Came here with a couple girlfriends to enjoy champagne with a mani/pedi. They have early-week specials that are $39 for a mani/pedi. If you want a no-chip mani, the price jumps to $70 - eek! As a midway point, I tried the CND Vinylux polish which was only a $5 price bump. This is now officially my favorite nail polish! Shellac isn't the greatest because you have to remove it a special way and even then, I can tell it makes my nails thinner. CND Vinylux lasted me a week and a half and you can remove it like regular nail polish! Awesome!! You should expect minor chips in the polish after 5 to 7 days, but no major chips until the 1.5 week mark! I was doing tons of activities with this nail polish - swimming in the ocean, kayaking, jumping off waterfalls, rappelling down waterfalls & hiking so this polish really stood the test of time (as long as you resist the temptation to pick it off)! There were three of us and the ladies did a good job of trying to seat us together. The manicure was pretty good although one nail was a little uneven. I would have given 5 stars had they scrubbed my feet a little bit harder. Overall a very solid choice - especially good for groups! read more

I really like this place. Friendly, easy for walk-ins (unless you're doing brow waxing), and convenient for us River Northers. I've been here 4 times as a walk-in, getting a no chip manicure each time and a pedicure once. Heads up for the newbies: bring cash for the tips. They don't accept tips added to credit card payments. Pros: No chip manicures last a long time, roughly 3 weeks! Great care of cuticle removal and push back. No rough manicures! The chair massage you get while your nails dry is wonderful! Cons: My only gripe is how they remove the no chip manicure. They don't use the cotton soak/foil wrap method; they have you soak your hand in remover and use a file and tool to chip and scrub the polish off. I hate that! There's more potential for damage to the nail bed that way AND it takes too long! Now, I haven't had any nail bed damage so far (whew), but I would much prefer if they removed the no chips the normal, faster, non-damaging way. I would love to go here more often but the no chip removal process scares me. Therefore I will continue with once a month and use another salon in between just as a fail safe. For those getting regular manicures and pedicures, you will absolutely love this place. Four stars, even after all of that, because if it wasn't for the no chip removal, this place would be my primary nail salon for sure!!! read more

My no-chip mani started chipping (at the tips) after exactly 7 days. I don't do heavy manual labor or scratch my nails continuously on a chalkboard, so unfortunately I have to blame the salon. For $39, I would have expected it to last a minimum of 14 days (though normally my no-chip manis last until my nails have grown out). The service was great, the staff was polite, the neck massage was a bonus, but I would definitely not go back, knowing that the mani won't last. read more

I live about a block away, & this is my go to place for a simple mani/pedi. Can't beat the $35 deal they have mon-wed. I'm such a jerk and never make an appointment, but everytime I walk in, I never have to wait. There's always someone ready to take a walk in. Definite plus there. They are pretty fast, which I like. And that neck massage they give you before they polish your nails is a great little bonus. Cleanliness of this salon? Well I had to take away one star for that....the place needs a serious dusting/mopping. Btw, does anyone know what the place was before it became salon excursion? In guessing some 80s nightclub?? (lol if you've been here-you know what I'm talking about) There's ancient (not in use anymore) TVs hanging from the ceiling, along with lots of weird lighting. Not the most relaxing or "spa like" atmosphere....Also, they need a serious update in the dryers. They only have one that actually blows air, the rest is this one, big, round table that has what seems to be just a UV lamp built in it that can seat about 6 people around it. It's kind of an eye sore and I don't think it does such a great job of completely drying my nails... Don't come here for a spa like atmosphere. But if you like getting a good manicure and don't like spending too much time getting it done-this is the place for you. read more

Yay! Favorite new nail salon! Salon Excursion is a full-service salon, however I've never seen anyone in there getting any other service beyond a mani/pedi. What sets this place apart from all the other nail salons in Chicago are the wonderful massages that accompany the mani's and pedi's. During my pedicure, I received an unbelievable calf massage, and during my manicure, I received an amazing shoulder massage! Then, to top it off, another wonderful shoulder massage while my nails were drying. After all those massages, I was so blissed-out that I didn't even care what my nails/toes looked like! But they looked good....not amazing, but pretty good. I would recommend Salon Excursion to anyone needing a RELAXING manicure/pedicure. In a world of hurrying this service, Salon Excursion knows what they are doing and takes their time, making the experience just as fantastic as the end result. read more

Good work... Go Mon-Wed to get the deal.. Makes it more worth it... Place is in need of serious cleaning/updating... All kinds of random shit scattered around like a college dorm... read more

