Labrabbit Optics

Great place to get a pair of glasses, no doubt about it, don’t even waste your time anywhere else.

Coyote is an old school artisan. Lenses are cut by hand. If needed, frames are heated and molded on the spot. Again, this is done by hand. No shortcuts here.
Labrabbit is not your typical experience. This shop is for the consumer looking for unique eyewear, one of a kind in some cases, and a custom fit. Coyote delivers on all fronts. I’ve worn glasses for over 30 years, and the 2 pair he made for me are the best fit I’ve ever had.
Coyote puts time and passion into his work. The level of detail and expertise he brings makes all the difference in the process. Labrabbit will be my go to from now on.
If you’re in the market for new eyewear and you want frames that you won’t see on anyone else, don’t hesitate to visit Labrabbitt. The craftsmanship is unrivaled.

So I had super advanced fancy LASIK surgery done in 2008. Had to work through a ton of anxiety, but the perfect storm of a dear Ophthalmology friend getting me in a study and an accidental 1500 HSA balance about to expire pushed me to just get it done. And it was a miracle! Within 3 days, I had been freed from the 30-​year shackles of my coke-​bottle glasses. I was a different person bursting with clarity!
And so I ignored that I was slowly drifting away from ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision over the past year (years?). And maybe I couldn’t see the bands on stage as well as i hoped. And occasionally, I would resort to pulling on my eyeballs to get the appropriate refractive angle. But this month, I couldn’t see the TV. Plausible deniability was lost.
So I got lucky and made an Ophtho appointment and found out that I’ve probably been legally blind AGAIN for awhile. And with a rush of acceptance/​frustration, I did the typical google/​yelp search and found Labrabbit Optics was on my walk home from the El.
I tried texting every fashion savvy friend I had, as I knew I was going to impulse buy now that I knew it was time to regain the gift of sight. No luck. So I perused all the options and found only a few frames that fit my face. At that point, I was ready to complete my impulse buy, and Coyote came over to look over my choices. He immediately nixed two (the more expensive ones!), and came back with one completely different frame. Glorious, it was a super trendy, sleek, futuristic version of the metal geek frames I had on my face for decades. With one pair of frames, Coyote had let me reclaim glasses from my dorky past.
Coyote clearly has great pride in his products and service. He even promised me not to order the same frames anytime soon, which is obviously unnecessary, but which kinda felt a nice touch. For the adult that spent years weighed down with glasses as a kid, this store will let you soar:) Sorry for that last line.
TL;DR: All the articles and reviews are correct, LabRabbit is a gallery as much as it is a store, go buy some art for your face.

When it comes to your face… don’t mess around.
Labrabbit Optics is a beautiful, clean lined shop with the best selection of eyewear in Chicago. Coyote, the owner, is a true professional. Knowledgable and an expert in his craft.
Since shopping with Labrabbit putting glasses on in the morning has turned from a drab necessity to an exciting part of my morning routine.

This place is the craft cocktail version of eyewear. Coyote is a one-​man show who has carefully curated one of the most unique and interesting collections of frames I’ve ever seen. …And my husband is an optometrist — so there is a LOT of eyewear in my life :)
If you’re looking to blend in, go to one of the obvious chain stores and support Corporate America. If you’re looking to support a local Chicago business, find something that reflects the individual that you are, or even if you’re just looking for an environmental change-​of-​pace for a minute — Labrabbit is for you.
You can find vintage frames to handmade frames. Speaking of, Drift Eyewear is sold here — ALSO Chicago business owners, that use reclaimed wood to make their frames. Really neat. Got the hubs a pair about a year ago (shades) and pretty sure he’ll need another at some point because he wears them everywhere. Oh, that’s another thing — if you fall in love with frames there, you can have them be made into glasses OR shades. Nice to have options. Check this place out.

