Southgate Market

Between the loud music and the soft spoken cashier I had a bad experience today at this particular location. I tried to exchange some shoes and find out where a different size shoe was located but I couldn’t understand the soft spoken cashier who would not speak up or enunciate her words. I then tried making a phone call to confirm if the person I was getting the shoes for wanted a different pair or not and explain what other options were available at the location I was at but couldn’t hear b/​c of the music. I didn’t like the layout of the store it was hard to see where to find the checkout line and get around to the various styles of shoes.

Where’s the fire? Southgate Market is hot stuff! The first time I was here, (to the basement, Michael’s), I was not too impressed, but this place has grown on me:
1. Variety of stores. From Whole foods to Cost a Plus to Starbucks to Michael’s & Marshall’s & LA Fitness.
2. Location. It’s located nearby a lot of other businesses like Jewel, Binny’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, & Bed, Bath Beyond, as well as the new Dick’s & Pier I (coming soon) across the street… & eateries nearby: Chipotle, White Palace, Manny’s, Dunkin Donuts, Noodles & Co…
3. Parking — both garage and street. I like to hunt a street spot before the garage. Do watch your garage times & note that Whole Foods/​B of A has an uncovered separate lot too.
4. Firemen! (Indeed, I’m not single nor am I 23; I appreciate the uniform.). Every time I’m here, I’ve caught some activity on the street outside. Lights, sirens, horns and the fine men and women of the CFD — busting a training move outside the market and in the shadow of the Sears (yes, I know) Tower give this place some good city energy.
Caveat: «Market» is a misnomer; it’s more a mall with its stark concrete floors, multi-​levels & escalators running up the center. And it’s not too aesthetically pleasing at that. «Dark» is fairly accurate, but the place gets the job done.

I didn’t realize these shopping centers existed in the city proper. The few shops I went through were clean and nice. Southgate is within walking distance from the Roosevelt El stop and along the path of plenty of buses so it is easy to get to.

VALIDATE ME
This is a shopping mall that has several stores. They have 3 levels of parking which is free for 1.5 hours along as you get validated and 2 hours for LA Fitness. They also have an early bird special if you need to park all day.
The Whole Foods here has two free lots but make sure you don’t walk away from the lot to another business or you might get towed.
This location has a Marshall’s, Vision works, Panera Bread, LA Fitness, Michael’s Arts & Crafts, World Market, DSW and a Whole Foods to name a few of the bigger anchors here.
I would recommend staying away from here on the weekends because this place is a madhouse. The parking lot to exit is just crazy. I think some of the traffic on Sundays must come from the Maxwell street crowd. Just be aware to give yourself enough time to exit or you might be paying the overtime fee. Don’t lose your ticket either. A friend of mine lost his and got charged the full day rate of $ 25 for only working out for a few hours. That is never fun.
Free parking to go shopping or to workout is worth it. The entrance to the parking lot is in the back and accessible from the North and the South. So depending on your needs this place had a little bit of everything from shopping, eating and working out. Just do it!

Ya got’cher DSW Shoes, ya got’cher LA Shiznit (Fitness), ya got’cher Whole Food$, ya got’cher validated parking. What be’s not to likes?

This place sucks! It is dark & confusing. There is NO security anywhere. I am glad I came shopping with my family. Never again nor am I allowing my wife to come to this place ever again without me. Managers should be ashamed of how the parking areas smell like urine and the homeless panhandling throughout the parking area.

They need to salt the ramps to the second floor. I almost slide backwards today. This seems like a basic thing to do in the winter.

Blah is all I can say. Tiny mall ever since Office Depot moved out its been empty. The only two big stores Dsw and Whole Foods are there now Marshalls as well keep it alive. There is no color to the mall nor any décor. Not even a fake play wattttt??? I still like the mall overall. Hopefully more stores will open soon. :D

Watergate.
Whitewatergate.
Travelgate.
Nipplegate.
Southgate.
Is it ever good to have a «gate» attached to your name?
Save the Whole World Foods and Disco Shoe Warehouse are about the only living specimens remaining inside the mini mall which is Southgate. Disco Shoe Warehouse is relatively cheap, if you can find anything, but don’t expect friend prices at Save the Whole World Foods.
Southgate also has a World Market, a Panera, a Marshall’s and a pet store. All of the other stores have pretty much closed.
This ain’t touristy Michigan Avenue at the weekend, Vince. This is a buyer’s market — Save the Whole World Foods notwithstanding — but the buyers aren’t buying.
Southgate is frigging dead as… dead. And it’s not coming back in a big frigging way.
Alright, gimme two ounces of the Italian Roast and a NuGrape. If it’s as good as you say it is I’ll come back and buy a 24-​ounce bag and a six-​pack, respectively.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Mi meurto mini-​mall, su meurto mini-​mall.
Muchos gracias.

The parking is an adventure; but Southgate Market has just about everything you could need.
I mean, I bought the very glasses resting on my nose at this very moment from Visionworks in Southgate.
I usually sneak in & out of Southgate simply to visit Whole Foods; but occasionally I will find the need for a little shopping. Found a very nice handbag at DSW at 70% off. Touchdown!
There is even a pet store on the lower level… I have not ventured down there or I might have brought home a Beta fish by now… or worse, a hamster. (Ok, animal soft-​spot confession here with a no-​pet lifestyle!)

I was pleased with this mall which is a part of a growing South Loop. When I was in college at nearby Columbia, the Target opening was part of it and the Ikon Theatre added further to the area.
Now, the mall which includes Whole Foods, DSW, World Market, Starbucks among others. With validation (which they gave me for free), your first 90 minutes are free. I utilized that time to pick up a bottle of Argentian wine and dine at White Palace Grill of Diners Drive Ins and Dives fame which is right down the road. Not too shabby.