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October 2023 by Janelle Wood
Every year when I come to Winnetka, I always make it a point to shop Beat Street at least once. The owner and other staff have been super helpful when I needed it and just let me wander until I made up my mind other times. The selection is awesome! I always find multiple things I MUST have.
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March 2023 by Julie Thuline
What a fun store. I miss the days of good old fashioned toy stores. This place was great! The lady working there was super friendly as well. I will definitely be back!
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December 2022 by Michael Lipman Photography
What a great toy store! There is stuff just jammed everywhere!
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July 2022 by Kerry F.
The women who runs this store is so grouchy. She always has been- I've been going to beat street since they had their first location when I was a kid. I hadn't gone in years since I was a kid- now I'm 23 and decided to pop in while I was with the kids I nanny. When we go to enter the store the owner goes "you can't come in. Your not going to buy anything." To which I responded "how do I know I'm not going to buy anything if we can't come in and look?" I was super confused why she didn't want us coming in. She then goes "no little kids allowed." No kids allowed in a toy store? Never heard of that before.. the kids I nanny ( 3 and 5 years old) were confused why they couldn't go in and get some toys so as we were leaving they asked me why they couldn't look/get toys and I said "im not quite sure I've never heard of a toy store that doesn't allow kids". This pissed the women off (even though I wasn't even talking to her or in her store) and she's goes "you should be a lawyer with that argumentative attitude!" I wasn't even arguing nor did the kids want to go in the store anymore. Her co-worker was wide eyed mouthing "I'm so sorry" to us as we left. The kids are now referring her as the "mean witch who doesn't let kids come in her store." It was a very bizarre experience and brings back memories of her yelling at kids in her store over 10 years ago. This women has always had a bad attitude I don't really understand why you would want to run a toy store if you don't like kids..
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March 2022 by Kate C.
This wondrous little shop has glorious mountains of unique, creatively-curated toys that you'd be hard pressed to find at other run-of-the-mill toy stores. The owner, Julie, is knowledgeable, helpful and a true toy lover. Her enthusiasm for quirky and engaging toys is very special and she has created a true gem at Beat Street Winnetka and Evanston. My husband and I come here often to buy gifts or to just explore and play. We can't wait to take our daughter here when she's old enough. We recommend this Northshore treasure to everyone young, old and whimsically curious.
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May 2021 by Amy Hickory
Such a great store - such a variety of things that you are guaranteed to find something kids will love!
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April 2021 by David S.
This is a review for the Evanston location. I'm a boy who lives upstairs and frequently went into this shop for my (just turned) 3 year old (in March). I would buy lots of things I think he would want. Well one day my boy and I wanted to come in. The lady wouldn't allow my son inside without a mask. She made a fuss about her boss coming in and would have a fit. Well let me say, many states don't enforce mask policies, but 2. my boy is so young what do you think he's going to give you, or catch? Listening to this worker's story of her vaccine shots would make you believe she is protected, but you can't protect from 'woke' idiots. I'm done, and I'm done with seeing this crazy lady stare out the window with her bright yellow eyeshadow and clownish mask. It's creepy.
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April 2021 by Krissy K.
Miserable experience in the Evanston location. Employee was beyond rude and disrespectful. I will not be back.
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December 2020 by Lauren D.
Absolutely awful experience. This review applies to the Evanston location. I ordered gifts online to pickup and the employee was extremely rude as if it was an inconvenience that I ordered the toys. I will not be back. I wanted to support a local business but regret supporting this one.
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December 2020 by Darren Kirby
Great little shop with lots of little things for kids!
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May 2020 by Anna G.
Today I had a run in with Corona Cathy. This business is open despite not being an essential business. This store is located inside a building that houses a handful of other businesses: an arcade, a hair salon, a cafe. No one is particularly friendly, except for the people at the salon. I had barely set foot inside the building when the woman who was working at this store began yelling at me to leave, claiming the building is closed, "Essential businesses only!" Since when is a gift shop / toy store an essential business? And why is this woman wearing a face shield -- not even a mask -- a FACE SHIELD, if no one's supposed to be in the building? Not only was this store open, but there was a table just outside the door piled with items she was selling. Why would she assume that I don't want to purchase anything from her store? As I slowly walked out, I hear her telling whoever she was on the phone with, "Sorry, someone just walked in off the street." I feel bad that I once purchased something from this store. And now that I think about it, I recall feeling like I was being followed around, as if I were a suspicious looking 10 year old, looking to steal a pack of gum or something. And yes, I was wearing the required face covering when I entered this building. This place is over-priced and doesn't deserve anyone's business.
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June 2019 by Tina C.
OMG! I love this little gem of a store. There's something for everyone and it's so jam packed with many many toys it is super fun just to take a look around. This store carries so many unique items that you wouldn't find at traditional places. For example, the cat stress toys! (See pic), stickers, Korean and Japanese galore. The owner is also super friendly and helpful. She helped us locate products that we might like. Definitely a fan and I will be back!!
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April 2019 by Jeremy S.
A nice local and affordable toy shop. The owner and staff have been very friendly and accommodating whenever our three young children have been there with their piggy bank money.
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April 2019 by Bill Lauritzen
Awesomeness just complete awesomeness
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February 2019 by Robert S.
Poor customer service. Owner is not the friendliest. Needs to learn how to provide a more comfortable shopping experience for her customers. Would not recommend going here.