Pedicure good, an acrylic fill a little pricy - $35.00 - but they do it mostly all by file, not drill, and I like that. You can bring your own wine in- ALWAYS a plus! Pedi's and wine - perfect gals afternoon! read more

Salon Excursion - Pedicures - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Salon Excursion is right in my neighborhood, making it close and convenient for both salon and nail services. All of the staff at the salon are very friendly and accommodating, greeting me with a smile when I come inside. Despite what some people may say, I've had Jeton cut my hair for the last five months and I have no complaints at all. Jeton is GREAT--a very friendly and experienced stylist. He is a whiz with my short hair, adding lots of layer and texture. The first time I went to see him, I wanted a pixie cut similar to Natalie Portman's. I showed Jeton a picture and he mimicked the cut perfectly, shaping the style to flatter my face and features. Each time I see Jeton, we ALWAYS discuss how I want my hair to be styled/cut before he grabs scissors. He makes it a priority to step back during my haircut ask me what I think and if I like what's he's doing. His technique is one-of-a-kind! The bottom line: Jeton is thorough, professional, friendly, and a fantastic stylist. I also come in during the week for the $35 manicure/pedicure special. It is worth every penny. The OPI and Essie color selection is great, the mini massages during the manicure are fantastic, and all of the gals are amazing when it comes to giving a manicure and pedicure. This River North salon is a hidden gem. read more

I have very long naturally curly hair. So I have had so many "nightmare" salon experiences in my day. I met Jeton "Tony" back in 2006 and he has been doing my hair ever since. I go in about every 3-4 months. I usually get high and lowlights, a trim, deep conditioning and he blows my hair straight. I always leave looking and feeling great! Tony is VERY competent and listens to what you want. His work is fast and professional. If you are sick and tired of wasting $$$ at salons with mediocre hair dressers, try Tony. He is great with color, cut, and is comfortable working with long curly hair. read more

Quality no chip manicures that last forever! They definitely take their time to to give you a lasting no chip mani and shake all their nail polishes prior to application, so your color won't change a week into the mani. I usually get the regular pedicures and they are fantastic. The hot towel service and neck and shoulder massages make you feel pampered! My favorite new place to get my nails done! read more

I went to this nail salon two times. The first time I got a pedicure and no chip mani which was only worth 3/5 stars. The no chip peeled very quickly after I came in. I decided to try here again a few weeks ago by a different woman and she used a metal razor on my feet to remove the dead skin. I am convinced I got some kind of fungus/bacterial infection from this as I have not been able to stop itching the bottom of my foot since then. It makes me question the cleanliness of this nail salon and due to that I will not return. read more

After reading about the $35 mani/pedi deal, I had to go see what this place was all about. For 11 AM on a Wednesday afternoon, I was surprised by the number of gals in there getting serviced! I could tell already that this was a popular place and was starting to get excited. A short little Asian gal named Suzy, took me over for my pedicure and from the minute she touched my legs... I was in heaven. She gave me a thoroughly deep tissue leg massage and did the same for my arms and upper back when I got my manicure! My nails looked great, she paid attention to every possible little piece of skin and cuticle. I'll definitely be going back for an hour massage! Why 4 stars instead of 5? It's the fast food service of a nail salon, the interior is clean but definitely not swanky by any means. read more

The salon is tidy and the staff is friendly. Dodi was my nail tech. She did a great job. Thank you, Dodi!

Going on 3 weeks and 1 day with the no chip I got here. No joke! I was worried about the color (Essie's Butler Please- the no chip version) since the regular formula chips so easily. But no... Looking at my nails 3 weeks later with not a chip in sight?! Incredible. Especially since I have a busy messy toddler and wash my hands constantly. Can't wait to go back! read more

Salon Excursion - 3 week old no chip... Not a chip to be seen (please ignore the grow out) - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Salon Excursion held a bachelorette party this weekend for 9 ladies and we all were taken care of immediately after picking our colors. They have multiple pedicure chairs that seem to be ready to go at a moment's notice, which was AWESOME! After I picked teh colors for my mani/pedi, I was walked over to a row of chairs rarin' to go. My manicure and pedicure were standard, except for the awesome shoulder rub that re-energized me for the rest of the day. The reason for 3 stars instead of higher? The drying table didn't completely work, but the folks were right there with a portable hand dryer. In addition, the BYOB factor was a GIANT plus to help make my bride/bachelorette/great friend's day all the more relaxing! read more

