Very happy with Thorndale Cleaners & Tailors! I dropped off a few pairs of pants, two of which were to be tailored, and three dress shirts. The pants fit PERFECT, she did such a great job. I would feel comfortable recommending her business to anybody in the area. Not to mention, extremely convenient location right off of the Thorndale Red Line. More than fair prices, friendly, and great service. read more

I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. Absolutely rude and dismissive. Additionally requested could she measure me, she informed me she was busy that day but assured me once I came back to pick up my item from being dry cleaned she would measure me that day. I get there to pick up my item and remind her of the measurement request and she flat out tells me "No, I am not doing it." I was so appalled, I just walked out. On top of all of that, the stain that was on my dress was still there. I was never informed and it felt like the item never got cleaned. Just placed in the bag to make it seem like it. Never again.. read more

The owner took care of my birthday corset and customized my long pants and made them to fit me. Very clean cut work and had it done in a day. Definitely was worth my money. read more

So unfriendly and rude. Also, a total rip off. She literally is also not punctual on time when she quotes how long something will be ready in. read more

Always great. Great alterations and repairs . The only place I go. The owner is so nice and friendly.

Excellent customer service. The lady that works here is very nice and does a great job. Alterations aren't too pricey.

Kim is the best seamstress, her craftsmanship is absolutely top notch. She's conveniently located with east street parking.

Was told, "I don't have time to patch." I brought in a pair of jeans and a pair of slacks that had ripped in the groin area. She took one glance at me and turned her attention away. She didn't even look at my pants. Was a very uncomfortable and unpleasant interaction. I do NOT recommend. read more

Great place to get your dry cleaning done! I had two sport coats tailored here. They did such a great job, they have all of my business now.

Rudest woman ever. It was my first time using her you would think a small business would be a bit nicer to customers. Called to find out exactly how much my Item would be to clean since she did not put it on the ticket which was my fault for not asking when I dropped my dress off for clean. I called and she couldn't be bothered to look up my ticket and told me $15.00 or more. I had a sundress that was machine washable but I wanted to have it cleaned when i got there she charged me $30. Would never use Thorndale Cleaners again. read more

Thorndale Cleaners is reasonably priced and my stuff also comes back better looking than before - perfectly ironed, steamed, folded, etc. I'm usually anxious when trying new cleaners due to problems ranging from over-starching to new holes/tears and shrinkage over the years, but the service has been excellent. Edit: Cleaning is good, but tailoring is not recommended. I brought in a skirt with an unraveled hem, and it was restitched uneven, and when an very obvious contrast color. It originally had hidden stitching. Other small alterations were okay, but sewing skills doesn't seem to be as good as other places. read more

I got three male small sized shirts tailored to fit my female medium body. I like some men's shirts because they look cool but sometimes they fit too boxy/long. The tailor did a great job for a good price ! Picked up a few days later. Great service, local, honest. read more

I would like to echo the sentiments reflected in a prior review. I traveled 20 minutes to get a simple alteration done on a pair of jeans and a suit. When I asked to begin the measuring process, the tailor looked at me and asked if I understood how much an alteration would cost and requested that I agree to pay the cost before any measurements were taken. I told her that I could afford the alteration and would like to proceed with the measurement. She then proceeded to attend to 6 customers that were not people of color as I patiently waited. When the measurement began, she placed pins on my jeans as markers for the alteration. I humbly requested a more tailored fit and she immediately removed all of the pins, waved her hands and went to the back of the store. I then told her that the suit didn't require any measurements just patchwork for a hole. She demanded that I leave the store. This is not hyperbole, it is an honest accounting of events. I honored her request and told her that I would leave a detailed review of this experience. This is clearly a pattern in light of previous reviews to this affect. I humbly ask that you consider this review and the review of others before utilizing her services. The path to a more equitable Chicago is paved by a collective that refrains from patronage of an establishment that inflicts micro-aggressions on a sub group of that very collective. If you consider yourself an ally, please choose another dry cleaner and/or tailor. Thank you. read more

