I've lived in Lincoln Park for over a year now and today is the first time I have tried this place out. All I have to say is WOW! The staff is super friendly, service is exceptional, and I am very happy with my mani/pedi. I highly recommend and will definitely be going back for my next mani/pedi. read more

I have tried a few other nail places nearby and have been very disappointed... until I came here! Everyone who works here was so friendly, welcoming and sweet. First when I was choosing a color, they asked me if I needed any help, and offered to try some of the colors on their own nails so I could see how they looked.The girl doing my nails asked my opinion about how to cut them, and if they looked okay. The manicures are a bit precier (20-30 bucks), but it is worth it!! I got a great manicure and I will definitely be back! read more

Three cheers for the amazing mani/pedis! Nina and the crew are so talented! I have been coming here since they opened and have not been disappointed! (I would even make an appointment every time I came home when I was living in Boston) Thanks for the beautiful hands and feet!!! read more

Ok, so this started out BAD. I was planning to give basically 1 star at first, but had a change of heart by the end of it and gave them 2 more. The attitude that I received upon entering the salon, and for the first 10-15 minutes of my manicure, was unacceptable. Granted, I got there 15 min late (or just under 15 min) - but I didn't appreciate being totally rushed by the nail technician (Adza). Let's take a step back... I actually called about 7 min after the time of my appointment to let them know I was running late but was close, and the girl answered "hello?"... Not "Hello, Essential Nail Salon", but "hello"... Really?? Is that the way the employees are supposed to answer the phone? I said "Um, hi, is this Essential Nail Salon?" She said, "yes. Are you coming for your appt?". Ummm, yeeessss.. Wow, way to get to the point quickly. Do they have caller ID or what?? Me: "Yes, just looking for parking, I will be there in 5 mins". "Ok we're at blah blah address now." ok. Noted. Great start to the experience, right? So I get in, and she's waiting there by the desk all impatient, gloves on, ready to go. Rushed me over to the colors, rushed me to my seat, rushed through the nail polish removal, the cuticle removal (which was HORRIBLE btw and there was NO hand soak beforehand to soften the cuticles in case anyone was wondering), and the buffing. She goes to get the nail polish out, and I'm like, whoa whoa whoa... Uh uh. Hold your horses there missy. No way am I going to let you put polish on those nasty ragged cuticles and nails that still had pieces of skin/nail underneath. That's where I draw the line. I told her that it had been a month since my last mani/pedi, and I know for a fact that my cuticles need more help than that... She begrudgingly worked more on them, but made a point to say in her broken English that they would "maybe not be able to get to the pedicure because we close at 8." Oh reeeeally?? My appt was at 6:45... Even if I had gotten there on time, there is NO way she would've finished both by 8pm. So enough with the guilt trip, lady. So, she continues to work at my cuticles and under my nails (and is still rushing like a crazy person). Mind you, the way she removes cuticles is similar to Mr. Miyagi trying to catch flies with chopsticks... Stabbing motions. Let's just say, not the most relaxing experience in the world. I was scared pretty much the whole time she was cuticle removing. Anywho - when she finally stabs me because of the rushing, or because she was angry with me (no way to know), I pretty much lost it. Obvs she noticed, as did the owner and other people in there when I loudly yelped (ha!) because she killed my finger... I called her out on it, and said she needed to slow down and stop rushing me through the service that I was paying her for. She slowed down and was MUCH better after that. My nails ended up looking really great, and her attention to detail improved a lot after that. It's a shame. Her attention to detail and pace was 10 times better than before she stabbed me, so maybe it was worth it? I really can't say that I'd come back to her, because the stabbing of the cuticles is not something I want to revisit, but I think we ended up not hating each other by the end of it. She certainly changed her tune when she realized I was unhappy. Oh, she gives a crappy foot massage too. Not much pressure at all. Long story short, the end result is excellent, but the process was not enjoyable. (At least the manicure wasn't.) And who starts with the manicure, by the way? Especially when it's a no-chip? That was weird to me. You'd think they'd do the feet first so they'd dry... Oh well. Interestingly enough, the other gals (both clients and staff) were very pleasant and seemed to be enjoying every bit of their night. I may come back because of that, and just not go to Adza. My colors: Hot lava love + hot chilis... great corally pink color combo for summer. PS: I also wanted to agree that it's hard to get someone to answer the phone. They probably are a little short-staffed in that department. read more

