We finally made it to Patina to snap some photos a few weekends ago, after many well meaning but failed attempts to stop by after its opening last fall.
We won't wait long before returning - the stock is interesting and very reasonably priced, which means we think it will be a whole new experience each time we stop in...
The garden level shop is tucked away on the east side of Damen - cozy and friendly. The owner, Alan, was helpful and very friendly - he does all the buying for the shop so he can fill you in on the back story of where the goods were before arriving at Patina.
Here are just some of the interesting finds that were "in store" on the day we visited:
Our take on Patina? A great place to find vintage pieces that have been carefully chosen and priced fairly. The overall look when we were there was definitely in the science lab/schoolroom/industrial vein, mixed in with cool old signage and well-kept pieces from throughout the 20th century.
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12-7, Friday 12-6, Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 12-5

Comments (8)
Whoa! Looks like it's metal not wood, but that's a black card file just like a poster earlier today was asking about!
Alan - the owner has a great eye!
Not that Larry Vodak- chief Scoutmaster @ Scout in Andersonville can be "matched" or even compared to - but, this mans gotta be makin ol' Larry nervous.
Great find!
Does anyone remember the store that was in Patina's place before? A woman owned the shop...
pinkuschi, i think it used to be lisa's loot. she moved her business over to broadway and glenlake up in edgewater.
patina looks great! definitely have to go check it out soon.
PATINA is worth the trip! We noticed the cool shop logo on their windows one day -- "vintage finds and home" sounded interesting! We weren't disappointed once we went inside. There was a neat blend of old and new in a modern atmosphere. I bought an old, white metal stool -- at a good price -- for my art studio, and also bought a very affordable Aromatherapy candle jar -- in neat packaging -- by Paul Robinett. I recommend the pomegranate! YUM! The owner, Alan, was so nice and friendly, too! He made us laugh! I suggest walking just up Damen, to have lunch at Ventrella's Cafe, after shopping at Patina. It's very retro and stylish inside, and the food was delicious!
I would go crazy in this store - I'm craving just about every thing in the photos! Will definitely take a look next time I'm in Chicago.
What is the name of those doll-like things? I'm assuming they were used in carnival games?
Everything in this store is truly gorgeous, unique and affordable. The owner is unbelievably nice and accommodating, making your visit to his shop that much more enjoyable. Thanks to Alan's impeccable taste, I can start making my house more like home with non-traditional furnishings.
It really is a great store. Right now there is this distressed Union Jack table in the window that I am dying for.