Boxville

Well worth the drive from the suburbs. Come support local, small businesses doing things a bit different!

This marketplace celebrates local vendors offering unique product in and around several in shipping containers with DJ Toure, a local DJ with an international following, providing the beat. It's becoming a key neighborhood gathering point with a great vibe in a unique place in the heart of historic Bronzeville.

Stumbled upon this place on accident while getting lost on the way to the Obama Family Home and I am so glad! Shoutout to Synergy Foods for waving us over and telling us about this place. All black-owned business in box-like structures and it was so cool! So many great shops and business owners! As a tea lover I bought some tea from Good Thoughts Tea Company, which I highly recommend!

Great opportunity for start ups to have a store front in a thriving incubator environment. Cool soulful vibe with music and colorful art.

For this business village to have been established 5 years ago it’s sad how low the foot traction and customer based is for this community. How do these businesses thrive in this community? When there’s little to no advertisements.. No one knows Boxville exist unless it’s by word of mouth which is sad when we can see financial data online. Where is the mall signage? Where is the community advertisement? Not to mention all of the loitering that happens around the community how do you expect to you businesses to thrive when potential customers are being harassed by the pedestrians under the green line. There needs to be some leadership, we want black businesses to succeed especially in a city like Chicago near the Hyde park area. Never knew these Hidden gems existed, Da Book Joint, Synergy and Conscious plates are amazing. Do better for this community they deserve it.

I came to visit from out of town and just had to support them being as they are all black owned small businesses . I stopped at Stoviink Creatives who sold hand made candles as well as so many more hand made items . Her cool and Vibrant Energy was off the chain . I feel like I truly had the pleasure of encountering a true Gem . I tried the candy apply spot whose Cinnamon Toast Crunch apple was amazing . As well as the Alkaline Restaurant whose food was truly authentic . I had a Beautiful experience and every time I make a visit to Chicago I will be a loyal custom to all the vendors in Boxville . Many Many Blessings !

There aren't a lot of stores left but the Hibachi bowl and peach cobbler pound cake I got from the two ladies that were on 9/27/23 were legit.

One of the most interesting, creative, and innovative spaces operating in Chicago. Highly recommend checking out the marketplace during their weekly open house style event.