Ordered online from the Spice house and was so thrilled to see they are Chicago based- so when I…read morevisit family I could come! We spent so much time in this store sampling spices (which is a great perk of going in store), and getting to try the different varieties. The spice merchants were also super nice and helpful in having us try ones we wouldn't have thought of based on our flavor palettes.

A magical store filled with inspiration for cooks, grill masters, bakers and adventurous eaters. I…read morehad a specific list and a salesperson was efficient in tracking down 5 items and explaining the difference between two kinds of mustard seeds. The store has cute boxes made for four bottles if you want to put together a theme as a gift. Prices weren't out of line with what I'd expect to pay in a supermarket, maybe a dollar more per bottle.

I discovered this place while walking around the neighborhood during West Fest (yes, my review is…read morelate...). 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!

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

It is so wonderful to finally have a fully stocked Indian grocery store in the kitchen. Of course,…read moreit's no Latel Bros. but it's actually quite good for basics when you don't have time for Devon. We have not had any issues with quality or expired goods. We've bought produce as well as frozen goods. Yes, you pay a premium for the convenience (for example, Halidram's frozen chapatis are $1 more per bag).

Stopped by today at 4:38 pm to grab some Indian sweets and desserts. Went home and saw this. Mold…read moregrowing inside. Feels like they are not refrigerating properly or frozen items are left out for a while before it gets moved. Either way, not coming back.

There is a great array of spices in this quaint shop. If you want it tgey have it! I would…read morerecommend this shop.

Spices are great. Last year I purchased $100.00 worth of spices during the holidays.On Nov.14 of…read more2025 I was told that I could use 55 dollars to purchase because they would end on Dec 1st.Today I called to update my information and I was told that the 5 20 dollar coupons had expired on October 31 of this year.I will have to think hard if I should go back this year...!!

I drove our to Larrebee herbs based on the recommendation of my yelp Friend Thomas g…read more I still prefer amazon for the prices and ease of Prime same day shipping Larrabee personal service and sourced ingredients not from China was refreshing It was old school shopping with great customer service which I love 5-stars from me and my vegan organic self I would shop again...

While searching for mastic gum or bitter kola, I visited Larrabee Herbs and Health Center, which…read morehappened to be near a Whole Foods I recently visited for the same products. I had no idea Larrabee Herbs existed until I found it via Google Maps. I wondered about parking prior to visiting, as the storefront sits along W North Ave, but it ended up not being an issue. There is a small parking lot right outside the building on N 76th Ct, with a decent number of spots for the number of customers they get. Keep in mind that parking is also available along W North Ave if those spots are ever filled. After entering, I immediately started looking for the products I needed while an employee helped another customer at the register. Once he finished, he immediately asked me if I needed any assistance, and of course, I took him up on it. The employee was very informative about which products were available, as well as when the items I was looking for would arrive, as they were in high demand. All the items were displayed in alphabetical order, making it easy to find what I needed. I ended up purchasing 1-ounce bags of kola nut, licorice root, black walnut leaf, and cloves, since my original target products were not available. I really loved everything I discovered about what I purchased. All of them have wonderful results in combating bacteria in the stomach, and I hope to incorporate a few of them regularly into my dietary routine. As for kola nuts, I learned that they are caffeine-rich seeds from the African cola tree that are used to boost energy, enhance metabolism, and aid digestion. Containing around 2% caffeine, they act as a central nervous system stimulant, reducing fatigue and boosting mental alertness. Licorice root helps eradicate bacteria, especially alongside medical treatments. It inhibits bacterial growth, soothes inflamed tissues, and boosts protective stomach mucus. Other benefits include contributing to healthy skin and relieving colds and coughs. Black walnut contains compounds--particularly juglone in the hulls--that exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. Studies also show that regular consumption reduces inflammation and inhibits associated gastric damage, making it a promising nutritional approach. Lastly, cloves! Out of all the herbs I found, the cloves made me smile because they do wonders for the body that I had no idea about. It was the first of the herbs I had with dinner, and I really loved the smell of it. The taste sent chills through my body as I heated a small portion to drink for the evening. Cloves also inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the inflammation it causes in the stomach. I am very pleased to say that Larrabee Herbs and Health Center has played a key role in helping me take better control of my health. I will surely visit again, whether for these exact herbs or others. ~ Live. Laugh. Love. ~ Thomas G

Penzey's is my go to place for spices. The store is nicely organized and each spice includes a…read moredescription of the spice, how to use it and a jar you can smell the spice. Spices come in a variety of sizes. I like the small trial packets for a spice I am not sure I will like. They also have herbs, peppers and rubs. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable, but not overbearing. They have premade gift boxes, which always makes a nice gift. I have gifted their products several times over the years. Their products are high quality and I will continue to try a different spice each time I visit.

Service wasn't great. Spices were OK. I think the spice house has better stuff. Don't think I will…read morecome back or recommend.

