The best nail salons in Chicago

Cowshed is both a spa and an interior design junkie's paradise (much like the rest of Soho House). The rustic-chic space—home to five treatment rooms and six mani-pedi chairs—is decked out in Midwestern barnwood, crystal chandeliers, pristine vintage sofas and leather wingbacked pedicure chairs. While each of the spa's treatments are equally stellar, it's the Ultimate Pedicure (75 mins) you can't miss out on. It exclusively uses only all-natural Cowshed brand products, with a special exfoliating drill brought over from the UK, which will whip even the worst winter toes into shape. This is followed by a relaxing scalp and shoulder massage to top it all off.

North Siders know Cuticle isn't your average nail salon. The Uptown space is small and minimal, yet inviting—outfitted in stylish decor (think fashionable armchairs and sleek foot basins in favor of the usual massage chair). Prices are low, but customers return for the service, which is always flawless and clean. You even get to keep your nail file at the end.

Expect top-notch manicures and pedicures at this impeccably clean Gold Coast nail salon. Attention to detail is the norm here, which results in especially long-lasting, no-chip manicures. The fact that the salon stocks pretty much every nail polish color under the sun is also a win in our book.

Reasonable prices, attentive employees and a clean setting make this salon stand out from the pack. The polish selection is huge, and customers are greeted with a smile and a beverage as soon as they step their tired feet through the doors. Be sure to check out the salon's mid-week specials if you want the most bang for your buck.

Pampering is of prime importance at this Wicker Park salon that offers manicures, pedicures, lash and brow services, and waxing. A friendly, accommodating manager runs this staff of equally hospitable employees. The best part? You get to sip on free wine while they work their magic. (This spot is also BYOB, so feel free to bring your own, too!)

You only have to go as far as Wrigleyville to feel like you've traveled worlds away. Owner Antonio Favaro has improved his Italian-inspired destination salon over the years with classic spa amenities—an upstairs sanctuary with six treatment rooms, expert massage therapists, a marble steam shower and an espresso bar. Manicures and pedicures are nothing less than lovely, incorporating soothing organic scrubs and reflexology massage. It's clear they pay attention to details here.

Wrigleyville's Nas (the Serbian word for "our") is the kind of salon where you're treated like family. The staff is made up of trained nail technicians, and the services range from nails to body treatments and aromatherapy facials. This spot also gets major points for handing out street parking passes after 6pm.

Thanks to its BYOB policy, this Gold Coast nail spa is the perfect after-work spot where you can let your hair down. New Age caters to the Whole Foods set (at Whole Foods prices), with goods such as liquid gels (as opposed to abrasive acrylics) in tons of colors. The gender-neutral vibe means this place is good for guys, too.

Your favorite nail salon and cocktail bar has grown! Polish & Pour, an Old Town favorite, has opened a second location in Streeterville with all the same outstanding service and affordable prices. It's most famous for its Volcano Signature Pedicure treatment, which features a five-step process including nail care, an exfoliating sugar scrub and a collagen cream mask, finished with a collagen lotion and your choice of polish ($70 regular/$90 gel polish). Plus, both locations are BYOB for wine and hard drinks.

Head to this Lincoln Park nail salon for its vast selection of polishes and staff so friendly they'll serve you beverages while you're being pampered. Pearl's also offers foot massages, and you can book your appointment online for added convenience.

ZaZaZoo has recently changed ownership, and the Bucktown favorite now has a second location in West Town. The salon, with its bright interior and fuschia theme, has a variety of combination services for those on a tight schedule, including different mani and pedi packages and a special kid’s mani/pedi combo (for ages 10 and under). Raise your hand if you are down for a mommy/kiddo spa date.

Located in the heart of River North, many consider Top Coat one of the best nail salons in Chicago’s downtown area. Their technicians have outstanding skills and create some of the best-looking powder-coating nails in town. In the mood for something different? Top Coat always has new and seasonal designs you can choose from.

LO Spa and Nails provides a truly luxurious experience that will leave you pampered, restored and polished. With two locations in town, LO Spa features quality, non-toxic products, disposable tools and hospital-grade sanitation. Both outposts have a sweet Signature Mani/Pedi package deal for only $57. You can also customize your nails with one-of-a-kind art ($4 per nail) to showcase your personality. Bonus: LO Spa is BYOB.

You know a nail salon knows its trade when it’s been in business for over ten years. Vibrant colors, high-quality products, plus every kind of design you can ask for, from elegant to cutesy—that is Miniluv. If you want to get your nails done for a special occasion, come here. Miniluv is also one of the few spots in Chicago that can do 3D nails.

With a focus on eco-friendliness, Revive Nails & Co. uses organic products and creates a healthy alternative to traditional full-service nail treatments. They will also teach you everything you need to know about nail wellness. Revive also carries vegan polishes, available in 40 different Zoya colors and expanding. You also can’t beat the pricing: $44 for a 45-minute manicure session and $62 for a 60-minute pedicure session.

Although Reverie Nails might be relatively new, its outstanding services, amazing prices and friendly staff have already won over many hearts. Reverie carries a wide range of colors available in regular, gel and powders. It's also one of the only places in Chicago that offers CBD manicure and pedicure ($80 mani/pedi package).