. I fully support shopping local, but I can't say I would recommend or endorse this shop as a result of my experience. Please don't make assumptions about someone's literacy status or visual abilities. Please don't assume someone is trying to be defiant or not follow rules when they were unaware of the rule in the first place. Honest mistakes happen. Please consider not assuming bad intentions and offering grace instead. And please, when someone tells you that you hurt their feelings, know that you do not have the right to decide that you didn't. read more

I lived across the street from Epic Spices for several years before I stopped in, and I regret that, because this place is a gem. Not only are the spices fresher than the grocery store, they are often less expensive or similarly priced than the grocery store, there is WAY more variety (they often say, if it's not on the shelves it's probably in the back), and they offer refill packs so you're not buying a million tiny bottles of cumin (is that just me?) They wholesale to restaurants which is how they're able to keep the variety and freshness on point. Plus, the owners are super nice, know a ton about their products, and seem to love educating their customers about herbs and spices -- I have learned about the differences between Mexican and Greek oregano, and why the price of vanilla fluctuates, etc. read more

Why have I been wasting my money on grocery store spices???!?! Bah! After finally venturing into this place and almost passing out from shock at the low prices, I recovered and left with wonderfully cheap, fresh spices. They have all the spices you could think of and if they don't have it, they will get it for you. Extremely knowledgeable and will help you out if you have any questions. Their hours can be a little strange, but I think that's a perk of being a small local business. Love this place and will never get my spices from a grocery store again. Go here! I dare you. read more

What a great addition to West Town! This tiny gem of a spot is a new go-to, whether I: 1) Have run out of something basic, like cumin or dill 2) Need something unique like star of anise 3) Need a gift for one of the many cooks in my life (there is a nice selection of spice-blend boxes) 4) Need guidance of any sort from Stephen, the affable and knowledgable owner who is super-willing to whip up something special if you tell him what you're looking to cook Did I mention the prices are unbeatable? Why buy McCormick spices from the grocery store when these are fresher, less expensive, and you are supporting an independent business?! That question is rhetorical. Shopping here is an enjoyable experience all-around. I will never have to trek over to the Spice House again. :-) read more

I have made the trek to Lincoln Square to go to Savory Spice with high hopes only to be left with an "eh" feeling. When I heard Epic had opened in my own 'hood I was excited to check it out. Admittedly it took me longer than I wanted to venture in, and now I'm mad at myself for taking so long. Yes, it's small, but the selection is NOT lacking. The owner is so knowledgable, patient, and truly takes time and listens to his customers. This type of customer service has been gone for longer than I've been alive. I came in with a very random request to try to create my own taco seasoning. I had one I used to buy from Target and they stopped making it. The owner went out of his way to try to find the product online for ingredient information (which I had attempted myself with no luck). After not finding anything he offered to make one for me. It was exactly what I wanted! On top of that I scored some other really interesting spices and the last of the aztec hot chocolate (which I'm currently drinking, it's delicious)! Oh and yes, the rest of the reviews are correct, prices are phenomenal. Bypass Mariano's and continue on down Chicago Ave and check them out, you won't regret it! read more

Why has it taken me so long to give Stephen 5 stars? I really love this place! The last time I went there, I brought like 4 spice bags to the counter for check out and he nailed exactly what I was going to do! Then proceeded to offer me some freeze dried avocado, which he stated he was rehydrating with tequila, hey not bad for a Friday night! He is very smart and knows his stuff. Go to him with something you want to cook, and he will suggest the spices to use. Go there on a Friday or Saturday, especially during the art walk or other West Town events and he will share samples of things he has made. All wonderful. Next time you need something to spice up your food or your life, just go in and say hi to this guy. Support small business! Do not get your spices at large grocery stores. Seriously! These are better. We are lucky to have this store and Stephen in West Town. (You Northsiders, suck it, and suck it up and come down here!) read more

Let's use an analogy here. Spices at a grocery store are to spices at Epic as being kicked in the groin is to a professional massage on your own private beach on your own private island. That is to say, not even remotely close. It's all been said before. Quality is bar none, prices are insane: 5 oz of juniper berries, 2 oz of cumin, 2 oz of aji amarillo chilies, $10. Try getting half those juniper berries for that price. Steven knows all. Suggested I change chilies for the beer I'm brewing and he's right. Also...I wish my house smelled like his store. read more

Throw away your spices from 2010 or if you are my friends from 2004 and come visit Epic Spices! The owner Steven is always there and has a very impressive knowledge base. Best way to put it, he is a spice scientist. He creates these awesome blends that are so well balanced and flavorful at the same time. Very impressed with his knowledge, brand and service. This place rocks and I always find myself stopping by to see what's his latest creation is, like he is some sort of movie theater with latest releases. Lol read more

I'm so happy this place opened up down the street. It puts the spice house to shame and I'm so glad. Love the spices they offer and they're all so fresh and extremely affordable. I'll frequently be visiting here... And Steven is super awesome read more

I never review things on yelp because I'm a freeloader that likes to reap all the benefits of using it without doing any of the work. I was so blown away by this place that I actually decided to take the time to write this. That's how good this place was. This place is great for a lot of reasons. First of all, the quality of its product is excellent and what it sells is extremely fresh. Secondly, everything there is super affordable, and significantly cheaper than the grocery store. Third, they have a lot of unique/rare stuff that you can't find anywhere else. Need Kaffir lime leaves? How about curry leaves? How about powdered habanero pepper? They have a ton of stuff. The selection is really amazing. Fourth, you can taste everything you buy before you buy it to make sure you like it. And finally, the best part of it all, is that the owner is awesome. Super knowledgeable and super into it. He's excellent. This place is great. read more

Great place. Owner is super friendly and knowledgeable. In addition to the regulars he's got a bunch of interesting mixes. I'm digging the Tandori Masala mix. Ended up here originally looking for ingredients to make bitters. They have all of them, like Gentian Root and Cassia Chips. They didn't have these at Penzeys. read more

Specialty shops like this are a rarity. The owner, Steven, is the real deal. Super down to earth, profoundly knowledgable about his product and explains things without making you feel inept. All the spices are processed and packaged in house and the place smells like a great spice shop would...plus it's recently replaced an old dental office and makes for a unique feel and flow. The spice blends I checked out (including the quintessential chinese 5 spice) are inexplicably aromatic and will probably change the way you think about cooking. Here's the kicker, the prices are crazy reasonable and definitely trump store-bought spices in just quality alone. Definitely worth frequenting for things as basic as salt and pepper all the way down the spectrum of whatever you think or don't even know what you're looking for. read more