Its been over a week, and my toes still look great and my finger nails are just starting to chip and peel. I'm usually a DIY kind of girl when it comes to beauty, but for my wedding, I got a mani/pedi. We were kept waiting about 15 minutes for our appointment, but at least they had chairs and plenty of trashy magazines for us to read while we waited. Janny was not particularly talkative while doing my nails, and I appreciated it. The whole experience was so relaxing that I fell asleep more than once! Salon Excursion is off the beaten path for me, but if I was in the area and wanted to treat myself, I would not hesitate to stop in again. Oh, and I should mention that while they do accept credit cards, gratuity is cash only. read more

I have yet to take advantage of the great mani/pedi deal, but I have been going there regularly to see my stylist, Lira, for a few years now. I agree with all of the comments about the no-frills atmosphere. It's about par with a standard salon. I'm not one to pay a premium for cucumber water and swanky lighting anyway. I followed Lira from her previous salon a few years ago. I love her. She is truly an amazing artist, and she always does a perfect job on my hair. I trust her completely, and put my locks into her hands. We have tried various styles and colors, and I have loved every one of the looks. Lira knows hair, and she knows what looks good and what doesn't. She is truly talented. read more

I have been doing my own manicures and pedicures for the last 10+ years (including french), so I am very picky. This place is wonderful - very conscientious staff. The massage on my neck and shoulders was the best!! Customer service = A+++++++ I will definitely be back! read more

Giving Salon Excursion 2 stars instead of 1 simply because they were able to get me in last minute when 3 of my other favorite nail places were full and I had a flight to catch. I moved into the neighborhood where Salon Excursion is located in October and went there once for a no chip manicure and a pedicure soon after moving. My reaction was, "eh" - not great service, not a great mani/pedi, done very quickly and haphazardly. The worst of mediocrity, really. I never went back until last Monday when I desperately needed to get my no-chip re-done before catching a flight for a 2 week trip to South America. After going to three regular places and being turned away because they were full, and trying PrettyQuick I decided just to go to Salon Excursion and sat right down for a no-chip. That was the end of the positive review, though. It's now Friday and my no-chip is basically crumbling. It's cracked, chipping terribly, and I have another week in South America before coming home. I can only imagine I'll spend the next week picking at my no-chip annoyed and angry. Ultimately, they just don't do a good job there. The girl who did my nails was nice enough, but she was sloppy in her application and had a very hard time removing my other no-chip. She wrapped my nails with so little acetone on the cotton she wrapped them with, it took almost 20 minutes to soak off and even then she had to scrape like crazy and it was painful to remove. Because of this, she had to cut my nails short because she really ruined the ends of my nails. So awful. Will never go back. I've learned my lesson and will make an appointment at my favorite in the future! read more

I had a group of 5 pedis (then 3 pedis, and 1 mani/pedi -- then 2 mani/pedi and 1 pedi) for a Saturday prior to a bachelorette party. They were super easy to work with and change the appointments last minute. They let us bring some wine and booze in, which was a great touch. The entire process felt a little rushed - and I have definitely had more thorough manis and pedis, but we were also almost a half hour late to our appointment, so they may not normally rush people through so fast - and that was our fault. Overall, I wouldn't seek out to go there again, but I'd be perfectly fine to go again if it was convenient. read more

My first time here. Made a reservation the same day and they took me in right away. The place seemed pretty busy and decent atmosphere. My stylist was not very personable but did do a very good job. I'm 50/50 for using their services again. read more

I have been wearing acrylic nails for about 20 years off and on. Swore I couldn't live without them until Shelley introduced me to silk nails. I love them! She is incredible and the silk is so much better for my nails. and they look fab! The people here are wonderful and they make you feel like they are really glad to see. Pedicures are terrific and the chair you sit in is to die fore. You won;t be disappointed. jdb read more

I have had the best hair cut and color for almost 7 years now, thanks to the wonderful hair expert and stylist Tony (a.k.a Jeton). I started going to see Tony when he was with a different salon and followed him when he left. If he ever leaves Chicago, I would just have to fly to where ever he is to get my cut. I trust him to the point where I simply say "do whatever you want to my hair". I always leave more than pleased and the coments I receive are more than amazing. Several of my friends, my mother, and even my children have experienced a cut from Tony. Once you have your first hair experience with this man, you will never want anyone else to touch your hair. If you don't believe me.... check him out for yourself and I promise, you won't leave disappointed!!! read more