There is definitely something to be said for individual attention. After trying online frames and being dissatisfied, I came in to Labrabbit specifically to get some high-​quality frames personally fitted to me. Coyote helped me through the selection process and had my frames and lenses ready a few days later, and then worked with me to ensure that they fit properly so I could leave constantly pushing my glasses up as a distant memory.
I’ve been back a couple times since, and will continue to go here for all my optical needs. Something that is such a big part of my personal appearance warrants this level of consideration.

i buy glasses obsessively but rarely get to this neighborhood so I’d never been to Labrabbit. I’d just acquired a new pair of vintage frames that needed adjusting so I thought it would be a great reason to finally get over there, get an adjustment from an optician I knew carries vintage frames, and have a look around.
The guy was friendly enough when I came in but he took a call while I was mid-​sentence explaining why I was there. After he got off the phone, I took out my vintage frames and he immediately announced that he doesn’t adjust frames he didn’t sell because he might break them. I’ve always considered that to be an indication that an optician lacks skill in the art of frame adjustment and cares more about making money off people than helping them wear their glasses comfortably and correctly. I wanted my frames back immediately and he got somewhat snippy. I got out of there fast.
Since i was already all the way out there, I checked google for nearby shops and went elsewhere. The optician graciously complimented my vintage frames and confirmed that they were authentic. She performed an EXPERT adjustment and was delightful to chat with so of course I had to start trying on frames. I bought a pair of glasses from her and will be back! So sorry Labrabbit guy.

Did you know? Labrabbit optics replaces lenses if you have your own frames.
On a recent trip to Japan, I decided to buy some Kaneko optical frames since most of the asian frames have nose pads to help with my small bridge. I brought my frames here to have the lenses made and couldn’t be more pleased.
My vision is −5.75÷−6.00 and the price for the lenses was extremely reasonable. In addition, I believe the lenses are 1.74 hi-​index Essilor lenses with Crizal Avance coating. The reviews may complain that the lenses are «expensive,» but you actually get MORE than what you pay for. They’re not thick, polycarbonate ones. They are the thinnest, most comfortable, and pretty lenses I have ever had. Ive been quoted $ 600 for similar lenses.
The next best part is the service. The owner checks everything. He looks at your face, the side of your face, behind the ear… he makes sure that is completely level and fits your face the best that it can fit. I tend to rush myself through this process and it happened in Japan. Even though the Kaneko optical people adjusted it, I came home feeling bummed bc it felt too high on my face. Considering I didnt buy my frames here, the owner fixed all of that.
If you want to get your lenses replaced, remember two things:
(1) Bring your prescription or know how heavy your vision is. You can discuss how thin/​thick and the options for lenses.
(2) Bring your old lenses. You can point out all the crappy things you don’t like about your existing glasses and how you overpaid at your optometrist office. You can discuss the new options that won’t have those issues.
Overall, 5+ stars. Highly recommended. Just come here.

I came here today because I’ve been in search of a specific design style in eyeglass frames. This is a small shop with unique frames whether vintage or contemporary. All looked to be very «one of a kind» regardless… prices do vary.
Coyote (owner) who was sitting at his table and looked to be repairing some glasses greet us (I had my hubby and kid w/​me)… I walked over and gave him a brief idea of what I was looking for… he suggested I look around first… after a little time, he laid out Several frames that may be to my liking… I finally narrowed down to two options. Another customer walked in to pick up a pair of his finished glasses and as I was still looking while he served this customer, I could overhear his conversation with that other customer and it was apparent that Coyote is a very compassionate and earnest working individual. He took the time to let the customer know How to care Properly for his frames and lenses, etc… To me that is quality service.
I finally sat down with Coyote, his words were simple, yet really made total sense. He just said that it is the comfort and fit that is most important (I can’t quote exactly, but pretty much that’s what he said)…
Although I walked out not purchasing anything (yet)… I wanted to give my first impression review, because I think the work ethics that Coyote puts in and he as a professional, this is a place worth visiting especially if you are serious about your vision and what you want sitting on your nose all day.
Before I left, he told me that if I was interested in the frames to contact him and he would put on hold since those frames do not have stock.
Coming back home, looking at the photos I took, I decided to also check out his website. Not only was my first impression of Labrabbit high, but also to find out he is a local small business, I was happy to hear because I am a supporter of small business owners. His website has some good info on what to expect at his shop… I would also check out his video that provides some cool info on Coyote and how he started his business.
Regarding pricing… if you are like me and like quality, well I look at it this way, ‘you get what you pay for’… so with that, Coyote will be getting my business hopefully in the near future. (I’m just So damn indecisive on the style I want now that I came home rethinking what I want on my face)… if I’m spending that kind of money (because I chose a couple pricey frames), I better Really be happy with it.
My four star rating is Only because I haven’t made an actual purchase and when I do I want to update this review with the final overall product and service… otherwise Labrabbits has two thumbs up from me.
Oh… a little side note… how can you Not like a place with awesome tin pan ceilings, Ripley (who rocks), and some kicking spins in the background!