Four of us had a fabulous mani/pedi here today. We had the royal treatment. Friendly, experienced staff, lovely salon, easy location to find. Recommend the lavender pedi oil. Love my "World is not Enough" polish. Thanks to Nina, owner, who treated us like family!! read more

I have been a faithful customer for three years at Essential Nail Spa for one reason: THEY ARE FABULOUS! The staff are very pleasant and always professional. My appointments alway start on time and I received top-notch service. Nina (the owner) is the best! She takes pride in her establishment and works hard on training her staff effectively. I'm a non-chip bio-sculpture customer and I love it. Nina makes sure my nails remain healthy and look awesome. I travel for 45 minutes to receive great service at Essential Nail Spa and my experiences have always been relaxing and never disappointing. read more

I'm writing this review because I believe Essential Nail Spa is far and away the best nail salon I've ever visited, and is an illustration of EVERYTHING a nail salon ought to do and be (except free....just kidding). First thing I noticed was what I DIDN'T notice: no chemical odors; no whine or buzz from power tools; no constantly blaring commercial pop or easy listening FM radio; no walls full of bizarre "nail art" templates or mass-produced imitation Patrick Nagel illustrations; no masked attendants; no cacophony of harried staff moving customers in and out of the multiple stations like cattle. That's because everything at Essential is done by hand and by the book. They don't need to use power tools because they don't offer the type of cheap acrylics shopping-mall nail mills do--and that's a reason why you pay a bit more to be treated skillfuly, safely, courteously and carefully by technicians who know their craft and (to put it delicately) the language. Their nail enhancements are more expensive because they refuse to use the illegal methyl methacrylate solvents that mall nail mills use by the barrelfull in order to save on overhead and draw customers in with $15 full sets. They use a couple of lines of blue-chip ("chip" being only a figure of speech) state-of-the-art products for their gels and "no-chip manicures." Hence, no need for masks because there are no VOCs to breathe; and no need to use power tools for enhancements that can be applied solely by skilled (tested and certified not just by the city but also by industry-leaders') hands. The music comes from streaming internet radio, and it's not unusual for staff to ask customers about their favorite music and artists to discover. Everything about Essential is top-drawer: airy, sunny and roomy storefront with surprisingly good on-street parking (the only such block in a trendy neighborhood); staff who greet you by name; best products in the business (and if they don't offer a brand they won't hesitate to tell you why); stylishly minimalist but high-quality decor; fruit/veggie-infused ice water as well as a variety of hot beverages; and CURRENT magazines in the waiting area. Another thing you won't find is a row or circle of cheesy massage chairs (which give lousy massages) and whirlpool foot baths (which are difficult to disinfect (and at nail mills, consequently aren't): instead, pedicure clients sit on pillowed benches (adjusted to your comfort) and foot soaks are done in freshly cleaned stainless steel bowls with river stones and the scented essential oil of the customer's choice. Yes, the pedis are expensive, but you get what you pay for: full attention to your nails and skin (no razors!), and depending on what level you choose, salt-scrubs, massages, hot towels, even hot paraffin treatments. The staff freely advises on how to maintain the health of your nails, skin and cuticles and the longevity of whatever polish or enhancement you choose. Need I add that the results are exquisite and the feeling is one of being coddled and pampered? To those who expressed gripes, I can only say that this is what you find in an in-demand professionally-run establishment with a pleasantly limited number of stations. No, you're not likely to be able to walk in off the streets: appointments are scheduled according to the time a particular service requires. And you can be sure that your own appointment will be honored in full. If you're using a coupon or Groupon, read the terms so you'll understand what you can and can't get. Price? Again, you get what you pay for. Washing your hands before polishing? Even the nail mills require this--it's to get the residue of cuticle and surface prep completely off your hands, much more sanitarily than soaking your nails in the little bowl of dish soap on the tables of hair-salon roving manicurists of a bygone era. Your nails get cleaner and stay more sanitary if you wash them, period. Great job, Nina, Wei and the rest of the staff. If you want a street-corner hot dog mani-pedi, folks--go to the mall. If you want the mani-pedi equivalent of a fine restaurant, go to Essential. Pick up the phone. NOW. read more