Indubitably the best nail salon experience I have ever had. I've lived in a lot of major cities, and I am loyal to my salon, but after today I am switching. My usual salon closed early, so Salon Excursion squeezed me in on this bustling holiday weekend, and treated me like royalty. My manicure was perfect, hand massage extensive, and Sam also gave an amazing neck/shoulder massage. I HIGHLY recommend this establishment. Clean, friendly, and detail-oriented. Ask for Sam; he's the best! read more

I met Jeton outside of the salon. He approached me and said that he was a hair stylist and would like to do my hair. He gave me his business card and told me to call when I needed to get my haircut. Months passed before I actually called him and I'm kicking myself for it now! I wish I would have called him sooner. He took his time to consult with me on what I wanted out of my hair cut, made suggestions and was honest with me. He took very good care of me and gave me one of best hair cuts I've ever had! He also explained to me how to style my new cut and how to care for my hair. Jeton went above and beyond what I expected out of a stylist and I will definetly become a regular client of his. Also, the salon offers manicures and pedicures for only $35 M-W! I didn't have time to take advantage of this fantastic deal while I was there, but next time I go in for a cut with Jeton, I will be staying for a mani/pedi as well! read more

I was there yesterday, they were very busy. They did good job. One negative thing that I didn't like is owner was so mean to technicians and customers. Her English was bad, so I barely understand her. She is the worst manager I've ever seen, her temper was horrible!!!! read more

WOW! Best service! Great manicure/pedicure! The massaging chairs are the best I've ever encountered. Don't forget to hit the "auto", then "air seat" buttons. They put hot towels on my legs, feet, arms, hands, neck and rubbed them down so nicely. The ladies are soooo meticulous and took their time doing my nails. I almost felt guilty only paying $35 for such a great job. I would come out of my way to get a mani/pedi here. But lucky me, it's in my neighborhood. The website doesn't have a price list. You have to call. $35 mani/pedi on M,T,W otherwise $45 eyebrow wax $16 brazilian wax $60 massage $40-80 shampoo and blowout $30 haircut $45 and up read more

LOVE this place. I think this is the best mani/pedi i've had and I've had plenty of mani/pedis, from the Philippines to LA. The technicians totally give you their undivided attention and were super nice. I loved the neck massage that they did will I was getting my mani and the other back massage I got while waiting for my nails to dry. The place was pretty clean and they used brand new disposable flip flops and those toe separator things, unlike other places I know that re-use those things. It was a fairly reasonable price to $35 mani/pedi plus you get a frequent buyer card. I loved that there was a huge selection of OPI nail polish. This is officially my new nail salon. read more

Visiting another great nail salon today reminded me that I hadn't written a review for Salon Excursion yet. If this salon wasn't so far away from me, this would've been my first choice. Lucky for me, though, I found a great substitute. But back to the topic at hand, this place is some sort of nail (and body) heaven. It isn't just a service-- it's the ultimate pampering experience. Seriously. If you want to de-stress and get a great mani-pedi, you absolutely must come here. Sometimes, I feel guilty because it's almost like a massage treatment + a mani-pedi all for the low price of $35 (Monday-Wednesday). Believe me, for that price, you are getting above and beyond what you're paying. The owners and the people who work here are also very kind and accomodating. After coming here just once, every other nail salon you go to will seem a bit lacking. Sometimes even a lot. :\ read more

I have had a love affair with this place for years. It's got a great atmosphere, they do a wonderful job, and rarely a wait. However the prices have gone up way too much in the past three years. The Mon -Wed mani pedi went from $35 to $39 to $44. That's ridiculous. They used to wrap your feet up in plastic and help you into your shoes. With higher prices I'm getting less service. I had to flag down another woman to wrap me up and she did such a bad job my big toe was ruined on my left foot when I got home. I'm going to have to find another favorite place. read more

I just returned home from a manicure here. To my horror, I discovered that I've been here more than 3 times and have yet to review it! I cannot say enough good things about this place. They give the best mani/pedis in a comfortable environment. They play good music (tonight I heard Kanye West and Phil Collins within 20 min!) and they are so friendly. The best part, hands down, about Salon Excursion is the neck/shoulder rub they give you during the manicure. I am not talking your typical two squeeze shoulder rub, I am talking a full 3-5 minute, deep-tissue-like rub down, followed with a hot towel on your neck/back and more massaging. Then, just when you think it's all over, the technician gives another mini-massage while you are waiting for your nails to dry. Heaven! Another positive thing about this place is you can do bachelorette/birthday/girls weekend, etc. parties here - for no extra charge - and you can bring in your own champagne/mimosas/bagels/etc.! I did this both for my bachelorette party and for the day before my wedding. Everyone had a great time and it didn't break the bank like some places. If you're not yet sold, check this out: a mani/pedi combo is only $35 every Monday through Wednesday. I love this place! read more