I’m not rich enough to afford this place. I mean, $ 400 minimum for frames and lenses? C’mon. Who is your clientele? 1 star added because dude working the day I went in fixed my existing pair that had lost a screw on the spot without charging me.

Coyote is so passionate about his business and it shows in every detail.

really cool frames. handmade. the quality is apparent. however, not much diversity in sizing.
staff a bit uptight and surprisingly eager to send us off.

Add me to the chorus of voices singing Labrabbit’s praises. It is well deserved, believe me.
I’ll talk about cost first as this is probably people’s first question. You know, the economy. So I ended up paying far far less than I was expecting to pay at a shop that makes artisanal lenses and carries vintage and hard-​to-​find-​pretty-​much-​anywhere frames. I am extraordinarily near-​sighted (–8.25 prescription ya’ll!) and require special high-​definition lenses which I’ve paid an obscene amount for in the past. Not at Labrabbit. My lenses ended up costing me about $ 100 less than they would have cost me at a big box store. What’s more, they are the thinnest, lightest, and most clear lenses I’ve ever had. Coyote made them with some NASA s*&# or something. Actually, he did use some special material and process to make them, which he explained to me, but I was too busy admiring myself in my new glasses to take in the technicals. Also, unlike those big box stores, Coyote did not charge extra for the no-​glare/​anti-​reflective coating. Because the lenses ended up costing me less than expected, I was able to use the money I saved on the frames. The ones that I tried on ranged from $ 160-​$ 320.
Now let’s talk about customer service. IMPECCABLE. Truly. You will not get this type of personal attention anywhere else. Coyote gave me some suggestions based on the type of lenses I needed and the style I was looking for and then let me browse for a looooong time without feeling any pressure to hurry things up. He had me try on a few frames I had picked out for him and then chose one himself for me to try on. Well, the man definitely has an artist’s eye because I ended up purchasing the ones he picked. I’m not sure I would have even noticed them, but when I put them on my face they were absolutely perfect. He then spent about twenty minutes taking measurements and fitting them to my face.
He told me that it would take about two weeks to get my glasses, but one week later I received a text from him telling me that my glasses were ready. When I went to pick them up he spent another good twenty minutes adjusting them until they were perfect. He gave me the rundown on how to care for them and threw in some free cleaner. I could not be happier with my experience or glasses. The pride Coyote takes in his craft and customer service is evident.

I probably should have written a review earlier, but honestly Labrabbit is the best eyeglass shop I have walked into. All of the frames are so completely unique, but there is still a wide variety that most high end shops don’t seem to offer.
The guy that runs the place is so nice and helpful. Besides hooking me up with the glasses, I locked myself out of my car and he let me hang around for an hour since it was cold out.
Additionally, I paid $ 120 for my frames (which I love). A year later my prescription changed and I took them to a different shop closer to home just to have the lenses replaced. The guy there freaked out that I had these lenses because he said they were discontinued a long time ago and really hard to find anywhere but that they were some of the best quality frames. He asked me how much I paid and when he said $ 120 he told me how lucky I was because they usually start at $ 450.
Labrabbit certainly hooks it up.

