Reviews of Oakton Street Antique Center (Mall)

Jen clare

Friendly and helpful service. I'll definitely go again!

2nd Planet Vintage

You can't walk into this place with enough money in your pockets. If time traveling is your thing this is the place to be. Some of the coolest collections of antiques from a wide variety of sellers with some of the most helpful and kind staff you will ever meet all Under One Roof.

Jessie B

I've been here a half dozen times now and will continue to go back. It's worth a trip to take a look at all of the neat stuff. Please note that they ask you to refrain from taking any large bags and totes into the store, purses are no problem. Also, this is not a spot to bring young children, as there are many glass items and narrow booths which are not child proof. Plenty of free parking.

Drag Sut

The store is amaizing, they have a lot of stuff and they have reasonable prices, its a lot of inexpensive stuff too

Michael P. Mach CMM, CMP, CED

Always something interesting, fair pricing and terrific friendly staff. Easy to spend 2+ hours just looking (but, you should buy - it ain't a museum).

Nancy Norden

Reserve a Saturday afternoon and visit this place. Antique treasures galore. Pricing on items is very reasonable. Staff is alway friendly. You won't go home empty handed.

Margaret Ziph

Huge- so much to see. Free coffee. Great variety.

Stacie Tucker

Very nice mall with a good selection, especially smalls, and not too expensive. Much more jewelry than I expected, with good prices. Staff walk the floor, offering to get keys or to take things to be held at the front desk - they all seemed far too busy working to follow anybody around. They have a vintage jukebox playing, too. Furniture selection is lacking... this mall is divided into small booths that don't really offer enough room to carry much furniture. But if you are looking for pretty much anything else, you might find it here. There's a little bit of new junk, but not too much. I made some scores, I'll definitely be back.

Courtney Paz

Nice place to stop and browse a variety of antique shops... a little bit of everything.

C E

Every time we’ve gone to the Oakton Street Antique Store there is a cashier named Jackie that just makes the end of the visit to this wonderful antique store “unbearable”. I cannot actually say I have ever met a ruder person working in any form of sales. The items in the antique mall can often be quite amazing and I do not think we have ever left there without purchasing something. But this woman, Jackie, is full of herself, arrogant, overbearing, and in short takes a simple financial transaction of ringing someone up at a register and making it confrontational and unpleasant to the point where I no longer want to return to do business. I simply do not want to encounter her again in my life. The booth vendors that sell their antiques there as well as the customers are both worse off because of her personality and demeanor in the public view. This does not include Jackie’s lack of knowledge of how to care for or tend to real antique items and has damaged them during the check-out process. Even when asked to handle the items gently, especially paper ephemera, she will snipe at you and tell you she has experience, while she spills her drink on the counter. No one needs to purchase antiques they choose to, because it is a pleasurable experience. I choose them not to purchase them anymore at the Oakton Street Antique store. Not angry. Just disappointed.

Ian James

This place makes a bad name for antique stores. To start, I am an antique dealer. I've always treated customers with respect. It's good business, period. YOU are in it for the customer - not yourself. Only top-end dealers can make a great living selling collectibles. First, I was followed around like I was a thief. No one ever asked if I needed help. They were either following me, or busy starting (what seems) their weekly morning cookie-and-coffee club. Most of the items were WAY WAY WAY above book price - damaged or not (most damaged). You cannot sell a common piece of Roseville for 3x book value! You cannot sell new Fenton for old Fenton prices. I walked out, stating, "This place should be closed!" It's, roughly, just a club for junk collectors. They are unfriendly as can be - rude and obnoxious would be adequate words. The place is in an industrial area, just north of the hangars at O'Hare. Most of what they have is new, or straight from Goodwill. It's quite small and very cluttered. There are many other antique malls well worth visiting. Skip this one completely!BTW- Hey, Patricia, who posted above on 7.17.10, I HAVE been there, and you are merely someone who either 1) is a dealer there, 2) works there, or 3) is a friend of someone who works/deals there. So before you say someone hasn't been somewhere, make sure you can back-up what you say!