I was really impressed with this nail salon. We had a large group of girls, the day before a wedding, and everyone was pleased. They even setup a table for us so that we could bring champagne and snacks. The manicures and pedicures were so relaxing and they even give you a little massage during your manicure. They also don't let you leave without perfect nails. My sister's toes kept getting messed up when they were drying and they fixed them each time until they dried perfectly. Overall, this was a fantastic find. read more

My friends started off my bachlorette party here in August and I could not have been happier. They closed down the place for us on a Sat afternoon and allowed my friends to bring in all the wine and cheese they wanted! They even had a table waiting for them to put everything on. There was enough people working to make sure 16 fab girls were getting pampered at the same time. They even managed to keep straight faces when the embarrassing games started and my complete sexual history unfolded! I highly recommend as your next girls days out!!! read more

I really like it here - the massaging chairs actually massage you (vs light weird bumping) while you get a pedicure and the hot towels and neck massage with manicures are an awesome treat. I have had 2 not so hot nail techs since they've opened but overall the experience has been awesome. I am a big fan of Young and Sunny - they are fast and do great work. It's not super fancy (and a lot of times play cheesy 80's soft rock) so if you're expecting a 5 Star atmosphere don't go here but when you can get a mani/pedi for $35 M-W and $45 on the other days - who cares?! :) read more

This place has really gone downhill. It used to be the best quick nail salon. Great service, great nails.. even added benefit of a shoulder massage. Then they got new owners and I think my love affair is over. Sure they've spruced the place up a bit. But I'm pretty sure they cut back on their staff. I was a weekly regular who never had an appointment and never had to wait for a tech. I've now been turned down 4 times for a walk-in manicure. When asked what happened to their walk-in policy, the new owner told me they just don't have enough techs. Put them back on the schedule! This regular is now on the hunt for a new nail salon... read more

So, marathon training may make the rest of your body look great- but, it definitely takes a MAJOR toll on your feet. I have now been to Salon Excursion multiple times throughout my training with feet that needed LOTS of help. (Trust me, you don't want details.) Every time I've come, the staff has done an amazing job and has been super friendly. The price is not bad for a River North salon, and every time I've called with an appointment I've been taken right on time. I am so happy they are around the block from me, as I've yet to be disappointed in my service there! Good nail polish color selection as well. Definitely a neighborhood staple for me. read more

What a hidden treasure! I found little nail spa/salon tucked on the corner of Kingsbury and Ontario. I received the best pedicure ever from Hannah, who spent an hour clipping, cleaning and massaging my toes and feet. She did a wonderful job on the french polish and then gave me a relaxing shoulder massage while I waited for it to dry. I was extremely impressed with the cleanliness of the salon and utensils, as well as the professionalism of the employees. Mon-Wed they have a $40 mani/pedi deal. Today was my first visit to Salon Excursion, but definitely won't be my last. read more

Got a manicure and pedicure yesterday. BTW, their special is $35 for a manicure and pedicure on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I walked in with no appointment and was taken immediately. They have those massing pedicure thrones, where the chair really kneads your back; doesn't just vibrate like lots of places. Jenny took her time with my pedicure but did a great job and gives wonderful foot and leg rubs. She also took her time with my manicure and my nails look great. In addition to rubbing your arms and hands with lotion before applying polish, they also rub your neck and shoulders too. While you're drying your nails, they give you another little shoulder and neck rub too. For a great mani/pedi and the bonus massages, this place is a bargain Mondays through Wednesdays and a bargain for the regular price the other days of the week too. read more

Have been searching for a place like this since we moved here! Went for the 1st time on Saturday. Price is great. The people are great - soooo nice! You feel like they actually care if you come back. And for me, very important...is it seems like they are very meticulous in the sanitation of their tools. and as others have said...the little unexpected touches are the best! ie. hot towels, massages, water. I look forward to going back for another manicure and pedicure....and trying the eyebrow waxing and some other services! read more

I feel the need to write an update to my overwhelming recommendation and downgrade this nail salon from 5 to 2 stars. For the past few visits (after going there for over a year), I have not received the same service and I almost feel like the workers took shots of red bull before they did my last mani & pedi. No mani/pedi should take 35 minutes, and include a massage. I had anxiety they were going so fast and ended up with bubbles in my nail polish. Unacceptable really and not sure what happened. I doubt I will go back. I guess I am back to Pinky's. read more