The spa is beautiful and zen! They go out of their way to create a memorable experience for each client. Nina is lovely! She is extremely hard-working and her attention to detail is outstanding. So many color options and she knows them all by heart. She is a model small business owner. All of the ladies are very well-trained, professional and kind. I always leave feeling refreshed. Thank you so much! read more

I purchased the groupon special they were having back in july 2011. I guess I should of known that it was going to be hard to get an appointment with them (by viewing how many people purchased on Groupon), but I didn't realize how hard it would be. So I thought I was okay to call three weeks in advance read more

Tried out for the first time last the other night after reading the reviews on Yelp. Very clean, very professional, everyone will call you by your first name, and make you feel at home. The estheticians were as chatty as you wanted them to be and seemed to really know all the regulars. The women at the front was super attentive and they give you a $5 coupon for your next visit. I made an appointment and didn't have to wait. I will be going back : ) read more

This is the only nail place I've been to where the people call you by your first name the minute you walk in the door. The receptionist and technicians are very friendly. The pedicure manicure is awesome and such a good price. I must admit I love pedicures but I hardly bother with manicures because it always chips. I kid you not I went over a week without so much as a chip. Sounds kind of weird to be excited about something like that, but I've been to other reputable places where the results have been disappointing. read more

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!! There's a reason why they are BOOKED!!! AMAZING WORK!!! I've been to many nail salons/spas and most of them are friendly and the work was decent but sometimes rushed. What I don't miss about those places is waiting 30 minutes to an hour just to get service. Nina is the BEST (as it should be, she's the owner). She trains her staff to be just as good though.The colors last for weeks...granted I do the Bio on my hands but I have regular nail polish on my toes and never once have they ever smeared. I ALWAYS get compliments on my nails. Nina does a great job keeping her nail polish up to date and never old. She goes out of her way to accommodate clients. It is frustrating not able to book an appointment right away but understand why and believe me once your in you'll NEVER go back!!! read more

Quite simply, there is nowhere better to get your nails done. The atmosphere is friendly, chic, and relaxing, the people (especially Nina and Wei) are the best, and the service is unparalleled. The Essential Pedicure leaves you with perfectly polished toes and baby smooth feet that last for weeks. I've been coming here since I moved to Chicago almost five years ago and wouldn't dream of going elsewhere. Could not be more satisfied! read more

Bought the express mani-pedi groupon and went for my first time yesterday. Because they are busy you have to plan a few days in advance but since my schedule was pretty open they were able to fit me in yesterday afternoon when I called in the morning to schedule. They are very accommodating and will try to work with you in whatever way they can to get you scheduled. The experience was really great! They did a great job and were very personable. The owner and her sister remembered everyone by name that walked in, even down to the details of if they had kids, whether they were allergic to certain types of polish, etc. They were great conversationalist and provided you water/tea and popcorn. You could tell they had a bunch of regulars that visited them 1-2x a month. I felt very comfortable there. It is a very basic operation but they are very smart about their business and the choices they make. For instance, there are no cushy massage chairs that you sit in with a foot spa, instead you sit on a cushy bench and they bring out a huge bowl of hot spa water to soak your feet in. They also have very nice decor and ambiance. There are no TVs so they really give you a peaceful experience. They even have specials! There are cheap express mani-pedis on Tuesday and Wednesdays if you can work that into your schedule. You also get a coupon to use for when you are done with the Groupons. I never felt rushed or like they were not giving me quality work. Sometimes you get that when you get a Groupon but this place is all about the service! I don't normally write reviews for places but I just felt like they really do things right here and therefore wanted to share. Can't wait to go back for round 2! read more

Easy going place. I had no issues being a groupon customer. love my no chip manicure and they gave me a $5 off coupon for the next time I go. They take their time with you and are friendly. read more

