My strategy for getting glasses this time was to go to a National chain for a good script based on all the new equipment they have s day then support someone local. Picked Lab Rabbit because he wasn't far away and got great reviews. Add another 5 stars - the lenses are probably the best I've had. Mr c was very helpful in helping me pick out some good frames. Hands down- best pair of glasses I've had in a long time. No large deviations on the side of my lenses despite my high script. Support local artists - he designed the frames and he seems to be very proud of what he does! read more

Time spent elsewhere is time wasted. Coyote DeGroot is a consummate professional, an artisan - and a magician as well. Go to LABRABBIT - select the finest frames and receive service that is on another plane: far, far above anything you've grown accustomed to. Brilliance is the only word employable when one seeks to describe the best pieces of Coyote's exclusive personal line. LABRABBIT is more than everything a shop in Chicago should be. Absolutely first-rate and world-class. read more

Back in December, I found out that I needed glasses. After searching through a number of well reviewed eyeware stores in Chicago and finding nothing as special and unique as I dreamed about my first pair of glasses being, I found Labrabbit. There I spent hours playing in their vintage deadstock collection before finally deciding on a pair of 1960s My husband, after having spent a lot of time bonding with the store himself, decided to upgrade to a fantastic, yet tasteful, pair of Yellows Plus glasses. Coyote (the proprietor) was very technical and explained to us about the importance of lining up the pupil for cutting the lenses and other issues of glasses alignment, and provided timely service. All in all, a well curated store with excellent service. read more

Excellent service, ultra-cool business, hard-to-find frames, incredible handmade lenses and at an unbeatable price. You can't beat Coyote and Labrabbit! read more

So so so thrilled with my experience. I brought in a pair of killer vintage Paloma Picasso frames that I wanted to put prescription sunglasses lenses in. The original lenses had this really cool gradient that I wasn't sure could be replicated. But Coyote was more than happy to oblige. And it wasn't an outrageous price either. He knows his eyewear, for sure. He has an incredible selection of unique and vintage frames. I wish I needed a second pair of glasses right now, because I would much rather support his business (and rock a sweet pair of glasses) than go to a big box glasses store. I am definitely coming back. read more

After whining about how boring my current frames were, my friends suggested I check out Labrabbit Optics. I was blown away by the variety of frames (and each one unique and interesting in it's own way). But that's just the tip of the iceburg. After picking my frame, I assumed it would go something like, "here is my prescription, see you in a week!" But Coyote (the owner) is meticulous and very professional. He made sure he had all the measurements and information perfect before sending me off. The glasses were done in a matter of days (and look amazing). I can't recommend this place enough. The space, the personality, the selection, the quality, and the price is TOTALLY reasonable (cheaper than my lame frames that were covered by insurance)! I'm buying another pair of frames next week and am looking in to prescription sunglasses. Best!!! read more

Yesterday was my first time purchasing eye ware. Coyote, the owner of Labrabbit, is a regular at the business I run so of course I paid them a visit when needing eye ware. I had absolutely no clue what I was looking for or what I wanted and I had anticipated paying $500+ for a pair of glasses. Not only was I pleasantly surprised to find out I would be spending half of that on lenses and frames but his selection is excellent. Nothing conservative about it. Lots of vintage frames and lots of contemporary, dare I say "hipster" selections. Thanks for the help! read more

I will add my $0.02 to the already-heaping amounts of praise... I came in looking for a pair of (non-prescription) sunglasses. After locating a pair of Randolph Engineering aviators I dug, I explained to Coyote that I needed them prior to a trip I was taking that weekend. Coyote was able to hook me up with a pair of lenses with a 48 hour turnaround time. He also threw in an anti-glare coating for free. A similar pair of shades would have cost me about $50 more if I would have ordered them through the manufacturer's website. Coyote also spent about 10 minutes adjusting the frames so that they fit my face perfectly, which I really appreciated. A much more enjoyable experience than visiting the Sunglasses Hut. read more

