Lush Wine and Spirits

Chicago, United States

4.1

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 312-738-1900
Website:
www.lushwineandspirits.com
Address:
1257 S Halsted University Village, Chicago, IL, 60607
University Village
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miHalsted & Taylor
0.4 miHalsted
0.6 miHalsted & Harrison
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Chicago) 1:31 AM Thursday, June 12, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Lush specializes in boutique, eccentric, small production wine, beer and spirits. The shop also offers a tiny selection of practical wine accessories, gift bags, and yummy local chocolate.

History

Established in 2006.

LUSH debuted in 2006 as a new, eclectic wine shop in University Village. The locals were soon well in wine and getting educated about unique producers, odd varietals, and new styles of wine, beer, and spirits. Good times!

Meet the Manager

Erin D.

Manager

MANAGER:

On the streets of Philadelphia, born and raised, Ms. Erin Drain now spends most of her days slinging wine at LUSH in University Village or pounding the streets of Pilsen exploring the good eats and fun times in the ‘hood. Surly, but sweet, Erin is passionate about the business of wine drinking and education, big knives, researching wild brews, concocting quirky cocktails, and sipping on mysterious wines. She is on a mission to teach you a thing or two about fermented beverages and the craft of wine, as well as challenge you to try something new and unusual. Erin is the life of the party at LUSH on Halsted, with street smarts and general savvy. She brings a bit of grrr and no-​nonsense wine geek to the shop.

OWNER:

Gregarious, burly, and super dedicated to deliciousness, Mitch designed and created a wine shop that he wanted to shop at. Small production wine, beer, and spirits, free tastings, an educated and friendly staff…

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21 reviews of Lush Wine and Spirits

