The service and atmosphere is stellar! My feet went from prehistoric carnivore to award winning triumphant! I'm a new man and can now comfortably wear flip flops and sandles. I was once embarassed to expose my feet. Now, I can't wait to share them with the world. Essentail Nail Spa is now an Essential and Pivotal part of my monthly regimen. Thanks! read more

I live in the Lincoln park area and have visited many nail salons. Bought a Groupon for two mani and express pedi. Great fast service until they went to charge me for the Shellac polish I had on my nails. $15 bucks !!!!! On top of the Groupon I had already paid for . Shock .Never ever have I paid more than $8 for the same thing . Most places actually charge $5 extra . Nice place way way overpriced read more

So, I was going to this place regularly for over three years. They were very professional and I loved that my no chip lasted a month. I saw Vesla regularly and she is the only reason I am giving my final review two stars vs one. Well, my last visit, which was now three months ago (sorry for the delayed review) went extremely sour when I politely asked "what are the odds of finishing up a little early?" I asked this as I arrived about 15 minutes early. I had booked the spa pedicure and biosculpt no chip. Well, if anyone witnessed the sigh the huffing and puffing and brash page turning response I got, well, I imagine they would not want to come back either. It was as if I had completely ruined their whole schedule as I was told very firmly that it was unlikely based on the services I booked. I mean, I had never missed an appointment, never late cancelled and I referred two people who in turn referred several others. Funny, how neither of the two I referred have returned either because they were treated in a similar manner and decided it just wasn't worth it. I have heard them be extremely rude on the phone and snippy with people saying they were running late, and I made the excuse of, ok, I get this, running late does throw things off. Well, I had no idea asking if we could speed things up slightly would lead to a similar response. I felt scolded and I responded like any normal person would...I was just as rude back. And I made the decision to never return. And I haven't. And I won't. And my friends who have asked where I got my nails done...I don't tell them essential nail spa anymore. I tell them my horror story. But I do want to thank Vesla for doing an amazing job every time and for even finishing up 15 minutes early that day. Other than that, I have to say, beware of the moodiness and be prepared to get reprimanded and talked to like a child if you are running late...or worse yet, ask if things can be sped up just a little bit. One would think after being a loyal patron for over three years, I might have been treated a little better. Silly me! I'm in sales, I should know better. Oh wait, I do. read more

I think it is pretty ridiculous that this place tries to charge $50 for a "first time" application of a Shellac No-Chip manicure. Unlike acrylic nails, in which the initial application of tips requires significantly more time and materials, a Shellac mani is exactly the same every time a person gets one. The "initial" set doesn't require anymore work that a regular mani or a subsequent Shellac application. It is the same every time, and should be the same price every time. Either your price is $50 or $30, but don't try to screw your first-time customer by charging them more. read more

I bought the groupon that this place offered and have called both numbers they have listed left numerous voicemails for them as well as posted on the groupon chat portion about not being able to get through. This has been a horrible experience. I understand they are a small business and it is hard make all the appointments because there are only so many hours in a day but a phone call back to make an appointment would be the LEAST they could do. I worked at a small tanning salon that recently was featured on groupon and we had NO ISSUES getting back to all of our customers! What did they expect only 20 people to purchase the groupon. They should have planned better and a phone call back would be nice! read more

I would not go to this place! I as well as many others purchased the groupon. Giving it one star is generous. After days of calling with no answer from the business they post a thing on yelp to email them. Once I emailed them I was informed that people with groupons are not allowed to make any appointments until June. I'm sorry but that is really unreasonable to me. No where on the groupon or before it was purchased was there this time limitation. Very unimpressed and once i redeem my groupon (if they ever finally decide to accept them!) I will never be going here again. There are too many nail salons in the city and in this neighborhood to be subjected to such terrible service. read more

I had a groupon here for a no chip manicure and a regular pedicure. First of all, the bench where the pedicures take place was very uncomfortable even with the cushion . Then a bowl of water was brought out for my feet to soak in. The water was cold and the woman didn't even change it. The pedicure was adequate, but when I know I can pay for a cheaper and better pedicure service at a place with the fancy massage chairs, I was annoyed. Finally we got to the no chip manicure and it burned. Now I'm not a newbie to the no chip scene and this is the first time it's ever been painful. The groupon deal ended up not being a deal at all, but a lesson in overpriced nail spa services and how they are not worth it. I will never go here again. Yes, I understand the area in general is pricey, but you would think the nail salon services would be of higher quality and worth every penny. Even if I was desperate to get my nails done and this salon was right outside my front door, I would go on the train and go somewhere else. read more

First time here today! Love it. They work so fast and accurately. Bring cash for a tip because they can't take tips on the card. And you'll want to leave a tip because they're amazing! read more

This salon is horrible. The customer service is ridiculous. The manager, in particular, is extremely rude and makes you feel like you can't wait to get out of there. Manicure not great either. They didn't even know what an American was, as opposed to a French read more