Glad that I didn't read some of the (negative) reviews on this place before I stopped in. I stopped by on a Saturday , about 2 hrs before close, to have a suit altered for a wedding. The suit came out perfect and on time as promised. Most of the bad reviews are for dry cleaning. My experience was with alterations and it was above expectation. read more

I was inspired by the cute dog in the window to go in. We recently inherited an awesome winter coat from a neighbor for my 6 year old, but the zipper was funky. So I thought, hey! Cute dog, seemingly nice lady, I'll give them my business. New zipper and dry cleaning for the coat, $25.00. We pick it up last Wednesday, and he wears it with glee. It pops open from the bottom once, but I figure Meh, 6-year-old zipping skills. Then it pops open again. And then his kindergarten teacher asks us not to let him wear the coat because it won't stay closed. So I bring it back today, a mere one week later, expecting a "woah, I'm so sorry, let me fix that for you." But no. Instead, she gets mad at ME, saying that I'm wrong, it's a good zipper, see, it closes! And then she calls the cops who sit outside on me! I was friendly, polite and understanding especially because I had my children with me. The cops sided with me, but after she still refused to help, with a firm "no!" The officer told me to hire a lawyer and then leave. I am so humiliated! My eyes welled up with tears, and as I exited, I said "it's not fair." And then to the cop, "it's bad business." He asked me to leave, and said it was a civil matter now. I just am so humiliated and mad, and embarrassed! All from a dry cleaner. It's a shame, and indeed, VERY bad business. You do not call the cops on a customer because you refuse to do right by them! read more

I needed a button resewed onto a winter coat. I am sure that I could have done it myself, but I was much too lazy. I went to Thorndale Cleaners for the first time this morning, and I expected to drop off my coat and come back the next day or so. When I walked in, I was greeted by the owner and a super friendly terrier. She asked if I could wait and only charged me a $1 for the service! While she worked, I petted the sweet dog. The little guy loves to lick your hands. Oh my gosh, SO CUTE! After two minutes, she was done. I was really happy that I got my coat fixed quickly for a really great price and I got to pet a cute dog. Who doesn't love that? Update: I went there to get my jeans shortened (with original hem). It cost me $12. Toby the sweet terrier was there! read more

I nervously brought in a Karl Lagerfeld wool coat I got from the UK to have hemmed. The tailoring is STELLAR!!! She even went so far as to secure all the buttons at no charge! The price was incredibly affordable considering the quality of her work. Also her dog Toby is a true buddy and loves a nice scratch! read more

This is the ultimate neighborhood cleaner & tailor which we all covet. Kim- the owner and mother to store mascot Toby- is very conscientious about her work and her customers. Unlike so many other establishments she will make special accommodations to the fullest extent of her ability. She's friendly and her prices for alternations are exceptional. If she doesn't get it right just let her know. I am new to Edgewater and wandered in to have some pants let out and was so taken aback by the service and prices that Thorndale now gets all of my business. You can't go wrong folks. read more

See all

Wow, what can I say. This lady is awesome! I walked in like 5 minutes before she closed because I needed some buttons sewn on some pants. I asked if it was possible to pick them up tomorrow (She was was working on sewing someone else's clothing) and she stopped what she was doing, told me she would do it quick and in 2-3 minutes she was done and did not charge me much. I was extremely happy and she did an amazing job! I can't believe how fast she did it. I played with her dog while she did it, it was farty and gassy but still cute little guy. I petted him and he was very friendly. Highly recommended if you're looking for a great cleaners in this part of Chicago! read more

I've only used this place for alterations but I loved the service I received. The owner is super nice and attentive, she knows all of her customers and goes the extra step by having the clothes ready when she sees a customer walk by or coming out from behind the counter to open the door for people overwhelmed by their dry cleaning and other items. My clothes look great and the prices seem ok- about 20.00 for lenght hemming and waist hemming. So why only four stars? Cause if you need her to mark your clothes, you must stand on a platform in the front of the store and release the curtains so they cover you-there's no seperate dressing room. Yes, that's right. there's only a thin layer of cotton between your nude body and a perfect stranger. I guess that wouldn't bother some people, but it gives me the heebie jeebies, so maybe next time I'll wear a bathing suit or something, like some 19th Century Nun. read more