Excellent start up frames vendor run by a very knowledgeable and friendly young entrepreneur. I came in simply to peruse and the proprietor took me on a whirl wind tour of plastic, flexon and wire. Also, he patched up my busted ass wayfarer shades with tiny tiny screws. Great selection of vintage frames from every imaginable era and style with prices that are really rather reasonable in an industry that seems to pride itself on insane prices. I'd highly recommend a visit; if only to expose yourself to the unique styles cultivated and curated here. IF you lack vision insurance, or it is incomplete, but still want some stylish frames, this might be the best bet in Chicago. read more

Coyote is the best and has the most unique, rare frames and brands. Forget function, I look straight up HOT in my new Reiz frames! :-) Plan to buy my 3rd pair next year! read more

I walk by Labrabbit every day on my way home from work... Yesterday, I stopped in to see if they could tighten my good sunglasses. I walked into a very welcoming and friendly owner named Coyote. He fixed my glasses for 5-10 minutes while we chatted and I looked at the awesome and unique selection of frames on display... Kindly, Coyote didn't charge me for the repair and I promised to be back this Spring to pick up a new pair of shades. This is a great and stylish neighborhood place. Support local business and Ashland Ave! You will NOT be disappointed. read more

I was lost (mostly due to piss poor vision and lack of proper eye wear) and now am slightly less lost! I went to Labrabbit after not only reading some illuminating Yelp reviews, but also having ran into people in my 'hood rocking some seriously awesome eye wear. Their pusher-man? A coyote who worked inside a lab rabbit. I thought they were on drugs (they probably were, all my friends are on drugs.) Later, I found out that it wasn't an actual rabbit but Labrabbit Optics. I was hesistant at first: an overview of their website led me to believe the frames were all very niche, uberhip, and unflattering for my surly mug. But, being disenfranchised with so many eyeglass boutiques in the neighborhood and not wanting to settle on the fast food chains of eye attire a'la Pearle Vision or Lens Crafters, I hustled on in. I entered to find not a coyote hawking eyewear (damn!), but a gentle (genteel?) waif of a man named Coyote, who stood a good foot taller than myself and exuded calm in an environment full of busy, bright frames, throbbing sub-variations of techno/house/electro/etc., Ellen Ripley posters, and some neon twine sculpture that seemed to be taking over the storefront. Despite those potentially dizzying elements, the general attitude of the small boutique was clean and collected. After about an hour of pilfering his massive selection of new and vintage frames (which, for those who are worried about the website possibly being too limited, just come into the store, he has TONS) I settled on something chic, with thick black frames and silver metallic Deco accents. Not a bad first pair. And through all of my neurotic searching, Coyote was attentive and patient. Less than a week later, I returned to the shop. Mounds of groceries in eco-friendly grocery bags, staggering in like some bedlam-ridden bag lady. Still, in the face of such dishevelment, Coyote remained a congenial proprietor. After about 20 minutes of him painstakingly adjusting my new glasses to sit just right on my face, we were done. With a swipe of my card, I was out less than 250 dollars for fantastic eye wear. Eye wear that I have no doubt would've been double/triple at other establishments. While all of this is well and good, the real reason Coyote and his Labrabbit get 5 stars? The man carried my fucking groceries to the cab! Affordable, hip eye wear AND the art of customer service is not a lost one here. read more

I am in love with this place. Coyote is a perfectionist and true craftsmen. I recently bought lenses for frames I found elsewhere and he provided the best service I have every received in 30+ years of wearing glasses - and I didn't even buy the frames from him! This place is a jewel box of gorgeous and unique frames and Coyote incredibly knowledgeable and eager to make your experience in-store and beyond, a true delight. I can not recommend this place with greater passion. Go! Go now! read more

I've been a fan of Labrabbit for a while, but a recent visit pushed me to write a review. Coyote dealt with my parents. Hell, he's better at humoring them than I am. Now my dad finally looks like the hip Bill Cosby dad I've always wanted. Labrabbit makes dreams come true. read more

