Top 10 Anime Stores in Chicago in 2025: A Dream Destination for Anime Fans
Chicago is not only known for its iconic skyline and rich cultural history, but it’s also home to a vibrant and growing anime scene. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection of manga, find the perfect figure, or discover unique anime merchandise, the Windy City has plenty of stores to explore. Here’s a guide to the top 10 anime stores in Chicago in 2025, perfect for both casual fans and dedicated collectors alike.
1. Chicago Comics
Location: 3244 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Chicago Comics is a beloved local comic shop with an excellent selection of manga, anime figures, and pop culture merchandise. The store offers new releases, used books, and rare collector’s items, making it a go-to for anime fans looking for something special. Their staff is knowledgeable and always happy to help you find the perfect addition to your collection.
Why Visit: Great for manga lovers and collectors, with an impressive selection and knowledgeable staff.
2. Anime Art
Location: 1018 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Anime Art is a treasure trove for anime and manga enthusiasts. This shop specializes in anime prints, posters, and rare collectible items. It offers everything from action figures to anime-inspired artwork, making it an essential stop for fans who want to bring a piece of their favorite series into their homes.
Why Visit: A mix of anime art, posters, and figures for the perfect combination of anime fandom and decoration.
3. The Toy Soldier Shop
Location: 405 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
While the Toy Soldier Shop specializes in military figures and models, they also carry a solid selection of anime and Japanese pop culture merchandise. Whether you’re hunting for high-quality anime figurines, plushies, or collectibles, this shop offers a unique blend of items that will appeal to fans of various genres.
Why Visit: An eclectic shop that offers rare and collectible anime figurines and merchandise.
4. Book Off Chicago
Location: 161 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60601
Book Off is a Japanese second-hand store that has become a favorite for budget-conscious anime fans. Offering a wide variety of pre-owned manga, anime DVDs, figures, and more, Book Off allows fans to find treasures without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for the latest manga or a vintage anime collectible, Book Off has you covered.
Why Visit: Affordable second-hand manga and anime merchandise for those on a budget.
5. Mitsuwa Marketplace
Location: 100 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Mitsuwa is a Japanese supermarket that also houses an impressive anime store. The marketplace has a dedicated section for anime figures, manga, toys, and collectibles. If you’re also looking to experience authentic Japanese cuisine while you shop, Mitsuwa is the perfect spot to get your anime fix along with some delicious food.
Why Visit: A combined shopping and dining experience with a fantastic selection of anime merchandise.
6. Forbidden Planet Chicago
Location: 2496 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Forbidden Planet is a well-known chain offering a diverse range of comic books, anime merchandise, and pop culture collectibles. Their Chicago location is stocked with anime figures, manga, posters, and DVDs. Whether you’re into the latest anime series or classic titles, Forbidden Planet has something for everyone.
Why Visit: A reliable destination for both mainstream and niche anime merchandise.
7. Super H Mart
Location: 7505 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60706
Super H Mart is an Asian supermarket chain that offers an impressive selection of anime and manga-related merchandise. While you’re browsing through their aisles for unique snacks and ingredients, you can also check out their selection of figures, toys, and manga at reasonable prices. It’s a great spot to find anime items and stock up on other fun goods.
Why Visit: A one-stop shop for anime merchandise and unique Asian products.
8. Galactic Comics & Games
Location: 1844 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Galactic Comics & Games is a comic book store with a heavy focus on anime, manga, and pop culture. Whether you’re looking for anime-inspired board games, manga, or collectible figures, this store has something for all kinds of fans. Galactic Comics is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, so it’s easy to get lost in the store’s fantastic selection.
Why Visit: An inclusive and fun store for anime fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
9. Best Buy – Anime Section
Location: 400 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60062
Though Best Buy is known for electronics, their anime section is a hidden gem for fans. Featuring a selection of anime Blu-rays, DVDs, and figures, Best Buy offers a more mainstream shopping experience for anime fans looking for the latest releases. The staff here is always happy to help you track down the newest anime titles, making it a convenient stop for collectors.
Why Visit: A mainstream retailer with a surprisingly good anime selection.
10. The Paper Chase
Location: 907 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
The Paper Chase is a unique shop that specializes in rare books, including vintage manga and out-of-print anime novels. The store is a great place for those looking for classic or hard-to-find anime materials. It’s a must-visit for collectors looking for rare editions or older manga series.
Why Visit: The best place in Chicago for rare and vintage anime books and manga.
Conclusion
Chicago is home to a growing community of anime fans, and these top 10 stores are the perfect places to feed your passion. Whether you’re into collecting rare figures, reading the latest manga, or exploring exclusive merchandise, there’s a store in Chicago for you. With so many options available, anime fans can immerse themselves in a world of endless possibilities and find everything they need to celebrate their favorite series. Happy shopping!
