American Science & Surplus
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American Science & Surplus

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Robot parts, science gear, oddities, and unique gifts abound

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American Science & Surplus by ATLAS_OBSCURA
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American Science & Surplus by http://www.flickr.com/photos/deadhorse/229...
American Science & Surplus by Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)
American Science & Surplus by ATLAS_OBSCURA
American Science & Surplus by Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null
American Science & Surplus by null

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27 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068 Get directions

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27 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068 Get directions

+1 773 763 0313
sciplus.com
@americansciencesurplus.pkr
𝕏
@sciplus

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Dec 12, 2025

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7 Cool Shops in Chicago

"As a rule, surplus stores are mildly disreputable. They take the leftovers or discontinued items, which they purchase at a reduced price, or get for free, and resell them. Many dollar stores operate this way. American Science and Surplus is different. Their mission is narrow—they only accept surplus items that are, in some way, related to science. As their manifesto says, “we are fascinated by discovery and invention” and their ever-changing inventory reflects that. Their story began in about 1937, when Al Luebber stumbled across lenses that a nearby glass factory were throwing away. Al and his wife cleaned the lenses and sold them through a mail-order ad in Popular Science. Fueled by military surplus after World War II, the Luebbers opened a real shop and called it American Lens and Photo. Al’s son, Jerry, grew the business through the early 80s. After his unexpected death, the shop changed hands a couple of times and now is owned by Philip Cable, “a life-long science geek.” Chicago middle-school science teachers love American Science and Surplus. Though the inventory changes, the gems are always there. Kits - from boats to hearts - can be found for your favorite curious 12-year old. They usually have some sort of binoculars, telescope or microscope available. Looking for a DC analog dial ammeter? A Boy-Scout-in-a-bottle? An induction motor? American Science and Surplus reveals all the information they know about the origin and manufacture of their goods, even if all they know is that it was “made sometime in the past in Chicago.” They accept all returns - as if you’d need to return anything! (This is the original location of the store, however, one in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is also listed in the Atlas Obscura. There is a third store in Geneva, Illinois.)" - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/cool-shops-in-chicago
ATLAS_OBSCURA
American Science & Surplus

Betsy Van D.

Google
When I heard they were closing, I was a little sad because my dad took me to the original store in Chicago (on Elston, I believe) when I was a child. But I have to say once they moved from Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park to Park Ridge, the place was no longer the same. The prices were much higher and the folks working there weren't friendly. When I heard they were closing, I stopped by a week before the slated closure and was astonished that nothing was on sale. When I asked a person working there, they nearly bit my head off. Empty cigar boxes for $5 when you can get them at Binny's for $1.00. Tiny tubes of Krazy Glue for $3.50. The gentrification of this once unbelievably cool store ruined it, with a few exceptions. When I checked out, the person who rang me up was incredibly nasty. Sure, I understand you're not happy losing your job, but any nostalgia I felt for this store kind of evaporated with your rudeness.

Hazardous V.

Google
This store is, unfortunately, closing at the end of September 2025. It's the end of an era, they've been in business for decades across several locations, and have always been a go-to source for scientific gear and oddities. The staff are always friendly, helpful, and passionate about connecting local nerds with the weird and wonderful stuff they're seeking. And the store is a wonderful mix of hard-to-find surplus electronics & scientific gear, tools, military surplus, and assorted trinkets. And they've got humorous and sometimes informative signs all over, with comical descriptions of products and scientific trivia. Sad to see this location go, fortunately the locations in Milwaukee and Geneva will remain open -- for now. Enjoy while you can, go there and buy stuff, they need us!

Jenny S.

Google
The best place for eclectic and useful items. The decorations and price tag descriptions match their iconic hand drawn catalog and the staff is as fun and helpful. Must see: “the bro do you even know how to close” staff instructions. No I’m kidding. It’s the cat crossing sign by far.

Joyce L.

Google
I regret taking the kids here. There is so much stuff to look at! Just the marbles area kept them busy for 15 minutes. They did not want to leave There are cool board games, toys and actual useful stuff. Science night is fantastic.