Cute, quaint salon. I got the shellac no chip and it was super fast and I am going on week 2 with no signs of needing a touch up soon. The staff was really friendly and I had a coupon and am so glad because I may have never tried them without a discount first. They also give you a coupon for your next visit - can't beat that! While you get pampered they serve wine and snacks. My kind of place! So glad I live close - thank you!! read more

This place is fabulous. It is welcoming, incredibly clean, and I've never had a bad experience. All the nail techs are friendly and talkative (but not too chatty!) I'm lucky I live so close, but if I move, I will definitely go the distance for this salon! read more

I went here in a rush because where I used to go (Touch on Fullerton) is apparently closed and every where else I tried to make a same day appointment was booked. It's small but very nice and clean. I had a spa manicure and pedicure. Leila (I think thats her name) took her time and was very nice. I hadn't had a pedicure in months and it was a nice treat. I'm not into manicures so much because I still bite my nails, a bad habit I'm trying hard to break. I just wanted a clear coat, nothing else. She suggested buffing them instead. I've never had my nails buffed like that and I was amazed at how shiny my nails were! It lasted for almost 2 weeks! I was the only client there at around 2:30 pm but someone who I'm assuming is a regular came in later and started chatting with the other workers and it felt very welcoming. For the spa manicure and pedicure it was $60, but well worth it in my opinion. read more

5 stars because this place is consistent and provides professional quality, the kind you can't do at home by yourself. They're friendly too. I don't write this review lightly, I'm anal (especially when paying for spa services). The economy's gone to shit, which means beauty expenses have become harder for me to justify. read more

They do a great job with your nails. I usually have a spa mani&pedi and it always turns out amazing. I love the scented oil selection they have. What I love more than the terrific nail job is the very friendly atmosphere they have. The second time I went there was a month after my first time, and everybody remembered my name. Not only me, but they know every customer by name. Great service, great people! read more

Hands down my favorite nail salon in Chicago. Bozena gives the best and most relaxing pedicures ever! I had extremely sore feet from wearing heels all weekend and she did such a great job massaging them. The entire staff is so friendly. 5 stars! read more

This place is such a gem. It's clean, there are no drills running, no bad TV, and no cheesy art on the wall. It feels like an upscale nail salon, which is exactly what it is. The decor is calming, and the staff is super friendly. I have been coming every 2 weeks for almost 6 months. My nails were heinous. After doing the Bio-sculpt no chip, my hands actually look presentable. My dad even said I looked like a lady. Wei and her staff do an excellent job to make sure everyone is happy. They even have fun water and snacks for your visit. Note: fun water = apple cucumber, or watermelon deliciousness. If you want something cheap and quick- go somewhere else. It isn't the least expensive, but there is a reason they have a lot of repeat business: it is clean and you feel taken care of. Best nail salon in Chicago, by far. read more

The staff is very welcoming and friendly. I just moved to the city and needed a new place for manicures. The only downside is that it's more expensive than I'm used to paying back home but that's a given in Chicago I'm assuming. Definitely will be a regular customer. read more

This place is great! I have been living around the corner from here for 3 years, and had never tried it because I thought it didn't look very... impressive? And that is the perfect example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover... The people are great, the music they play is perfect (no idea who it actually was, but sounds cool and you feel cool being surrounded by it), and the pedi I had (an Express Pedi) was fantastic! I had wanted to get a Spa one, which is supposed to be more pampering, but they didn't have time in their appt book on the night I wanted to go. The Express was totally thorough and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I am totally excited that I found the perfect pedi place 30 paces from my back door... and embarrassed that it took me 3 years to discover it. read more

I love this place. The girls are incredibly nice and welcoming! I get the non-chip manicure and pedicure, and it is absolutely fantastic. My nails underneath DO NOT get damaged the way they do with the enhancements. Nina is wonderflu and has been great to talk to from the first time I visited. Although their prices are slightly higher than Nail Santuary, the girls seem happier to be where they are and atmosphere is a lot when I am looking for a relaxing experience. As far as not having the massage chairs, I do not see that as a negative. There have been so many different warnings related to those and the potential to spread infection. I would much rather have a bowl soak and not walk away with a fungal infection. My non-chip manicure easily lasts until I go in for a touch up after two weeks and the pedicure is good for a month. I would recommend this to even my pickiest friends. read more