Easily the best optics shop I've ever been to in Chicago. Coyote goes beyond what I would expect in terms of customer service, working with me to find a pair of glasses that I would really be happy with. I felt no pressure at all to buy as I browsed and he gave an honest opinion to all of my questions on my first visit. I recently came back here for my 2nd pair of glasses from Labrabbit and will continue to do so every year. Cool shop, cool dude, cool glasses. read more

Coyote is an old school artisan. Lenses are cut by hand. If needed, frames are heated and molded on the spot. Again, this is done by hand. No shortcuts here. Labrabbit is not your typical experience. This shop is for the consumer looking for unique eyewear, one of a kind in some cases, and a custom fit. Coyote delivers on all fronts. I've worn glasses for over 30 years, and the 2 pair he made for me are the best fit I've ever had. Coyote puts time and passion into his work. The level of detail and expertise he brings makes all the difference in the process. Labrabbit will be my go to from now on. If you're in the market for new eyewear and you want frames that you won't see on anyone else, don't hesitate to visit Labrabbitt. The craftsmanship is unrivaled. read more

Simply the best! Coyote, the owner, is a true professional from start to finish. Hands down the finest selection of frames in town. Coyote hand-crafted my lenses and the quality is impeccable. I don't usually review but felt the need to share just how amazing this experience was. read more

i really hate it that so many shops try to screw you as much as they can when you need glasses. thankfully, there's coyote and Labrabbit Optics so that you can stick it to those jerks and take your business elsewhere! i brought in 2 pairs of frames along with my prescription and coyote had my glasses done in about a week for a more than fair price. he even gives a discount when you get 2 pairs along with a big bottle of lens cleaner! if you can read this (or more importantly, if you can't) -Go here for your glasses needs!! read more

Wow there is an amazing selection of vintage eyeglasses at Labrabbit! I love that the space is super warm and friendly which is totally different from more mainstream optical shops. There is a gallery feel about it that makes you feel like you are about to purchase a piece of art. New and retro frames ready for prescription sit along side radical sunglasses from antique to 80s. Coyote is a certified optician and can grind and tint your lenses in virtually any shape or color you can think of, watch out you may have to choose more than one pair! I have my eye on some Paloma Picasso cateye frames--hope they don't sell before I get my prescription filled! Also they have an online shop is packed with everything from vintage Diors, dead stock Cazal shades, or new line of sustainable wood frames. Tell all your myopic friends to go check it out! read more

Get your glasses from here ! Find a pair that is just for you !! -Highest quality lenses and perfect fitting -personal service, chill, no pressure, and fun! -one of a kind style, good taste, hip pairs, must try on and surprise yourself - cheaper then any store, hundreds of dollars cheaper! ( average pair of frames at stores usually cost at least 250 plus lenses!!) I have -8 prescription, that is very tricky to work with. I've avoided getting glasses for over 8 years, becasue I seriously never looked cool in any pair. I was nervous and skeptical to go in and get some, but the deal was so good I thought I would check it out. With Labrabbit , there was no pressure, Its was fun finding something and trying on so many pairs, from the comfort of his home office right In the heart of Wicker Park!! You must try them on and see how many times you can transform, I was surprised on how so many of them worked . I finally settled on a pair. He even explained the process when doing the measurements, and I felt like I was in the hands of an expert. He was efficient and cool, and the experience was art ful and caring! I would never get this kind of service from other places ! I really started to see the art behind this accessory. It was a rare balance of science art and therapy! I even received a bottle of nontoxic homemade cleaning solution that now has become part of my morning ritual. I am soo happy with my glasses for the first time in my life! I truelly wish Labbrabbit great business becasue I think its good for you too !!! Monika Bukowska read more

I have a terrible habit of making plans and obsessing over them. It takes weeks for me to research and decide and finally feel that sweet rush of satisfaction at an obsession quelled. When I chose to finally opt for a new pair of frames, the good fellow at Labrabbit Optics catered to my habit in only the best of ways. His schedule was beyond flexible - allowing me to pick out frames at 9pm. His turnaround was not only quick, but the quality of my frames and lenses were superb. That is no easy feat, I've been wearing specs so long the lenses are like coke bottles. You won't walk out of here with a pair of glasses that someone hard-sells to you. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I was told several times that a few pairs I wasn't sure about were just not right for the frame and bone structure of my face. Just when you thought no one was looking out for you in this big dark city... go see for yourself and feed your newest obsession. read more