Let's face it: a dry cleaner is, more times than not, a dry cleaner. It really doesn't matter where you go, the prices are pretty similar and your clothes will come out pretty much the same. However, the lady here has always been super nice. When I leaned in some wet paint at the Thorndale stop in a new black cotton jacket (thanks for the signs, CTA!) she worked to get it all out. There's still a slight fade where it was at its heaviest, but unless I look right at it, I can hardly tell. Any alterations have been perfect. I'm rarely in a hurry for my stuff, so turnaround has never been an issue. Yeah, there's nothing about it that sets it apart from most of the other places I've taken stuff, but its proximity to the train (right on my way to/from), and being quickly recognized and welcomed--even complimented on my clothes--makes this my dry cleaner. read more

This great shop has fast, friendly service. I brought a thick wool coat here to have the buttons re-sewn...I was concerned about losing them with repeated use since they are large and vintage/one-of-a kind. But they remain firmly attached despite a whole Chicago winter of buttoning and unbuttoning. I think this service cost $6. Totally worth it! read more

I recently bought an adorable linen shirt on my first and only trip to Europe, and discovered that it had a hole in it upon my return to the US. The hole was not on the seam, so I figured it'd be difficult to repair. The woman working at Thorndale (owner?) was incredibly nice, and only charged me $2 for a repair that was complete in an HOUR. I've been ripped off by enough alterations people to know that was an awesome deal. I will definitely be back (especially now that the same shirt's strap came off, sigh). read more

This place is great! The nice Korean lady speaks great English, so no worries on that front. I've found the prices to be immensely fair, even cheapish, especially on the dry cleaning side (3 pairs of pants and heavily stained jacket for under $30). All my alterations have looked extremely professional (by which, I mean they didn't look like they'd been altered at all). I also like that the lady in charge always remembers which clothes are mine, without my slip; it makes me feel special, somehow. She's so nice that I can't believe that the person with the one star review below didn't provoke or misunderstand something. To address the other critique, I've undressed behind the curtain several times, and it's no big deal. If you're covered, why does it matter if it's by a curtain or a steel door? Anyway, both the attitude of the operator and the cost for service are MUCH better here than at Circle cleaners on Bryn Mawr. If you're in the Edgewater area, this is a far better choice (the cleaners on Granville is also great, though there is a bit of a language barrier). Lastly, she DOES take credit/debit cards, which is helpful, and rare in my experience of dry cleaners. Wheelchair accessibility review: Accessible through front door, and the owner/operator always comes to open it for me, which is nice. HOWEVER, the dressing area that is behind the curtain is on a pedestal/small step. If you can not get out of the chair or onto the step somehow, you will not be able to be covered by the curtain. Something to consider if you're coming in for alterations. read more

Wonderful service with a quick turn around! Just what I needed. ** Update** I don't know what happened since I wrote my previous statement a month ago, but I needed the exact same service this time and was told they could not have my garment pressed in the same timely manner and rather rudely at that. I won't be back. read more

I love this place! I think the owner does a great job altering clothes and putting in the extra effort to make sure the customer is satisfied. She is a one person operation who is dedicated to her craft and business. I always look forward to seeing her and her grand dog, Toby! read more

The lady that works here is a racist for refusing to clean my two pants. Initially she gave me a quote, then when I said I would pay after them being cleaned she made excuses saying they were too dirty to clean, when I've actually successfully cleaned them myself, but was willing to pay for the labor instead. I asked her when she could have them done she stated no definitive time and then altogether I asked politely if she would clean then assuming it was an issue of them being dirty but she just flat out refused. I went to one down the street, they were accepted no problem. Already told by police. They have my contact information for a follow-up. read more

Had a pair of pants I needed hemmed same day. The woman behind the counter was happy to do it. Great service. Fast and reasonably priced. Will take my dry cleaning and alterations to this place from now on. read more

