Yes, they oblige to all the health codes and are very sanitary, but that is probably the only glue that binds this place to every other shop in town. Many of their artists have been around for years, and the moniker of “We Tattooed Your Dad Here” is very accurate, since they are also the oldest shop in town. It’s little wonder this place always seems to have a healthy batch of customers in and out of the chairs!
Of all the places I have ever ventured into for a tat, the Tattoo Factory is the only place in the city I would ever recommend outside of a convention. This is a straight forward place to go, without any of the nonsense or hype that has stained the other shops in town. If you are looking to have a genuine piece of unique skin art crafted by truly gifted artists, this is definitely the place to go. People looking for generic flash, tramp stamps and goofy cartoon characters they will later regret need not apply.
That sweet, sweet scent of green soap and the humming of a thousand bees tantalizes the senses as you first walk in the door, with beautiful artwork gracing every crack and crevice. Yes, there is plenty of flash up there, but I personally think it’s there to give you an idea more than just as something to merely pick off the wall. In spite of the word “Factory” in their name, this shop operates as anything but. These guys (and ladies!) all have their different specialties, so be sure to speak up about what preferences you have.
If you have no idea what you want, feel free to browse through the books, then discuss with an available artist of what you like about it, so they can see how they can personalize it for you. Simply pointing and saying “I want that” is likely to get you pointed to the door, or at the very least a heavy sigh or an eye roll - would you do that to Van Gogh or Dali? The folks working here deserve no less.
Those looking to get a piercing done will also find this be the best place to go! Folks working here have been doing piercings on all parts of the anatomy for many, many years - one guy in particular, Hank, for nearly twenty! Jewelry is available in various gauge sizes and designs, depending on taste and placement.
So yes, come on down to Uptown and get your body transformed into a living work of art!
As Chicago’s first woman owned and female oriented sex shop, Early to Bed is a store where women can feel comfortable shopping for fun playthings in a clean, upbeat and supportive atmosphere. No worries about creepy, trench coat donning guys lurking in the corners here! It’s nice to be able to see all kinds of great priced items to check out in person, instead of shopping online. And, the wonderful, courteous staff is more than happy to offer just the right amount of help, without pressure, prejudice or embarrassment. How completely liberating!
Yes, Chicago is blessed with a decent handful of other such stores in the city, but Early to Bed falls in as a happy medium among them all. It is somewhere between the primarily gag and bachelorette party supply store, Batteries Not Included, and the overly pink, foux foux and heavily priced G Boutique, which also tends to cater to smallish sizes.
While this establishment caters to women, be they straight or gay, genders of shapes and sizes are just as welcome, as no double standards are allowed here. The outright vulgar packaging and seedy environment customary to most such stores are kept at bay, making the shopping experience that much more enjoyable. And my oh my how much fun it is to turn on the testers on display! buzz! Bzzzzzz! BZZZZZZ! Folks are guaranteed every item they sell does just what they promise!
What makes this store even better is the vast amount of vegan and latex free supplies on hand, since many of their regular customers go there specifically to find these products, again without having to resort to pulling that otherwise customary happy dance around the mail box. Special items can also be ordered, and their accepting and non pressuring staff is chock full of information, so customers can know up front if the product is a good buy for them. Those who know what they want can and would prefer discretion can of course order through them online.
So yes! Making the trip down to Early to Bed is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetimes. It’s a safe bet almost all first timers become regulars, because this is a true gift bestowed upon the city, making sure everyone’s sex lives sizzle!
Yes, they oblige to all the health codes and are very sanitary, but that is probably the only glue that binds this place to every other shop in town. Many of their artists have been around for years, and the moniker of “We Tattooed Your Dad Here” is very accurate, since they are also the oldest shop in town. It’s little wonder this place always seems to have a healthy batch of customers in and out of the chairs!