Easily the best optics shop I’ve ever been to in Chicago. Coyote goes beyond what I would expect in terms of customer service, working with me to find a pair of glasses that I would really be happy with. I felt no pressure at all to buy as I browsed and he gave an honest opinion to all of my questions on my first visit. I recently came back here for my 2^nd pair of glasses from Labrabbit and will continue to do so every year. Cool shop, cool dude, cool glasses.

Love this place. It’s one of the few reasons I have to leave Streeterville when I’m at home. They’re always so nice and really, really helpful when I periodically losing/​breaking nearly every pair of glasses I’ve ever bought there. LOL. I guess that’s why? They know I’m a good investment because I’m a total klutz who loses things.
But they are for real my favs in the eyewear world. And I love their selection. I can run the gammit from old lady to hipster. Even got me a Sarah Palin pair way back when. Pfffttt… lost those in about a month.

Obviously, I understand that stars are to be awarded for the business, but in this case, my stars are for Coyote, the owner of Labrabbit Optics (and arguably the engine of the business) for fulfilling several write-​in category superlatives. First among these, he is awarded FOUR stars for being: «The Coolest.»
In addition to fixing my busted Betsey Johnson frames –which were not even purchased at his store– FOR FREE, Coyote is the Most Knowledgeable, Most Accommodating, Most Uniquely Tattooed (and kindly) person whom you could ever hope to encounter. Oh yeah, and his frames are pretty awesome too. I am deducting a star only because there is not much of a bell-​curve on pricing. Most of the frames are in the $ 200 price range with some falling slightly below and several reaching far above that number.
There is much to love, here, however, and chief among those things is the customer service.

Yeeeeah! I came here to grab some specs after about 5 years of being kind of blind and not realizing just HOW blind I am. I had read the Unilocal reviews, reviewed Coyote’s website, watched his video and thought there was no other place I’d rather check out.
Coyote’s customer service is impeccable. He is totally invested in what he’s doing and in helping each customer get an excellent pair of glasses with perfect lenses! The selection is rad with a great mix of vintage and saucy new.
He helped me pick out the right pair with a keen artist’s eye and a knack for knowing how glasses affect facial structure, feature position, and bridge placement. He was attentive when needed and allowed space for me try on different pairs and make tons of faces and poses in the mirror without feeling watched.
I picked up my specs today, he did some slight adjusting of the frames after I tried them on and they have been PERFECT! It’s a whole new world, baby, and I’m Seein’ Fine!
Thanks Labrabbit, You rock!

Well the last thing that Coyote and the good people at Labrabbit need is another five star review. But sometimes, we must make such difficult decisions. PS. there are no other «good people» at Labrabbit – Coyote is a one man show.
Here’s what happened. I have visited so many GAT damn glasses shops in the past 2 months it would make your head spin. Lame ones (Lenscrafters, whatnot) and cool ones (Red Eye, whatnot), and eeeverything in between. The thing of it is, I kept seeing the same STUPID frames. Worse yet, it turns out that they’re aaaall made by the same stupid company (even shmancy ones like Prada, Gucci, etc.). No joke, ask someone who knows. Whatnot.
So then enter… Coyote. Homeboy has all the «other» frames. Like, super-​cool ones that arent made in the same STUPID factory by the same boneheads.
At the end of the day it’s like this, people. Either get your frames here from Coyote, or be a straight-​up bonehead.

I recently purchased a new pair of eyeglasses at Labrabbit Optics. Coyote, the owner of the shop, provides his customers with a very unique selection of vintage frames from brands such as Lunettes, Tart Optical, Andy Wolf and Shuron. Coyote maintains a high level of exclusivity at his shop, and most of the particular brands offered at Labrabbit Optics are not available from other sellers in the Chicago area.
In addition to the unique selection of frames, I was really impressed by the extremely high level of service provided by Coyote after I picked out my frames and lenses. He spent a great deal of time meticulously adjusting the frames to ensure they fit my face correctly. Overall, the quality of service at Labrabbit Optics is excellent in all phases of the process, and I would highly recommend Coyote’s services for anyone looking to purchase a stylish pair of eyeglasses.