Sharon M

Google
Have enjoyed this place for years! It's the place to get all kinds for neat stuff for science experiments, collecting, Halloween decorations and costumes, repairs to electrical devices, childrens gift giving and more! It has all kinds of gadgets and items you didn't know you needed! My husband and I enjoyed perusing the new store location although it's not as big as their last location. Staff were helpful and pleasant. Great place to get kids Birthday presents!

Ed M.

Google
This really is a cool store. Go there and check it out. They got everything you could ever imagine having and more every time I go there something is new. Something is different. You really cannot go wrong. Bring the kids. They offer free things to do activities on the weekends. Really it is a great place to go and waste an hour and spend 20 bucks!!!

Nexus [powered by N.

Google
Best parts supplier. Nothing beats this place when it comes to electronic Components. Thank you so much for every project of mine you made possible. You made a lot of my projects happen through selling power supplies, LEDs, terminal blocks, and other cool stuff. I'll always remember your stores and I hope you continue to succeed under employee ownership. Good luck out there, you're the best parts store I've ever been to. Best of luck and thank you, Kirk Reppin

Scott Forsythe (Forssa's personal A.

Google
This store is amazing! There are items here for every field of science, and resources for every project. The prices are unbelievable - I found equipment working and intact here for under a fifth what it would have cost online. Plus there are so many interesting baubles to pick up even if you don't need anything in particular. Absolutely not a store to miss!
google avatar

Rei H.

Yelp
good lord! what a blast. go in. spend a spell. spend a few. save the place. this place is joy. is magic. love it. see the gofundme site. https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-american-science-surplus-alive makes me feel like a kid in 1983. love it so. visit. you'll find Something... support!
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Padma A.

Yelp
I can't believe i refused to tag along with my husband and kids.....its a delight for all STEM students and nerd parents who are very hands-on and love to create stuff--enjoyed checking out the various aisles and playing with the gadgets. The kids at the counter seemed knowledgeable and helpful. Prices were very reasonable as well. I will certainly come back

Lynn p.

Yelp
Went here with my teenage daughter and her friend. We all found something that we wanted and we all have very different tastes. They have so many interesting, creative, and fun things. They also have vintage things. I would definitely come back next time that we are in the area.
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Howard L.

Yelp
This place is a hoot!  I dropped in here after a nearby lunch just to see what this place was like after seeing a review, and having never been in their predecessor Chicago store of some 25 years on the northwest side of Chicago.  This store has been in Uptown Park Ridge for only about a year now, and for being on a busy commercial strip, they keep a low and quiet profile and are kind of easy to pass by and skip, because that's what I did for a year apparently! I was going to rate the store 4 stars, but I gotta give it 5 just because it's really a one of a kind shop.  They have all kinds of eclectic, random, fun, goofy, and also educational stuff and gadgets.  It's all supposed to have a bias towards science and education though.  Random things like military helmets, plastic wheels of various sizes, telescopes, microscopes, old typewriters, a Big Foot crossing sign, beakers and flasks, science kits, goofy models, toys, and trinklets, rubber mice, plastic ants for your next picnic, and whatever.  It's a great store for getting that unique geeky gift for someone, and also a place where inquisitive kids and adults alike can putz around and learn and laugh as well. They have their own convenient parking lot.  Their only other stores are in spread-out Geneva IL and Milwaukee WI.  Their prices ranged from cheap to modest from what I saw. The staff seems appropriately on the geeky side, but also friendly.  I met staffer Deborah and she showed me the signs depicting the company's history (since 1937!), and also informed me that coincidentally just two days ago they were featured on WGN-TV's Around Town morning show.  Here is the clip: https://wgntv.com/video/around-town-american-science-and-surplus/8385863/ Deborah told me after this TV clip, there was a big demand for their Bubble Blaster, which she happily demonstrated for me, and they sold out and had to restock their supply!  They also occasionally have free science party nights (next one is Feb 24 from 6:30 - 9pm) and those sound like a hoot for the kiddos.  I didn't buy anything this time, but do plan on bringing the grand-darlings back to putz around and probably walk away with who knows what next time lol.

Rich H.

Yelp
Sadly this place is struggling like all small retail shops. As of now (writing this on jun 5 2025) they started a GoFundMe to help them weather the storm. Consider checking it all. This place is awesome and random and deserves to keep going
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Meme L.

