Remember The Alley?

Hi, it’s Leslie Harris. When I was a teenager and in my early twenties, I loved hanging out at The Alley. Maybe you did too.

The Alley first started at the Woodfield Mall, but it was most famous for being a Mecca at the corner of Belmont and Clark in Chicago. There were at least four different shops under The Alley banner including Taboo Taboo and The Architectural Revolution, and it became a haven for rockers of all genres. Punk rockers, goth rockers, and even classic rockers could all feel comfortable at The Alley, with its leather jackets, combat boots, and their own line of unusual t-shirts and jewelry.

The Alley has moved several times. It’s a fraction of the size that it once was, and it is currently housed at 2620 West Fletcher in Chicago, but one can also order their goods online. My adult kids, ages 23 and 27, still love going to The Alley, and on Sunday, my 23 year old and I went to celebrate The Alley’s 47th anniversary.

Mark Thomas started his business with jewelry making when he was just 17 years old, and eventually grew it into more than just a business, but a community. He still owns it to this day.

So take a trip down memory lane, or make some new ones and visit the alley at 2620 West Fletcher, or online at thealleychicago.com