Salon Meraki Queen St

I get gel manicures every 4-6 weeks at Salon Meraki on Queen Street and pedicures in the summer (I don't get pedicures in the winter to give my nails a rest and because I walk a ton and ski). I love this nail salon. I always book based on convenience, so I've used most of the nail techs and I am always happy with the service. The salon is well managed and they are accommodating and professional. The owner is well known in the Old Town business community, so you have a feeling of community, where there are regular customers and other local business owners. I always see 2-3 people I know! The salon is clean and has a nice minimalistic aesthetic. Sometimes there are clients loudly conducting business while getting their nail services and I am very short, so the pedicure chairs are not at all comfortable. But the great service, quality and community feel is worth it to continue being a regular. I occasionally go to other salons when I need my nails done and can only go when this salon is closed and I am reminded every time why I continue to go to Salon Meraki! They now have a head spa on King that I would love to try out. I live walking distance but never have trouble finding parking on the side streets. You can tip by Venmo which is very convenient and that way I know the gratuity goes directly to my nail tech! The quality is great and I rarely have chips or issues and I can go 4-6 weeks between services (really need to go every 4 weeks but as a busy working mom who works in the office, that rarely happens).

I’ve been coming here for about 2 years now and absolutely love it there. Everyone is friendly, it’s clean, well priced, and Mimi is an amazing nail technician. The 3 photos is the work she has done the last 3 times I’ve seen her.

A friend recommended I visit Salon Meraki and I’m so glad I did. I loved the atmosphere of the location and my technician, Mimi, was amazing. She took her time with my services and listened to my requests regarding my pedicure needs. It was a great experience and I will definitely be back!

Nikki is amazing!! She does such an expert job and I can’t say enough about the care she puts into my nails every time, no matter the random design I ask her to create. And she’s got such a kind heart! I’ve been going to see her for about two years, and I have no plans to stop. Thanks, Nikki!

What I liked: very clean, pretty place, decent manicure (didn’t try any other services), nice color selection, staff was nice, complimentary sparkling wine, can tip via Venmo. Would be better if they had massage chairs for the pedicures, fans for drying nails, and if they prompted you to pay before putting color on your nails. I was pretty disappointed they don’t have that new regular nail polish that lasts much longer (in fact they had no idea what I was talking about, but every nail salon in Chicago has it). Also it’s very quiet - nice and peaceful, but I personally like when there’s some music or something going. But overall I enjoyed and would go back! UPDATE - my regular manicure chipped less than 24 hours after my appointment :( hence the 4 stars. But I would still go back to try a dip manicure