Yelp
It's an eccentric store, I'll give it that! I love how there's a lot of interesting stuff to buy. Honestly a great store if you ever want to buy a gift for a science lover!
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Lefai K.

Yelp
The American Science & Surplus store has been a staple in Chicago for many many years. I remember going here for my senior engineering project way back in the before-Amazon days, where we had to find all sorts of doo-dads, especially when RadioShack failed us. This location is now their new location and opened recently. This location is probably a third of the original size, but you can still find all sorts of cool, fun. and random stuff here. From transistors, resistors, to fun socks, and war memorabilia, this place has a lot to peruse at. Definitely a place to check out, and the people are super friendly
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David R.

Yelp
For years, I wanted to visit their Chicago store during my city-dwelling days, but never made it. Fast forward half a lifetime and they randomly move locations right into my own suburb. It's fate! So of course I've been a regular ever since. AS&S is place whose wares are truly too difficult to describe; pictures do a better job, but to experience the sheer variety and delight, you just have to visit. You will find a dozen things that you never knew you needed, and even more that you never knew existed: toys and games both retro and contemporary, model- and machine-building kits, kitchen gear, art and crafting items, educational books, science equipment, various hardware, random military surplus stuff, decorative wooden boxes, loose marbles, magnets, attractive rocks, "robot claw grabbers" (in my 4-year-old's words), scads of random doo-dads and tchotchkes, and on and on and on and on. It might be the closest thing to a one-stop shop for any gift occasion for any person in your life. We shop there for kid birthday parties all the time. Take a close look at the whimsical item labels on the shelves. Hats off to the crew of clever characters running the shop.
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Mark Y.

Yelp
I was a kid in a toy store. There's a little bit of everything in here, I could spend hours exploring it all. Some prices are great, some prices are so so, but none of the prices are terrible. Some staff is friendly and outgoing, some staff a bit more taciturn.
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Simon L.

Yelp
Always offering very curious stuff at very low prices. Funny and interesting. I always look forward to the catalog.

Aidan J.

Yelp
never going back to that place because one of the workers was swearing at my nine-year-old son while he was just looking in the toy aisle

Stefanie G.

Yelp
I had a question about possibly purchasing items and 3 emails, both to their customer service and general info email addresses, failed to get answers. I guess they don't want to sell their odd stuff.
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Gilbert S.

Yelp
Just gotta see it to believe that it has everything you wouldn't find in a normal store. They are treasures.
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Annette B.

Yelp
If you're a kid, this place is a science project wonderland! Even as an adult there are quirky, practical, and creative things to try out! I wound up buying some duct tape with cupcake designs on it, since I needed duct tape--might as well be cute!
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Dorian G.

Yelp
Stopped in here for some last minute Halloween shopping and was blown away with the sheer variety of products! It's like a mad scientist's toy store, they have educational kits, decorations, gag gifts, retro tech, toys, tools, you name it. Take any kid here and I'm 100% sure they'll want to become a scientist afterwards
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Audra M.

Yelp
The name of the store threw me when I passed by, and I was not intrigued, as I doubted the inventory would apply to me. It was when a friend commented on Facebook that the product descriptions in their catalogue were awesome that I checked them out online. I was impressed. I ordered items to be picked up at their Milwaukee Ave. location in Chicago. I was really stoked by the original items I discovered. One cool purchase was dinosaur cable ties for my adult son for Christmas. Anyone seeking offbeat gifts should check them out. I really appreciated my seamless site-to-store pick-up, even when it was a Saturday that saw them so very busy. The staff was so busy, but super friendly and efficient, which was awesome. My tip would be to check prices on items before buying. Some things are a hella great deal, while others are not and can be found cheaper elsewhere.
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Robert B.

Yelp
This is a great store for any science nerd or hobbiest. And if you can't find a gift for just about anyone here, you're just not trying. Tons of science kits for kids and adults, lab glassware, electronics components, geology stuff, military stuff, school supplies, and more and more. Definitely worth a visit, just make sure you have at least a free hour or so!
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PJ S.

Yelp
This is definitely the funniest and weirdest store I've been to in a while. Don't go with anything specific in mind - just go for inspiration and enjoyment. Love the easy parking as well.
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Rosette S.

