Southport Story

An up-and-coming Chicago 'hood finds fashion

June 24, 2005—Despite being in the shadow of Wrigley Field, Chicago's Southport Avenue is, style-wise, miles away from the Cubs-jersey-dominated scene to the east. In recent years, the strip has experienced a restaurant renaissance, and during the past several months, three new menswear boutiques have joined the party. Best-known of the trio is Jake, featuring a well-edited selection from up-and-comers like Chip & Pepper, Filippa K, and local talent Kent Nielsen. A few steps south is Kuhlman, above, the Minneapolis-based chain whose colorful shirts are made at the same factory as Paul Smith's. The trinity's youngest and edgiest shop is Shane, home to Hudson jeans and Roar tees. After shopping, swing by Latin-themed Coobah for small plates and sangria, or grab a cocktail at SoPo, a Victorian-look lounge that's better than its SoHo-knockoff name implies. Or just grab a pint at neighborhood standby Cullen's Irish pub, lest you OD on Windy City trendiness.
Jake, 3740 N. Southport Ave., (773) 929-5253; Kuhlman, 3724 N. Southport Ave., (773) 472-6332; Shane, 3657 N. Southport Ave., (773) 549-0179; Coobah, 3423 N. Southport Ave., (773) 528-2220; SoPo, 3418 N. Southport Ave., (773) 348-0100; Cullen's, 3741 N. Southport Ave., (773) 975-0600