Scout

What an awesome place. Stopped in today looking for something pretty specific (mid century chairs and sideboard) and Larry was wonderful! Even showed me things online at competitors stores when it initially seemed they may not have what I needed. His colleague said inventory changes frequently so I will go back often since I’m in the midst of a slow redo of my house. Highly recommend. They had some beautiful pieces.

I discovered Scout several years ago when I lived near the store. I quickly became a regular and found some amazing pieces there. Later I bought a home on the south side of the city and the owner Larry was instrumental in helping me furnish my house. Larry has an eye like no other shop keeper. The merchandise at the store never seems stale and the stock is always changing. It’s definitely worth a trip to Andersonville to find some highly edited pieces at a reasonable price.

Welcome to the mid-​century of my dreams! Billed as an urban antique shop, Scout aims to make familiar elements – simple and unadorned – interesting again. You’ll find vintage furniture and industrial accessories, reclaimed, reused or repurposed, all with a mid-​century modern aesthetic.
Visit often, as the inventory rotates on a revolving door. Although most of Scout’s wares are out of my budget, I recently stumbled across a pair of gently weathered Bertoia side chairs – two of dozens that formerly sat outside at the Chicago Botanic Gardens – at a bargain price. I had to snatch ‘em then and there!

Picked up some industrial shelving over the weekend. They cleaned it up and clear sealed over a wonderful patina. Got a small discount for buying multiple items. Helped me load it in my truck. Will be back often for more urban finds Larry has a great design sense and recommend stopping in when looking for stylish, unique, urban design elements.

I love this place… The furniture is hip, the staff is super personable & if they’d let me, i’d move right in. If your esthetic is funky mid-​century w/​a touch of class (not so mainstream) go here & you will fall in love.

Recently bought a dining table from Larry and had an amazing experience. Not only do we love the piece, but Larry went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel special. The store is constantly changing and the inventory always impresses. Would highly recommend buying locally and visiting Larry.

I have a flip side to the reviews that have been left here.
When my husband and I moved to Andersonville from Providence, RI. we had amassed a great deal of antiques that we simply couldn’t fit into our small apartment. As we lived in the area, we strolled into Scout and met the owner, Larry. Not only is Larry a gem, but also a really good egg.
We sold several pieces to him; he paid a fair price for them, and the items we sold were things that he simply would not find in the Midwest, so we were thrilled to ease up our load a bit.
We have been in and out over the years and always think fondly of our days in Andersonville, and the way that Larry did and does business. Yes, his prices may be high. But as a business owner to a business owner, those who don’t own businesses truly don’t understand or factor overhead into pricing. To stay in business, you need to make a certain margin. On some pieces you score! On some you don’t and I believe that Larry’s pricing speaks for supply/​demand and reasonable costs of running a business.

Recently I happened in to Scout with a friend and was really impressed by one of the paintings so I bought it (for $ 700), with the understanding that I would pick it up at a later date.
On my way to pick it up this morning, I called ahead to ask if someone from Scout could load the painting into my car as there was no parking and traffic was heavy. Out comes this guy with the painting. The painting is not wrapped or packed; the guy just opens the latch to my car and carelessly puts the painting in the back and slams the door.
Granted, I am not a regular art collector, but I have bought enough art in the past to recognize poor form. If someone is going to spend that much money on a quality painting, I would have expected it to be properly prepared for transport. Needless to say, the frame had a few marks on it and there appears to be a chip in the shellac finish. Net-​net, I like the painting, but the guys who run this shop are rookies who clearly don’t understand how to handle fine pieces. Unfortunately, I won’t be planning a return visit.

Amazing place. A loft owner could have an out-​of-​body experience at Scout. They have the most stellar taste and they’re very friendly. Designers must love coming here. As of late, the prices seem to have become more reasonable on many of the items. I got a desk for $ 375, which isn’t outrageous.