Yelp
Luvvvvvvv. I went with a friend for the first time. How was it that I walked out with two bags more than she... Great sensory stimulation education Isle. Laser chess??? How fun. A huge bin of leather scraps.,Oh my god so good! And so much more. GOOOOOO AND ENJOY!
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Mark K.

Yelp
They recently moved into this location. It's organized and has a huge variety of everything. Plan to spend time looking thru all the bins. Fun for kids and great for science projects.
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Christina A.

Yelp
Are you looking for scientific products to perform experiments? How about small hands or radish size babies? Telescopes, microscopes, rocks, scissors? This place has it all. It's gigantic. The employees are super friendly (shout out to the guy who loves LCD Soundsystem). My hubs and I had so much fun looking around and remembering fun games and experiments we did as a kid. Yes, I bought a small hand, 2 radish size babies and a rock. Why? Because that's what you do in the American Science & Surplus. Did you spend $$ at Field Museum? You should have come here. Don't come in without some time to review your priorities. You may truly need a sea monkey collection to complete your living room space.
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David F.

Yelp
Tons of fun for browsing and buying odd gift or the object you need to... dare I say it? TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!
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Cookie T.

Yelp
If you are from Maine, the reference point for this place will be a Mardens, or Big Al's up in Wissaset. The size is closer to a Big Al's - and the bins are buckwild. This store feels focused and random at the same time. Its a discount store with lots of random bins of plastic babies or Army surplus survival things. But where this place shines is the Science part of their name. There are so many cool science supplies for teachers, kids, or the person who just wants to dabble in science for a hobby. My sister brought me here - she works in theatre and this was a place they would get a lot of props and supplies. If you need Halloween inspiration -- head here. I wish I had one of these closer to me, but it makes me pretty thrilled to have one visited one at all.
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Ben B.

Yelp
"We're closing in 10 minutes." I loved this place. It's got all kinds of science gadgets and geekery. Cool toys, too! "Hi, guys. We're closing in 5 minutes." Man, you could browse for hours here, except their hours totally suck. Really? You close at 6? That's hardly enough time for anyone to make it out to this store before closing time. "We're closing. Can I help you find something?" I went here to pick up supplies for our Breaking Bad finale party and I was not disappointed. Beakers and vials and flasks galore. All kinds of science-y stuff. Magnets! "Okay, guys. We're closing." I would have spent much more money here if I had TEN GODDAMNED MINUTES TO BROWSE A LITTLE LONGER. But I understand. Cashier with Purple Hair must get home to tend to his World of Warcraft guild or whatever. *** Note: It's easy to drive past this place since it's not lit very well and it's on a diagonal lot. Just look for the more brightly lit Dollar Tree store next door. It's visible from the street.
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Ronald M.

Yelp
I have always enjoyed going to this place and it had been awhile since last visit here. I just wish y nieces/great nieces would like the science end of things, they love their phones to much. I did pick up some items that I liked and my wife wanted some items too. I think I need to get back here more times to see what is new here. They have a great selection of different levels of knowledge and skills to match anybody. Thank you again to the staff members that helped us out you were great.
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Robin M.

Yelp
Love this store! Love to just walk around and figure out what I can do/make:) great place to explore your creativity/art/projects! For all ages.
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G V.

Yelp
Total hidden gem and one of my favorite stores in the city. Has a bunch of science/lab supplies but also has a ton of random nik naks. They have ridiculous signs for each item and it's the best. It's definitely worth checking out.
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Micth B.

Yelp
VERY good selection of toys and model kits no longer sold in other stores. Large selection of items ranging from dinosaurs to outer space and everything else in between. Also books, electronic products, militaria, the arts and science projects. A "must-go and see destination for the family's next outing
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Paige C.

Yelp
I went for a walk today and stopped in here , very Unique and cheap stuff !! I really enjoyed the toys and just everything Lots of puzzles , loved it !!! Yes the snake is wicked
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Bob R.