Melissa Lamb

Waaaaaay too good to only have 20 minutes to spend!

patskigonzo

I love this mall. It's big enough to spend a few hours in, but not so big that you lose a whole day. The people who work there are always friendly, and I always feel welcome.

Tony Garcia

The antiques are great but I think the prices can be a little more reasonable.

Warren Kundis

Large antique mall, take your time to see it all.

Karen Calta

Clean with a lot of great items. I realize that security is required but being followed by two people off and on cut our shopping short and we left empty handed.

ed bax

In rebuttal to an other review-let me first state-I do not work here,and I am not friends with any one who does work here. I have been to the oakton st antique mall many times and have never experienced any rudeness from any of the staff, nor have I ever seen them be rude to another customer,on the contrary ,all of the staff has always been very helpful.They do keep an eye on their customers but I have always felt this was helpful rather than cause for offence. If I see something in a locked case-someone is always nearby to open the case for me.This little "mall" is jam -packed with "smalls"-the prices may be high compared to a thrift shop or goodwill but they are very reasonable compared to other antique shops and you don't have to plow thru a ton of grunge-get on their mailing list and you will receive advance notice of their sales. Lots of vintage/antique kitchenware,costume jewelry,and knick-knacks with some light fixtures and furniture- there is a little of everything and the selection changes regularly.

Peter Lee

Interesting place , worth a visit

anna destefano

The people here are rude and don't care about customs satisfaction. Not worth visiting.

Human Resources

I cant figure out what these bad reviewers are talking about. The Staff is super friendly and very helpful. It appears the negatives are from folks who are dealers .. not customers. This place IS huge and has a wide variety of vintage items. I like it and go a couple times a year just to stroll through and see what they have.

Ruth Idzik

I came in looking for suitcases to be used for decorations for a baby shower. All of the people who helped me here were extremely helpful, and very welcoming and nice. I got everything I needed and I'm a very happy customer!

Sean Wynn

Large antique and collectible mall with many vendors. Clean and well lit with a friendly staff.

Michael Mickelsen

Very well kept. Everyone is very helpful and friendly. A great place to browse and reminisce.

Gina DiBenedetto

Yuck...not worth stopping.

Julie Pike

Lots of stuff to see here!

Chase Wright

Huge place lots of stuff!

Chris Ross

Not sure what all the bad reviews are about. I visit many antique shops far and wide, and although so far Columbus Antique Mall is the one to beat, it is just way too far to drive for me on a regular basis. Oakton is definitely in my top five list, with a very wide variety of dealers and products. The prices were decent, and I've always found something I needed for my collection at a wonderful price. The dealers were friendly, and there was always a keyring-bearing staff circling about to open cases. The vintage jukebox inside cranks out endless tunes that I recognize from my youth. Security seems a little tight, though I assume that they may have had problems with theft--graffiti on an otherwise cute little red caboose a few lots down would make any business watch their merchandise like a hawk. Aside from that, I put Oakton on the "best bang for your buck" category. Especially after finding a complete, near mint Victorian chatelaine for just under 400$! An added bonus is its very close proximity to Mitsuwa Marketplace, and being a less than 45 minute drive from the south side.

Ken Scheiwe

Great selection of antiques, especially littles. Reasonable prices. Friendly personnel.

Katie Sauer

Stumbled across this gem today while looking for books. The staff was very friendly and walked us to multiple booths that had the older books we were seeking. I did notice a few staff members keeping a close eye on us, but it didn't bother me in the slightest. I'm sure they get sticky fingered people in there and if I were a vendor I'd want my wares carefully watched. I can't wait to go back and stroll around when I have more time!

rgeg wergweg

Excellent place, very helpful staff, easy to get lost and explore for hours.

Molon Lave

Law abiding citizen who will never shop there again. I used to go into the establishment to shop but noticed that they had placed a no gun sign on their door. I called and spoke to the manager and politely informed her why I would not shop there again, she was utterly rude and hung up the phone on me. I called her back and informed her if this is the way she treated customers I would not shop there and recommend to all that I know not to shop there either. She was rude again and hung up the phone. I will respect her wishes and take my hard earned $ elsewhere.