This place is awesome. The selection is great, the service is great, the store is a piece of art. I picked up some sunglasses today and already have my eye on my next pair. Go to Labrabbit! read more

what can i say? me loves some vintage. now that i found labrabbit optics i can stop finding thrift store frames that are in horrible condition! the prices are definitely not thrift store prices but still very affordable for eyeglass frames. i bought mine for $50. coyote the owner and operator only accepts cash, check, and paypal just so you know. oh, need prescription lenses to go with your snazzy new frames? no worries, he does that too. he's an optician! read more

I agree with all the 5-star reviews I've read here...Coyote is hands down the best optician I have ever consulted with (he knows everything about how frames and lenses work together), and Labrabbit was the most fun I've ever had buying a pair of specs. Great selection of vintage and designer frames, a cool little store on Ashland, and the man himself, who knows that great customer service is a combination of knowing your product and interpersonal skills. I wish I needed another pair of glasses, it was so much fun shopping there! I have several old frames, and so am making plans to bring them into Labrabbit, to get new lenses in them, or to see if they're vintage enough for Coyote to put into his stock. Great job, Labrabbit! read more

really cool frames. handmade. the quality is apparent. however, not much diversity in sizing. staff a bit uptight and surprisingly eager to send us off. read more

Great place to get a pair of glasses, no doubt about it, don't even waste your time anywhere else.

i went to labrabbit because coyote stocks hard-to-find frames, but i left with an excellent pair of glasses and a great customer experience. coyote was friendly and professional, knowledgeable, super accommodating, and inspiring. his shop is gorgeous, his business model is unique, and he's the kind of small business i hope will endure! i've had my frames from labrabbit for about a week and i am even more enamored of them (and labrabbit) than i was when i picked them out. thanks coyote! read more

Amazing selection of vintage deadstock frames and new tre chic styles in a wonderfully cool boutique with no attitude. The thing that puts Labrabbit uber alles is Coyote's service and attention to detail. He will go out of his way to make sure you have a great experience and get the right frame. Come support a local business owner. read more

Have you ever been watching a film from the 70's or 80's, and thought to yourself, "man if I could find a pair of those specs these days I would be too cool for school!" Think/wonder no more. A gentleman named Coyote has been hoarding them and keeping them in pristine condition just for you! I, on the other hand was just looking for someone to fix my shades, which Coyote knocked out in about an hour! He not only found a screw to fit my shades, he actually cut it down to size! Awesome!!! read more

For everything you need from reviving early-Thatcher era political comedy "Yes, Minister" big frames, to classic Americana sunglasses, labrabbit has got the best frames and experience in optical wares around. read more

I have never purchased anything from this place, but they throw one hell of a party! Hear me out.... I live in the neighborhood. A few weeks ago, I walked by this place with some friends and there was a party going on. So...we did what anyone would have done. We stopped in and had a few (exotic) drinks. We had a blast! Way to go, Labrabbit. I have to say... everytime I walk by this place now, I always have to peek inside to see if there's a party going on. Maybe it was all just a dream. read more