Yelp
This is a store I have wanted to go to for too many years. I remember passing their old location many times on Northwest Highway - but they moved from there long ago. When my wife suggested we were going to be near the new location and we should stop by, I was very surprised. This is typically not what I think of as her style. I thought it was more for geeks like me. The store is large and has a very diverse selection of items. Most of it is what is claims to be - surplus. There are everything from test tubes and beakers, to electronic components, to toys for kids and toys for us bigger kids. They have a section in the back with "vintage" science stuff. They even have old unusual military gear - I was admiring a Chinese MIG fighter pilot's helmet. Alas, I knew if I bought it I would never live it down at home. We did get a few things. I got a coffee mug I happily use at work. We got some things for the home that made sense and made some notes about other items we will go back for. Don't leave without a copy of their catalog.
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Jen J.

Yelp
Never been to a shop like this in Chicago. I can imagine that it'd be good for science fair projects. Friendly employees. Parking lot.
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Caroline L.

Yelp
This place has the most wonderfully random selection of everything you'd never think of. I wish I could make it over here more often, but I'm rarely in that area. Every time I go I feel like there's never enough time to browse through everything. So I wouldn't recommend going here in a rush! It's almost like a museum, you want to take time to look at everything. It's like a museum, hardware store, arts & crafts store, toy store, science & medical supply store, and more all in one! I love all the odd and unique little random things you can buy here, from beakers to all sorts of containers to tiny animal figurines. It's a great place to buy unique gifts! Things I've bought here in the past include a miniature globe, mystical fire color changing powder that I've used at bonfires, venus flytrap kits, plastic dinosaur toys, and much more that I can't think of right now. Definitely worth a visit!
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Nina B.

Yelp
Redeemed! It's the beginning of the school year and I need weird stuff - off to American Science I go... and now I have an eyeglass repair kit, so I don't have to use hot glue and duct tape on my students' glasses, (you'd be amazed - I'm always am), at the number of students who visit me before and after school for repairs, (word got around - "Oh Mrs. B. can fix that!"). Now I have the proper tools. And the extra, extra large playing cards - many thanks, (I was prepared to make some from poster board, but just didn't have the time). The young man gave them to me for free because they were out of their box and found on two different shelves, behind and under other stuff, (this young worker went the extra mile). ... I brought other goodies, for school... but why pray tell is American Science "Redeemed"? - You might be asking. I had a problem with a clerk on a a previous visit, I returned and another clerk calmed me down, (I was truly satisfied with her apology on behalf of the insulting clerk). So upon this visit, I just made mention to the present clerk, that I wore my school ID, just to be on the safe side; for my few pennies discount, (which do add up - I spend out-of-pcket/MY pocket, on the average $1k per year on my students in supplies and food - yes, I feed my dears - so I appreciate discounts)....And he said, "Yes, I heard about that..." Now, I'm thinking the incident was about three months ago - near the end of school. This young man looks new to me, so he must have been trained in the art of SERVICE and KINDNESS and THOUGHTFULNESS!, because my "incident" must have been used as an example of "what never to do to a teacher who spends her money on her students", (Art teachers are crazy, I mean special - you know). Thank you American Science... I must organize a field trip one day to American Science - or perhaps a virtual tour...
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Jacob J.

Yelp
When all the other Asian kids were spending a part of their summer preparing their science projects for the following year.. I was having a great effen summer! Then the dreaded science fair would roll around and I'd have nothing! That's when I'd beg my Ma' or Pa' to bring me out here. Decades ago they were located on Northwest Highway I believe. Bigger store too. I was always able to find some unique idea for a science project. I still go sometimes, pick up awesome cool stuff I don't need but looks awesome on my desk at work.

Lynn M.

Yelp
Fun place to shop. Found several items for the kids to enjoy. If you ever can go to the store, it's like a treasure hunt. On line is great too. Definitely check them out!
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Dennis K.

Yelp
Simply a wondrous place located way the hell out on Milwaukee Ave. This is the kind of store every nerdy 10 year-old fantasizes about. The people who love this store are the kind of people who built model rockets for science class and took apart everything they had the right screwdriver for. AS&S specializes in special junk for special needs. The store is just row after row of shelves and pegboard crammed with random, bizarre, and esoteric *things*. Half of the fun of the store is reading the hand-lettered product cards taped to the shelves. There are such things as: *museum-store type toys (gyroscopes, brain teasers, water rockets, &c.) *off-off brand copies of various radio shack style gadgetry *things you typically only see at suburban garage sales *bins of mechanical and electrical components yanked from obsolete devices *tiny glassine ziplock baggies and tiny ampoules, phials, and jars that scream "put drugs in me" *army surplus stuff that army surplus stores don't want *a good selection of middle-quality laboratory glassware *tons of other shit Everything is extremely cheap. The staff are amiable and geeky. There are often little kids in the store, but since they're nerds, dorks, and geeks, they're generally well-behaved--on the surface anyway. Conclusion: did you ever want your own 5mW helium-neon laser? You can get one from AS&S. Astra quinque.
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Karen C.