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Sadly now closed.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This is a brilliant little place, tucked away outside the overbearing mess of downtown. Plenty of cheap places to park and a short walk to the 12 bus if you do in fact, want to go downtown after a bottle of wine.
This is a very intimate place and for the large percentage of the population who loves wine and will throw around words like «Bordeaux region», «dense» or «earthy» to show off at a party, this is a great place to actually get a little knowledge and history. Admittedly, I am one of *those* people. I will read the description of a bottle of wine and all of the sudden, I traveled to Chile to harvest the grapes myself. Myself and people like me must be stopped
By it’s size and layout alone, you can tell Lush is a very interactive place and the good folks who work here are there to play host, not to just take your money when you leave like a cheap hooker. For those who’ve written that the service can be «overbearing», there is nothing wrong with saying «I just need a minute to look, please.»
I’ve purchased many a birthday and Christmas present here and I go here for a drink maybe every few weeks but once summer comes around — it will be every single week!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My husband and I are a big fan of syrah wines.
And we have one particular syrah that we always get it from lush, because you can’t find this brand anywhere else.
Just the fact that they have it here, makes us soooo happy.
The service is always great here.
Place rating: 2
Glendale Heights, IL
The service is the best, even if there stock of wine is not the best. While they had no idea what a bottle of Riesling was, after explaining to them they did offer a great inexpensive German wine and even a pear Riesling (very unexpected). They always offer to give you a fresh taste and inexpensive but not cheap versions of the alcohol that you want but cannot afford. They treat the person that buys $ 10 worth of wine the same as the $ 50 person. However, I do feel that a place like Binny’s does the job better, as they offer a larger variety from every country. However, unlike Binny’s you can taste before you buy and there are always cheaper versions. Has a nice atmosphere and is not snotty or rude.
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
I’ve only been here once, but when I popped in I was searching for St. Germain, my newest guilty pleasure. A delicious elderflower liqueur, it’s seriously to die for. It has changed Sunday brunch forever — goodbye mimosas, hello St. Germain and OJ!
Unfortunately, Lush does not stock St. Germain but the woman working behind the bar suggested Chase & Elderflower Liqueur as an acceptable alternative at a better price point. I know — I said bar. You think this is just a liquor store, but it’s actually a cute little place to grab a drink and chit chat with the bartender/​cashier. Pretty neat concept. They stock a TON of wines, from what I could tell lots of specialty ones. Their liquor section is quite small, but what they do have is good. I’d recommend calling ahead if you’re looking for something specific.
I’ve heard that you can bring your own food to this place and hang out and drink whatever you buy. I haven’t done this myself so I can’t confirm, but that’s a pretty cool concept.
If found the prices of liqueur to be a little higher than at a liquor store, so for that reason I’m giving 3 stars instead of 4.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Good place to get quality wine.
You can go to Binny’s down the street which has a much larger selection but the staff there don’t know much about wine.
The worker here was helpful and very knowledgeable. He asked me for my preference and budget, then immediately knew what to get… and it ended up being the best wine I’ve ever had. I recall it was a german riesling, very light, subtle and slightly sweet, which was exactly what I was looking for that night.
I can see why people would think this place is kinda uppity, but I think that’s mostly due to the customers who come here. The staff themselves are actually quite nice and friendly, so definitely stop by.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Anita always has great recommendations. Fabulous $ 10 wine selections. Cozy atmosphere. Great place.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Bring your own food wine bar! We parked here for a few hours on a Friday night and brought some food. The bartender/​server was great, friendly without being imposing. We had a couple of bottles of wine and hung out on the barstools. I wish there was more of a lounge area though. Huge selection, and I love the little notecards hanging on bottles with tips and thoughts from the staff. I also love the chandeliers made with wine glasses.
Place rating: 5
Evanston, IL
Self-​serve alcohol. what more do I need to say? Pick a bottle, any bottle, of anything from wine to beer to champagne to rum to vodka, and it’s yours. They chill it for you, they serve it to you, you keep picking more bottles, and so on and so on. This is my idea of heaven.
The best thing about this location is the outdoor area: a gated, grassy yard with tables. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening while enjoying the outdoors. They even welcome pets, which is great. I was there for a birthday celebration and it couldn’t have been nicer. Everyone brought food, we had multiple bottles of wine and champagne, and had a wonderful time. I am lustfully in love with Lush.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
So thankful that there’s a LUSH in my ‘hood. Not only is this place dog-​friendly (they have a patio where you can enjoy a glass of wine w/​your pooch) but they have wines and beers priced for just about anyone.
One of my favorite things to do at LUSH is to hit the $ 10 rack of reds. You’ll find wines from all over the world… at prices much less than they’d typically sell for. It’s a great way to try a decent bottle of wine. Perfect for impressing friends (they’ll think you know your wine and it’s fancy, schmancy… when really it only cost you $ 10!!) or a quick stop on your way to a BYOB.
The staff is friendly and the ambiance is homey. There’s a couple comfy chairs, a beautiful wood bar and an overall relaxed atmosphere. And, I’ve never been there when it’s been über-​crowded, so it may even be a good choice for curling up w/​a good book on one of their chairs with a glass of vino.
My only complaint-​ish is their beer choices. Now, I’m no Bud Light drinker, but I also don’t want to pay $ 18 for a 20 oz. beer that I’m bringing next door to the noodle shop. For a college neighborhood, I’d expect less expensive options… although I guess that’s what the 7 – 11 is for next door.
Overall, I’d recommend this place to most specifically a wannabe wine junkie. =)
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I rushed in here at 9:55 tonight… instead of getting «we close in five minutes» they welcomed me and were super nice. Refreshing!
For 18 dollars I got a BADASS mix and match six pack:
–Great Lakes Oktoberfest
–Great Lakes Nosferatu
–Lagunitas «the kronic» Censored ale
–Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine
–Tyranena Scurvy
–Tyranena Hop Whore
While beer is only a small portion of their selection, it is clear their beer purchaser knows what is up. Being able to buy individual bottles for 2 bucks is a steal. This place is a must if you are going somewhere BYOB or just want to lush it up at home, like me!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I have to admit when the south loop Wine Styles closed, it left a huge hole in my heart. Lush just may be able to fill that hole. They have a great selection of wine, and even a few from some of my favorite wineries in Michigan which are usually very difficult to find. The bar tender was very inviting, and knowledgeable. I was a bit annoyed that they closed so early, 10pm, and then I remembered that I was visiting on a Wednesday, and realized it was time for me to take myself home anyway :) I definitely recommend Lush even if it’s just to drop in and pick up a bottle.
Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
I hate to talk about something bad because I genuinely liked this place to begin with… but this place has lost its luster for me because of the staff. I have been back several times, and most the staff just do not have a well rounded wine knowledge. We most recently went there on NYE, here’s the reenactment:
Staff: Can I help you with something?
Me: We want to get a bottle of champagne for about $ 50.
Staff: Here’s a bottle that I really like (picking up the bottle), oh it’s about $ 75.
Me: Is there other bottles that are at our price range?
Staff started picking up bottles checking price and then handed one to me…
Me: Are you reccomending it because you know it’s good or because it’s in my price range.
Staff: I am recommending to you because it’s good.
Me: Great! Is it very dry because I don’t like dry champagne?
Staff looked over to another staff and asked: Is it very dry?
The staff said: it’s dry but has a creamy finish.
Me thinking in my head: Do you know anything? Have you done anything for me that I couldn’t have done myself?
We bought it but we didn’t like it, and I wish everytime I go there, someone who actually drinks the bottles there can give us a solid recommendation.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I was on the hunt for a more gourmet gift and had seen something that caught my eye in a magazine that was available at Lush. It turns out the gift I’d been looking for was way out of my price range, but the friendly lady manning the store worked with me to find a fabulous alternative. Not only do they have a wide selection of wine but they also have some great specialty vodkas and whiskeys. I bought a gift bag as well and the gift looked so nice I thought about keeping it myself.
The store is in a beautiful custom-​created space with wine glass chandeliers and a long tasting bar. It’s always nice to find a helpful salesperson who makes you feel totally comfortable with your alcohol purchase.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
If I were to say I love this place, it’d really be for one main reason: the awesome sign out front.
While the service is splendid, the prices are off the chain, and the location is an easy in n’ out… I still get a great chuckle every time I see those four letters flashing in my face.
L-U-S-H…yes, you rang?
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
This place obviously has some strong assets, as detailed in the reviews below, but don’t expect any sort of service when it comes to special orders.
On June 30 I stopped in to ask if they could get a particular Merlot I’d had in a restaurant the night before. (It was not anything exotic or difficult to obtain.) WEEKS went by before someone finally called me to say yes, they could get it. I said fine, I’ll take three bottles. The woman said she’d order it. That was the last I heard.
Last week, I called to inquire what was happening. The person on duty could find no record of my order, had no idea how such orders were handled, but said she’d write a note in the notebook next to the cash register asking «Erin» to get back to me. Still nothing.
Today (a week since the note, and two months since my original inquiry), I stopped in. Naturally, the person on duty knew nothing. The note with my name and number was still there next to the cash register, having received no action or followup.
The rationale for shops like Lush is supposedly their willingness and ability to provide personal service and attention to clients. But really, you have to almost go out of your way to be this incompetent and contemptuous of customers. The attitude is clearly, «We can’t be bothered with your special order.»
Place rating: 5
Decatur, GA
Oh Lush, I am more than a fan. I am in love with you.
Not only are you a wine and spirits store, but you have a bar with wines available by the glass and single bottles of cold beer for sale in the cooler at the back of the store. On top of that, you also offer tastings? It’s love, I tell you.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
How is LUSH unique?
You can pick any bottle of wine in the store, purchase it, and drink it with no corkage fee.
Loved it! Throughly enjoyed a bottle of Frambois ($ 8), Columbia Valley Riesling ($ 10), and the guys had a bottle of «Hebrew, the chosen beer» $ 6.25) and a sample of their rye beer on tap for free.
Total of $ 30 and enjoyed the bar! For all you budget conscious wine lovers, check it out!
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
Having owned a restaurant and having a brother who is a wine expert, I would like to think I know a few things about the grape. But apparently I look as if I’ve never popped a cork in my life. Poor little me, wandering into a wine shop all by myself. Surely, I was a fish out of water.
HUH? While the service was very efficient (borderline stalker), and knowledgeable (condescending), I would have appreciated a little less «guidance» and a little more space. Granted there was no one else in the store. Granted I was wearing jeans and a t-​shirt (having just come from a bourbon tasting with several Master Distillers) but still, I would have preferred to just look around and figure things out instead of being pummeled with questions. Especially since I was getting something for someone else who was specific about what they wanted and I was just the courier.
Would have been a solid four stars except for the fact they have no chilled whites and you have to wait for it to be chilled if you intend to drink it in the immediate future (and I was in a hurry).
Did enjoy some nice bourbon samples while waiting for the chilling but would have preferred to grab and go and to be left to browse at my leisure.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Upon entering, the staff is ready and willing to be super friendly and helpful. I have never had a bad experience with any of the staff at this boutique. Their selection of wine has been finely cultivated and hand-​chosen to appeal to anyone with any taste.
Big plus: they’ll let you taste anything you want when you walk into the store. They really want to help you understand wine and they want you to like what you purchase.
I have not yet been back since they moved across Halsted and opened the patio, but I’m definitely going to make a trip soon.
Only problem: distance from my house. I used to live in the University Village (in UIC housing) but now it’s over 30 minutes to drive (and WAY longer for public transportation).
Place rating: 5
Glencoe, IL
My boyfriend made a very good point while we were dining at BYOB establishment, May Street Café, the other night. «Maybe it’s time we invest in some wine that is more expensive than the corkage fees at the restaurants we go to».
I entered this charming little wine shop with those intentions today and it’s going to be tough to drink Trader Joe’s 2 buck wine after tasting some of these wines today.
Jessica (the manager) and Jilian helped me find some fabulous wines, which I’m SO excited to drink. In fact, I may have to open a bottle right now. I was extremely impressed with their knowledge of the wines… they knew exactly what vineyards each wine came from and even know the names of the vineyard owner’s dogs! So impressive– I don’t even know the names of my friend’s dog! :)
You’re probably thinking that a wine store this cool must sell some very expensive wine. Wrong! The majority of the wine bottles I picked up were in the $ 10 – 20 range. The prices are more expensive than the wine at Trader Joe’s, but believe me… it tastes much better!