QueenCheetah

Despite its name, Oakton is NOT an antique center. You will find few true 'antiques' (that is, items over 100 years old). However, if you are looking for collectible and vintage items, welcome to a collector's utopia! I have been here several times and have found the proprietors to be friendly and helpful- most are familiar with each other's booths and will direct you to what you're looking for (even if it isn't theirs). I've gotten some pretty rare and unusual items, but it's important to look everywhere (up, down, under, across) as the booths are mostly overflowing with stuff and can't display every piece. Most of the wares seem to fall into the 40's-60's era, with some pieces from earlier and later years. A few booths have modern items mixed in or as their main stock, particularly the comic book and toy collectors. One thing to keep in mind however is that there are no pricing standards, so look carefully in case another vendor has the same item. Some dealers will haggle, but be sure to do your own research on anything specific at home before trying to reach a price. It's always worth a visit, as there's a million things to look at, and the staff rotates (although you can usually call or e-mail a specific proprietor if you need to talk) almost as often as the stock!

Fawn Hoos

Great antique shop! Always new merchandise and friendly/helpful staff. I never seem to leave empty handed.

RPH Foundation for Military and Veterans Affairs

Multi Owner antiques booths with many extreme values.

Zachary Tellock

Well they had 5 stars! I was followed the entire time! The staff is very very VERY JUDGEMENTAL AND RUDE!

Patrick Gleason

Awesome place with great antiques, great music and a wonderful and knowledgeable staff !

F.E.

Sketchy.

Russell Longenecker

Mother and daughter duo, dont bring the kids. They will follow you around to make sure they behave. Super nice dealers but .......... I need to state that I am a ptevious deeler and left on bad terms. Its funny how when you expose a person how they react.

John Olsen

Nice place a little pricey on some items

Vivian Mizuno

Staff was very friendly. A unique place that is worth a visit!

Miguel Bermudez

Fun place. Nice people .

Dominik

Treasures galore! I'm getting tired of people contstantly on my ...

Ron Slattery

Great place. Outstanding selection of merchandise. Knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.

Ryan Lewis

A friend was repairing his truck here. Very positively spoke about the service and prices.

Dirk Paschal

Quite a few booths jam packed with stuff. Overpriced goods, like most urban antique stores.

Vera M

Despite the great collection they offer, I felt very uncomfortable being followed around the whole store by their employees.

Richard Theilen

A great place to go if you want to browse for cool and unusual stuff. Staff is top notch and will do anything to make you feel your getting something nice!!!

maximalistlife maximalistlife

Fabulous..love it...bonnie is fabulous

Ken Smith

Great selection with a ton of vendors. Always a few great deals to be found.

Michelle Lazarus

Great place to find old but unique items. Friendly staff keeps me coming back!

Priyanka Saxena

Nice vintage collection n staff is very helpful

Allison Edwards

I always find something special there

Mike Clark

A great variety of collectibles. Paper items, vintage furniture and chicago collectibles. Has supplies like coin holders and magazine bags and backing boards. Saw a few original comic book art pages too.

A W

Such an awesome market. I could spend hours just walking around. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Great amount of quality goods. Cannot wait to go back!

casey w

Great prices and friendly staff. Lovely.

ZG Wang

A place full of antique and vintage stuff，a must-see shop for collectors. When I asked for any discount, sales people gladly took 20% off. Friendly and awesome!

Chicago Kitty

Larger than you think it may be from the outside. Good mix of merchandise. Some dealers are well priced, whilr others are way too high for what they're offering. Some staff are friendly, others are abrupt bordering on snarky and shouldn't be working with the customers.

Lucky Lucy1205

Lots to look at and find a treasure. Big yet not too big to browse leasurly and always someone close by to take your items to the front desk. Super friendly employees. Totally recommend this store.

Mark Villarreal

You GOTTA STOP BY HERE. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. FRIENDLY STAFF AND WONDERFUL ANTIQUES!

lhoward61

Great variety

Barbara Kidzus

Lots of variety—have found great treasures here.