Yelp
If I lived near this place as a teenager/young adult I would have loved working here. It has so many random and bizarre things. I love that the employees are allowed to have crayon hair colors and funny t-shirts. I have always received great customer service here. I love browsing the aisles to see what new items they have available. They will also honor any price differences from their online inventory if you mention it. If you are nervous going in to stores during the pandemic, the online ordering is a good option. I know when they were closed down during the height of the pandemic they would even bring the order to your car. Fantastic store that everyone should visit.
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Alan S.

Yelp
Do you wanna check out the craters of the moon? See anything out of the ordinary on the lunar mass? Whats the nearest Galaxy? Can you see a small bacteria on the surface of a water sample? What is a Tesla Coil? What is a Van de Graff generator? Welcome to the American Science Surplus Store. You will discover anything Science. Do you want to conduct backyard science experiments? You can also discover the model contraptions made by Leonardo Da Vinci. You found the place. The store has science supplies for chemistry, physics, and biology laboratory experiments. The establishments caters to kids, adults, schools, and independent scientists who are interested in science projects. It has a bigger selection of electronics much more than Radio Shack. You will find many different brands of telescopes that can manually or through computer automation view celestial objects across space. Marvelous!!!!! Furthermore, the establishment sells various brands of microscopes. You can find the optical, dual lense, and a Russian anatomical microscope. Some if these microscopes have uses for pre medical students studying human anatomy in colleges and medical school. Interesting. Also you will find many novelty items like a chinese mig helmet, some old typewriter, lava lamps, and cold war gas masks. In the electronic section, I saw a Van de Graff generator and a Tesla Coil. I was thinking of buying the Tesla Coil for fun. Not far from the electronic section, you will find Dinosaur anatomy for future paleontologist and forensics. And you will be surprised with the various gadgets and mind puzzles like Rubiks Cube and Sudoko. They told me they will sponsor a huge memorial warehouse sale out in Niles, Il. I am going to check it out. Still I am thinking about buying the Tesla Coil.
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Azizah S.

Yelp
Looking for any off the wall science nic nacks for the budding mad scientist then look no further. Grew up coming here with my family and there was always something to be had here. Wether cool googlie eyes, rubber chicken or a steam pipe thingyamajig. This place probably supplied most of my school science projects and other family science endeavors. Really fun shop to go exploring for the science creatives. We also got the b&w catalog to make purchases but in person is pretty cool.
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Kyle T.

Yelp
I can not believe how incredible this place is. Let me first start off with some history involving me and this store. Back in my early teen years (probably 13 or 14) I stumbled upon a site online in which you could check random boxes and have catalogs of all sorts delivered to your house (we had the internet early). In that list, I found two of my favorite stores - Archie McPhee and American Science and Surplus. The magazines came and went. I fawned over the fact that I could purchase a gas mask, a beaker, a parachute if I so desired (although I never really ordered - I didn't have the funds even if the stuff in there was megacheap). Fast forward to a month or two ago. I've far from forgotten American Science and Surplus (I visited the site once a month just for fun), and one day browsing I find out that there is a store near me! I freaked and immediately planned to visit with friends. We finally made it there and we all loved it. Gadgets galore - a large majority of it we had no idea what the hell it did. There was seriously so much there that I never ended up purchasing anything because I was just browsing. It's like a friggin museum of oddities in there. I plan to go back again and hopefully pick something up.
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Len L.

Yelp
This store is a cross between a radio shack and a hobby shop. It's a candy store for anyone who is interested in science or a mechanic for electronics . There were mechanical birds flying around the store (radio controlled). How cool was that! Everyone there was very helpful and very knowledgeable on all their products. There were a person who brought in a vintage music box with broken blinking lights, they looked at it and replaced the lights. Now that is what I call service with a smile.
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Camille O.