I came here today because I've been in search of a specific design style in eyeglass frames. This is a small shop with unique frames whether vintage or contemporary. All looked to be very "one of a kind" regardless... prices do vary. Coyote (owner) who was sitting at his table and looked to be repairing some glasses greet us (I had my hubby and kid w/me)... I walked over and gave him a brief idea of what I was looking for... he suggested I look around first... after a little time, he laid out Several frames that may be to my liking.... I finally narrowed down to two options. Another customer walked in to pick up a pair of his finished glasses and as I was still looking while he served this customer, I could overhear his conversation with that other customer and it was apparent that Coyote is a very compassionate and earnest working individual. He took the time to let the customer know How to care Properly for his frames and lenses, etc... To me that is quality service. I finally sat down with Coyote, his words were simple, yet really made total sense. He just said that it is the comfort and fit that is most important (I can't quote exactly, but pretty much that's what he said)... Although I walked out not purchasing anything (yet)... I wanted to give my first impression review, because I think the work ethics that Coyote puts in and he as a professional, this is a place worth visiting especially if you are serious about your vision and what you want sitting on your nose all day. Before I left, he told me that if I was interested in the frames to contact him and he would put on hold since those frames do not have stock. Coming back home, looking at the photos I took, I decided to also check out his website. Not only was my first impression of Labrabbit high, but also to find out he is a local small business, I was happy to hear because I am a supporter of small business owners. His website has some good info on what to expect at his shop... I would also check out his video that provides some cool info on Coyote and how he started his business. Regarding pricing... if you are like me and like quality, well I look at it this way, 'you get what you pay for'... so with that, Coyote will be getting my business hopefully in the near future. (I'm just So damn indecisive on the style I want now that I came home rethinking what I want on my face)... if I'm spending that kind of money (because I chose a couple pricey frames), I better Really be happy with it. My four star rating is Only because I haven't made an actual purchase and when I do I want to update this review with the final overall product and service.... otherwise Labrabbits has two thumbs up from me. Oh... a little side note... how can you Not like a place with awesome tin pan ceilings, Ripley (who rocks), and some kicking spins in the background! read more

This place is totally hot & Coyote, the owner, is amazingly helpful & friendly! They accept flexible spending accounts for frames & sunglasses! Hott! read more

I have NEVER been so excited about a pair of glasses. I found some vintage frames at kokoroko and brought them here to get my prescription in them. I have a nontraditional prescription so they've always had to be custom made, and i think I'm getting a decent price for them. The most exciting part about this place is that he's got SO many cool deadstock/ vintage frames and that he's got limited hours. I like exclusivity, it makes everything more special. read more

I've had my last 3 lenses made at Labrabbit Optics, and will continue coming back. Now that their stock of frames has expanded so dramatically, I'll probably come back soon. Like the next time I'm in Chicago. I never thought I'd become obsessive with glasses frames, but the ease of service and quality of products at Labrabbit has steered me down a dark, but clear, path. read more

Loved the store and the frames! Very different and true vintage. But what was even better was the woman behind the desk. I forget her name, but she was so nice. She helped me try on a lot of frames and did not pressure me to buy anything. Super friendly and even asked me where I was from, etc. Totally coming back to see what's new! read more

I had a pair of older glasses with a broken nose pad, and I was out to fix them so I could donate. Coyote, the owner, was so helpful and made me feel right at home. He fixed the nose pad for free--mind you, he didn't know I planned to donate the glasses, just gave the neighborhood hookup because he's fabulous--while chatting me up about his sweet collection. I browsed while he worked, and I'll definitely be back for a pair. The selection is outstanding! read more

I have nothing but good things to say about Labrabbit and Coyote. The experience is completely different from any other place I've gotten glasses from. It felt a lot more like going on a fun shopping trip then the normal long and frustrating times I would have at my eye doctor's. There are frames to fit every face in a wide variety of prices(although none seemed as pricey as I'm used to). The frames themselves range from being classic and lovely to cooler than I can except on my face(never being a trendy lady myself). It should also be mentioned that Coyote is an incredibly nice and fun person to be around. I can't wait to go back and get some sunglasses made! read more

Amazing, amazing, amazing! Excellent customer service directly from the owner to the customer as well as a wide selection of vintage and vintage inspired modern frames that will having you jumping for joy! Seriously, stop by and take a look at their selection. You won't believe your eyes (haha)! VERY affordable for those without insurance. If you want a nice pair of glasses at a reasonable price GO TO LABRABBIT OPTICS and tell Pearl Vision where they can put those lame frames!! read more

Coyote was super friendly and helpful, and this place has the best selection of frames! If you're looking for stylish contemporary or vintage frames this is the spot. I don't even wear glasses, just came in with a friend to get hers but was super impressed read more