Love, love, love the "Shellac" manicure. As always, Essential Nail Spa has the latest in healthy nail care. The Shellac manicure is amazing -- I started using paint remover to clean up after my painter and realized that I forgot to put on gloves. I looked down after washing my hands and my nails were perfect. I couldn't believe it. My nails are sensitive and the Shellac manicure is gentle. Also very fast. read more

I've tried multiple times.The wooden benches are uncomfortable. They asked me for the fifth time if I've ever been there before. They use big mixing bowls for the pedicures instead of heated foot whirpools because they don't want the inconvenience of cleaning the foodbaths ("we'll NEVER use those"). read more

i usually go to pamper myself because they're essential oil pedis are just divine! they ask you what your preference of scent is and scrub your feet with what i think is the oil mixed with sea salt. whatever it is, my feet leave baby butt soft! i have also tried shellac, gel, and bio sculpt. i LOVED shellac even though people have complained that it bubbled up. i never had a problem but the spa has now since discontinued this product. bio sculpt would be my second choice of option as it has lasted the longest without chipping, peeling, or cracking. i wore mine for 3.5 weeks! (def not recommended but i didn't have a chance to go to take it off). the staff are friendly and you can never go wrong with any of them. they also have little treats (ie. chocolate, candy) on the table for you to snack on while you're waiting. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this place! It's EVERYTHING. I've been coming here like clockwork every 2-3 weeks for a no-chip manicure and pedicure for several years now and I will not go anywhere else. Karen is the best of the best as are the other ladies at the spa. I get compliments on my nails all the time. I always look forward to my appointments. Definitely not your cookie cutter nail salon. read more

perfect replacment for my normal place...i couldnt get into my girl so after looking for no-chip pedicures locations in chicago online , i found Essential Nails, they fit me right in and were professional and after waiting a few minutes, was seated at the pedicure bench. i am used to a comfy massaging chair and whirlpool water but the exceptional job my tech did on my toes over road any discomfort of the wooden seats. plenty of magazines, quiet, and cozy. pricing is exactly average and my toes look great. My one complaint would be for $70 it cost for a no-chip pedicure, i was disappointed by what little scrubbing, massaging, and heal work was done. read more

I love this place! I moved to the city and needed to find a nail place that I felt comfortable going to. I bought a groupon and was so happy that I did. The staff and owner are very friendly and always make you feel at home. My no chip lasts for 3-4 weeks when I get my nails done there. I highly suggest checking this place out if you are looking for a clean and friendly nail salon in the city. read more

I am glad I found this nail salon! The staff are very nice and attentive ( they always ask if you would like something to drink or offering snacks). They are knowledgeable about the latest nail colors and they seem to always have new colors. It is best to go on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for lower price on Mani/Pedi. read more

This is the only place I will go to get my nails done! I have been going to this nail salon for a little over a year now, and I have done a variety of no chip manicures here. I always get compliments on my nails and have even converted a couple of friends who are now loyal customers. It is not a "walk-in" type of salon so call ahead for an appointment, but when you are there you will get the best customer service and your nails will look great! read more

I have been going to Nina the owner for 9 years. She is amazing at what she does and takes her staff to the next level in nails with a rigorous training program. The spa itself is very clean and relaxing. Modern, yet welcoming. With everything in life you get what you pay for and at Essential Nail Spa, you will not be disappointed. They are simply the best. read more

This is the best place I have gone yet in Chicago. The manicures last a really long time. They have two different types of no-chip manicures, and whichever type they used last time lasted on my nails over a month without chipping!! Very clean place. The technicians are friendly and considerate. The person who answers the phone is professional but can seem a little unfriendly - but I'm sure she is very busy! No massages if you were expecting this to be a standard part of your nail experience. read more

I came here back in early July when I first moved to the area from Michigan. I was used to your more stereotypical nail salons, which I thought were great until ENS introduced me to a much higher level and better nail care experience! I never have a problem making an appointment, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the atmosphere is exactly as a spa should be, everything is clean, and I have never had a better manicure. I use the BioSculpt and it lasts longer than any type of gel i've used in the past. This has become a bimonthly regimen of mine that I will be sad to lose one day when I move again. I refuse to go anywhere else until that day. read more

I've been going to Essential Nail Spa for a few months now and I leave happy every time. I see sweet, sweet Karen for my gel manicures every other week, and am always impressed with how my nails look afterwards. The staff is welcoming and they have a great selection of colors and services. read more

I went in there while walking down the street to just get my no-chip manicure taken off. It was FIFTEEN dollars. They were not nice about it. I could get a manicure for $15. It was so ridiculous I have never heard of anything more than $5 or $10 (at MOST) for a removal. It ruined my day just knowing that I threw that money away. read more

The best! I'm moving out of the neighborhood and still plan to make the trek here to get my no-chip manis by Karen!