I cannot warn you against this woman enough. I brought in a new jacket to be dry cleaned. It came back with a warped zipper. Her responses were: 1. It's the manufacturer's fault, go bring your receipt and the jacket back to them. 2. I'll fix the zipper for $25. 3. It's not my problem, I don't guarantee anything. To that last one I asked her what she meant. She said that if something goes wrong with the dry cleaning of an item, it's not her problem and she doesn't guarantee anything. Then she pointed to a small sign on the wall that says she doesn't guarantee anything. I was being really nice at first and just asking her to correct a wrong, and I am still stunned by how incredibly rude she was. Admittedly I got very upset with her by the end and I told her that I would never come back, to which she replied that she has been there for 15 years, told me to go away, and then walked away from me. I have since told numerous people in my building and friends in my neighborhood about this experience and what I am shocked at is that almost all of them had similar bad experiences with this woman, including lost clothes, tears in delicate clothing, ruined pieces that she tailored, and stains set in that should have been treated. Most of all, everyone also remarked on her unbelievably rude she was when they brought the pieces back. She (Thorndale Cleaners) is practically right across the street from me, and it is so convenient, but not only can I clearly not trust my clothing to this person, but also she is just a horribly mean lady and bad businessperson. read more

Very few times in my life have I experienced this type of customer service based on my skin color. I am of Indian descent, but was born and raised in Long Island and have medium skin color (think tan). I brought in 8 articles of clothing to be dry cleaned because my boyfriend (who is Eastern European) has used this dry cleaner for many years. Two articles of clothing required additional work. One jacket needed the pocket to be sewed, and the other needed the buttons to be replaced. The owner proceeded to make a phone call when I asked her how much it would cost to do the work. I thought she was checking the price. Another white male customer came into the store and she got off the phone call, and all she said in my direction was "No." She then started to take care of the male customer. Needless to say, I was confused and asked her "No, what?" She then said that she wouldn't take my clothes and that it was too stressful to answer how much it would cost to do the work, all whilst not looking at me. I then said, "You won't take my clothes because I asked you the price?" And she replied, "You can take your clothes down the block." Down the block is a dry cleaners/laundromat run by Hispanics. I can only imagine she thought that was appropriate because she thought I was Hispanic as well. I was close to tears because it was humiliating to be denied service, with someone else witnessing this no less, and on top of that my boyfriend had provided a lot of business to this place prior to this incident. I would never be a customer to place that is that so disrespectful and racist. I gathered my clothes and did end up going down the block. Maybe it was a sign because the lady behind the counter of the other/newer dry cleaner was a million times friendlier and the prices were cheaper than here! My boyfriend and I will NEVER be using this place again. read more

I've been here several times without any problems. Most recently though, I've been pretty unhappy with the service. About four months ago I brought in a pile of clothes for mending/cleaning. One of these items was a fairly delicate 2 piece dress (a slip with a lace overlay) that I brought in just for cleaning. I didn't notice at the time, but when warmer weather hit and I pulled the dress out, I realized that not only had she sewn the 2 pieces together without telling me, but she had sewn them with the lace overlay inside out. I went back in and she took the stitching out and explained that she had sewn them together because it would be cheaper for it to count as one item for dry cleaning. I asked her why she didn't tell me that and why my receipt, which I brought in with me, says that I was charged $18 for 2 dresses to be dry cleaned. She said that she didn't know why it said that. (The receipt is really confusing, so honestly I have no idea how my charges were broken down, though the overall cost seemed reasonable for what I brought in.) I also had a shirt with a lace hem that she had mended. After wearing it once the stitching immediately fell out again. I brought this shirt back in with the dress and told her what happened. She said there was a problem with the fabric, which was fraying. So I asked her why she charged me for it, if she knew there was a problem with the fabric such that she couldn't fix it, and I asked to get my money back. She said that she wouldn't return my money because it had been four months, and she didn't know how many times I had worn the top. I can understand that, but at the same time, it is clearly a spring/summer top, and she also acknowledged that there was a problem with the fabric, such that she shouldn't have accepted the item for repair if she didn't know how to fix it. To her credit, she said that she would re-fix it right then. But at this point, I don't really trust her with my stuff anymore, she has already told me that she can't fix it, and I would rather take it somewhere else where they will take the time to re-hem the fraying fabric before reattaching the lace. At any rate, it's not worth it to me to go back here when there are so many other options in the area. But, like I said, I never had any problems previously, so you will probably be fine. TL;DR: Here are my tips if you go here: 1) Don't take any items here that are particularly valuable to you just in case. 2) At pick up double-check all of your items in the store. 3) Bring in items in season, so that you can wear them immediately to make sure any mending holds up. 4) Ask for a clearly itemized receipt if you have a complicated order. read more