I loved this nail spa! The old wood benches give it an old feel and it was nice to have my feet soak in a gigantic stainless steel bowl filled with warm sudsy water--instead of those gross "foot jacuzzi's"! They offer fresh fruit and other small snacks with a pitcher of ice cold water for the taking. Nobody forces conversation, it was very relaxed and professional with a friendly tone. I was offered a $5 off coupon for my next visit when I was leaving, I will definitely return! read more

I was in a hurry to get to another appointment and I walked into Essential 1 year ago to see if I could get a soak off quickly before the next appointment. Immediately I felt as if they wanted to take care of me, even though I was not a regular customer. I said to Nina that I really wanted another gel manicure, but didn't have the time as I was running to my next appointment. She said "Go ahead to the next place, we will stay open a bit late for you so you can come after". For someone to offer to stay open late for a walk in, is true hospitality! This is when I committed myself to Essential for all my manicures. On top of the warm and welcoming hospitality, the manicures are the best I've ever had. I was introduced to a gel base called Bio Sculpture, which is much healthier for your nails and not something you come across often. They also soak off with vaseline on your nailbeds to prevent them from drying out. I have been doing gel on and off for years and always had to take a "break" to let my nails heal, no longer do I need to do this! Thanks to Essential, have been doing bi-monthly gel manicures with no breakage for over a year now. The shaping, quality, and durability of the manicures are unparalleled. Every technician is friendly and welcoming. Pedicures are great too, love that they draw fresh hot water in a bowl for every client. Shout out to Wei as well - for always being flexible and helping me reschedule if I need too. (Plus, it comes with a house puppy, Hi Mochi!!!!) All in all, I'd say this is the best place to go for manicures in Chicagoland. Do yourself a favor and get booked! (Just don't steal my appointments;) ) read more

I LOVE this nail spa, and refuse to go elsewhere. First and foremost, Nina consistently addresses my ingrown nails, so I can go weeks without pain and pretty much wear any shoes I like. The whole team is kind and friendly, and they remember everything about you visit-to-visit -- your name, your last color choice, what's going on with your job or family etc. It's popular, so clients tend to be regulars rather than walk-ins -- so by the time you leave, you feel like you've spent 1-2 hours at your favorite book club or coffee shop. Just don't expect a rushed in-and-out job. They are perfectionists, and that takes a bit more time. It's worth it though, and the salon is so clean and peaceful you'll be happy to hang out. read more

I just have to say that the ladies at Essential are so fabulous. I highly recommend them based on customer service alone. You are sure to be warmly greeted by the young lady at the front desk, welcomed to refreshments and engaged in conversation before your service ever begins. I've been here twice and I haven't found a bad thing to say yet! The cleanliness, service, and spa mani/pedi's make Essential Nail Spa a definite repeat! read more

This place was just great. The customer service and quality are just down right amazing. I haven't had anything artificial done to my nails in years but the ladies here are amazing. I have been to a few other places here in Chicago but this is the only place where I felt comfortable. It wasn't like some places where they are rushing around trying to get you in and out in 15-20 minutes. I got pink and whites done and she did exactly what I wanted to, took her time, asked me my opinion on them (which is rare) and then refiled one or two of my nails that were a little too long. Everyone was also very upbeat and talkative which was nice and it didn't feel like an introduction, it felt like seriously we were friends which made it so much more comfortable. This place is just all around has an awesome atmosphere and a great nail salon :) read more

After trying 3 nail salons on my own, in search of a decent pedicure. I decided to try my girlfriend's nail spa. Finally, a great pedicure. My nail tech (Maria) gave me the best spa pedicure ever (good foot rub). She's a bit shy and I had a hard time understanding her, but she is trying. I also got a spa manicure too because it was a Wed. They have a $10 off special on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Anyway, I like this place because they don't use the blade to remove your dry skin. (Not callous) Clean, professional but warm. Good music, yummy snacks, friendly staff and clientele. Oh btw call and book ahead they are very busy. read more