Amy S

I called in to ask a few questions about renting a booth space and the owner was flat out rude not wanting to answer simple questions over the phone. When asked how many customers they get a month she said I dunno I asked well how is overall sales she got really offended by the question and said I have to go come in for a face to face by this time I all ready knew based on the terrible customer service that I wasn't going to be happy there and kindly said I don't think this is the right fit for me. She then said your right it's not the right fit for either of us. Just find it odd that she can make that assumption back at me when she knew nothing about me didn't even ask me one question about what I sold. I had visited this place a few times and the staff just kinda followed you but didn’t really talk or ask questions which I found weird. I get keeping a eye on customers but at least don’t act so shady about it.

Dan Johnson

This place is like walking through a time capsule. It has tons of vintage items from military items, toys, jewelery, books, furniture, clothing & pretty much anything you could possibly want. Another cool aspect is that there are 2 fully functioning jukeboxes here that you may request songs to be played from the employees. It is literally one of the nicest places I have ever been to. It is really laid out well as far as booths. I really recommend that people visit this place just to get the feel of all the awesome items that are in here. It's truly a must for anyone seeking anything vintage.

Jeremy Lang

The best antique mall in the Chicago area hands down. Super helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff too.

Margot Brown

A wonderland of smalls of every material, genre and description, and some furniture and art. Very friendly staff walk the aisles and assist at checkout helping customers. Plan to spend a few hours here unless you know precisely what you are looking for.

Kyo To

Nice selection of antiques

Joel Horwich

Fabulous, midsize Antique Mall. Wide variety of quality choices. Still previously owned, but nice.

Val Kaiser

always fun to look at all the stuff here. I like when they have their night time customer appreciation parties

Max Dease

Got some thing I wented for a long time in side hear

Tetyana Slivinska

I was that crazy young women who spent a lot of time in the store, making a lot of photos))))) Sorry, if I made you worry)) I just like such things SOooo Much!!! that I can't do nothing with myself)))) Now I am so inspired!!! Thank you for your job and hospitality!))) P.S. My friends wanna shopping here now, because I told them about you and showed some pictures))

ashley Reynolds

Cool place to check out when antiquing. Left with a couple things but we're not from the area so most likely won't visit again.

Littlepetfrog

Must go to relive a childhood at!

Matthew Hyde

Great place with great quality antiques.

Charles Saucedo

Nice to stroll around the booths. Always leave empty handed to date.

Gwen Budde

Little more expensive than some antique stores I've been. Good deal of variation. Beautiful art, antiques, costume and fine jewelry. Would recommend.

Kathleen Biggam

A fantastic antique mall- if you can’t find it here you won’t find it! Bonnie and Jackie are a mom/daughter team who run the mall- they are two of the loveliest and fair ladies. If you are looking for a particular item they will scatter their employees on a search for the item. Complimentary cookies and coffee too! Love this place!!!

Tom Michael

A place you will love, if you believe o ld is gold.

Paulina Barnas

I've been here a few times and they have never disappointed. The place is packed with cool things. There's something here for everyone!

Shivam Patel

Auto dealer in the corner not good ripped me off on a car that says good condition with no accident. But the front part of the whole car was rebuilt. I found this out by taking my car to CARMAX and getting a report runned on it. CAR FRAUD DON'T BUY PAY MORE FOR A CAR YOU TRUST AT DEALER DON'T BUY FROM SMALL DEALERS.

Tracy Orthal

I love this shop! The ladies are so friendly and always go way out of their way to help. Many times they have helped me scour the booths to find an item I was hunting for. There's a wide variety of booths and always some new old thing to see!

richard gunnell

Service is great and always interesting items

Joe Klostermann

QUite a place. The diversity of antiques and collectables is amazing

paul jurevis

The products are nice, but the dealers walking around are intrusive and rude. I would suggest not asking for help.

Maxell Ilagan

Very accommodating... nice people!

tony longoria

Very very nice

Joan Alt

Very nice store. Employees helpful and pleasant .

Ed Acebbed

Glood deals