Ugh. I made the mistake of going to this place again. I brought in a wool coat that belongs to my mom. It is stained. I told the lady I'd like to have the coat cleaned and to see if she could get the stains out. I specifically told her I understood the stains may be permanent but I wanted to try. She said, "no, I'm not going to do that. If the stains don't come out, you'll complain." What kind of a business does this? She's so rude and arrogant. My mom has Alzheimer's and spilled something on a coat she loves and I was just trying to get it as clean as I could. If it still had some stains, my mom wouldn't have even noticed, and I would have paid. This person is a lousy business owner. Read some of the other reviews. She's a miserable person. read more

Got my jeans altered there for $7 and it came out beautifully! :) Also, great and fast service!!!

Always happy to visit just to see what Toby the dog is up to. You will not find a more conscientious shop-dog than Toby. (And in cold weather, you'll find him sporting some pretty sharp sweaters.) Everything I've brought here, whether for cleaning, repair, or tailoring, has been well-handled and done on-time. The very nice lady speaks English well enough, though I can imagine someone with lengthy, detailed instructions possibly having trouble here. As for me, though, I need the occasional zipper fixed or dress shirt cleaned, and this does well by me. read more

I called to ask if alterations can be ready within a certain amount of days but I was met with a rude tailor. I hope whomever she was attending to in person heard how rude she was. This is unacceptable and an easy way to potential clients. read more

This place is a joke. The woman there was actually pretty rude and unwelcoming. It's overpriced too. She just pulled the pricing for a repair out of her ass.....I went RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET (diagonally) to the Laundromat and they repaired for 50% of the cost and were MUCH NICER and professional. Also, DOVE EAST is just 75 Feet WEST of this P.O.S. place. It's a better dry-cleaners too. Avoid this place or make it your LAST CHOICE read more

This is my very first Yelp review. I was so overwhelmed by the thoughtful service at Thorndale Cleaners & Tailors that I felt the urge to write one. Previous Yelp reviews led me initially to Thorndale Cleaners. I am new to the neighborhood and needed a local dry cleaner. Along with dropping off a few clothing items to have dry cleaned, I also asked to have a button sewed back onto a blouse. I could only find one button (out of two missing buttons) and asked her to just put one on and that I would come back with the second button once I found it. To make a long story short, she brilliantly found a way to add on the second button and tightened up my other buttons that were coming loose. The owner is kind and thoughtful. I am so happy to have found a neighborhood dry cleaner that has excellent service with reasonable prices. read more

The owner is nice, friendly, knows me and gives me good service. Her turn around times for dry cleaning and alterations are very reasonable as are her prices. I have had two more expensive garments come back shrunken. For fancier more complicated evening wear I would go somewhere else (don't know where..) but for the everyday stuff and my husbands shirts and suits and alterations, she is great. Cool dog too. read more

Yes, she is one of the nicest, most hospitable people I've come across when taking my dry cleaning somewhere. She does awesome alterations. You can trust her judgement. KITTEN must have come across as very very rude in some way, been mistaken by what she thought the nice woman was saying, or maybe, just maybe both of them had a bad day and it came together in an bad way. This lady has such patience and is very sweet. I've had jeans, torn shirts, dress shirts, jackets, and curtains altered or repaired by her over the last 7 years and everything has always been excellent with excellent service. read more

This is an absolute gem of a dry cleaner. In five years of cleaning, not one article of clothing has been ruined nor has my cleaning not been ready 24 hours after drop off. You can tell that the nice lady behind the counter is attentive even though her English is somewhat limited. read more