I really miss living down the street from this place! When I moved to Lincoln Park I noticed this place right away, after walking by a few times I decided I had to stop in. My manicure was awesome! I also noticed that they used individual bowls that are sanitized between clients for pedicures. I knew right away that this was my new nail home. That was over 4 years ago. Unfortunately I moved away and parking is not always convenient (street only) so I haven't been in for awhile. I am hoping to go back soon, I have yet to find anybody comparable to this place and I miss it! read more

Consistently great, professional and friendly. I've been a patron since they started. My first visit, the french manicure lasted over a week - unheard of! My second visit, Nina, the owner and manicurist extraordinaire, remembered my name. My 3rd visit, all the gals knew my name! I float between Nina and Samara, based purely on availability, but I've seen everyone's work and wouldn't hesitate to let any one of them work on my nails. And Wei, Nina's sister-receptionist, keeps everything humming. If there were a 6th star, I would give it simply for the "girls' club" atmosphere. It's just fun to go in there! I'll certainly be following them in their new digs, a block up the street, where they can pamper me in a bigger, better place. read more

I just bought the groupon for a no-chip manicure and express pedicure and I loved it! Originally, it was difficult to get through with everyone calling from the groupon. I actually stopped in to check the place out and the receptionist was so nice and apologized for not being able to get through. I made an appointment on the spot and they were able to get me in the next day. I've been to a lot of nail salons around the city and I thought the staff was very friendly and accommodating. I was given a cup of green tea and there were pastries out to snack on as well. The salon was exceptionally clean and the service was great! At the end of the service I was given a $5 off coupon, so I made another appointment. The second time I came in was just as good and the no-chip seriously lasted 2.5 weeks. I will never get a regular manicure again. I've been faithfully going to another salon for the past 3 years and I have to say, this quality of the no-chip and friendly staff at Essential Nail Spa has switched me! Although many people are upset about the groupon situation, I really think you should give this place a try...you won't regret it! read more

I was finally able to get into the spa and use my Groupon before it expired and I thought that the experience was just OK. The staff was friendly and the place was decent, but it wasn't the best no-chip manicure and pedicure that I've ever received. read more

OMG ... I love this place!!!! The Bio non chip is AH-MAZING and really really last 2 weeks. I just had my first one 2 weeks ago before my big Hawaii trip and my nails looked amazing the entire trip, even with salt water and pool and travel. Just went back for my 2 week fix and am so happy once again. Best part ... you don't to wait for them to dry! Love this place and the Bio. Thanks Essential Nail Spa ... you guys rock! read more

Some friends and I were fortunate to be gifted with mani-pedis at Essential. Nina and her staff are kind, attentive, and professional. From the moment we walked through the door, we were treated as honored guests. Essential has an incredibly comfortable and relaxing environment. My friends and I couldn't have been more delighted with our experience at Essential. We enjoyed every moment of our time together at this lovely establishment, and we look forward to visiting again in the future! read more

I am a loyal customer of Essential Nail Spa because they really earned my business. Nina the owner makes you feel like you're in your own home and getting the VIP treatment. She actually cares about the health of your nails and will tailor the service to meet your goals. Also, the staff are friendly and professional. I've been to many salons throughout the country and Essential is my favorite. read more

Going to Essential makes me feel like I'm in a small town - in a good way. You can either mind yourself and relax with a magazine, or you can let yourself be brought into the room's conversation and get to know some of the regulars. Seriously, just smile at the one doing the talking and they'll include you in whatever's coming next. For a semi-shy girl like me - you can't beat it! I've had excellent manis and pedis here. One manicure had slight issues (nails uneven), but they just touched it up when i stopped by the next day - no questions, no fuss. read more

I am sorry but $45 for a spa pedicure is ridiculous . I had to put my feet in a bowl ( who doesn't have spa baths now?) and sit in an uncomfortable chair. I really don't know what made it a "spa pedicure".. you can go most places in Chicago & get a manicure & a pedicure for $45 including Nirvana in Lakeview or 2x10 on Southport (both way better). Totally overpriced and not worth the money at all. read more