After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!

I have been going to this Pierogi Fest for many years. It always seems to be during the hottest…read moredays at the end of July. If you go during the day there is little shade except for a few random trees and shade from the buildings on sidewalks behind the food vendors. I recommend going at night when the sun is not adding to the heat index. Food is pricey which can be expected from festivals. Food lines vary I believe by coincidence. Some really good food vendors had no wait.

Pierogi Fest is fun BUT you have to have the right mindset and attitude to make the most of your…read moretime here. First, parking will be a WALK (like 10+ minutes away unless you want to pay $20 in a lot). There is a parade around 7pm then Friday of the fest, so be mindful of that if you want to see it and for crowd size. I think it's worth the drive from Chicago, but I also don't mind driving. Where else can you get brisket pierogi?! I find it fun to try things that don't appear in the Chicago fest circuit. The Thai Noodles stand looked so good but I was full by the time I passed it. Next time! Definitely buy some local baked goods to take home and share with those that couldn't make it. Being a cooler with ice packs if you want to buy some frozen pierogi for home.

Ms. Griffin has the spiritual wisdom and intellect of our ancestor's governing her path and through…read moreher art she's able to express it and give that gift to those seeking knowledge in the art form. I have purchased canvases, t-shirts and hoodies and no matter the venue, it always sparks conversation. A true talented queen with reasonable prices. S. Chester

From the owner: The Phoenix Enhancing The Spirit LLC is dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, soul, and spirit…read morethrough integrative, culturally responsive holistic services and products designed to support both individual healing and collective growth.  Our Services Include: -Holistic Health & Wellness Coaching -Transformative Workshops & Community Wellness Programming -Spiritual Guidance & Readings -Expert Business Solutions Consulting -Urban Farm Planning & Sustainable Development Consulting -Farm Fresh Organic Produce -All-Natural Hand-Crafted Wellness Products -Youth Mentorship & Leadership Development -Commissioned Abstract Art -Custom Apparel Design   We provide outreach and educational services through in-person, group, private, and virtual formats. Every offering is thoughtfully tailored to meet your unique healing  journey, creative expression, and personal growth goals.

Very clean and modern and they take excellent care of the store to see how you could enjoy framing…read moreyour precious art or certificate or diploma. They have been in this business for 44 years and moved to this location 5 years ago. As soon as I walked in I could smell no dust and everything being taken care. Nice owner and designer and his wife. Friendly warm people.

I went here for free medal engraving for Chicago Marathon!! The owner is super nice! They even gave…read moreus free drinks and donutsB Location: it is located in Clybourn Ave. the interior has a great display of frames and artwork. Went here for free medal engraving and I can tell you that the owner is super nice and accommodating. They have great display of sample frames and artwork! If I only live in Chicago I would do my framing with them! Will I buy here? Yes af course! Because of the amount of great frames here to choose from!

Zero. Stars. I have…read morebeen trying to get a good Paintnite event with a group of friends going for years. Never able to realize it: just received notice of the 3rd time that the event I purchased was cancelled suddenly. Absolutely ridiculous. My friend group no longer trusts the events I try to make because they fall through every. single. time. To be honest, it might be the artist's fault since all three were the same artist. (Is there any consequence to them for that? There should be. I would've guaranteed enough people to make it worth it). Regardless, Paintnite staff was not very accommodating, either. They make apologies and say they can take requests, but actually will not (or cannot). What a joke. At some point real soon I am going to demand a full *cash* refund. "Rescheduling" is a joke. 3 years of looking and sifting through the crappy offerings in downtown Chicago area with NOTHING to show for it? Not worth it. I am not even excited about trying it anymore - I can do better by myself. Third time's a charm, I guess. TLDR: sudden cancellations, no refunds, extremely poorly run organization. Do not recommend.

My brother and sis-in-law gave me a Yaymaker gift certificate for my birthday and we decided to do…read morethe Abstract Cow paint event. There weren't very many events in Chicago, most are in the suburbs. We ended up at Glascott's in Lincoln Park, luckily there was something I wanted to paint somewhere close by. There were plenty of boring painting options that I wasn't excited about. Abstract Cow was perfect. The instructor did a really good job overall. This clearly wasn't her first time teaching, and she was entertaining while keeping the instruction clear. The way the room was set up wasn't optimal for seeing what she was doing. The backroom at Glascott's isn't really the best choice for this kind of thing, it was hot, dirty, and dark. That says a lot about Glascott's, but if Yaymaker chooses this venue more than once...meh. I'm actually pretty surprised I left the event looking forward to going to another one. I never expected to enjoy this kind of thing, but Yaymaker does a decent job. If they had more options in locations easier to get to (Paint Your Pet is only at the Itasca Holiday Inn??) I'd probably be planning on another one. Surprisingly enough, my painting actually looks like a cow. My brother and sis-in-law were shocked.

They were so amazing, they work with us on our pricing, the communication was excellent, they were…read moreon time and they beyond the expectation....

Seems like a nice guy, but I have been trying for several days to confirm a booking. Each time I…read morereach out, I have to remind him who I am and why I'm calling or texting. He stated that his clerk was out of town. I finally decided to cancel my booking and choose another company. What a headache....