The 6 Best Adult Toy Stores In Chicago
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 27, 2014 7:30PM
Let's be honest: how many times have you walked into a pharmacy to buy some condoms or lube and received either the stinkeye or a knowing glance from the cashier? You either want to swallow the bile rising in your throat, pay for the rubbers and move on, or dress down the cashier on the spot.
It doesn't have to be that way. Over the past 40-plus years sex shops and adult toy stores have not only become increasingly commonplace, but proudly so. The best ones sell products in a way that encourages positive sexual health and relationships, instead of hiding them behind the peep shows and glory holes of yesteryear. In the best adult toy stores, you can make purchases as well-informed as going to Whole Foods and deciding on what type of kale to buy for dinner.
The Chicagoist staff has chosen six shops guaranteed to spice up your sex life with a simple visit. If you have your favorite shop, please leave it in the comments.
An array of harnesses hang on the back wall alongside various restraints. Early to Bed's harness selection includes vegan options and a wide range of sizing, including numerous plus size options. (Photo credit: Lisa White)
Early to Bed
I’m a big believer in communication being one of the most important parts of having a good sex life. If you aren’t communicating with your partner, it can lead to frustration, confusion and a lack of orgasms. And when I need advice on a new toy, a new move to try out or just general sex questions, the place that always steers me in the right direction is Early to Bed. I went to one of their classes (Men Below the Belt) in college for a human sexuality course credit and I’ve been going back ever since, since Early to Bed has the most knowledgeable staffs on everything between the sheets (or on the table, floor, tied up, etc.) Besides a kickass, friendly staff that can answer all your questions about sex (seriously, all of them), they also offer the aforementioned workshops, with topics ranging from bondage to erotic writing to sex for survivors. The store has a wide and carefully curated selection of all types of toys, literature and movies, plus size friendly stockings and strap-ons, packers and binders and plenty of awesome lubes and condoms. The store also has reviews from staff and customers. I volunteered and was part of one of their customer condom review groups and they really do make sure to get honest feedback on all their products. Early to Bed truly cares about making sure their customers have the happiest and healthiest sex lives possible. — Lisa White
Early to Bed is located at 5044 N. Clark St. You can also shop their store online as well.
Taboo Tabou
Positioned in what let’s just call the Alley’s boudoir, Taboo Tabou does equal wonders for your wardrobe and sex-toy stock. For ladies with a love of cosplay or just vintage Vegas tassels and Bettie Page wear, TT hits the G-spot. The staff are frank, fun, helpful guides if you’re looking for more than just lingerie or form-fitting dresses too. They coyly prompt you to taste-test the fruit-flavored lube, get handsy with the dildos, and answer all your questions about vibrator strength and speed. All products are also free of phthalates, and browsing alone when funds are running low still makes for a stimulating afternoon.— Melissa Wiley
Taboo Tabou is located at 3228 N. Clark.
The Pleasure Chest
This national chain was a pioneer in bringing sex toys and marital aids out of the seedy, stained shadows and into the spotlight of a boutique setting, while simultaneously promoting positive sexual health for couples, regardless or orientation. The Chicago store, opened in 1977, caters to any twist, kink or proclivity including BDSM, sexual health products, DVDs and books, and kits guaranteed to safely enhance even the most staid sex lives. —Chuck Sudo
The Pleasure Chest is located at 3436 N. Lincoln Ave.
G Boutique
When we ran our best lingerie and bra fitting list in March, Lisa highly recommended this Wicker Park shop as “a great one-stop shop for all things feminine sexy.” Not only do they carry lingerie up to an XXL and go up to 38G in bras, they also offer a variety of sex toys; condoms, lubes and oils; books and DVDs; and classes on blow jobs, making penis cupcakes, and on female orgasms and G-spots. Men aren’t left out, either, with a selection of sexy underwear, masturbation cups and vibrating cock rings. —Chuck Sudo
G Boutique is located at 2131 N. Damen Ave.
Mephisto Leathers
This Rogers Park shop is an epicenter for leather fetishists. Whether you’re looking for simple whips, harnesses and outfits, or looking to hook up swings and slings and get really kinky. Mephisto sells off the rack, but can also custom make pretty much anything for you, if you wish. Bonus: their display windows are among the funniest and most creative of any adult shop in town. —Chuck Sudo
Mephisto Leathers is located at 6410 N. Clark St.
Tulip Toy Gallery
With a relaxed boutique atmosphere, an all gender and sexuality friendly setting and two locations, Tulip has built a friendly and inviting sex positive business here in Chicago. Like any store worth its weight in gold, Tulip only sells products they themselves would use, so don’t expect any shady companies or harmful materials creeping into your toy box. Their set up lets you not only browse their selection but pick it up and examine it yourself, which is a must if you are buying items that might eventually enter your body. They stock some of the premier manufactures in the industry, include the popular Lelo brand (some of the most stylish and beautiful minimalist sex toy designs around), the highly functional and wonderful quality Fun Factory and Tenga, one of the best brands for innovative toys for men. Besides toys they also have a nice stock of books and movies and some of the most darling lingerie, including gorgeous pasties and retro high waisted underwear. Tulip also offers sex positive workshops along with their wide variety of products. Whether you are looking for a little something new that doesn’t break the bank or treating yourself to a luxury item, Tulip has all your bases covered. — Lisa White
Tulip Toy Gallery has two locations in Chicago at 3459 N. Halsted Street and 1480 W. Berwyn Avenue.