Do you believe in love at first sight? It happened to me when I stepped into Heritage Bicycles. I fell hard for this cozy little spot in my old neighborhood in Chicago.
Saturday afternoon I was in need of a place to get some work done and had spotted Heritage Bicycles on a top list in the new Chicago magazine. Once I sat down, I didn't want to leave. Not only do they serve my beloved Stumptown coffee + Mexican Cokes, but I also treated myself to a sandwich + cupcake they stock from Southport Grocery. I used to live just a few blocks from Southport Grocery and would often make the detour (in the wrong direction) on my way home from work to get a cupcake. These treats at Heritage Bicycles were definitely the icing on the cake. Literally. Check out that icing to cake ratio.
I think that this place hit my heart because it feels so much like New York. We could have been sitting in Brooklyn. So it was no suprise that when I met the friendly owner, Mike, he told me he was a New Yorker recently transplanted to Chicago. Midwest charm and prices with the New York vibe. Love.
It was also very cool to see (as I sat there for over four hours) people come in with their bikes. This is truly a bicycle shop that just happens to serve coffee and let people park with their computers. The make and sell bikes, along with gear in the back of the shop.
Everyone I met that worked there - as I stayed so long they had a shift change - were friendly and knowledgeable. They just seemed happy to be there, as was I. If you're trying to win back my heart, Chicago, Heritage Bicycles is one card well played.
