When my wife and I moved to Chicago a year ago, we thought ourselves lucky to have a dry cleaner within sight of our house. But we don't go to that dry cleaner. We walk an extra block or so to Devrim, where we can expect a handshake and a hearty hello from the affable, funny, hard-working Figo and Alex (Alex being the good-looking one). They do a terrific job of cleaning and alterations at a fair price. But that's not the main attraction of Devrim. Figo and Alex aren't just great dry cleaners--they are neighbors, in every sense of the word. I sometimes stroll down there on a Saturday afternoon for no reason but to chat with the groups of folks who inevitably gather there for a cool beverage and a sampling of Figo's charming and wacky humor. Of course the New Year's Eve party is a draw as well. I'd never given a second thought to my dry cleaners, except as a place to get something done. Now I think of it as part of my weekend relaxation--like an old-fashioned barber shop or hitching post or general store. Figo and Alex are quite simply the best in Chicago.
Pros: Service, competence, friendliness
Cons: Figo's gut getting a little large.
more