Yelp
This is GEEK HEAVEN! www.sciplus.com I cant drive by the place without stopping in and then I may as well just hand the cashier $25 as a cover charge 'cause I'm sure to spend at least that. A bit of advice: leave your credit cards at home! These guys have everything except a slide rule (the kid behind the counter had no idea what I was talking about). But if you're looking for a rubber chicken, whachmacalits, widgets, or just the right gift for the guy or gal who has everything you're sure to find it at American Science and Surplus. And the product descriptions are often hilarious! Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Friday 10AM - 8PM Thursday 10AM - 9PM Saturday 9AM - 5PM Sunday 11AM - 5PM
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Felice C.

Yelp
As a middle school science teacher, this place is my spot, and so is their website! They offer lots of products that are great for my classroom, but are also super neat for kids, and great stocking stuffers. Customer service is amazing--I was able to set up a pick-up from their warehouse location in Niles (which is closer to me). Come here for fun, unique finds at amazing prices.
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Beth B.

Yelp
What a great place for true scientific and totally random stuff. The random stuff must be where the surplus part of the title applies. Have a naked gun turret? Sure, doesn't everyone? They have a naked gun turret cover for you. Items include nice telescopes to anatomy items. More surplus examples include Swiss army knives stamped with the address of a company in PA to tiaras and cardboard crowns. Some of the items are labeled straightforwardly. Others are more entertaining like a case labeled Nicolas Cage, er, Case with his sketch or jars labeled Jar-Jar for "awful comic relief, great for jellies and jams". I picked up several Christmas gifts here. Because of the surplus items, this is the kind of place you want to visit occasionally just to see what's hit the shelves since your last visit. They have a frequent shopper "Surpie" card too. Spend $150 over time and get $15 off. Not bad.
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Rachael C.

Yelp
Been going here forever! It truly is "science and surplus". Random things you didn't know you needed and stuff to make your invention get off the ground. Really off beat place thats also great place for kids 5 and up. The staff, selection of products and people watching will never disappoint.

Paul R.

Yelp
I placed an order on December 10 for a Christmas present for my nephew. It was to be delivered directly to him in another state. The gift did not arrive and on December 27 I called the company to inquire about the missing item. They informed me that they had apparently run out of the items as the order was canceled. I asked them why I had not received a notification and was told "the order canceled itself", whatever that means. I then asked when they expected to refund my $35.27 payment and was told they would process it today.
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Caro B.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite stores in Chicago, hands down. I came to buy soldering wire after going to Home Depot and RadioShack and not finding what I was looking for. I ended up buying a whole soldering kit (iron, wire and desodering pump) for less that half of what a similar iron would've cost in the other two stores. I obviously bought some other stuff because it's impossible to buy only one thing. Now I know better, before I start a new project I'll come here first.
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Patricia F.

Yelp
Yowza! What can't I say about the delightfully uniquely awesome environment here? Little treasures not found anywhere around! From glass eyes to frogs in suspended state to be de-frogged. Art supplies to garden to awkward and unique decorations. Haven't see a mexican jumping bean since I was a kid....but here? Yup yup! Super fly! And even a super fly eater , Venus Fly Trap available! Have someone in ur life who is hard to buy for? I have found so many cool Gadgets in little do lots and lots and all kinds of things for them here in the store. Great place just to get ur curiosity Factor quenched! Abundant of awesome science fair supplies, depending of course on your project. The only limit in this store, is yourself. A wide eyed, stir the right/left brain activity melted and infused and wa-la you have science Surplus! Never borning,always new. Sometimes we show up simply to look around at the wonderment of it all.

Logan S.

Yelp
Lemme tell you, I love this store and I go there all the time but today I went in there and all the teens ignored when I asked for help finding something and when I checked out they asked if I needed a bag three times because they were not paying attention to me at all and then didn't even put the things I checked out into the bag because they were goofing off behind the counter. Other than that, store has great prices and I found more than what I needed, I love how it has all these crafty items, I shop here all the time and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to go back to school shopping for their kids. I went for my high school and middle school children and they had a great time browsing the isles and finding all the cool stuff the store has to offer. Definitely check it out!