Soup is my absolute favorite food group. If you're like me, you know that all soups are not created…read moreequal. Offering a quality selection -- one with both flavor and variety (I'm looking at you, tomato bisque ) -- this corner store has earned its spot on the repeat list. I went with the vegan mushroom vegetable and the borscht (omg hi!). Both very good, I'd recommend the mushroom, but wouldn't say no to the borscht a second time -- I'll never say no to a borscht! Borscht can do no wrong. The shop is quaint and calming. Some standouts for me: LARGE selection of dried herbs+, small fresh bakery counter, ready-made home cooked meals or sides, and a meat chest with meat by the pound -- including the "whole animal" bits that pets love. I've been twice now, will be back for more soup-sperimentation! P.S. They are priced like they know their worth though, so just be mentally prepared for that.

Plenty of selection from this small corner Amish market. Came here specifically for their eggs but…read moreended up getting 100 dollar worth of groceries to try.

I needed to kill a little time between stopping at Hewn and picking up some groceries from Jewel,…read moreso I stopped to wander Central Street for a bit. I'm glad I had the opportunity to stop into The Spice House today! When I came in there was an employee standing right near the front who asked if I needed anything, and though they didn't have the item I asked about (a brine bag--Thanksgiving is fewer than three weeks away!), I wandered around a bit anyway. I picked up some vanilla bean paste (I use this in place of vanilla extract), cinnamon maple sugar, some broth concentrate, and a bag of crystalized ginger. That brought me above their threshold for getting a free flat-pack item so I chose some Back of the Yards spice, which is part of their Heritage Collection. The woman who checked me out said that it tastes good as a rub but it's also great in potatoes and stuff. I'm looking forward to tasting it because it sounds delicious... I just wish they had a Ravenswood or Lincoln Square one too! The Heritage Collection is a line of spices created to be reminiscent of various neighborhoods--Pullman, Back of the Yards, Central Ave., etc. Cool idea to celebrate the city and its environs! Staff were really friendly. They also appear to have a tasting bar; I didn't really understand what it was until I was about to leave and saw some folks being offered tasted of stuff. I don't know if I would have wanted to taste what they had out there (though the Greektown spice did sound interesting!) but next time I stop in I'd love to have the chance to do so because it definitely can be intimidating to buy spices you haven't used before, or those for which you have no frame of reference (like the Heritage Collection ones that are made particularly for this store). If I made one suggestion, it would be to have a few recipes here or there. for some of the spices, especially some of those that might not be part of the standard spice cupboard/might be a bit more intimidating than others. They do have suggestions on some of them but I wouldn't mind adding to my recipe collection!

The Spice House has every spice you need and ones you didn't know you needed. I was a bit…read moreoverwhelmed with so many options. The staff were so helpful and were extremely knowledgeable. They had a section of Chicago themed spices that were intriguing and also could be a nice gift. There so many unique spices and excited to try them.

The teas are excellent! The sea moss gel is actually pretty tasty so if you need gel get it from…read morehere. They almost always have tea brewing when you walk in and they will give you a complementary cup. Highly recommend this place. They know their stuff. Answered all my questions.

whenever I go there I always get great customer service from every employee. They will call the…read moreowner and ask him whatever I need to know. I'm always satisfied with every purchase and every visit. Frank is amazing and he know a thing or two!!!

This place is HUGE for a coffee and tea shop. They sell everything from beans and loose-leaf tea to…read morespices and syrups, and the latte counter is all the way in the back. I don't think I've ever seen this many syrup flavors in one place. There's no seating inside since it's mainly a retail shop, but there's a bench outside. I also loved seeing how inclusive the space is with Pride flags throughout the shop. The Cross Cross Apple Sauce Latte (9/10) was nutty, not too bitter, and had the perfect amount of sweetness. I was expecting more apple, but it actually tasted more like vanilla with a subtle apple flavor. Still super good and honestly impressive for a latte this huge.

My favorite place to buy loose leaf teas! Highly recommend! Great variety and friendly staff! The…read moremenu of teas they sell is expansive and I found myself tempted to buy so much more than I planned. They carry a variety of herbal, green, white, black, and floral infusion teas. I love the calming sleep and immunity blends. This place gets very busy especially in the mornings since they also sell coffee/tea to go. A line up of folks happily walking out with their morning drinks. I suggest looking through their menu of teas and take a walk around to look at the jars of teas and coffees. Then make a list and head up to the counter. At the counter you can mention what you'd like to purchase and meet the employee over by the teas. You can ask about any teas you like and/or get suggestions. The staff member was very helpful in suggestions and letting me smell some of the floral teas. I walked away with a variety of lose teas and even got some matcha powder too! They store coffee beans in big barrels and can grind for you too. The shop also carries various coffee and tea accessories, mugs, T-shirts, and even vintage gum! No restroom or indoor seating. This is a gem of a place! I came back after over 15 years and it is still the same cozy welcoming shop where I could get lost in the many jars of tea, spices, and coffee beans.