Interesting collection at this store, really friendly gentleman at the front, but prices seemed high for some of the vintage pieces. I also realized some of the stuff here wasn’t unique to this store.

Scout is unique and has some amazing pieces.
We fell in love with some local urban Chicago paintings and a chandelier made of old lamps. Unique with an industrial flair. Very cool. Prices seemed reasonable to me, but I live in California where things are often pricier.

Love love love love love love me some Larry! Love me some Scout!
Every thing in this store is beautiful. For some people who have said it’s overpriced… not to be rude, but maybe if you buy faux antiques from Target it would be expensive but not for real vintage items. I bought two old railway lanterns early this year which were $ 60 for the pair. I’ve seen them sell for $ 45 for just one so I feel great about my purchase. They are heavy and industrial-​looking, and everyone always comments on them. The owner has impeccable taste and vision. You never know what you’ll find here. If you need something in particular I bet they would find it for you.

Nice store, nice rotating selection but I feel Scout has gotten a little to big for its own good. The prices continue to rise to the point where it’s amusing. Do yourself a favor — check out antique stores and flea markets. You’ll find that steel filing cabinet your looking for, and for a fraction of the price and have the same look.

Scout is very special. It is part gallery, part furniture store, all of it very one of a kind.
Their specialty is repurposed wood, metal, glass, and more. It all somehow turns into very well made and artful furniture, and home solutions. Tables, book shelves, wall art, and the little touches to keep it all original and well made.
The shopkeeper, Larry, is attentive and helpful to all visitors and buyers. Coming here and looking is inspiration, and the new-​old-​used-​fresh-​but original objects are a great buy.
If your space needs an end table, side table, unique wall piece, or unusual chest o’ drawers, do check out Scout.

Larry, thank you for all of the wonderful pieces that you have helped me select for my small space in Andersonville. The credenza is just great, the desk is spectacular. and all of my wonderful Teddy Harris lamps are just perfect! I need your help with storage Ideas!!!
You are the best! Andersonville is lucky to have you!
I would love to treat you to a cup of coffee sometime or a beer.
Your biggest fan,
Luis

Do yourself a favor, if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by Scout. Even if it’s just to browse, you won’t regret the trip indoors. Some really beautiful pieces that make you wish you (ie me) weren’t so darn poor.
I’m telling you, if I’m ever not so darn poor, I may well be returning to Scout as more than just a salivating onlooker.

Scout is the coolest. We check in about every two weeks, and every time they have a whole store of new stuff. And I want all of it!
The only thing that makes this shop less than perfect is the amount of sold signs you see on the furniture! I kick myself all the time for not just buying things I see on the spot, because their stuff is so great it flies out of the store and then I have whatever the opposite of buyer’s remorse is. I still daydream about a medical cabinet I saw in there one day.

Larry — your shop has great one of a kind pieces of art and furniture.
But as I am sure you have heard… your sales force and welcoming attitude have not infected many who enter your gorgeous store.
the prices can be leaning towards the higher end.
I have been in this store more than 20 times and have purchased items from this store — the inventory moves pretty quickly and some days have more to like than others.
Scout still has some of the finest pieces you would want to own!
even if the service is backwards! and the prices are up there!
If you are looking for the special one of a kind piece!
they may have it!
when you are doing the antique swing in Andyville! this is one of the key stops on the trek!

This review is based on my standing outside of the window, salivating over dressers and tables and night stands that I can’t even afford to touch, much less take home with me.
So based on that… I love love love Scout. LOVE! I want to shout it from the rooftops, and I only wish they accepted all of this love and enthusiasm in lieu of credit cards or cash.

I guess I was underwhelmed by Scout. After reading so much about it and hearing so many great things, I felt like I should have been bowled over… but I wasn’t. Some interesting pieces… but not much that I feel like you don’t see at a lot of shops. They just seem to have cleaned them up better. High prices too.
The guy behind the desk barely had a word for us and we were the only people in there. Also, it was beastly hot in the place. All told, I was just as happy to be out of Scout.